Hermana Kent Takes on Florida: Irma Comes to Florida

Hello Friends and Family!

As you all are probably pretty aware, Florida got a visit from Hurricane Irma. It was a pretty intense week. A lot of people were already on edge because of the devastating effects of Harvey in Houston. I still have no idea the damage that occurred in Florida as we are still confined to our apartment. You all probably know more than me. However, there were a lot of lessons learned this past week!

Lesson 1: ALWAYS BE PREPARED.

We knew about the hurricane for about a week. Last Monday we got prepared by buying Food, water, and gas. Tuesday Floridians began going crazy. Stores were packed, gas stations were jammed with long lines of people all frantically trying to prepare. The traffic on the highway was at a standstill Tuesday-Friday of people fleeing south Florida. Stores were rationing out water and by Wednesday many gas stations were closed because they were out of gas. Shelves at the stores were completely bare. THIS IS WHY WE HAVE FOOD STORAGE. Our church leaders were really thinking when they said to always have plenty of food and water and be prepared for an emergency. Floridians were not prepared, and that's why they were frantic. It got very eerie by the end of the week when all the houses were boarded up. Looked like a zombie apocalypse was about to go down.

Lesson 2: DISASTERS BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER IN HUMILITY We have had a challenging time with communication between the branch and the missionaries, but this week that was not the case. Members were calling us all week and during the hurricane asking if we were okay and if we needed anything. Wednesday night we had a meeting with our branch president and all the missionaries to discuss what members in the ward needed help. From Wednesday night to Friday night we contacted every single member in our area to see if they were prepared and felt safe. It was interesting because us 19 year old girls from Utah were very calm and helping console terrified members who had lived here their whole life. We sent a list to our branch president of where each of them were staying and if they needed anything. It truly helped build the relationships between the missionaries and the members. As we were going around visiting members we were able to talk to lots of panicked people and help them feel the comfort of the Lord.

So even in an emergency, we found people to teach.

Lesson 3: I DO NOT LIKE SITTING STILL

We have been inside since Saturday afternoon and I am dying. Haha. I want to be working, serving and helping. This hurricane has given me a little glimpse of what it will be like to come home and not have a schedule and somewhere to be every moment of the day. I don't like it.

Not excited to come home. (Good thing I still have 8 months). My companions felt the same way so we had a lot of fun trying to entertain ourselves. Weird things happen when you're inside for 3 days. Stories that are going to have to wait until after the mission.

Lesson 4: MY MISSION LEADERS ARE AMAZING Please keep President and Sister Clark in your prayers. They have had a very stressful week making sure all of us missionaries are safe. We got a text from President at 2:00 A.M. saying the worst of it was almost over- indicating that he probably didn't sleep at all. We didn't know because were fast asleep in our fort. I have an amazing district leader, Zone leaders, and assistants that took great care of checking up on all the missionaries. I asure you, missionaries are well-taken care of!

Lesson 5: THE SAVIOR IS NEAR

We did a lot of studying about the last days/signs of the second coming and I tell you- we are in them. My companions and I decided that in context of the Book of Mormon, we feel like we are in the end of Alma/ beginning of Helaman. I mean- 2,000 young warriors fighting in the army of Helaman, and how the age change happened so that even younger missionaries are fighting on the front lines of the war against sin. Christ is coming and we need to be prepared spiritually.

"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." - D&C 38:30

It reminded me of the 2011 windstorm only with rain so bad you can't see across the street. I felt great comfort from the Lord this week each time fear crept into my heart. I know as we put our trust in Him, He will guide us safely home. I love being a missionary and I am excited for the many service opportunities coming this week. This gave me just the push to continue serving with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. Thanks for all the prayers in behalf of Florida and us missionaries.

🌴🌊☀️Hermana Kent☀️🌊🌴