9/29/2009

By now I am sure everyone has heard about the earthqake and tsunami that happened back home. I have not really been able to relax about what has happened since finding out. Although my immediate and extended family members are safe, I still can't stop the ache I feel for those who have lost their love ones.


I wanted to blog today about how this experience has strengthen my testimony of the gospel. This pass year in ALOT of my conversations with my sister Va (who is the only sibling still living on the island with her family) has been about how her ward leaders have been pushing the members about having their welfare, 72 hour kits and even an evacuation plan ready - where they have actually had mock excercise drills for their evacuation plan. We laughed when she said she got her call and her group leader said he called other members in their group and they weren't picking up or saying their ok and they'll just be at home (ok that defeats the purpose of the "excercise" - lol). I was born and raised in American Samoa and yeah, we were constantly told to make sure you have your welfare and make sure to keep it stocked but we have NEVER done what my sister said they have doing this past year. I was totally blown away when I heard about the tsunami actually hitting and after thinking I hope my family is safe I started thinking about how blessed our members back home are that they listen to their leaders who are recieving revelation from our heavenly father and were prepared for this disaster. I know my sister was prepared and has been very adamant about stocking up her welfare for her family. I'm sure she was grateful that she has been very obedient in "heeding" the counsel, because her house was one of the assigned evacuation spots and she played host to LOTS of people. I am thankful to my sister Va and her example she has been to us and for all she does for our family. I am especially thankful that they are safe.

I will continue to pray that our heavenly father comforts those who have lost love ones and pray that we have his spirit and be obedient to the counsels we recieve. I do with ALL my heart know that our Prophet, his counselors and other leaders are chosen by our heavenly father and they do recieve inspiration to lead us in these latter days and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ - Amen !