Historical Weather...Snow and Ice Storm
The State of Texas had a very unusual cold spell come through. There was an ice storm followed by a snow storm. Texas can handle 107 degree heat, but they are completely unprepared for icy and snowy weather. Pipes froze and electricity went out for days. People are without water for over a week and their houses are around 50 degrees inside.
The missionaries were told to go grocery shopping over the weekend to prepare and are not allowed out of the apartment. We spoke with Trevor on Monday and he said they have food and are fine. He said Louisana just had a couple of inches of snow. He did say it is freezing and feels like 12 degrees outside. As of Monday he had not lost power or water. Here is an update from President Larkin:
To: Family and Friends of In-Field Missionaries
CC: Area Authority Seventy, Mission Presidency, Mission Secretary
Dear Families and Friends,
As was previously reported on the private Facebook group earlier today:
Parents,
We are experiencing a new challenge here in the Houston East Mission. The missionaries were all very excited at the possibility of snow. They have been asked not to travel. Even though the amount of snow is minimal it is sitting on top of a layer of ice. Additionally, the freezing temperatures have impacted the wind turbines which are a primary source of power across the state. Because of that there are large areas without power and rolling blackouts will continue throughout the day. Last week we asked the missionaries to buy a little extra food. They were also encouraged to fill their cars with gas so they can use that for heat and charging their phones if necessary. The Zone Leaders are staying in contact with the missionaries and relaying updates to us. We will make sure everyone is safe. We love them and are so thankful for your prayers and support.
Update:
78 of the 231 missionaries were without power earlier this morning. We are down to 65 at the time of this email. All 65 displaced missionaries are now moving to locations with other missionaries with power. We expect to be under this arrangement at least until tomorrow afternoon but perhaps until as late as Thursday. We hope that at least a few will have power restored before darkness falls this evening and they will return to their apartments as road conditions permit. Our “return and report” system seems to be working well, and remarkably efficiently. Blessed we are that it works for tropical storms as well as below freezing storms! The Lord has been very kind to us. We are certainly blessed.
Thank you for your support and amazing missionaries!
President Troy & Sister Jill Larkin
Texas Houston East Mission
To: Family and Friends of In-Field Missionaries
CC: Area Authority Seventy, Mission Presidency, In-Field Representative, Mission Secretary
Dear Families and Friends,
As was previously reported on the private Facebook group earlier today (with a few small additions – see note at the conclusion re: Facebook Group):
Thursday Update:
We begin with news that all missionaries are safe and well. We have shuffled many more than once as power and water resources constantly change. Currently there are 29 companionship that are still displaced. This number should drop substantially as we expect water and power to return to more locations tomorrow.
Temperatures in Houston have started to rise! There is a warning for tonight for a hard freeze and then we should start to get back to “normal.” Many members opened their homes to missionaries last night and have continued to be generous with food and resources.
The shelves in the grocery stores and fuel at gas stations should be replenished soon because the interstates are opening. In the meantime, we are asking the missionaries to keep their gas tanks at least half full all the time. We have also asked every companionship to report twice a day as to their status on power, water, food and fuel. The “Go Bags” which were created for hurricane season have proved useful. We thank you again for your prayers and support.
Side note: We truly try to update you as frequently and quickly as possible. The mission home was without power for 24 hours that hampered our communication a bit. We remind you that as parents of currently serving missionaries in the Houston East Mission we have a private Facebook group. During the busiest times we are much better at communicating there. You are encouraged to join that group. The official name is “Parents of Texas Houston East Missionaries”. Search for the group and request to join. Sister Larkin will review and approve. We are sure you understand that this is a parents only group.
Thank you again!
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