The above pictures are from Enterprise, AL. I have been down in Alabama helping my former station and fellow Raycom station, WSFA.When I first got into Montgomery, I passed right through the city and went to Enterprise. As I drove around the the backside of Hillcrest Baptist I almost broke down... A football field that once had pine trees that towered over the field was bare. The bleachers were almost completely gone. Cars were flipped over across the entire campus.
Behind the football field was the mangled school were 8 teens died (hallway pictured above). To my right, there was an entire neighborhood demolished by the tornado.
Then I turned to my right and saw people working hard, comforting each other, praying, and even smiling. It was the gathering point for the volunteers behind the church.
The folks at Hillcrest Baptist really became the support structure in the wake of this storm. This is the church were the kids went after evacuating the school and where many people have been hanging out ever since... Ironically, it is the home church of my pastor from Alabama.
It has been an emotional week. It was sad to see what happened down there first hand. These people will need our prayers for several months (and years) as they rebuild.
It was nice to see all of my friends from Alabama and it was fun to be back on "Today In Alabama" with Tonya and Judd... I just wish it had been under better circumstances.
The above pictures are from the"Boll Weevil" monument where 8 ribbons have been placed for the eight teens, the hallway that collapsed at the school, and wide shot of the hardest hit part of the school.
Have a great week everyone and hug your kids and extra time or two today...
Ryan
2 comments:
Ryan,
Let me be the first to say thank you for coming back to Montgomery to help out with Today in Alabama. Rob and Rich worked extremely hard during the days before and after the tornado hit. As you know, pictures really can't describe the devastation. The loss is unimaginable, especially with the loss of children. Please keep the folks in Alabama in your prayers.
It was great to have you back in Alabama. I heard you first on the radio and thought that my ears were playing tricks on me. You are highly missed and it was awsome to have you back!
Post a Comment