The rebirth begins

Somewhere between 2,500 and 5,000 people showed up at 10:00 a.m. in Northwood High School's parking lot to assist in the cleanup of the tornado damage from Thursday evening. Vehicles was backed up nearly ten miles north of town and waited over an hour in traffic. Many of the vehicles coming to offer aid were pulling trailers with bobcats, bucket tractors, and contractor's trailers of every trade. It was a stunning site. The entire Nappanee Volunteer Fire Department was awaiting the throng and led the legions of school buses filled with workers to the factories, fields, and farms where piles of debris were set afire and fed fuel throughout the day. Churches cancelled Sunday services and organized to deliver sandwiches, water, and apples among the workers. Trees came down, power lines went up, lawns were raked, and detours were set up.

We at Amish Acres were most closely affected by the loss of Audrey and Vince's house. This photo taken from the helicopter brought in to give Elkhart and Kosciusco county emergency officials an over view of the damage, says more that any words I can write.

A Fuchs Tornado Relief Fund has been set up by the United Methodist Church. Donations may be sent to UMC, 301 East Market Street, Nappanee, IN 46550.