Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Phone Conversation with Sister Sarah

Dear Friends and Family,
   I don't know if this is the place to put this message. I need to write this down before some of the thoughts and feelings are lost.
   We received a call this morning at 5:00 from Sarah in Manila. She is now at the MTC and will probably be there for about 4 days before being assigned to a mission close to Manila. It was a very emotional phone call as she started to cry as soon as she heard her father's voice on the phone. She was very grateful to talk with her dad and mom. We asked questions about where she was and how she was doing. We asked how the area was and what happened and what she saw. I am going to attempt to paraphrase my understanding of what happened.
   Sarah and her Filipina companion and another companionship of sisters, one Filipina and one from Toole, Utah were housed in an apartment in Carigara an hour west of Tacloban. They were told that a typhoon was coming and that they should have water and food. They stayed in their apartment through the storm which struck early Friday morning and lasted about 2 1/2 hours. Sarah said that they prayed a lot and the building shook badly but they were protected miraculously as their bedroom where they were was the only one not flooded. She did say water was coming in through the ceiling and stained their clothes brown but she felt that they were protected. After the storm passed and they went outside they saw that only concrete buildings were left standing, over 85% of the buildings were destroyed. She said that all the members of the church had homes damaged except the bishop who housed lots of people for two days before his home caught fire from a kerosene lamp accident and was totally destroyed. The church building where they were assigned had the roof collapse. She didn't mention any injuries or deaths in her area just complete devastation. She said that they didn't know what to do since there was no equipment to work with, no electricity, no communication, no food available and no water. People who didn't have water were using the water in coconuts to drink. She spent four days checking on families and walking to different areas to help. The ward mission leader in their area came to check on them soon after the storm passed and was very helpful later as they were evacuated. Sarah was very upset about leaving the people of Carigara, especially since they were so destitute with very little before the storm and nothing after it ravaged their community.
   On Monday night she and the other sisters were contacted by the people sent out to "search and rescue" the missionaries. She was told to take 5 minutes and grab a bag of stuff and go. She took a pillowcase and stuffed it with her journal, scriptures, a skirt, and a change of garments. Her camera was in her purse but she left all of her luggage, clothes, phone and camera charger and every else behind. That was when she started to cry, she was in tears because she was leaving people that she loved.
   They were loaded in what she described as a van/jeep type vehicle. Again her ward mission leader was there to help them get evacuated and rode in the van with the missionary sisters. She was told not to look out the windows or be seen as they traveled on the road to Tacloban which was filled with desperate people who would stop any vehicle that might have food in it or appeared to have "wealth". The stake president, who had lost his home and had been awake for the past 4 days caring for his members, was the driver. They had to drive very slowly as the road was filled with people trying to get to Tacloban for food. During this trip and a little while in Tacloban were the times that she feared for her life. She said they passed people stealing rice and then trying to protect it from others. As they entered Tacloban she said there was a terrible smell and the bodies of people were just piled up. She was very upset about the bodies of all the babies and little children that she saw. There were people who just sat there with a vacant expression on their faces. No food, No water and they just sat there.  She said that every building was damaged. She had a hard time seeing the devastation and destruction. They were taken to the mission home compound which had one usable room of the 3 buildings, a church, the mission headquarters and the mission home. All the buildings had been flooded and damaged badly. She was told to stay inside and not let anyone see her because they would be a target for attack or theft. From the mission home they were taken to the airport in a van. The Elders walked around the van as the sisters were inside and told to not be seen. They moved slowly for the 2 miles to the airport. At the airport, they had tickets to get on a plane but not all the missionaries were allowed on so she was sent back to the mission home.
   Sarah heard of some of the missionaries escaping the storm with their lives, being flooded in buildings where they barely had a little pocket of air at the ceiling. She said one brother was making his way to the church building with his brother and sister and both his siblings were killed in the time between buildings in the space of 20 feet from building to building. Sarah was so grateful for their escape from harm but related that one companionship of sisters didn't fare as well. They had to cling to the roof of their building in the storm because of the extreme damage to their apartment. All the missionaries in Tacloban city were flooded out of their homes. She knows that it was a miracle that not one missionary of around 240 was killed. There were a lot of close calls but not one missionary was killed.
   Late that evening they again drove to the airport for a flight to Manila. Even with tickets and money exchanging hands they weren't sure if they would be able to get on the plane. While they were waiting for a flight, an American pilot came over and saw that they were missionaries. He told them to get on the plane quickly and he shepherded them on board a cargo plane. They arrived in Manila where they were fed and allowed to call home that night. It was 10:00 pm which was 5:00 am Tuesday morning Seattle time.
   Sarah left her luggage, clothes, and essential supplies... everything behind. We asked her to tell us what her address would be when she knew it so we could send her some supplies. She needed sleep as she said she hasn't slept in 4 days. She was so grateful to everyone in the MTC. They were very solicitous to her needs for which we as her parents are very grateful. Her main concern was for the people that she left behind. She was told that they would be sent back as soon as possible but it will take months if not longer.
   Sarah's next concern was for her siblings. She wanted to know how her siblings were doing. She hadn't heard from them in awhile and she wanted news from home. She said that some of the Elders were using skype to call home but she didn't want us to see how bad she looked after so many days without "conveniences". She did say there were things that she couldn't talk about right now and we didn't press her for more. She seemed very tired and drained. As her parents, we were drained after hearing what she had experienced but also very grateful to our Heavenly Father for protecting her and keeping her safe. We are so grateful for all the prayers sent heavenward on her behalf. When we told her of all the people who sent messages and comments on Facebook she was overwhelmed. We know that God lives and He loves His children. Not all of His children need to stay in mortality for long and perhaps He takes the most innocent and sweetest souls to His rest early for a reason that we cannot comprehend now but we will eventually see the wisdom in His plan for each of us, individually and collectively.   
Asking for God's continued blessings to All,
Sister Sarah's mom

Pix from Mormon Pinoy Newsroom: The the Manila MTC







46 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness. Thank you for being willing to share. God bless her as she recovers from such a horrible event! And God bless your family. So glad she's safe.

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  2. Thank yo so much for taking the time to share with us. Sarah will always have a special place in my heart. The Lord will bless her with comfort and the ability to work through this devastation she has been a part of and witnessed. She is strong and will bless the lives of those she has been fortunate to know and will get to know.
    I would like to help send things that she needs, please let me know what I can do to help.
    Lisa

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  3. Thank you for posting this. It definitely left me in puddle of tears! I am so grateful she is OK and will have some time to rest and deal with such an ordeal! I love her compassion for the Filipino people! I remember her from the first time she came to the temple and feeling that she was very spiritually prepared for what she learned there. Would love to help in anyway....tangible items or money! Just let us know!! Sister Stringham

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  4. Thank you so much for sharing. That was quite an experience and may take her a long time to get over. Bless her heart. I'm so grateful all the missionaries were saved. I pray for those people. Doug went through one typhoon while there but it paled in comparison to what Sarah and many went through. God does watch over his servants. Sarah is in our prayers. With love, The Guptill family

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  5. I saw this from after a friend (Celisa Smith) made a comment on it on facebook. I hope you don't mind my reading it. Truly remarkable story and I'm so glad to know that your daughter and all the missionaries are safe! Prayers for the Filipino people!

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  6. Thank you all so much for your expressions of love and concern for Sarah. They mean a great deal to me and I will pass them on to her.

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  7. Please let us help as she needs to be re-supplied. Hetzels

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  8. I'm glad that she and the other missionaries are safe. We will keep them all in our prayers.

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  9. Thank you for sharing. I've been so worried, and been praying for her. I am so very grateful to those who helped her out and to a better place.

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  10. Dear Sarah,
    Our Walsall Ward has offered many prayers in behalf of the missionaries, the saints, and all of the people of the Phillippines. I appreciate my sister-in-law (your Aunt Lisa) posting this link to your blog. Tears come to my eyes as I imagine how I would feel if I were required to leave behind the saints in such a state of distress and desolation.
    Sister Hilton (England Birmingham Mission)

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  11. I'm friends with someone that knows one of the sisters clinging to the roof. So glad Sarah is okay. What a traumatizing ordeal!

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  12. Over the next several months please keep us updated regarding ways we can help in addition to donating to the church welfare program. Perhaps we could get all the craft hope participants on board
    http://www.crafthope.com
    -Brianna (Bryant) Lee

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  13. I pray for the missionaries daily but this post has made me realize I need to be more fervent in thanks and in asking for them to be blessed. Thank you for being willing to share.

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  14. Thank you for sharing! I am amazed at the strength of these youth! My heart aches for the devastation they witnessed but I know they witnessed tender mercies from the Lord! My daughter left about the same time as your daughter. She is in Manchester England. I don't know what I would have done waiting as you did....Bless you! Our prayers are in behalf of the missionaries and people there! Amy Clawson

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    1. Amy, my son is serving in the England Manchester Mission as well. His first area was in Colwyn Bay, Wales and he is now in his second are in Rossendale, England. What a small world.

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    2. Thank you for sharing this! I'm glad to hear they are all O.K. You're daughter is so brave! Stay Strong!

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  15. Thank you so much for sharing her amazing story. I was a missionary years ago in the Philippines and haven't been able to stop thinking about the missionaries and all of the Filipinos and what they have had to endure since the Typhoon. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for your daughter to leave behind all those she had learned to love. I know the people there will always have a special place in her heart. I can't imagine how hard it had to be for you to wait and wonder how she was and then to not be able to be there to make everything all right. My son is serving in the England Manchester mission and when I heard the missionaries weren't all accounted for, my heart ached for all of you, knowing how difficult that must have been. I checked the lds website several times every day to see if there was any update, and was so happy when they announced they had finally located everyone. Thank you again for sharing her journey through this. Christy Butterfield

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  16. Everyone at Independent Study is thinking of Sarah! I was so grateful to hear that she's okay and hope for the best during this difficult time. Love you Sarah!

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  17. Thank you for posting this. I am a returned sister missionary from the Philippines Tacloban Mission. In your story I can visualize all the places though are talking about, the faces of the people, the smells, everything. It's all too real. I just cannot believe it. Part of me wishes it were me who was there. It's very frustrating that I feel I cannot do anything. I want to go to those people's houses that I love and hug them, feed them, help them in any way. I can imagine the hardest thing to do for your daughter was to leave that island. Bless her. It brings me to tears thinKing about it. Thanks again for posting.

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  18. Hello! I am from Seattle and an expat living in Manila. Thank you for sharing this story. My heart aches for these sisters as I become more familiar with the desperate circumstances they witnessed are had to be a part of.
    Our ward has been asked to bring "comfort foods" to these missionaries. Is there a favorite treat of Sarah's that I could deliver? Anything else? We may not be able to see the missionaries but I would still love to try to provide something that she feels comfort in.
    Please do not hesitate to email me.
    Hugs,
    Amber Folkman
    amberfolkman at gmail

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  19. I too am an expat living in Manila and actually went to the MTC to drop off some supplies for the missionaries that were evacuated there from Tocloban. The RS presidency was able to meet with the area authority president wife and the wife of the first counselor. They were relating some of the same stories Sarah shared with you. One thing that she mentioned but may not have known all of the details is the evacuation. Yes there was an American pilot there that got him out, but there is more. He works for a branch of the military (can't remember which one they said) and he is LDS. The 1st counselor of the area authority was with the missionaries and this LDS pilot saw the missionaries and asked what they were doing there. After telling him that they keep getting bumped off flights the pilot said. "I don't know why I'm here." Elder Ardern said something to the effect of "The Lord sent you here to help us." 70 missionaries were able to be evacuated within minutes after waiting for hours/days to leave. The Lord's hand is in all things even when we don't understand why. All of the missionaries that have been evacutated to the MTC should be leaving on Monday ... not sure where they will go. Also all of the missionaries have said that their mission president's wife has been an All-Star during this whole time. Caring for 240 or so missionaries during a disaster is no easy task.

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    1. Thank you for sharing this sweet experience. We KNOW that the Lord's hand is involved in all of our lives but how touching and strengthening to hear about these precious tender mercies at a time that is so filled with sorrow and despair.

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  20. Thank you for sharing this amazing story! I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the hope that he gives to each one of us! This story reminds me of the stripling worries. None died, they had injuries but none died. It happened again in the Philippines. Beautiful story!

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  21. Thank you for sharing this. I can tell you she is in good hands with the church leaders here in Manila and in the mission where she'll be temporarily assigned.
    Tom (another expat in Manila)

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  22. Oh my goodness! I'm so grateful that Sarah is okay! Thank you for sharing this story! Sarah and I were in the same ward in Glenwood at BYU for a couple of years-ish. Those of us here at BYU who know Sarah are praying for her and her fellow missionaries as well as all of the people affected by this hurricane. If you need help re-supplying her, or could use anything from her friends in Provo, I know we would all be willing to pitch in and help!

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  23. Thank you for sharing. I served in the Philippines Tacloban Mission from 2004- 2005, I served in Tacloban CIty and I spent 8 months in Carigara. I don't have the words to express how badly feel.

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  24. Thank you for sharing this story. We are blessed here in Africa and send you, Sarah, the missionaries and the people in the Philippines, our love. We will pray for all of you. I know that blessings will come.

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  25. This was a post you read from top to bottom and barely come up for air. The detail with which you wrote and shared was so appreciated and most importantly was your testimony at the end. The trials of Sarah and the people she has served among are heart wrenching. May these trials turn to testimony as the hand of the Lord is wrapped around this country, its people, and the missionaries who served among them. We know that although she has been found that your worry and concern will continue as she processes this experience and the grief and loss of so many is carried.

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  27. thank you for this. I look up to sister ralph and all missionaries. I was her teacher in the mtc and have admired her spirit. the sister ralph I know has a very strong head on her shoulders and the heart of a lion. as a cebu RM my heart cries out for the people and I feel somewhat helpless. I could give them all the money in the world but what would that profit them? they need hope. not saying that I could single handedly overcome that with a city of disaster stricken people. I dont expect to solve any problems actually. I just expect to do my part. and right now thats trusting, praying and believing that all things are in His hands. let us be faithful.

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  28. Thank you for making the time to write this, as difficult it may have been. I've been in the process of organizing a donation fund locally in The Bay Area in California and I've had so much input from others on who to send the goods and money to. I always knew our LDS church would allocate the donations accordingly to the victims rather than an organization that I cannot trust. Please let us know if there are any means of communication with the items the victims need from Sister Sarah!

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    1. If you'd like Michelle, a bunch of us returned missionaries that served in the Tacloban mission have created a donation fund and are trying to increase our coverage. We go through a fundraising site, but the "charity" we chose the funds to go to are the LDS church humanitarian effort. This way, the fundraising site appeals to a much broader audience, but 100% of the funds go towards relief effort as the church delegates. Here is our facebook page we created and the accompanying fundraising page:
      https://www.facebook.com/yolandarelieffund
      http://www.crowdrise.com/thefilipinospiritiswaterproof/fundraiser/toripowell

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  29. We're so thankful that your Sarah is okay. Love and prayers from London for her and all the people over there!! (And thank you so much for this update!)

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  30. Grateful she is okay. Our hearts have been drawn out in prayer for the saints and people of Region 8. I have worked in Carigara as a missionary and was thankful for news about the area.

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  31. My wife and I were able to meet your wonderful daughter.

    My wife relates:

    "I had the privilege to meet and talk to Sister Ralph this morning at the Patron House where she is staying along with all the Tacloban Missionaries. I was requested by my friend Sheila Herrick who is now based in Seattle, USA who incidentally is a friend of Sister Ralph's Mom, to give her some treats and cheer her up even a bit after her traumatic experience in Tacloban. She is tall and gorgeous but if you look closely to her eyes, there was sadness and despair... I hugged her tight and she cried. Her heart goes to the victims of the typhoon that she left behind.

    I'm glad I was able to put on a little smile on her face with that simple treat. Thanks Mae for this opportunity you gave me:-)

    I soooo want to give all the Tacloban missionaries a treat. I noticed the other missionaries kept on looking at the package I was holding and trying to see if it was for them..."

    Please visit the link for the photos:
    https://www.facebook.com/charleslatorre.facenookphotobooth/media_set?set=a.674674575889527.1073741875.100000409720230&type=3

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    1. Thank you for sharing your daughter's story.It is overwhelming! I can't even emagine how she feels during those ordeals. I was from Philippines, grow up in the provence where Yolanda hit. Luckily all my love ones are safe. I have chilren that serve mission, 1 in Japan, 1 in Mexico. Every time I heared that they were sick, I went panecking.You must have been devastated knowing that your child is in the danger zone, But hearing from your child after 4 days of being in danger must have been overwhelming joy.. I cried reading your letter. Yes!! tears of joy, because your child and all other missionaries are safe.. I have compassion for missionaries, and yes! I have 2 of them that serve in different side of the world.

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  32. If it was possible, President and I (Philippine Cavite Mission) would have taken all 230 Tacloban missionaries! We will be receiving 15 tomorrow afternoon and we consider ourselves extremely blessed to have these and the 142 elders and sisters we already have. In diligence, in faith, in compassion, in testimony, in humility and strength; the full time missionaries of today surpass us all. Although Sister Ralph is not on the list of missionaries coming to our mission tomorrow, we will be getting others with similar experiences and great character. What an privilege and honor for us!

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  33. A friend of mine sent me the link to your daughter's blog and it has just brought tears to my eyes thinking of all of the brave, selfless missionaries who have gone through so much, as well as the wonderful people who they are serving. My own son is serving in Brazil right now, and I can't imagine what you as parents have gone through. I have prayed daily for the safety of your missionaries in the Phillipines. I am so glad that your daughter is safe and I continue to pray that the missionaries and the people there will be able to stay strong in their faith that their Heavenly Father is watching over them. Thank you for sharing.

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  34. Thank you. My daughter is there in Bacolod. We were so blessed as the eye was headed toward her and the president sent a text to them that it was coming. The local news there said it was a miracle as the eye turned and went around her mission. They received the rain and wind but so much was spared. I want you to know that as I prayed for my daughter through that difficult time, I was also praying for your daughter and all of the missionaries. I prayed for the people. These are things that try our faith but makes us stronger. Our daughters testimonies will be built on solid rock when they are done. They are being prepared to be wonderful wives and mothers with compassion that we can only imagine. My son found your blog. Thank you for letting me be a part of it. I think I will hold my breath until she is home, but she is strong and so is Sarah. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the hearts will be turned to him.

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    1. Grammy Ludwig, my brother is serving in the Bacolod mission!

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  35. This is so heartwrenching. So much loss. If it helps, I own an online clothing business that sells a lot to missionaries and I'm willing to sell you anything you need to replace her wardrobe at my wholesale cost (so I won't profit from it). www.modestpop.com and contact me at modestpop@gmail.com

    My brother served in the Philippines and as a family we've traveled a bit through Northern regions. My heart goes out to all those involved.

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  36. I am trying to write this as tears stream down my face. I have a granddaughter who is serving in Wisconsin where we hope she is safe but I was also checking the lds sites for information on our Missionaries. I was so relieved when they said that all of them had been found & would be evacuated. It is a miracle that none of them were killed but I know that our Heavenly Father was watching over them! Please know that millions of prayers are going out for your daughter & all the other Missionaries as well as all the people there. Thank you so very much for sharing Sarah's story with us!

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  37. Thank you for sharing this. My daughter is also in the Philippines on a mission, but further north in Urdaneta so we knew she would be safe. I, along with some missionary mom friends, still stayed up late all those nights anxiously waiting for word of the missing missionaries. I couldn't rest until I knew all our children were safe. I have been searching everywhere for details of what they went through, so I thank you for posting this. So glad she is safe!

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  38. I am greatful that all the missionaries and many of the members survived the storm. I served in the Philippines Tacloban Mission From 2005 to 2007. I served in almost all of the hardest hit areas, including Carigara. During my time there we had much smaller storm that knocked out power in several areas and did some damage. At the time I thought it was bad. Now looking at the pictures for the complete destruction of areas that I walked and taught and loved an amazing people just makes me sick with sadness. Filipinos are an amazing people. the like others do get desperate at times but in all they are a very resilient people. I know that the areas that I served and knew will never be the same but I hope for the people tat remain the will be better. Sorry for getting away from point a little. I have been needing to get that out for a few days.

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  39. Sister Ralph - My parents were also serving in Tacloban City with you - President & Sister Maxfield. I even saw their picture on your blog. Thank you's to your mother for writing this down for us to read. We have finally verbally spoken to our parents from the MTC in Manila and are SO grateful for everyone's safety. I also read an article today - with a picture of YOU and another sister companion - the picture is beautiful and tender and evokes several emotions. I love it!! Here is the link: http://m.deseretnews.com/article/865590735/Surviving-the-typhoon-A-story-of-fear-faith-and-what-it-means-to-be-prepared.html?pg=all An amazing story of survival, unity and faith!! Thinking of you all as you continue on your mission.

    Love to you all!!
    Tisha (Maxfield) Testa

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  40. Hi Sister Kathleen Ralph and Sarah Ralph

    Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story. Many tears have been shed on your behalf. I too have a daughter on a mission. Although as rewarding as it is, it is still hard to hear witness such stories. Reading both accounts are just simply amazing. Sister Ralph, the pictures from the news was such a great idea for a blog post. Although fresh now, in years to come details will be forgotten and it's nice to have the history. May the Lord watch over and bless you and your family at this time. I posted this blog on my Facebook page today and come to find out one of the girls I babysat many years ago is now married and in your ward. Carey Peace is her name. The church is a small world, thats for sure! Love and HUGS from Fredericksburg, VA!

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