REBUILDING: Randomness

I was waiting for some big news before writing another rebuilding post, but apparently big news might take a while, so here's what little bits of little news I know.

* Church. The church is moving forward (be it ever so slowly) on plans to rebuild at the original location. I have no idea if a time line has been set or if they even know for sure when they can start rebuilding. A committee has been formed though, and you know once a church forms a committee.... 

* Parsonage. It is not certain that the parsonage will be rebuilt on its original site. Rezoning in town might prevent that from happening. At this point, many things are in the air regarding the parsonage. Do they start from scratch building a home on a different property? Do they bring in manufactured housing to place on an alternate empty lot? Do they repair a home that didn't sustain as much damage? (AKA...still standing.) 

* Town. Lori told me this week that plans for the school-in-trailers are moving forward nicely. Since students won't have lockers, they'll have online textbooks. There's something this town probably never thought they'd see this quickly! I hear that town in general looks quite different now - much cleanup has been done but there is still more to go. This would be the point where I would imagine it just feels very heavy. Everyone's probably tired of cleaning up and not sure how to keep cleaning the same old mess.

* Normalcy. I called out this week to check on life and couldn't tell by the way Jeff answered the phone whether I'd called the land line or the church line (which is a cell phone). He told me that I'd called home - which I thought I had - and that they were back to pre-tornado cell service. The town where they currently live is not really known for being a reception-laden town. Things improved drastically following the tornado, because that was pretty much all people had to use. But I think some of those temporary towers have moved to new homes. They're back to "Can you hear me now?" Lori is still working at the MDS trailer, helping place volunteers that come to work. Jeff is busy working with the congregation, sometimes traveling to other towns to meet with people who have relocated...some temporarily, some permanently. Cassie is helping with some cleanup at a store in town that was not destroyed but did sustain some damage.

* Prayer. I know the curiosity part has passed and this is "just another story" now, but as you think of it and feel led to do so, please continue to pray for this community. There are still many decisions to make and much work and change ahead. 

If you go here and scroll down to the bottom, you'll see a very recent report of happenings submitted by my brother-in-law. It just provides a couple more details...plus he's just a good writer, so you'll like it.