We didn't get much flooding where we are and everything that did happen was long taken care of. We did have some awesome opportunities to help other areas that were devastated by the hurricane though and it was awesome to be able to help. We went back to Paterson, which was completely submerged during the Hurricane. There's still some major flooding there after two weeks of the storm and other places have millions of dollars in water damage.
The whole mission as well as hundreds of other volunteers went there as well as other surrounding areas to help out and it was just an incredible effort. We were dressed in the yellow "Mormon Helping Hands" t-shirts and everyone recognized us for who we were and who we represented. All throughout the streets we could be seen, helping people to remove decaying walls and debri, pumping out water-logged basements, and providing needed food and other cleaning kits and supplies. Everyone was so thankful and relieved from the help that we were able to give them. All who participated in the service were richly blessed with the Spirit for doing so.
Why is it that I always miss all of the amazing stake conferences where awesome general authorities speak?!
It's exciting to see awesome missionaries preparing and heading out to the field. Chris Hensley and Cameron Bruce will both do amazing things in their individual fields. I hope that Chris doesn't go so soon so that I can see his departing words. How the Lord needs more and more missionaries to serve so that greater numbers of His children can experience the joys of the Gospel. I've said it before, and it's as true now as it was then, any young, able man should serve a mission and if he chooses not to he will be giving up the greatest opportunity of his young adult life. Sisters make such an invaluable contribution to the work of the Lord. Everyone who can should serve! With the exception of building a righteous family in the Gospel, there is no more satisfying work than that of bring souls unto Christ. The Lord and those who are touched will thank you forever!
I had the opportunity to bless the sacrament this Sunday with one of the people who's baptism I performed. It felt wonderful, even special, to be helping him to exercise his priesthood authority and to help others to repent and grow closer to their Heavenly Father. You never feel so big as when you're helping someone feel bigger.
We're excited for more hours of service this week and knowing that what we are doing is in line with what our Savior would have us do and showed us that we need to do. It's a marvelous work and a wonder. I hope we all recognize that part that we have in it and strive our very best to magnify our role as missionaries in the Lord's vineyard.
-Elder Guinto
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