Elder Whipple...Hurricane Ike....and F.E.M.A.

Elder Whipple who came home from the Texas Houston South Mission reported his mission today.

Because I happen to be vested in this particular mission, his report was of great interest to me.

Elder Whipple told some of some great experiences while on his mission. He really grew in Spirit and dedication. He is an outstanding young man.

I asked him if he got to see Elder Bellomy -- he did. The departing missionaries were sitting and waiting in the airport terminal while the new missionaries got off the plane. (The flight returns to Salt Lake City.) Elder Whipple says he was sitting watching the sixteen new missionaries as they walked down the concourse. He said that Elder Bellomy was in front, leading the way. He said that Elder Bellomy looked great and seemed happy and enthusiastic.

Elder Whipple described the amazing impact of Hurricane Ike. It was a Category 3 hurricane that tore right through their mission area. Elder Whipple told how the eye of the hurricane passed right over his location. After the hurricane, they more or less suspended missionary work and spent weeks helping with the clean up. The LDS Church is always very active in after-disaster service. In fact, the local joke is that if you needed assistance after the hurricane, you should get F.E.M.A. -- Find Every Mormon Available!

Given that Elder Whipple was the Assistant to the President, I asked him if he knew where Elder Bellomy's first area is. If I heard him correctly, he is in an area known as Maplewood. I will confirm that tomorrow when Elder Bellomy emails us.

It was great to shake the hand of Elder Whipple who so recently shook the hand of Elder Bellomy!