Their are people in the office that are directly affected by the on-going rains. A sister who works here texted one of the senior mission couples at midnight last night saying that the floods are up too their front porch. This morning at 5:30 she texted again stating that the floods were chest deep in the streets and in their home it was up to their knees on the first level. And it continues to rain.
Our office is located in the Philippine Area Office (PAO) building. On our floor is also the humanitarian office. As Marcia had some phone calls to make we decided to come to the office and get some work done. Those who are working in the humanitarian office have been very busy over the past 24 hours. They have been trying to verify information regarding the flooding that is occurring around the metro Manila area. One means of doing that is monitoring the local news outlets. Another way is communication with local government units (LGU) and non govermental organizations (NGOs). As of about 30 minutes ago the area director, Elder Hardick, received a call for the availability of volunteers to start packing rice for communities that have been hit the hardest by the rains. Those who are in the office have gone home to change into work clothes ready to assist where ever we are needed. Serving in a crisis is not what one expects to do on a mission, but it is what we do. We are to serve our Heavenly Father's children no matter what the situation may be.
For those who may be reading this Marcia and I are well and dry. Please pray for the people of the Philippines that they will be able to endure this struggle and come out of it safely...
Wow! Quite the first week! I am praying for you two that all will go well. Oh, and I guess I won't need to give you that first week of the mission pep talk, "Now don't be afraid to get your feet wet! Just jump right in to everything as soon as you get there!" I think you guys accomplished that one.
ReplyDelete