Arnold and Maria not as important as Tuscaloosa and Joplin.

I know people realize that Ex Governor Arnold is not as important as the tornadoes that ripped through Tuscaloosa and Joplin, but the media seems to enjoy spending time on information that can be a little miss leading.  I am starting to realize that back at home and the rest of the world, people are begining to forget about Japan and Tuscaloosa.  The only reason why Joplin is still always on the news is that the rescuers are still finding victims of the May 22, 2011 tornado.  There is no big name for these Tornadoes, like Rita, Ivan or Ike, but the damage they leave behind is named Hell.   I have been looking at pictures and reading articles about the recent devastation in Joplin MO, and showing friends and family members my pictures.  I must say it all makes a grown Man cry.  Thank God for the blessing sent down that these people can continue on with their lives and begin to rebuild. At present Bridges is working on a benefit concert for the victims, and it is going well.  Many people have only forgotten because their lives are so busy, but it is my job to help them remember.  I am getting great fundraising Ideas from my Friends and family.  Even I got hit with bad news that I will have a $5,500.oo hospital bill, but the lord works in amazing ways, and a little state help and cheap payment every month, makes it do able.  It took Heather my Love to get me to remember what my work is and that I need not fret.  For doing God's work and getting donations for Tuscaloosa and Joplin is my mission.  It is easy to get caught up in life with ones problems, but to understand you have a higher mission, well My body is getting healed, and I can continue on the work that lies a head.  PLEASE DO NOT FORGET ABOUT TUSCALOOSA.  I was blessed to have been able to have spent the time I did down there and I have a reason more important then ever, to find ways to get donations down south.  I am thankful for my friends, family, Josie puppy and most of all Heather.
Good Night and God Bless. 

Another tornado another town

I am in Colorado, and in bed recovering from a virus that put me in the hospital on my birthday May 22, 2011.  While I was in the hospital another tornado hit another town, Joplin, MO.  89 people dead, and mass destruction.  Bridges would like to get down and see what we can do, but it is time for fund raising.  The last trip used up all my savings plus sum, and now I will need to regroup, and hopefully raise some money for Tuscaloosa, and now Joplin.  This has become a chaotic spring in the United States, and Hurricane season has yet to hit.  I am hoping bridges can get out there and do some more good for people.  Joplin is not asking for volunteers,  but needs money.  BRIDGES has connections down there that can help, they just need funding.  If there is any thing you can do to help please send donations to www.worldbridges.org.  We have pay pal attached, and working on getting a PO box for donations.
Thanks
God Bless. 

Home and the work begins

I am home and back in the Arms of the Woman I love (Heather).  My body is still trying to adapt to the changes, and it has left me feeling very sick.  Being home now, the real work starts.  www.worldbridges.  Bridges mission back west now is to bridge Colorado and other states to Tuscaloosa Alabama.  I will try and meet with one million people and get a dollar from each one, hence acquiring one million dollars to donate to the cause in Tuscaloosa.  On April 27, 2011, the country watched as the largest tornado in recorded history, went right through the city of Tuscaloosa Alabama.  It destroyed homes and businesses alike.  Though the people mostly feel blessed, the ones that survived, their lives have been turned upside down.   Many still live in the shelter, and many more are trying to settle into temporary housing.  Jobs have been lost and people have lost all sources of income.  Most of the home that were destroyed by the tornado, were not insured and the people do not have the money and materials to rebuild.  With the money raised by Bridges, rebuild can be easier.  Groups such as We are T Town, and Toomers for Tuscaloosa, have been working hard to meet the heavy demands met in rebuilding.  They have been finding housing for people, bringing needed food and supplies to those in need, organizing clean up, stopping corruption and theft, and helping rebuild.  The proses of rebuilding can take years to come.  We need to keep these people in our hearts and minds.  After a month, Tuscaloosa is still in shambles.  People are still staying on cots at Belk Rec Center, and areas still look as if a bomb went off. People Like Fat Baby’s are still out feeding people survivors and workers for free.  A lot of people are working diligently to rebuild, but it can be over whelming.  We need to continue to help and provide support.  It is easy to get busy with our own lives, but this someday could happen to us, and I would hope that there are people out there that would give a helping hand.  Help us build a bridge of love to Tuscaloosa.  Please donate with pay pal to www.bridges.org, and a tax right off receipt will be sent to you.

Thanks and God Bless.     

The voyage home to spread the word of how to help the people of Tuscaloosa

I am now in Wisconsin with Gared, Steph and I are working on creating pamphlets and a power point presentation to show the people of Colorado what Tuscaloosans are going through.  I will be taking this information out to churches and other foundations to help rise money and awareness.  The money that is raised will go to help We are T Town on their mission to bring recovery and love to those that have lost everything.  A bridge will be made to bring our communities together.  Bridges is a non profit organization that brings communities together creating sustainable and environmentally conscience awareness and communal connection through out this country and the world.  God be with you all as we go into the unknown and create a future that is sustainable and connected for generations to come.    

The sun has arrived after the rain on ground zero.

Blessed be the sun that has shine light on Ground zero after a cloudy weekend.  The hand of God has work a miracle on Alabama and myself.  I have been down here fight to help as many people as possible, and fighting in my self to understand.  The holy spirit has been showing me all these signs that I have been thinking is just  unrelated random events.  Very thing that has happened up to this point has happened so I can see the light and become stronger in the word and Gods understanding.  Mr Paige, that I wrote about surviving the tornado in a bath tub, invited me to his church.  I was the first time I have been to a southern baptist church.  I tell what, The lord breaths through all the people in that small brick building.  By the time it was over I was on top of a golden mountain, larger then any mountain in my home state.  As beautiful as the experience was, it was the message of God that effected me the most. They read from the Bible book of John (the book I always used to fight God's existence) Verse 6:46, For the blind can lead the blind, nor can a man get a grain of sand out of another man's eye if he has it in his own I.  The entire time the pastor spoke directly to me. But God moved this man, who allowed me to receive the best gift I have ever received and the only gift I shall ever need.  I now have brothers and sisters all over the world.  Mr Paige, is Brother Clarence, and when I saw him at the shelter later that evening I received an embrace from God, and gave him the biggest hug.
After church I met up with We Are T Town (Michelle, her husband and volunteers that flocked to serve god in a difficult time)  at the sight next to were Fat Babys Country Cooking is located and Brother Clarence's demolished home is.  On the hill were most of the tornado took the lives of people, I met a young couple who had left their grandma, grandpa, and mother to seek shelter with their new born baby.  The elders not wanting to leave, made the decision to stay and died by the tornado.  We (Bridges and We Are T Town) met with the young couple and we began searching threw the rubble.
I realized that my two hands were not enough to find the pictures that were needed to help them with their suffering.  Later back at the Red Cross Shelter, I was talking to my brother.  He asked me how do we get our social network to work like We Are T Town's social network.  I was taking a shower and God came to again with a bright light as said, Go back to your community and finish the bridge.
BRIDGES in a non profit that is building BRIDGES from one location to another.  Our Bridges will last longer then any Roman stone bridge, because a bridge of love is forever.  I will be returning home soon to speak God's word, and get the funding to We ARE T TOWN.  For my my sister Michelle knows what to do with the money.  God has a purpose for me and if I walk with Jesus I will never be alone.  I have begun to understand Budda'a enlightenment, and ALAHA's  word.  there is one spirit and many, and I want to be the carpenter of  bridges of love.
God bless
 

Yes

All I have to say is God the divine is great, I understand the gift.

Wow

Today I was in Holt Alabama, Helping give out supplies, to the people that live in a disaster zone.  It was awesome,  People were coming out of the wood work.  from the smiles to the thanks and blessing, it showed be that I am were I am suppose to be.  We made so many people happy, and it was cool the We are T Town was able to get the press to follow us around.  These people are amazing and have endured so much pain and loss.  I could not count how many people we were able to help today.  It was wonderful.
Much Props to Michelle and Lauren for being able to get the supplies from many donors in Oklahoma.  This is why I am here.  The next step is to make this place sustainable.  People need to get their life back on track and find jobs, repair their homes and lives, and get back to a form of normal.
Yesterday was probably to most difficult time here yet.  I Found myself pulling night watch for FAT BABYS, right in the heart of the devastation. awoke to the sound of a man I know from the shelter calling for his last two dogs (the other two were shot).  The Humane Society Helped him, and today he was able to take them for a walk, I was able to help Mr Paige clean up a bet, and found out he weathered the tornado by hiding in a Bath tub and a wall that fell on him protected him and his Chow mix.
That afternoon, like every day, I volunteered at the Red cross, and as I walked past a man wearing a hat with a star on it , told me to "Stop and sit down".  I did.  He told me that as I was passing, God had hit him upside the head and needed to pass on a message to me that I was doing a great thing.  We sat and talked for a couple, and all my doubts washed away.  I have been missing Heather, Josie, friends, family, and my most beautiful Colorado a lot.  Jarome, the man I spoke with, made me realize that I am were I a suppose to be, and that All that I am doing is for the betterment of all.  Those that know me, Know I am not a religious man, but I can tell you one thing I am becoming a very Spiritual Man.  There has to be something greater then us at work in our lives.  The people that believe in God here seem to have such a stronger sense of understanding and calmer bliss to them.
I Know I am helping and making a difference in the lives of people.  I feel like this experience has been like having three full time jobs, but a full heart is better then an empty one.
Thank You Alabama and all those that are supporting me.   

Today

5/13/11
8:00 am Clerance, the man that lived next door who was yelling for his dogs, and the humane society, helped him retrieve two of his small dogs.
8:00 to 11:00 helped Clerance pick up house that was a rubbish pile, he made it through the storm by going into the bath tub with his chow and wall fell on him.  he did not even get a scratch. 
11 to 12:00. Food distribution to people in destroyed neighborhood. 
12:30 to 2:00 RED Cross Volunteering dinner,
2:oo  drop off food to Other volunteer group to deliver. 
2:30 to 4  Volunteer with Phipher Ware house.
4:00 to 4:30 picked up a delivery from Sam's club, then was denied delivery from a second manager at Sam's club delivery unsuccessful
4:30  to 7:30 Red Cross Dinner, Five minute meeting with Mayor Maddox of Tuscaloosa, explaining our missing in Alabama.
7:45 to  9:00 Delivery of perisables To FAT Babes and to people still living in houses in Cresent Ridge neighborhood, Holt, AL,
8:oo to 9: 00 Delivered hot food to people in Holt, AL
I will better explain this tomorrow. I to tired and I already erased  my post, bcause I fell a sleep.
 

Tuscaloosa finding recovory

It has been a remarkable day.  We are T Town and BRIDGES, have acquired Two large trucks, and a Fifth wheel.  Michelle has been able to obtain these items and we will be utilizing them to their fullest extent.  Tomorrow I will be volunteering at RED CROSS, and spreading good will.  I will also be meeting with a gentleman from Illinois, that has found a plot of land to start a community garden.  We will try and get this started with all the tools that have befallen upon us.  I have been taken hot meal from Red Cross that will be through out after every one is served,  So much food that does not need to go to waist, and delivering these meals to people who need them.  I am having no problem finding needy people.  There is so mush stuff and we need to get into the hands that need it.  I have been organizing at Red Cross and of face book.  So many people are willing to give me information, or give me their needs.  New two bed room FEMA trailers are being sold for $1,500.00 each.  We need to find donation to get these trailers to people.
I will post pictures of some furry four legged friends that volunteered, today.  This has been a great experience.
Thanks.
Todd. 


 

Tuscaloosa in termoil

This has been a great learning experience.  I have people giving me clothes orders, and asking for gas cards.  The disorganization continues to grow.  There are trucks of food ready to pull out if places are not found, and We Are T Town and BRIDGES are trying to get a place for food before they decide to leave.  The paid Red Cross people are not willing to lift a finger but the volunteers for Red Cross are over worked.  This was my half hour break I had today, and I am now heading back to the Red Cross to help with dinner.  Catch you all soon.  Check out the Blog with new pictures.

http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2011/04/alabama_tornadoes_another_shoc.html#cmpid=v2mode_be_smoref_face

http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2011/04/alabama_tornadoes_another_shoc.html#cmpid=v2mode_be_smoref_face

This is awsome check out the "SHIT TWISTER"

I am posting the best coverage that I have ever seen.  Please Check this out, but beware it is not easy to watch.
http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2011/04/alabama_tornadoes_another_shoc.html#cmpid=v2mode_be_smoref_face

Were need Money for fuel.

Please help me get fuel. At the moment B.R.I.D.G.E.S and We are T Town need money for fuel and for techs to fix A/Cs. Come on Colorado we Need your Help.  This is no place for people to be without A/C.  The humidity is out of control.  PLEASE HELP.  As a fellow America We need You. 

This is how things Happen: We are T Town, Face Book, wearettown, check it out.

I am posting about a non profit local chapter that is working in the most amazing Grass roots organization.  Check out We are T Town on Face book.  Michell of this organization has worked to obtain trucks to move donations that are sitting in several different ware houses.  Bridges met people that are ready to work.  I met a woman from Mexico, that knows several families that have been denied assistance, and I have now met a woman and her family that can make a difference.  Tomorrow we will be delivering food and supplies to these people who need it.  This has become a blessing.  Get on www.worldbridges.org and donate.  you will see your money at work.  We need money for our trucks, and for our tech.  Follow your cash, or come join us.  There is many who need your help.  A real commercial at work. 

Awake and ready

Last night proved to me that there is a lot of work that still needs to be done,  I spent my time yesterday lifting boxes and helping people sort donations, and throwing garbage and moving food donations around.  I am used to physical labor, but the humidity of the south is tough.  The people of the south are a tough group of individuals.  They can endure hurricanes, tornadoes, and a humidity level that can reach over 150% (which I did not believe was possible).
As I was working at the warehouse with other volunteers from all over, the news came that rescue workers had found children in the rubble that were no longer with us.  It is this kind of news that can be touch.  I worked with a woman, who told me that there was also a body up in a tree, but not approachable yet do to rubble and other damages.  These stories seem to be coming in all the time.  The news down here is always reminding the people about the damage, and the fact is there is a lot of donations, but the people helping out and giving their time will soon fall on the shoulders of the people of Tuscaloosa.  The Red Cross is everywhere, and different organizations are coming and going, but eventually they will leave and move on to other places.  The damage and destruction  that these people have to face will last for a long time.  This is on the minds of the people and in their conversation all the time.  I have been helping and dinning with these people, and I try to keep on conversations like weather, sports, and even politics (which is easier to talk about then what they are going threw).
One lady told me that the insurance company needed to see her car so she could claim the damage, but she believes her car is somewhere in another county.  I've been told people's homes are now just concrete slabs, but there are places here where they are collecting personal documents and pictures that people can get if theses things have been found. I have more pics coming andinformation, but I needed for helping right now.  

      

Catatastrophe relief, From Cafateria to Warehouse

Today began with helping at the Belk Center Parks and Rec, in Tuscaloosa, AL.  I have been volinteering there every morning at 6:30 am and again in the evening for the dinner and clean up.  I have met so many strong and incredable people.  This AM, I spent some time talking to a Vietnam Vet.  He had lost his entire home, and has been forced to stay at the rec center.  He has been denied help from the red cross as he tells, and is not looking for a hand out but needs one.  He is getting frustrated with the V.A. for not helping, and the Red Cross for not allowing him to help around the facility.  He told me that he was treated better in 1968 in Vietnam,  He is a proud and reserved man, he has lost everything and does not know how to get his life back together.
Like his story there are just asmany other stories that sound similar.  There are people who have lost everything, and are trying to rebuild.  As hard as I have been working to clean up the Mess hall after dinner, I have also been spending time with people and listening to their concerns.  Today I heard that a woman had lost her dog from the tornado, and they were reunited by a face book entry to search for her lost puppy.  I is so simple to just sit5 down and strike up a conversation with someone. 
It has been a week and the shelter is still a couple hundred strong.  People are still in great need at this facility.  After Breakfast clean up, I again volenteered at Care plus.
Amaricorps are volenteering to fill up ware houses with donated goods.  As I entered the military waved me through, and I began sorting and moving donations for five hours.  THe volenteers have come from all over to help.  I met people from Kentucky, Arizona, and many other states.  It is amazing to see hw people can come together and help each others.  There is enough donations for a couple more storms.  Which the people do not want or need.
I have so much to add, But I have put in a total of fourteen hours today, and I can barely keep my eyes open     

World BRIDGES Catastrophy Relief Service, Helping on site.

Welcome to World BRIDGES Catastrophe Relief Service, Non-profit.  Hello, My Name is Todd Grube.  I am writing this from the Red Cross Ground zero location in Tuscaloosa AL.  We are here to help the victims of the devastating Tornadoes that hit this city and the surrounding areas on April 28, 2011. 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/28/Tuscaloosa-Alabama-tornado-video-2011_n_854811.html
I am Writing this in BRIDGES Catastrophe Relief Van at Belk Center Parks and Recreation Building.  There is about 300 people displaced at this location. 
The victims of the Tornado are sleeping on cots in the GYM, and also share the same eating space.  I am here volunteering with food prep, and any other task that is needed.  I am also helping as a translator for the Give+ Tuscaloosa organization, as a Spanish Translator.
There are people that have come to volunteer from all over the country, including Germany.  It is quite a sight to see.  For all these people and all this stress of the disaster, this place is working smoothly and the energy is positive.  It was a sobering mother's Day.  The people came to breakfast and the mothers were greeted with a single pink flower.  I started working at 6:30 am, helping with the breakfast rush.  After which I helped with Lunch, then went to the Catholic Church and helped translate in Spanish for the Free Clinic.  The medical staff came with pharmaceutical donations from Birmingham AL.  I helped in Check people in and translated for the nursing staff.  I met a man named Pedro from Oaxaca Mexico, that escaped into the bathroom with his co-workers, as the tornado ripped half the restaurant away in seconds, He escaped death, but he was not left without injuries.  I can tell you my Mouth dropped when I saw his pictures that he took with his phone.
I have been treated so well by the people that are victims and volunteering here.  It is amazing to see people come together after a disaster.  I find my self working harder and being more tires then I have ever felt working a hard day back in Colorado.  I spent a lot of time just listening to people today, and their stories.  This is a place were some of the strongest emotional people I've ever met.  I am always amazed how people come together during hardships.
I am gifted with the ability to gab, and the people seem to enjoy my positive energy.  I feel this is were I can make a difference in others lives.  This is not emotionally the easiest thing to do, but the victims and volunteers reinforce the reason why it is so important to be here.  Every one is so thankful for my help.  I thank them for giving me purpose in life.  Tomorrow will be another 13 hour day of volunteering.  To all those who read this, PLEASE KEEP THE PEOPLE OF THESE HORRIBLE TORNADOES IN YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS.  If there is any thing that you can do, please do it.  Hug your neighbors and friends, because you never know when you may have to ask or share in a devastating event together.  Day TWO of the Alabama tornado BRIDGES relief service.  Signing out.
Todd.