Typhoon Hagupit

WEEK 21
We didn't receive our regularly scheduled letter from Bradyn, but he sent me a very brief one on Thursday evening (US time) warning us of potential issues he may be facing due to the anticipated super typhoon to hit the Philippines.  Below is his quick e-mail and one from the mission president.

Hey Mom,
     Just wanted to tell you a few things.  President is letting us send a little heads up home to our families even though it's Friday.  There is currently a category 4 super typhoon off the coast of the Philippines that is projected to hit us.  Don't worry, our apartment is in a very safe place and they are really making sure that we are prepared so it won't be a problem.  We might not be able to email on monday, but the mission home will send you an email as soon as they can to notify families.  They asked that we please don't call the mission home.  They're taking care of everything.  We have lots of food and water and towels so we should be fine.  Love you!

-Bradyn

Friday, 5 December 2014

Dear Philippines San Pablo Mission Family,

You are probably already aware of Typhoon Hagupit, locally referred to as Ruby, which is off of the coast of the Philippines and headed our way. We have been tracking the storm for the past few days and have been working to prepare our missionaries for its arrival. The latest projections show it is tracking directly toward our mission and it will arrive sometime this weekend or early next week. The speed of the storm has been decreasing so it is difficult to estimate when it will reach us.

All of our missionaries have been alerted to prepare for the storm and have been given very specific instructions about how to prepare. We are working to relocate missionaries from coastal lines and areas that might be prone to flooding, mudslides, etc. We are being overly cautious and conservative in the approach we are taking to protect your missionaries.

Given the timing of the storm, you may not receive an email on Monday, which is your normal day to hear from your missionary. Don’t panic if you don’t hear from them. In July we lost internet service for a period of time following the storm and I assume we will have the same experience with this storm. I will allow your missionary to email home as soon as services have been restored. As soon as possible following the storm, I will send an email confirming that everyone is well and accounted for and give you a brief update.

Please continue to keep our missionaries and the Philippines in your prayers. Our hope and prayers are that the storm will weaken as it reaches us and all of our preparations will have been unnecessary. We are preparing for the worst while praying and hoping for the best.

Thanks for the amazing sons and daughters you have consecrated to the Lord’s service. It is Sister Mangum and I’s great privilege to serve them and serve with them!

President Mangum