"It's not about if, it's about when."

Because of the cold weather and ice, we didn't get to build today. Instead, we participated in ice breaker activities, heard from two speakers, took a walk around the area, had a few group discussions, and more. 

The day started with us leanring more about the Oklahoma Disaster Relief Project (ODRP). A project that is a collaboration of agencies, conducting disaster case management for individuals and families in need of long term recovery.

We found out that the twister in El Reno was 2.6 miles in width. (Manhatten is 2.3 miles wide at its widest point near 14th street.) Students from MSU pointed out that the MSU campus is about same size as the twister width.

The ODRP speaker, emphasized the resilience within the Oklahoma community; over the years, the community has experienced the dust bowl, natural disasters, and the Oklahoma bombing.

A majority of our team -- due to the weather, some people are stuck in Chicago/Colorado, but should be arriving soon.

 
Our second speaker was the superintendent of Moore Oklahoma schools; third largest school district in the state. As an aspiring teacher, I personally was intrigued by his session. He talked about the procedures and support in place within the district; adding in that "tornado alley" is always prepared and ready. "It's not about if, it's about when." Implying that it isn't about if another tornado will come through, it's about when the next tornado will hit.

In May when the tornado hit, an elementary school was destroyed. The school is currently being held in a church. In the elementary school that was hit,  560 students and 50 staff walked away.

The discussions and speaker sessions that took place throughout the day, really put life in perspective. Hearing the statics from individuals who have been affected by the tornado (in one way or another) was so powerful. It is very different that just hearing a news report.                  

In the next few days we will be roofing and decking for multiple houses. We are hoping the weather becomes a bit warmer so we are able to get out and help the community.