ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Members of an Ormond Beach family withstood the brunt of Hurricane Matthew as they performed missionary work in Haiti.
Elizabeth Linkinhoker and her husband Dave are working in La Digue Mathieux, which is about 25 miles northwest of Port-au-Prince, one of the hardest-hit areas of Haiti.
Linkinhoker compared the storm to a typical Florida afternoon rainstorm. She said Matthew just didn't stop after 30 minutes.
"It starts coming down from the mountains behind us, and the water will begin rising," she told News 6. "We're a bit concerned about that for the people who live along the canals and rivers."
Many people already have been swept away by rising waters in Haiti.
Hospitals are said to be flooded with people looking for medical treatment.
Members of another missionary group in Haiti that traveled from Palm Bay said they're trapped in the country until at least Thursday.
Richard Krall, who is traveling with Good Shepherd Ministries, told News 6 his airline has canceled his group's flight home, even though where he's stationed, it's relatively calm.
Linkinhoker said she has one message for her friends and family: "We're safe, we're sound, we're good. We love everyone so much. We're grateful for your prayers and your unwavering support and love."