So... this week has been fun. We started it off with transfers, which didn't affect us at all, so we were like "Great! A new transfer, we're looking forward to it finally being calm with no lockdowns and it's going to be FANTASTIC!"
Hmm.
Interesting.
Basically, our whole entire area is underwater now, except for where we live, so shout-out to that. On Wednesday, we heard that it was going to rain on Friday and that it was going to be pretty bad. We thought okay, whatever, it's fine, we might have to be in for the afternoon, but hey everyone could use a nap once in a while. Then it started raining. And never. Stopped. Friday morning, we got put on strict lockdown, which made us wonder if things were worse than we thought. Then we started hearing about missionaries being evacuated. Then we were on lockdown again. Then we got called to go to the American Red Cross and take a training course to be able to work at shelters. Then we went to the shelter, and for the first time we realized just how bad everything really was. I wish I could describe what it's like in a shelter accurately. It's something I will never forget as long as I live. There were SO many people, and it was so insanely chaotic and disorganized, but they didn't have many other options because it was all just put together. So many people were crying and wondering about family. We heard I don't even know how many stories about people losing absolutely everything. We ran around trying to cheer people up, and somehow I ended up being in charge of registration so I had to take down everyone's information as they came in. It was crazy. The next day, Sunday, the whole stake cancelled church and we just had one big combined Sacrament Meeting which barely filled the chapel because so many people were affected. There were lots of members in jeans and t-shirts because that's all they had with them. It was so powerful though because right before the closing hymn, the bishop changed the closing song to "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" and I promise you angels were singing with us. The Spirit was unbelievably strong in that chapel as everyone sang.
You know, you see these kinds of things on the news all the time (well maybe not something this bad), and you feel sad for them and pray for them, but then you kind of just forget about it. Let me tell you, living it is a whole different story. This is my home. These are my people. My heart is breaking seeing these people who already have a rough life have to suffer these kinds of things. And yet they're still happy! It blows my mind. This has probably been the craziest thing I've seen on my mission, and probably the biggest humbling experience I've ever had in my life. To see people who are normally decently well-off come into a shelter and ask if they're giving away food or blankets or shoes, is something you can't ever forget.
Alright this email is getting a little lengthy. I love you all so much! Have the best week ever, and don't forget to serve people every single day!
Con amor,
Hermana Sorensen