Oklahoma Tornados - May 25 & 26, 2013

Day 6: May 25, 2013

Yesterday (May 25) was an extremely successful day! We went back up to Shawnee, Oklahoma, and got out hands dirty, as well as the rest of our bodies. We focused on one specific family and their house. The house was partially left standing after the tornado blew through last Sunday, but was hazardous so they had to knock it the rest of the way down. After doing so, this is where we came in, volunteers sorted through the tangled mess and conjured piles of wood, metal, and memorabilia. While doing so the woman that owned the house came up and personally thanked us; more than once. During a break I went and talked to her and she informed me of how everything happened.

The family was not in the house but elsewhere because they knew it was not stable enough to withstand the tornado. But to her it didn't matter, it was "just stuff." I could tell she meant it. She was just happy to have her family, and so grateful of all the support within the community. She kept complimenting us and the numerous other volunteers. I repaid the comments with acknowledgment of how strong she was being, which is 100% true. Her presence and aura glowed with the fact that she knew she was going to be okay. It was inspiring as well as motivating.

We continued our work, but shortly the sun started to beat us down causing to tire quickly. We decided to call it a day and plan to resume Monday, same time same place.

Day 7: May 26, 2013

This morning I was assigned for an 8am shift at OU residential services to assist with the displaced families. There was little to no action besides a mom coming for some extra bins to retain objects they greatly received at an earlier time.. So nothing too exciting.

But what I do have for you are a few links where you can purchase different tshirts supporting the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts!!

There are a total of four different shirts I found, two of which share the same link. Check'em out!

1. Tri-University T-Shirt

2. Hopelahoma and OK Strong T-Shirt

 

3. Oklahoma Strong T-Shirt 

Oklahoma Tornados - May 24, 2013

Day 5:

Five days in and most of the areas are now accessible. Which is great! This now allows for people to get in there with large equipment to remove the larger objects/debris. I didn't stay around Moore today. Instead I went east to Shawnee to scope out the sights there.

I gathered a few addresses that were mentioned throughout the week and plugged them into the GPS. Going along highway nine, everything seemed tranquil and relaxed; it was a typical summer day. Not entirely sure where I was going I listened to the GPS all the way until I hit a road block patrolled by police. Trying to listen to my inner body compass, I weaved through all the back roads until I smelled something cooking. My first reaction thought it was probably someone grilling at the volunteer sight, just like they were doing in Moore and Newcastle. So I followed the smell. Man, was I wrong.

As I got deeper into Shawnee the roads became dirt and I started to see debris lying around and caught in the trees. The smoke no longer smelled like a bar-b-Que but more of a campfire. I then saw smoke rising and headed straight to it which seems like a silly thing to do. But I wasn't sure if someone was there and needed help, so I went. When I turned the corner one last time I came up on a trailer park, excuse me, I mean the remains of the trailer park. Everyone's vehicles, both volunteer and residents, were parked along side the dirt road. One could definitely tell which automobiles went through the storm from those that did not. Some were still wedged under debris. At that point I had to park and walk the rest of the way in. What I saw next was breath taking or, actually, suffocating.

The smoke I smelled coming in was from the burning remains scattered through out. I'm still unsure if they were intentional or not. There were not any live flames and seemed to be under control. But the smoke was still lingering and the humidity was increasing. Dust was flying from the chainsaws cutting up fallen trees as well as from people rummaging through the rubble. I had to pull my shirt over my mouth and nose, but my eyes were still burning. I did not last long before I had to turn around and head back to my truck, but not without a few shots of the damage..

Oklahoma Tornados - May 23, 2013

Day 4: May 23, 2013

Today's activities were not physical like the previous two days. Today was more of a research and eduction period to gather thoughts. It started with waking up to a torrential downpour mixed with hail slamming against my apartment window. Not sure exactly how strong the storm was I went and clicked on the television to see what was going on. It was a severe thunderstorm.

To some a severe thunderstorm is not much, because everyone across the states deals with similar weather. What makes the situation different than most is that.. A) Oklahoma terrain does not absorb water like most, considering it is majority made up of red clay, causing flooding. And B) The flood water caused a pause in restoration. What officials are worried about now is molds and a fungus growing within the ruins and people not wearing the proper protective gear while shuffling through it.

Another issue that has been brought to everyone's attention is the possibility of scam artist. The artist are posing as fake volunteer organizations, insurance agencies, and even fake victims. The fake organizations are asking for donations in assistance but then keep all the goods and donations to themselves. Others are dressing and acting as if they are part of an insurance agency when really they have no association with them, causing the families to get jipped. Those posing as fake victims are going into areas taking others donations when they are in no need of assistance. They just want the free stuff. All of which are sickening.

After unraveling the knot in my stomach I got from watching the news, I hopped onto the internet to start looking for places and events to fill up the weekend with. Most people bar-b-Que and have parties for memorial day weekend, but not this girl! With most of the road blocks down opening up in Moore and the rest of the state access to the damage areas have become easier. But what really caught my attention was a tip from the Shawnee area. They are still trying to rescue pets that have been on the loose or trapped in the rubble since Sunday.

As of now it looks like myself and Earth Rebirth will be heading up to Shawnee on Saturday to assist in any way possible. For more detail on that check out their page that's linked in my previous post, and shoot them an email!

That's all I really have for today. Hope to have more pictures posted within the week.

Packing 101 | Trip to Oklahoma

So this winter break I have the privilege of flying to Oklahoma and residing with my half brother for a week's time. I'm crazy excited and have been talking about it non-stop; I'm sure my mother was becoming annoyed.

Along with the trip comes the most fun part, packing, not. I'm horrible at choosing what to bring, but I must say that with each trip I take, I become much better and have even picked up a few tid-bits.

For starters,  the order of packing is the number one thing. Make sure to pack any undergarments, socks, and jammies. Two reasons for this; A) So you do not have one of the epidemics where traveling through the airport and your suitcase comes undone, allowing for all you undergarments to come spewing out. B) You know they're already packed and won't forget them later on.

Next step, lay out multiple outfits, making sure that they can be mixed and matched, so more than one outfit can be made (especially good for longer trips.) Also, make sure to have one nice/semi-formal outfit for a night out or a nice dinner. 

 Third thing is the shoes! I'm a girl that loves shoes, but if I were to take my whole shoe collection I would need at least two more suitcases. Anyways, the choices of shoes for a trip should be neutral tones. For this trip I am taking my black and brown boots. I also took a pair of red TOMS for a casual and comfy shoe.

 Finally, THE ACCESSORIES! I'm a huge scarf fan (I'm wearing one while I sit her and type this.) Also, any bags or jewelry that you may want to bring and then any toiletries one may need.

 Hope this was helpful! Happy travels!