The best news today is that it did not rain nearly as much as was predicted. Water is receding in many parts of the mission. Members whose homes were either flooded or close to flooding are starting to dry out. As we looked at the skies tonight about 6 pm, we saw blue for the first time in 4 days. It was a sight for sore eyes.
As mentioned in prior posts, our biggest concern now is the swollen creeks, reservoirs and bayous (slow moving water ways). The Spring Creek is now falling but still very high and close to bridges. Cypress Creek has flooded and sent several feet of water into the temple (see Mormon Newsroom). There is still much street flooding from the creeks so we are cautious in our movements, staying close to apartments and never driving through water. Today, my biggest concern was the Addicks and Barker reservoirs (in the southwest part of our mission) which are at record capacity. The Army Corp or Engineers was releasing water from them to relieve pressure but it wasn't fast enough and Addicks was starting to overflow this morning. We did not want any missionaries near that reservoir if the dam was compromised so we relocated 20 missionaries today whose apartments might possibly be affected if a catastrophic failure occurred. It is an unlikely event, but we take all precautions with our missionaries. These missionaries are safe with other missionaries or members (usually bishops and stake presidencies) well away from the reservoirs. The people of Houston, the Church members and Church leaders here are exceptionally generous and compassionate. Soon, it will be our turn to help give service.
In fact, today, many missionaries were out giving service at local meetinghouses which were used as shelters or evacuation points. Tomorrow, very little rain is expected and we will be out providing service as long as it does not include being in water. I understand that three tractor-trailers full of supplies arrived from SLC to the bishop's storehouse next to the Mission office today. That will provide much needed relief to residents. So many have been devastated by this flood. I made it to the mission office today and it is nice and dry. We have supplies there including yellow Helping Hands shirts and leather gloves that missionaries will use to show the community our support and love. We will most likely distribute these Thursday if the weather holds up (it is supposed to be sunny Thursday!).
We had planned a special zone conference on Friday with many great teachings and special guest speakers, Chad and Michelle Lewis. Chad is an all-American and All-Pro tight end who played for BYU and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was coming to Houston as part of the BYU-LSU football game that has been anticipated for a year to be played here in NRG stadium. Unfortunately, the game has been moved out of Houston due to the storm. We will most likely postpone the conference for another time as I know the missionaries were very excited for it.
We hope to get a good night's sleep. If you have specific questions or concerns please email me and I'd be happy to answer them for you. We love and appreciate you. These are very fine missionaries who are obedient and are blessed for their willingness to follow the Savior.
- President Peterson
