Joplin, Missouri - Six months after a devastating tornado

Carthage is only 10 miles from Joplin, MO, which was devastated by an EF-5 tornado on May 22nd. It was the deadliest tornado in US history, killing over 160 people. We expected to see some evidence of the storm, but we didn't expect to see the flattened area that went on for miles. The homes, the schools, the churches, the businesses - gone. The hospital was in ruins, with every window blown out and parts of the building gone.

Street lights and street signs have been installed, giving the area a sign of life.

The Hospital ....

Temporary Hospital

There are still hundreds of FEMA trailers housing the families who lost their homes.

Signs that the residents haven't lost hope...