Month: September 2017

Alicia and I just got off the phone with Madeline. She was able to call us to let us know she was okay and safely in the Redlands mission home (that’s not in Redlands, but a different city). We talked for a little over 30 minutes. That might have been a little excessive, but there was a reason.

Madeline is physically and emotionally drained. Alicia could barely contain her desire to reach out and comfort her daughter. Madeline has said that she has had maybe an hour or two sleep every night since last Tuesday. They have also been in a pretty dire condition.

While the mission office may have had water, the mission home only had their emergency rations. They also did not have much of a selection of food. The two things they had were cans of beans and cans of chicken. So all the sisters have been living off rations of beans, chicken, and water.

A neighbor did have a pool that was empty but was filled with the hurricane that they let the people in the mission home use. But as that was emptying fast, they had to start rationing. They couldn’t wash clothes or drink it because of the algae, even treated. But they could use it to flush toilets and do some light cleaning.

Madeline said that she hasn’t showered for a week. When they called, they told them they could only bring one carry-on bag with the essentials and a few important things. As they were boarding, they had to gate check that bag and they lost it. Usually, they find those bags and get them out in about 24 hours. I’m hoping that will be the case here. For now, all she has is her proselytizing bag.

We know and Madeline confirmed that people have been providing things for them. In our call, we also told her to buy whatever isn’t provided and we would replace the money in her account. She was so exhausted that she couldn’t even think that far ahead.

You can tell that she is completely broken-up about leaving the mission and people she loves. It’s also hard on her that these hermanas that she has come to love are also spread out over the country.

We asked about the service she did in Puerto Rico after the hurricane and she told us that almost every hour they were awake they were moving palm trees and debris and they didn’t even go very far. She said the entire roof of the mission home blew off and it was a home rated 10 out of 10 for hurricanes and was in a gated community that wasn’t hit very hard.

The mission home is only about a two-minute drive from the gate, but getting to the airport, it took them an hour to get to the gate because of the debris. Madeline said the destruction was unbelievable. Given what I heard in her voice, this is going to take some time and special blessings from the Lord to help her return to normal.

Tomorrow, the two sisters that arrived today will rest and try to recover. At about 6:00 pm, they will take them to their new area.

The miracles I think we will see next are going to be in the lives of these missionaries that were tagged with refugee status. I know Alicia feels as I do, that it is taking all that we have not to get in a car and be at her side by morning.

This is a bird coming out of her shell. We can’t take this away from her. The pioneers who made it through the journey to Salt Lake in the ill-fated Willey-Martin handcart company said that it was through the trials of the journey that they came to know God and they wouldn’t trade one moment of it. This will be what Madeline will have as she is able to rely solely on the arm of God.

We may not get a letter from Madeline tomorrow. Perhaps because she was able to call. Perhaps because she will still be too drained to try to do that. But that will be okay. We will be there to support her. All of us.

As a note, Madeline has expressed that the Puerto Rican mission president is going to keep the missionaries updated with news from the island. Madeline hoped he wouldn’t send much soon because she didn’t think she could take hearing about the devastation. So this is my plea to all of you. Write encouraging things, write of your lives so she can enjoy your events, but don’t mention Puerto Rico until she says she is ready to hear about it again.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers,

Brett

At 12:33 am, we received a welcome email from President and Sister Marsh of the Georgia Atlanta North Mission.  They also included a picture.

We would like you to share in our joy when we received Sister Thelin tonight at the Atlanta Airport. The Georgia Atlanta North Mission and the Georgia Lilburn Stake have made all the arrangements for their overnight stay. The joy we felt is much like Alma and the four sons of Mosiah as they rejoiced exceedingly when their paths crossed in their missionary journey.

An army of saints have enthusiastically come together to provide the finest care. They have traveled from the airport to the mission home where the Relief Society has provided a meal. They will all have the opportunity to shower and have breakfast tomorrow morning. A number of our sister missionaries are here to provide perfect missionary fellowship and to facilitate all of their individual needs.

We will provide all necessary transportation back to the airport in the morning and make certain your daughter is on the flight to the mission where she has been assigned.

President and Sister Marsh
Georgia Atlanta North Mission

Since there would be few flights going directly to every mission, Atlanta, and other areas will be important layover points. Additionally, it will be important to take whatever flights are available out of Puerto Rico, regardless of timing or connecting flights.  Therefore, it is likely that there will be more than a few hours of waiting and could use some assistance.

In these instances, it is great knowing that there are armies of saints all over the world who are willing to care for Madeline and others.  We are so grateful for the love of these people we are likely not to meet.

We received Madeline’s itinerary and she is on her flight now for a brief stop in Phoenix before arriving at the California Ontario airport where the Redlands mission president and his wife will pick Madeline up.  We will have a phone call or email from them or Madeline shortly after that.

Brett

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A quick update. We received a call from a woman who was in the Phoenix airport and saw three missionaries sisters and talked with them. After hearing their story and how the missionaries didn’t know if their parents knew were they were, she offered to call the parents and let them know they were okay.

We also learned that the sister missionaries had a huge breakfast in Atlanta and had money to buy food in the airport (the woman offered to buy them dinner). The woman also told us that Madeline said that what she was wearing and carrying in her hands was all she had.

Alicia has been busy burning up the interwebs finding information from other parents and the California Redlands mission page on Facebook. The following is the latest from the mission president and his wife on their Facebook page:

We received word today that our mission will receive 5 sisters and 3 Elders as early as Sunday. They will have with them very little so stakes and missionaries are busy gathering needed clothing and supplies. They are in good hands. We have been praying for more Spanish missionaries and God has delivered! Our thoughts and prayers join yours for Puerto Rico, and the many other areas of devastation who are suffering loss.

Check out these two texts from our missionaries I just received:
“Sister Dixon, our hearts are full at the upcoming arrival of the 5 new hermanas and elders. We’re praying for them and you. We just want to know what we can do to help. Also there’s 2 open apartments in our zone and 4 sets of open arms. We love you!”

“We have been praying for this! The Lord really does answer prayers. Just know we are here to support you and President in any way, shape, or form. We have clothes, toiletries, and big big hearts. Love you!”

Aren’t they awesome?

UPDATE: We think we have will have all the necessary items for these missionaries by the end of today. Please hold off purchasing anything further until we know more. Thanks members of the wards across the mission! You all are the greatest!

UPDATE: Two Sister missionaries arrive Sunday. Three Sisters and two Elders arrive Tuesday and one Elder Wednesday. Pictures will be posted and good home cooking is underway by our office staff

There is so much compassion and love in these words from people we have never met. It makes the situation so much easier knowing that God is taking care of Madeline through His disciples. We are so grateful for the outpouring of kindness and service.

As mentioned previously, the missionaries in the Puerto Rico mission are being temporarily reassigned to other missions until Puerto Rico is more stable.  Missionaries are being reassigned everywhere, Florida, Texas, California (Roseville), and even Utah (Orem).  Madeline has been reassigned to the California, Redlands mission.

This is the map of the California Redlands Mission: 

We look forward to hearing more about her adventures and the work the Lord has for her to do.  Since the Lord knows all of this would come to pass, there are reasons Madeline will be in the Redlands mission.  I can’t wait to see why.

Brett

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KSL recently aired a story that Deseret News is also printing.  They are following the news release from the church.  This is the story:

SALT LAKE CITY — Mormon missionaries in Puerto Rico and neighboring islands are evacuating to the United States due to power outages and short supplies of food and water.

The evacuation is temporary. The missionaries will return to help communities rebuild once basic infrastructure is restored, according to a news release issued Friday afternoon by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Meanwhile, the LDS Church is buying food in bulk from grocery chains in Puerto Rico to help victims of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, the release said.

The church’s Welfare Department is shipping nonperishable food items and building materials like plywood, roofing materials, nails, tools and tarps from U.S. welfare facilities.

The church also is supporting the Red Cross and other relief agencies as they shelter displaced people and provide other help.

“There is currently great need existing in Puerto Rico and the surrounding islands, and all those who have been impacted by hurricanes Irma and Maria are in our thoughts and prayers,” church leaders said in a statement. “The church is mobilizing humanitarian resources to help. This includes providing food, water and other commodities to the islands in that region. Additional supplies will be sent in the future to help with recovery and reconstruction efforts as we better assess the situation.”

The church also is engaged in relief efforts in Mexico after the major earthquake this week. And it has provided aid in Sierra Leone after a recent mudslide, in Texas after Hurricane Harvey, in Montana due to wildfires, and elsewhere.

The impact of Irma and Maria led church leaders to evacuate the missionaries from the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission to other areas because of the storm.

“We can confirm that all missionaries are safe and accounted for,” the statement said. “However, the islands in the region are largely without power, water and food is in short supply. Missionaries, who have been engaged in cleanup efforts since the storm’s passing, are being transferred from the islands in the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission and temporarily reassigned in other areas until basic needs can be met, and then they will return to help.”

Puerto Rico has a single Mormon mission and 23,000 church members in 41 congregations.

The Caribbean Area Presidency — Elder Walter F. Gonzalez, Elder Claudio D. Zivic and Elder Jose L. Alonzo — also released a statement:

“We have been collaborating with local priesthood leaders located at the most affected areas in order to assess the situation of our members, missionaries, meetinghouses and the situation in general,” they said. “At the present time, our greatest interest is to safeguard human lives and evaluate the situation in order to identify the best way possible to help those in need and cooperate with efforts from local authorities. As we assess the situation, we’re confident that effective ways to help as necessary will be identified.”

This was one of the possibilities I tried to prepare Madeline for when we talked briefly.  It will be a good opportunity to experience another mission while basic life-sustaining services are returned to the island.

I know that Madeline will love serving the Lord wherever He wants her to be and will look forward to the time they can return and help the people of Puerto Rico rebuild temporally and spiritually.

Brett

There hasn’t been any word from the mission president, church security, or Madeline.  Given the devastated nature of the island and the time it can take to determine next steps, it is understandable.  However, we have had a few pieces of news from others in the area.

From a family that contacted the office that handles missions at church headquarters, we hear that President Smart attempted to send an email to families, but wasn’t sure if it was sent.  None of us have received an email, so that information was passed back.

From a family that has parents serving as senior missionaries in Puerto Rico, they tell us that all the missionaries have spent the last few days in service to the community and are starting the clean-up process.  They have also been able to take showers.  The mission office still has running water from the city and also has a backup water system if the city source fails.  We also heard from this family that the elders that were in Dominica are being evaluated by boat.

This same family also gave the following update just now:

…To quote Pres. Smart, “The sisters are wonderful!” They are in a more upscale neighborhood doing service for those affected there. It has truly softened the hearts of those who were hesitant to listen before.

Pres. And Sis. Smart have spoken to many people in the neighborhood who are impressed with the service and attitudes of the sister missionaries. A doctor who lives there has offered his services if needed, although he has not been needed.

Another family opened their home to the sisters to use their pool water to wash their clothes and bathe. They haul buckets of water into the home and use a large bath for their washing. What a blessing!! The sisters are in great spirits and are an influence for good there.

More about the elders. Today they were serving near a high rise building and as they would haul out the broken limbs and debris from a neighboring property the people in the tall building would applaud and cheer them on. It must have been an amazing experience. Towards the end, when Pres. Smart arrived, they sang for the people Called to Serve … The spirit was strong and it was a beautiful way for the elders to thank those people for their encouragement. There was also a news crew that interviewed some of the elders.

Another service that the elders are doing is cooking for the sisters. They really appreciate the opportunity to serve the sisters by cooking for them.

These reports give me hope that not only will Madeline be able to stay in Puerto Rico, but she will be able to help raise a people out of chaos and destruction to hope and opportunity.  The best part is that this raising out of chaos and destruction will not only be temporally but spiritually.  The best thing for all is to marry love and service to each other with the grace, or enabling power, that comes when we know and serve the Lord.  Alone we are small and insignificant, but with the Lord, we can move mountains.

Brett

While we haven’t heard from the mission president yet, he did give permission for Madeline (and the other missionaries) to call home and let us know she is okay.  She is safe and sounds like she is in good spirits.

She is at the mission home with about 50 other sister missionaries.  The Elders are in another home.  Madeline said that at about 4:00 am last night, the hurricane became so loud that she woke-up and couldn’t go back to sleep.  It sounds about how my night went as well.  4:00 am would have been when the eyewall of the hurricane hit Bayamon, where they located.

I didn’t have time to get a lot of information since there are a lot of missionaries that need to call home, but I did get some.  First, evidently some cell towers are still functioning.  The call disconnected about four times, but we could talk.  The weather now is much less severe, but still like a very bad storm.  Madeline said that some parts of their roof and many roofs have blown off and there are a lot of downed trees and rubble all over.  They don’t have power, nor a generator.  There also isn’t any running water at the moment.  But they do have stored water and food.

They were going to have a mission meeting a little after we finished our call.  It will be there that they talk about next steps.  I imagine we will hear more about it in the next email from President Smart and in Madeline’s next letter.

With the worst of the storm over, it will be exciting to see how the Lord will mobilize his servants.  There is one thing I know, this next half of her mission will be just as amazing as the first half.  Serving each other in times of need is some of the most rewarding work in life.

Brett

We received and update this morning from President Smart about the hurricane and their efforts. We didn’t hear from Madeline yesterday and now we know why. They are moving the sister missionaries to the mission home and the elders to the mission office. Living on the opposite end of the island, it would take them time to gather and travel. 

As you are aware, Hurricane Maria has strengthened and is forecasted to hit Puerto Rico Wednesday morning. Therefore, we have decided to move all Sisters to the Mission Home and the Elders to the Mission Office. We believe the experience of having the missionaries together will buoy them up, bring a sense of unity, safety and security. Our prayer is that they will walk away spiritually fortified like never before and then turn and save another.

Communication is limited and we cannot answer parent’s phone calls, texts or emails because our time will be spent with the missionaries. We will however send regular updates. 

The most important thing you can do at this time is to keep the missionaries and all people of Puerto Rico in your prayers. 

With sincere gratitude and love,

President and Sister Smart

The strategy of moving is a good one. First, it appears to be on the opposite side of the island from the direction Maria is headed. The further away from the eye wall the better. 

Second, both mission home and mission office are very fortified and are away from the coast where storm surge could cause a problem. If storm surge were to still reach them, there is more than one level. 

Third, with everyone together, you not only know where everyone is and how they are doing, but you can help with the emotions that will be high when a large hurricane hits. Even more, if other plans needs to be enacted, everyone is together. 

These are all logical thoughts. The spiritual knowledge is even more sure. The Lord has protected his people throughout time and we know that any hurricane is nothing compared to the power of God. I have peace knowing He is paying careful attention to each missionary.

Brett