7.2 Earthquake hits central Philippines

Imagine our consternation when we heard on the news that a 7.2 earthquake hit the Philippines.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck in the central Philippines on Tuesday morning, collapsing roofs and buildings, cracking walls and roads and killing at least 20 people.

The epicenter was on Bohol Island. Four people died when part of a fish port collapsed in nearby Cebu city, across the strait from Bohol. Two more people died and 19 were injured when the roof of a market in Mandaue in Cebu province collapsed. People rushed out of buildings and homes, including hospitals as aftershocks continued.

Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which lies along the Pacific "Ring of Fire."

So, Will called the mission office in Cebu City, and spoke to Sister Rose Ernstrom. 

Actually, when he first made the connection he said: 

     "Sister Ernstrom, this is Elder Stevens from the Missionary Department in Salt Lake. I need to have 

      a complete report on all the missionaries following the recent earthquake."

I hear a pause - and a pause - and the response comes: 

     "As far as I know they are all accounted for, and all are okay." 

I then respond, "If everyone is okay, - then this is actually Elder Sommerfeldt calling. I just wanted to 

     make sure it was safe to come to Cebu."

Sister Ernstrom then replies: "You are in so much trouble. Get over here quickly - we need you. And - 

     I'm going to get even." 

I then reply: Oh, Sister Ernstrom, you'll have to get up wa-a-a-y early to get even with me."

We both have a good laugh. We will be working with the Ernstrom's in the office. 

Will also asked if the temple sustained any damage. "No," was her reply, "Except that the Angel Moroni is now facing another direction. He twisted around in the storm." 

"So we now have a new saying in the mission:

     The church is true, 

     The sky is blue, 

     And the angel Moroni is still on the ball."

We can't wait to get into the mission field and meet the Ernstroms. They are going to be delightful to work with, and we are looking forward to that association. Still not too certain about the rice and fish diet - but we will make that work too.