Typhoon Ruby was supposed to be stronger and more intense than
Yolanda. If you remember, the devastation of Yolanda was so incredibly
sad. This week was crazy with the typhoon. Basically we assumed it would
be coming on Saturday night until Monday, so I spent two nights not sleeping (mostly
because sometimes they come at night and are so intense). It was so stressful!
But the AP'S texted us on Friday morning telling us that President Mangum had emailed
us preparations for the typhoon. We followed his instructions and were blessed
not to be afraid. We spent our day Friday preparing, and taught a few lessons
in the evening. You could see the sky preparing for the typhoon at that time.
Sunday was very dark and sketchy, but we still went to church. After
church we stayed in our apartment. We weren't allowed to leave our apartment
yesterday for P-day. I was surprised because people kept telling us about the
typhoon coming and to prepare and then after it hadn't come when we thought it
would, they told us that it wasn't coming anymore. But, boy did it come on
Monday afternoon. Basically the typhoon was a really slow moving typhoon which
usually means a longer amount of time with all the effects of it: strong winds
and so much heavy rain. Typhoons are so stressful and unpredictable! Their
course can never really be determined. Right now, it's just pretty cloudy and
cold. I wore two jackets today during study...That's NEVER happened in my
mission! We didn't have to be relocated at all, our apartment is a house so it
was pretty strong. There's four of us in the house, 3 Americans and my Filipina
comp. We prepared clean water and our 72 hour kits and cell phone and then spent
all weekend waiting. It's been a stressful and tiring past weekend waiting out
this typhoon. But I know that because my companion and I prepared and followed
Pres. Mangum, we weren't afraid.
All is
well again. My second 'Super Typhoon.' Thank you so much for the prayers and
concern. I know the people are more affected over in Vesayas part of the
Philippines (Mindanao) than Luzon (that's us in the San Pablo mission). I was
really nervous because of the impact that typhoon Glenda had on us here, but we
prepared and all was well. Still alive! Getting
back into the routine is rough but that is the way it is during typhoon season
here in the Philippines. :)
I can't hardly believe it's Christmas time again! It's so fast.
This week we're trying to focus on Jen and Jomar. They are getting close to
getting married and we're just trying to have the Spirit lead and guide them in
their decisions in order to help Jen be baptized and confirmed. I can feel this
family needs so much help. They all are less active and need hope. Jen is such
a blessing because I think the Lord is using her to help them come back into
the church. It's so great. I love teaching her and seeing her and seeing the Book
of Mormon change her. It's the best feeling! I have faith that the Spirit is
helping them to read and pray together. It's really all about family. I've
learned that as we've taught the plan of salvation, the restoration, and the
gospel of Jesus Christ. IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY. I know that Heavenly Father
loves us and is aware of all of our needs.
xoxo,
Sister Seastrand
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