STORM UPDATE

Skies are looking much calmer, and we think we're on our way back to sunnier days. I'm sure there will be much opportunity for our missionaries to serve those who have suffered because of the flooding. We will continue to update throughout the day, or until the threat of bad weather is gone. One more positive attitude statement from our Chipley and Greenhead Sisters, "After receiving a couple of tornado warnings in the middle of the night, Sisters Krebs, Pickett, Shattuck, and Schmidt first grab our nametags and journals as we head downstairs to the laundry room to hunker down. We may be in the middle of a tornado warning, but we are missionaries first!". Who wouldn't love taking care of these missionaries with such positive attitude?

STORM UPDATE

We have been checking in with almost 300 missionaries consistently this morning, and I have to say that they all have such a great attitude about this high adventure! They are all safe and inside their apartments. We do have a few apartments in Mobile, Alabama without power, sewer, and water, but they are prepared. I thought I'd post some of the funny response's I received from missionaries when I asked if they're doing okay. Perdido Sisters "We have a swimming pool in our back, front and side yard!!! Holler! But don't worry...as tempting as muddy water is, we won't go swimming!" Pace Sisters "We went swimming in our apartment, and it was totally legit!! (There apartment was flooded) Foley Elders "This is the craziest storm I've ever seen! I have never seen so much water fall from the sky! Our apartment parking lot turned into a mini pool last night. Don't worry, we didn't even think of going for a swim!" Brewton Sisters "We are doing fine. We would like some icecream right now...but we'll manage some how!" Navarre Elders "When you get three tornado warnings that say "take shelter NOW!", that means you finish your daily planning hiding in the bath tub." Navarre Sisters "It was pretty crazy watching the pool and parking lot fill with water until they combined to make one big body of water." Gulf Breeze Elders"Well, a little water won't kill you, but a lot of water might, but being a missionary keeps us safe!"

STORM UPDATE

Our Mission has been hit hard with flash flooding. We have moved some missionaries out of their apartments in Pensacola because of the flooding. They are safe and some are staying with Members. The Weather report suggests that the flooding will continue through today, moving into Panama City and Tallahassee. We will continue to monitor the safety of our missionaries 24 hours until the storm subsides. Missionaries have been instructed not to leave their apartments today, unless there is an emergency. We will post again when we have more information.

STORM WATCH UPDATE

All missionaries continue to stay inside, and are safe. This seems as good a time as any to ask parents to help us prepare your missionary for future storms. A 72 hour back pack is required for all missionaries. We have put together back packs and they are ready for distribution, but they must be purchased by the missionary or the missionaries parents. The cost is $25.00 for a back pack filled with necessary items in case of an emergency. We also have the bags available for purchase at $5.00 if the missionary would prefer to fill them.

You can contact the Mission office for payment options, or send a check directly to the mission office @ 1535 Killearn Center Blvd. Suite C3, Tallahassee, Florida 32309. Please help us help your missionary prepare themselves for what is certain to be an active storm season. Thanks!!

STORM WATCH

We are aware of the Tornado watch for ALL of our mission area. We have been in touch with all of our missionaries, and all are safe. They are gathered together in Church buildings in their areas right now for District Meeting, which is the safest place for them to be. They have been instructed not to travel today, and we will continue to watch and prepare appropriately if necessary. We will update this blog with additional information as needed.

Easter Fun

Elder Blair and Elder Crook preparing for Easter morning.

Missionary Easter Fun

Missionary Easter Fun for Sister King and Sister Hill.

Troy Missionaries

Our Troy Missionaries serve up Soup! Elder Crook, Sister Ford, Sister McFarland, Sister Holmoe, Sister Satterthwaite, and Elder Blair.

P-Day Fun

Preparation Day Fun in Tallahassee

Baptism's in Tallahassee

Baptism's for Sister Rodriguez and Sister Treiber. Way to go Sisters!!

Baptism in Bristol

A baptism in Bristol for Sister Whetton and Sister Dawe. They gave comforters for the baptismal candidates who received the gift of the comforter, the Holy Ghost.

Baptism in Dothan

Congratulations Elder Tautolo and Elder Smith on your baptism Saturday!

Monroeville, ALABAMA

This weekend we visited Monroeville, ALABAMA. Shortly after arriving we saw two of our missionaries out working. It's always great to see them, and especially when they are working hard!

Monroeville, Alabama is famous because it is home to Harper Lee, the author of "To Kill a Mockingbird".

We attended the play that is "sold out" every season of "To Kill a Mockingbird" held in the old courthouse used in the adaptation of the book in the film with Gregory Peck.

We also enjoyed a little gumbo, good company, and Easter Sunday Church with our missionaries the next day.

It was a fun visit!

Baptism in Tallahassee

A baptism for Elder Butterfield and Elder Hammond, right before Elder Butterfield left for Zimbabwe.

Baptism Day in Calloway

These Elders are doing a great job in Calloway, near Panama City. This is a baptism they had last Saturday.

Departimg Missionaries

We hate saying good-bye to such great missionaries! But, we are SO excited for them to reunite with their families. We know they will do much good in their after-mission life. We love you Elder Sanders, Elder Davis, Elder Misi, Elder Gardner, Elder Ogilvie, Elder Schwartz, Sister Medlyn, and Sister Marcucci!

Newly Arriving Missionaries

Picked our new missionaries up from the Airport and then fed them dinner at the Mission Home.

We spent yesterday training our new missionaries, and took a break to eat lunch at Genghis Grill.

We had the privilege of having Elder and Sister Beckwith, the Area Mental Health Advisor's visiting our training. We are so grateful for their service, and we will miss them so much when they leave the end of April.

And this morning we all prepared to transfer to new areas.

After a great missionary experience in Tallahassee last night, they're all ready to go and get to work!!

Family History in Destin

Elder Nelson, and Elder Simmons teach a Family History class in Destin, Florida.

Baptism Day in Theodore

A baptism in Theodore, Alabama for Elder Hummer and Elder Pizarro.

Shooting Hoops

Elder Welch stops to shoot some hoops with the locals in Mobile while out contacting.

Elder & Sister Anderson

We'll miss these two wonderful people. Elder and Sister Anderson have been an incredible example of faithful missionary service. They have served six missions, and are just delightful! Some last good-byes with Sister Cornaby, Sister Bunderson, Sister Bertoldo, and Sister Harris.

Elder Davis Makin Friends

Elder Davis, making friends on the streets of Tallahassee. He is definitely an easy Elder to love.

Ozark and Enterprise Elders

Elder and Sister Meyers are our new Military Relations Couple serving at Fort Rucker, and we love our Enterprise/Ozark Elders serving in the Dothan, Alabama Zone.

Look Out Zimbabwe!

Breakfast and the Airport with our departing visa waiters. Look out Zimbabwe, this is a fun group of Elders! We are sad to see them go, but excited for their new adventure.