September 17, 2018

This Hurricane was like Being Stalked by a Turtle.

     Wowwwwwww what a week. Thank you for all the prayers! We made it safely back into Myrtle Beach a couple hours ago. 

     Hurricane Florence took us on quite a ride!! We were evacuated first thing Tuesday morning. Everyone hyped it up so much that we seriously thought it was take what you can and everything else is going to be eaten by this hurricane. Luckily God is so good to us!! We made it to West Columbia and stayed with the Hermanas there. That was fun!!!!! We got to go on splits and blitz their area. 

     We met with a lot of the recent converts and visited tons of people!! We originally were going to be put on lockdown Wednesday, but that moved to Thursday night, and then to Friday night!! Literally it was like being stalked by a turtle. You know it's coming, you're waiting for it to hit, and waiting, and waiting. 

     On Thursday night, we had a really cool devotional with the mission. Presidente Innes told us that he received a phone call from Elder Gary Stevenson earlier that day telling him that it was the apostles and First Presidency day in the temple. The 12 apostles and the Prophet prayed specifically for us; that the damage would be minimal, that we'd be safe, and that we'd see God's hand in this. That was a really cool moment for all of us and we definitely saw that fulfilled. The hurricane was category 4 and weakened so much before hitting land. We have lots of cleanup in Myrtle and there is some flooding, but compared to what we were expecting this is nothing short of a miracle. We have got our service clothes ready and we are excited to continue to see God's hand in this. 

     Well we were on lockdown for two whole days and couldn't leave because of the rain. We had our own little hurricane party full of lots of naps, 12 hours of 5 crowns, food....lots of food, and laughs. We had a testimony meeting with the Hermanas in the apartment and just grew really close. After 48 hours stuck inside, I about exploded from boredom and was honestly giddy excited to go back this morning. 

     I know God loves his children. He really blessed us and helped us during this potentially devastating time. I am so grateful for my Savior and for all that he does to strengthen me, I LOVE being a missionary. 

Los Quiero mucho 

Hermana Crofts 

Hurricane with the Hermanas

Our water supply was taller than Hermana Jones. We were way over prepared with food and water.

3 of my favorite people: Elder Hill & Clark and Sister Larsen. (Throwback to Boiling Springs)

Marilyn loved being a missionary even if it was just for a couple of minutes

A couple of P-Days ago, we hung out with David!! I just forgot to send the pics home

Meeting with Pedro

Lunch with Francisco

Meeting with Pedro

Hurricane party with the comps

 Message from President and Sister Innes Saturday September 15, 2018-

We are thankful to report that the weather has been much better then we could have every hoped for. Unfortunately for North Carolina, much of the storm went north and largely spared a lot of South Carolina.

There has most likely been some significant damage to the northeastern part of our state, but overall it is has been a much better outcome than anyone thought.

All the missionaries have been contacted and accounted for today. There were a few who were without power for awhile, but everyone is fine and in good condition.

We are still experiencing some wind and rain and that will continue through much of the day tomorrow as it is a very slow moving storm. We do expect to see some flooding from some of the rivers that flow from North Carolina to South Carolina, so that could cause additional problems in the coming weeks. We will continue to watch that situation very carefully too.

With the exception of the Greenville area, church has been cancelled for the rest of the state. We will all stay in another day until the state and the priesthood leaders agree that it is safe to send the missionaries back to their areas. We will let you know when that happens.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. We firmly believe that God has blessed and protected us throughout this situation.

videos from Heather-