Chilean Family Update

We have heard from Chile again and everyone is now together and safe. We were worried there for a bit because of the massive looting and violence that was happening, but the military responded quickly and neighbors banded together to protect one another and their homes. They caught the looters and were holding them in a park among cheers and clapping from the people all over! Peace has been restored and a curfew put in place so the military can go from home to home and address the needs of the people individually without being overrun with desperate people and give packages to help each home.

Our family, thank goodness, has plenty of food and water and Kelvin's grandma's house is still standing. There are a few things broken, but nothing that can't be replaced. Once again the phone conversation was not long, but parts of Concepcion already have power back so hopefully in a few days the phones will come back on in their area and we will be able to get lots more details. We are so thankful for all the prayers that have been offered in their behalf.

With this disaster that has happened, I keep thinking about food storage and how it is a commandment that is never fully appreciated until it is needed. My parents are experts at food storage and are very well prepared to handle a disaster if it should come to them. I learned to be prepared from them and have always tried to have as much stored away as possible with my little space. People used to laugh at me for having food storage and a supply of water but at least I know that if something happens, we will be able to address our physical needs. Bringing a new baby into the world also makes me more inclined to be more diligent with this commandment. Taking care of my family is my number one priority and the saying "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear" keeps coming back to my mind as a comfort. There is nothing we can't go though if we are prepared. Just like the 10 virgins parable of being prepared spiritually, we also need to be prepared physically and that includes food storage. It brought about less suffering to our family in Chile and we know that the Lord has provided them with more spiritual comfort and blessings for following this commandment as well.