Chapman Tornado-Day 2

I didn't think that one day would make a dent in this mess, but as we drove in this morning we did see progress. Many trees had already been cut up and were on the side of the road, and many people had already gotten all of their belongings out the of houses. We also have electricity and water back at our house already, which is pretty amazing. They now claim that the tornado was just a G3, which is unbelievable. I know I never want to see a G4 or G5, that's for sure.

Our day was spent helping some close friends who lost their home and then making our way up to the high school. Once we got the OK to go in, we made our way to each room and got out all of the computers and TVs from each room that were salvageable. My job was to film each room and take pictures of anything that wasn't worth taking for insurance purposes. (By the way, if you haven't already done so, make sure that you videotape everything in your house. It will get you a lot more money from insurance. Some of our friends are wishing they had done that now) My room was pretty bad, but we were able to save about half of the computers. From what we were told, the only building they school district is thinking about saving is the district gym, which is where the high school plays. Everything else is probably going to be bull-dozed, which is why we're trying to get everything out. We still haven't heard where we will be teaching next year, but we were reassured that we all do have jobs.

You may be tired of watching videos, but if not I made another one that shows the inside of both gymnasiums and of some of the rooms in the high school. It's a lot shorter than the first one, about 10 minutes.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=763126209803609356&hl=en

Also, some of you mentioned something about how you can help. I'm not sure about a financial fund yet, but Nichole and I have already been in touch with some of the other teachers about having a golf tournament to benefit the USD 473 staff that lost their homes. It's in the very initial stages, but when I know more I will let you know, too.