An Arkies Musings

It has been over two weeks since my town of Mena was severely damaged by an F3/F4 tornado. I have not been to the damaged side of town for two weeks. Because I install auto glass I have been busier than I have ever been in my life. I am trying to get as many vehicles usable for people as I possibly can. The destruction of homes, cars and property is beyond my ability to describe. I have been getting up at 5:30 A.M. to go to work, and working until after 10:00 P.M. I come home, take a shower and crawl into bed and the next thing I know the alarm is going off. I have never been so thankful for a Sabbath day as I was this week. God knew what he was doing when he created the Sabbath day and told men to rest from their labors on the Sabbath. Today has been wonderfully refreshing for me physically and spiritually. I had the first good nights sleep I have had in a while, and was so blessed by our Sabbath School class and Pastor Dan's sermon. This afternoon we drove into the dama...

This is a map that shows the path of the F3 tornado that ripped through Mena on April 9. You can view a large version of this map here . Arkansas National Guard soldiers and state prisoner work crews are removing debris while firefighters and volunteers from all over are helping residents recover from a devastating tornado. The massive effort is helping restore function to the city of 5,700, but some residents are showing the strain they're under. "We're getting a lot of calls (from people who are) physically and mentally breaking down. It's finally sinking in to them. A lot of people haven't had sleep in 24 hours. It's taking a toll," Reeves said. Fifty soldiers from the National Guard worked security and on debris removal, and 60 prisoners aided in the removal effort, though not necessarily shoulder-to-shoulder with the troops. The tornado, with winds estimated at between 136-165 mph, struck Thursday evening, killing five and injuring at least 60. Ab...

My first blog entry from an iPhone. Tonight is the first night this week that I haven't worked late. Last night it was after eleven before I got home. I am typing while we are driving to Keene,Texas tonight to see Gavin. iPhone typing is too hard for me.

I got, got, got, got no time. No Time by the Guess Who was always one of my favorite songs. Right now I really have no time. I install Auto Glass, and the tornado broke many many windows. I have been working from 6 A.M. till 10 P.M. trying to get as many people taken care of as possible. It looks like this will be my schedule for the foreseeable future. No time for anything but work and sleep. Thank you for all of the comments and e-mails of concern that I have received.

Over 600 homes were damaged Thursday night when a F3 Tornado, 136-165 mph winds, hit Mena devastating a 25 block area. 100 homes were totally destroyed and over 600 damaged. Here are some photos taken Saturday afternoon.

A disaster like we have experienced here in Mena brings so many emotions and thoughts to mind that I have a hard time sorting them out. The big question that is on my mind along with many others is; Why does God allow things like this to happen? I have many more questions than answers, but I feel that I have to address the question. There are many events that have caused people to ask, "why". I don't have the answers as to why so many tragedies happen. I do know that ever since sin came into this world through Satan there have been terrible tragedies. I suppose that Adam and Eve asked "why" when Cain killed his brother Abel. The only promise that a Christian has in this life is that there will be trouble. Our trouble free existence will be in Heaven where God will wipe away all tears. When a tragedy happens, God says ask your questions, but don't stop there. God has given a much greater opportunity. God challenges us to turn to Him for answers. God chall...

Here are a few pictures taken yesterday afternoon. Pictures can't really give you the feel of the actual scene.