We Need More Butterflies

Butterflies have become the symbol of hope and grace here in Joplin. As noted in my previous posting, children all over different parts of Joplin began relating their stories of survival during the violent tornado. They reported accounts of butterflies holding them down or blocking the path of inevitable destruction. The school system in Joplin has adopted butterflies as their unofficial mascot. There is also a number of links to various sites of butterfly reports. Here is one of the links to a site. http://www.cohelpingmo.com/stories/

So my thoughts are this, we need more butterflies, everywhere. But do we have to wait for the celestial presence or can we transform ourselves from the chrysalis to the butterfly to help one another in time of desperate need? Colorado is going up in flames. How can we help in the aftermath of all this destructive fury?

In Joplin, we broke into two teams; the Regis version of home makeover and Colorado Chainsaw Cowboys. Both groups worked tirelessly to help those who were under served and  vulnerable. I was part of a team rehabbing a home while the others cut down forests of dead trees that landed in a farmer's fields. Literally a forest of uprooted trees from all over Joplin were deposited in this 80's something guy's field.

As we departed Joplin to head back to Denver, the sense of uncertainty and grief of leaving a half finished job was gone. Joplin has made remarkable efforts to pick themselves up, rebuild, and continue on. Yes, they have many painful memories to deal with. But they have demonstrated to the world the meaning of resiliency, community, and faith. For all of these forces have been at work  as they actively removed all of the debris and have begun rebuilding. For us Regis folks, we've come full circle, knowing we can leave and they're going to be alright.