"...inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my bretheren, ye have done it unto me."

We survived our first hurricane. Well, all we got here was some sideways rain and a bit of wind, but the last couple of weeks have really been an eye opener for us. There are still evacuees in our church, we're the only church in Texas that still has them...not sure why but I like to think its a great opportunity to serve even though it has been pretty challenging for everyone involved. Let me explain the situation and you can make your own conclusions:

There were over 120 people in the church for the first 10 days. They shared food, slept on the floor, shared small classrooms with up to 10 people at a time (some had to sleep in the gym), tons of little kids screaming and playing at all hours, and there was one shower that has a 70 gallon water heater. After that, think about not knowing whether or not you still had a home or a job once you went back.

I was amazed and extremely humbled that after all of this, these people managed to stay positive and be okay with their circumstances, and went out of their way to thank us for spending a few hours of our time to be there with them. It made me feel stupid for complaining about having to be there so much. The first day I was at the church for over 11 hours. We had to be there to check the evacuees in, we also have to have 2 priesthood holders at the building at all times...24 hours a day until they leave. Its amazing that when you see people in such dire circumstances that you can forget about all of your little troubles and you feel renewed physical strength. I felt that a lot on my mission.

Everything was very organized, down to sign up sheets for the shower, room assignments, pet sitting, and eating times. 3 women volunteered to cook all the meals, and everyone pitched in with something. When the truck arrived from church headquarters to be unloaded with supplies, the youth unloaded it in less than 15 minutes. The truck driver was in tears when he saw how willing these young people were to serve.

400 members of the church drove all the way from Austin to help find members all over our stake because some areas were without power for several days and we had to make sure they were okay and accounted for. There were too many volunteers for what needed to be done.

We had our close friends from Houston staying with us for 10 days, they have three little girls so it got crowded in our little 2 bedroom apartment, but it was really fun. They had no power the whole time until a couple of days ago, and when we drove to Houston to check their place out their apartment had a lot of water and sheetrock damage, shingles were everywhere and huge trees were completely uprooted. I can't even imagine what Galveston looks like.

My Bishop told me a funny story that happened last week in Houston. Hundreds of Meninites came up from Mexico to help in any way they could, and so when they got to Houston they went straight to the Sherriff's Office and asked what they could do to help. They didn't really know what to tell them to do so they said, "go find the Mormons, they'll have something for you". So, if you drive past certain Stake centers in Houston you may see several tents out on the lawn...don't worry, its just the Meninites. Also, there is a chapel 5 blocks from the shoreline in Galveston where all of the buildings and houses around it are underwater. The chapel didn't receive an ounce of damage and it isn't even on higher ground than the other buildings...come to mention it not a single church house was damaged in any way.

So now that I am literally inundated with homework, group projects, and midterms, as well as helping schedule people to help the evacuees, I really have to say that I am thankful for the opportunity to serve. I'm greatful to know that I have taken so many things for granted, and that I can be reminded about what really matters in life. Its so cliche to say, but I hope that we can all take the opportunity to be thankful for what we have, and to be prepared on a moment's notice when the next disaster strikes. I think you can see the true side of someone to see them react in stressful situations, and I am greatful to know I have so many awesome people around me that I have seen serve others without an ounce of concern for themselves.

p.s. Thank you Andrea, the shirt you sent to me today with a blue stallion on it made me laugh...and remember how great it is to have friends that follow through on lame promises.