April 15, 2009 - Mena, Arkansas Tornado

On April 9, 2009, a violent tornado touched down in Mena, AR, killing three and injuring 30. From what I can tell, the tornado was on the ground for about 12 miles and could have been up to ¾ of a mile wide. It destroyed 300 homes and damaged 600 others. The tornado was rated as a high-end EF3, with winds near 165 mph.

The storm plowed through downtown Mena, ripping apart homes, businesses, schools and city hall. Hundreds are without a place to call home. Most Americans in this country are already nervous about the present economic climate and unstable future but this storm has now added to the worries of this small city of about 6,000.

When I arrived I met with the mayor and other humanitarian organizations in the new makeshift city hall (the local gas station) to talk about the needs of those living in the community. About 30% of the citizens are estimated to be without insurance.

I've met many people who live in this small town, and I have seen great sadness. When I look into their faces I cannot help but see the sincerity of their appreciation that we are here and it seems to allay their sadness for a brief moment.

Little things go a long way right now - removing a tree that has crashed through someone's living room; replacing a fence to help make someone feel safe again; tarping a roof before a rainstorm hits in an attempt to protect the few belongings someone has left; clearing a home site for someone who has no insurance. The piles of rubble strewn for several square miles may look like piles of junk to the average person but to these people, it's everything they have ever know and worked hard for. Maybe as we pick up the pieces, in some small way it's helping them begin again.

The team and I have been sleeping at a small church on the edge of town. There are about 50 people staying in every room available. Last night the only place I could find an area to catch a few hours sleep was on a chair in the sanctuary. Between the sounds of people snoring and the achiness from sleeping on an uncomfortable floor, I have not slept well.
But last night as I was falling asleep I could not help but be thankful. My friend Steve Mudd once told me, "Someone always has it worse." Life may not always be perfect but if we step back for a brief moment to think, we can find something to be thankful for.