What surprised me most about my trip to Joplin was how numb I felt. I didn’t feel sad or even bad, I don’t know why. It was a shocking site, and I think that as humans we have an incredible ability to drive towards goals when we see them clearly. It’s pretty clear that the mission is to rebuild and resurrect this 6×3 mile area that was hit by this tornado. As soon as I got there I didn’t find myself spectating or sightseeing like I thought, but I just got swept in with the masses who were there to begin this process of getting back to a normal life.

What amazed me most is the presence of outsiders there to help. Every corner someone was grilling free food for people and I definitely witnessed in 3 days more random acts of kindness take place than combined in my life.

I am happy to have learned that even though I couldn’t emotionally relate to these people, I could give a full effort to help those who are in need. It was also one of the first weekends in a long time I didn’t open my computer or check my email once. It was really therapeutic; I was completely consumed in helping.