T.H.E. Times and Seasons

I decided this week to go back one more time to our mission home which was destroyed by the flood. As I pulled into the driveway I was not expecting to feel the flood, yes the flood of emotions that went through me.  I wept as I walked into what was the most beautiful home just two months ago and the spirit in the home which was so tangible.  This was to be our home for the next three years and it had felt so peaceful.  It was in a beautiful neighborhood with lots of gorgeous trees and pathways to walk or bike. There was a stabbing pain inside of me as I walked through the home that day.  It didn't make any sense.  What had just happened?  Nothing in the home had belonged to us except for some sentimental things we had brought with us.  Everything was gone. Although we had only lived there two months, it was as if I needed closure for some reason.  I walked around still in shock of it all.  The pictures below show what the mission hom...

This last weekend we were privileged to have Elder Rasband, Elder Ballard, Elder Cornish, Elder Nielsen, and Elder Uceda visit the Houston area.  Elder Rasband spent the day up in Vidor and Beaumont which were hit quite hard.  He shook hands with almost all of the members and missionaries in that area and came to offer love and hope and support from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. Sunday was our last "work Sunday" with just Sacrament meeting being held, then we all went out and worked and served.  Most of the homes have been mucked out and if they haven't by now we must deal with the mold that has set in.  The smell is quite........strong, to put it nicely.  Masks are definitely a necessity.   Just when I thought that Sacrament meeting could not compare with the past two, I was wrong yet another time.  Looking out over the sea of yellow shirts is something I can't seem to describe.  The words of the songs are what t...

I would just like to share that President Benson's statement of "We must flood the earth with the Book of Mormon" has taken on a whole new meaning.     Donna and Mike with their family. Barbaraand all of us getting to help her.  She was so grateful! The process of cleaning continues throughout many parts of the Houston area.  People who need help go on a website and sign up. Then that information is filtered to service organizations, the Church being one of those.  We meet at the stake center and are given an address of who needs help.  We are assigned a team leader and go out in groups of about 15 and clean out the flood damaged homes  The term they use is "muck out" which means the sheetrock and insulation needs to be removed about a foot above the flood line and then  remove the nails from the studs. Everything is put out on the curb to be picked up by large trucks for removal.  It is...

A little more detail regarding yesterday's sacrament meeting.  Four wards met at the Kingwood stake Center.  Most were wearing the yellow "Mormon Helping Hands" shirts.  Sitting on the stand and looking over the 400 plus members who had gathered together to partake of the sacrament was indeed something never to be forgotten.  The service began with "Count Your Many Blessings" which has taken on a whole new meaning after yesterday.  Men and women wept as we sang this song together.  Many have lost everything.  The words of this song are worth repeating.  As you read these words, imagine the strength, comfort, and encouragement from the Savior that was felt as we sang these inspiring lyrics. When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged thinking all is lost. Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross se...

Today was an amazing day!  Having a 30 minute Sacrament meeting was awesome followed by a day of service! The 14 missionaries which were in Lake Charles, LA have now been moved back to Vidor.  So 8 of the 14 missionaries are back in their regular apartments in Vidor.  The 6 missionaries from Beaumont will hopefully be moving back to Beaumont tomorrow or the next day.  We still have a threesome from Orange who have been in Welsh, LA. and should be able to move back to their apartment on Tuesday. It has been quite eventful. Check out www.facebook.com/texashoustoneast for photos of today's service activities.

Things are returning to some normalcy, if that is really possible.  You take for granted having a place to sleep and to keep your belongings each day. All of the missionaries are accounted for and are safe.  Things are progressing very nicely and returning to some normalcy with most companionships back in their apartments.  The 16 missionaries  which were moved to Lake Charles have had a productive service day.  The Beaumont water treatment plant is up and running and power has been restored in most areas.  Depending upon circumstances tomorrow, those 16 missionaries will be going home to their respective areas. Thanks for your prayers!  They are carrying us through all of this.  Miracles are occurring throughout the day and people are curious as to why we are serving and helping.  The missionaries are amazing and doing such a wonderful job!  We love them!  You would be very proud of them!

We are in the process of adding photos and videos from our missionaries adventures to our new mission Facebook page. Check back often for stories of sweat, smiles, and service. Feel free to post content you've received from members or missionaries. We will review your posts and add them as quickly as possible.  https://www.facebook.com/texashoustoneast