Joplin-Reconstruction

Early morning wake up call! Today we went AmeriCorps to help pick up debris that had been displaced by the tornado throughout cattle fields. We moved trees off of fences and helped set the stage for future construction. A shocking amount of shingles, glass, and Styrofoam had been strewn thousands of feet away from the nearest building. In the afternoon we helped clear brush from behind several homes. The area was thick with poison oak and poison ivy, so everyone was careful to avoid it as much as possible. Thankfully no one was affected to badly and we all survived. For dinner we had tacos and cookie cake for Jay's 21st birthday. Everyone was exhausted so we decided to relax and watch The Muppets. Few of us made it through the movie, as the night's sweet embrace beckoned us to sleep.

-Jeff & Jay

Day Five in Joplin – Thursday March 29, 2012

Team ASB Joplin moved out early in the morning to receive our assignment for the day. We were assigned to clean up debris and rocks at a lot not too far from the office itself. At first, the team was fairly disheartened because we had spent the entirety of the day prior working with rocks as well. Rocks on rocks on rocks on rocks on rocks. However, we, as a group, know that we are here volunteering not for ourselves but for the community of good ole' Joplin, Missouri. Instead of complaining to the AmeriCorps officials about the work (like a group ahead of us did) we chose to persevere and work hard. Obtaining a source of music was suggested by a few members of the group and with 90's Pop blasting at the work site, work flew by in a flash.

The work we were assigned to complete was fairly difficult. Clear rocks, cement blocks, roots and other miscellaneous debris using a variety of tools including but not limited to: rakes, shovels and garden claws. Debris clearing and rehabilitation of the land is essential in Joplin to foster an environment where future growth in housing and real estate can occur.

At the end of the day, after an amazing homemade stir-fry dinner, the ASB Joplin Family put together a bonfire (with s'mores of course). Like we had in the past the members were each asked to tell something about themselves that the others did not already know and we all realized that not only were the members simply more comfortable around each other, in comparison to the first meeting, but we all trusted each other. We are all so very lucky to have met each other and it's remarkable that so many strangers could become such fantastic friends.

Alternative Spring Break is an amazing program that allows individuals to create a team that can truly and positively impact the lives of others. Let's Go Joplin MO!

- Hai

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