Dear Parents,
Last night, all missionaries had moved back to their apartments, or are doubled up with other missionaries, as outlined in my message to you yesterday. Sister Holland and I met with all of the relocating missionaries and their host companionships to connect them with each other, give them a snack, and a word of encouragement. The fact of the matter is that they encouraged us. They were all so buoyant and responsive. The whole evening was another moment of great inspiration.
For the missionaries relocated from the Fayetteville zones, we are waiting to see how the next 24 hours go. By Tuesday (or Wednesday at the latest) we should know how high the rivers will be flooding in that area. That will determine how soon we can get back into Fayetteville. So far, the reports show that every apartment in that area has been spared any flooding. So, the chances of getting in relatively soon to at least reclaim personal belongings is pretty high. I should be able report more by tomorrow or Wednesday.
For the missionaries relocated from the Wilmington zone and the Pembroke and Lumberton areas, the prospects look more long term. These areas will remain unreachable for days, and it will likely take much longer than that before apartments can be lived in again. As a result, we are placing this morning an expedited order, through Church distribution, for 5 pairs of additional garments per missionary. (We took sizes and material preferences last night when the missionaries were gathered at the Church.) Donated work clothes are on their way from several Virginia stakes this Friday. As for proselyting clothes, our plans have changed from what I discussed yesterday. Thanks to the very generous assistance of an anonymous donor, we will place $175 today on the missionaries’ support cards with instructions that this is to be used right away (as in today, P-day) to replace a few inexpensive shirts/slacks/ties/socks as needed for the elders, and a few inexpensive skirts/tops/dresses as needed for the sisters. In a week’s time, we will reassess our ability to get into Wilmington apartments to determine if we need to help provide some assistance for additional shoes or full suits (some elders left without suit coats). Of course, as parents, you are free to supplement this as you wish. Given the fluidity of missionary movements right now, I would suggest you send things directly to the mission office (5060 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609) and we will see that they get distributed to the right location.
What a blessing it remains to see your missionaries, and people around them, respond so well and generously.
Faithfully,
President Holland
North Carolina Raleigh Mission
