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