Elder Crocker: Elder Cabeza and Typhoon Glenda

There’s something about storms that just take a lot out of you. This has been one of the most unique weeks of my mission. I, of course, wrote last Monday and said that Elder Grant had left to go home and that I was expecting a new companion, Elder Cabeza, on Wednesday. Well, that was the plan, but Tuesday night Typhoon Glenda hit land and that changed the circumstances. That night, we lost power and water.

Elder Crocker with a workcrew after Typhoon Glenda. The Elder in the pink shirt is Elder Cabeza.

Wednesday, we had to spend the entire day indoors. Around the afternoon, the storm finally left.

The announcement was made that transfers would continue Thursday morning, even though there was still no electricity or water.

Elder Cabeza

Elder Crocker’s new companion, Elder Cabeza.

Thursday morning, I went up to the mission office and picked up Elder Cabeza and headed back to the apartment. Along the way, you could just see how hard the typhoon had hit. We’re in Cavite, but I heard that it hit Bicol even harder.

Up to now, Elder Cabeza and I still have no power or water, but we’re expecting to get electricity back if not today, then in a day or two. We’ve been spending most of our time trying to find places and people to serve. Our apartment was fine, but there are others who had damage. We’re doing just fine here.

Elder Cabeza took a picture of Elder Crocker looking at Typhoon Glenda damage

From what I hear, Elder Grant’s flight was rescheduled for today. That’s pretty crummy, apparently he’s been spending all of his time in a hotel with the other missionaries who are going home. That’s pretty tough… I feel like I’m better off than him. I ask for his forgiveness for even joking that his flight would be delayed before he left…

Until next week,

Elder Crocker

Philippines Cavite Mission

Elder David Neal Crocker

Machete in hand, Elder Crocker helps clear away debris

Elder Crocker rests for a moment from service following Typhoon Glenda.

A lot of are waiting in line for water, that’s what the picture was in the last email with all of the jugs. We were helping an investigator get water too.

There’s a lot of work to be done all around.

There are a lot of trees that are just gone.

The view out Elder Crocker’s and Elder Cabeza’s front window. No power.

That’s what our nights look like lately. Flashlights.

A Few Questions and Answers:

Q:What can you tell us about Elder Cabeza?

A:You’ll like Elder Cabeza, he takes a lot of pictures.