16 Minutes

I never thought I would be writing about this, but life is full of surprises you know.  Unless you live under a rock, you have heard, watched, read, or perhaps even witnessed in person the devastation that has struck Moore, Oklahoma.  Being almost 7,000 miles away, I have had to resort to using the internet, and others have been keeping in touch by phone.  It’s driving me crazy that I can’t be there to help, but in Oklahoma, help is one thing there is a lot of.  I witnessed that two summers ago after an EF-5 struck Piedmont and surrounding areas.  I, along with many others, spent the entire summer volunteering with clean-up at what was left of various residences.  Even now, reading about the outpouring of love and support from strangers all over the world, and about those who are helping in Moore, I am reminded of what is important, of what really matters:  loving others.  It is half of the greatest commandment, as Jesus said we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. I can personally say Oklahoma loves their neighbors well.

16 minutes.  That’s how long my neighbors in Moore had to take cover.  That may seem like ample time for some, but not if you have babies in school and you’re trying to drive through now clogged up streets trying to get to them before it strikes.  We know from the news reports that 7 little students did not make it out alive; that is 7 too many.  Reports are conflicting, but it is said the funnel was at least a mile wide; some say up to 2 miles wide.  Scientists have said the energy released from the tornado was at least (some estimates are higher) 8 times that of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.  I can’t wrap my pea brain around the damage it has left in its wake, let alone the energy it exerted to cause it.  Whether having seen it in person two summers ago or seeing it now from afar, my reaction is the same:  shock, unbelief, and immense sadness.  This time it has happened in my town.  I've driven by Briarwood Elementary countless times; it is completely destroyed.  The 7-11 I always purchased my non-ethanol gas from—also where I snapped many a photograph from my phone to send to my mom, bragging about our low gas prices—is gone; four died there, two being a mother and her infant.  My house, 3/10 of a mile north of the tornado’s path, is still standing.  Ironically, this tornado’s path almost mimicked the same path from the May 3, 1999 monster, however that year the tornado went right through where my house now stands. 

My insurance company didn't waste any time; within 2 hours of the tornado, I received an email stating they hoped I was safe and that they were aware of the severe weather in my area, leaving instructions for turning in a claim, if need be.  Thankfully, I don’t think that will be necessary, as my roommate finally was able to get my car in our garage last month.  As of writing this, I still don’t know if Linda (my roommate) has yet been able to get to the house, so I still have no details, such as if it has any cosmetic damage, if our yard is covered in debris, if my two cats still have their hair (one in particular--Binx-- tends to shed when he’s stressed).  Our neighbor said their house shook when it passed by; since we all live in brick homes there in the subdivision, I think that says a lot.  I have been looking forward to returning home, but now I know it will look a lot different.  I do know that my friends are safe and well, and that’s what matters most (believe me, if I was concerned about material things, I would not be driving a car that looks like a golf ball on wheels—it was heavily damaged in a baseball-sized hail storm last summer)...and hopefully my cats don’t hate me.  It’s funny to think that so many were worried about me living in Israel, yet I could have stayed home and been a part of the events of May 20^th.  I’m glad God is in control and not me.

Linda's daughter lost her house, but her family is safe.  My former boss has a lot of damage to his home, but his son, who was at Briarwood Elementary, is safe as well.  I am thankful for good news such as this, yet my heart still grieves at the loss of life; one such story involving a single dad who lost his 9 year old daughter, one of the 7 in Plaza Towers Elementary, and his house--one year after losing his wife to lupus.

As in all disasters, whether natural or man-made, good always finds ways to emerge and rises above the ruins.  To me this is a testament to the truth that is found in John 1:5 in reference to Jesus, the Light of the World: "and the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it."  I believe the same is true in this situation; light will overcome the darkness.  God usually shows His love through others, and I know there is a lot of love being shown right now in Moore.  I have been encouraged reading about rescuers finding people alive, families reuniting, teachers using their bodies to shield students, my friend telling me her roommate helped pull children out of the rubble, etc., and I look forward to reading and hearing about more.  Oklahomans have had their share of disasters, and every time they unite, stand strong, and selflessly help those in need.  Usually the turnout is so great some volunteers get turned away.  The last couple days have been surreal, as I have mourned for those who have perished, and I have rejoiced for those who were found and are safe.  Now that I have words, I will continue to pray for physical, spiritual, and emotional healing for all affected.  I love my state, my fellow Okies, and I look forward to coming home soon.  Thank you to everyone who helps out in any way possible.

Aerial view of the tornado's path

Moore Medical and what's left of vehicles

Before and after photos of Plaza Towers Elementary

The only thing remaining at the 7-11 is the frame for the sign

Resident took these pictures just before entering the shelter and after emerging

NASA image of the storm, with rotation clearly visible around the red line

My house is located within black box; white and red lines below show path of tornado

Teacher from Briarwood Elementary whose leg was impaled by a leg from either a desk or a chair; there were several of these types of injuries

Just above the "X" where the paths cross, in the green is where my house is today

The red line is the route I usually take to school; the arrow is pointing in the direction of where I live; about a mile down the road, and to the north less than 1/2 a mile

June edition

This photo was taken in Edmond, Oklahoma the day before this massive storm.  Very powerful image.

I am sure most people have seen this video, but it is too sweet for me not to share:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50147264n&tag=api

This is an incredible video taken from an insane guy who apparently lives southeast of me; the news station said, and I quote, "We do not recommend doing this.  Ever.":
https://www.facebook.com/kfor4/posts/10151388322736636