You Never Let Go

Last week I traveled to Joplin, MO for Camp Noah.

Whenever I come back from trips like this and people ask me about it.... I never know what to say.



I led kids in music...

I listened to their stories...

We jammed out to my ipod...

I attempted to teach them crafts... (the 7th and 8th graders had to teach me how to make a god's eye)

But it's so much more than that.

I heard stories of families hiding in a closet as their home got destroyed by a tornado. I met kids who have nightmares about being trapped in Walmart during the storm. Parents shared how their child hasn't made it through a single night in their own bed since May...

But I also saw them grow. For one night - they were able to sleep in their own bed. They were able to see the good things happening as Joplin takes baby steps to recover. We hugged and shed tears because we couldn't stay. I met some of the most amazing teachers who care for their students and the principal who leads them. I went to a church that overnight had to completely change their ministry and has become a cruical part of restoring Joplin...

There is nothing more beautiful than hearing those children who have gone through so much singing the words of that song... 

(or jumping around to "Get Down" by Audio Adrenaline, hehe.)

To learn more about Camp Noah go here.

If you would like to help Joplin or to stay informed go to Transform Joplin.

For more pictures of our group at Camp Noah go to the St. Andrew Facebook Page.

Also - I am looking for guest bloggers for next month! If you are interested let me know. :-)