NEMO!!!!

February 8, 2012

Just wanted to give you an update on Elder Alex Boone in the Boston Mission. I am sure that you have all heard about the massive storm (Winter Storm NEMO) that is hitting New England this weekend. It is supposed to be the biggest storm in history. Massachusetts Governor put a ban on all transportation after 4:00pm today. They are supposed to be hit with almost 3 feet of snow and wind gusts are 50 mph with 70 mph gusts. We got a much appreciated email from Sister Packard and she let us know that all missionaries are instructed to stay in their apartment until the storm passes. They are also instructed to be prepared for massive power outages. Very grateful to have an update on how our missionaries are during such an intense storm. Prayers are always welcome.

Here is a copy of the letter from sis Packard: Sent 2/8/13

Winter Storm Nemo has definitely arrived in the Massachusetts Boston Mission.  The winds are picking up now and the snow keeps coming and coming and coming.  I think we're in for quite a blizzard!   All of the missionaries are safe and well-prepared for any power outages. If a companionship loses power, they are instructed to text us immediately so we can follow their situation closely until power is restored.  The only missionaries without power tonight are:

 

Elders Williams & Gallagher in Cape Cod

Elders Starley & Thorn in Pawtucket

Elders Nielson & Burton in Central Falls

Elders Wood & Cooney in Plymouth

Elders Jensen & Johnson in Newport

 

All of these Elders are fine...plenty of food, water, flashlights, etc.  They are happy as can be.

 

We are expecting more power outages throughout the night as the blizzard intensifies.  Hopefully our missionaries will sleep through all of the excitement.  I'll send an update tomorrow after we've checked in with everyone.   

 

Have a great night!

 Love,

 Sister Packard

Here is a copy of her 2nd update Sent 2/9/13

Hi everyone,

 

The storm has moved out of most areas of the mission (only Cape Cod still getting hit).  Most missionaries are spending the afternoon shoveling snow...digging themselves out first and then the neighbors.  It's going to take a lot of digging!!  Most areas have over 2 feet of snow.  Connecticut has over 30 inches everywhere along the coast...38 inches in Bridgeport!  Many missionaries lost power last night but it is being restored quickly. I'll send out another update tonight to let you know who is still without power at bedtime.

 

I have to share one story with you before finishing this email.  I just checked on the missionaries who are shoveling snow up and down our street.  They moved into a new apartment this week and have been working long hours to help with mission transfers, arriving & departing missionaries, etc.  Even though they are exhausted, they have been out shoveling snow...out serving...out touching many hearts. One woman on our street was feeling overwhelmed because her husband is out of town (and obviously can't get back into town). She didn't know how she would be able to dig herself and her 2 kids out of the driveway.  (26 inches of snow is HEAVY.)  She was so grateful to have several Mormon missionaries show up unexpectedly at her house. It put her in tears. The Elders felt rejuvenated and moved on to the next house...and the next and the next.  I know these kinds of experiences are happening all over the mission right now.  Didn't I tell you we have the best missionaries in the church in the Massachusetts Boston Mission?

 

Love,

 Sister Packard