Because it's true.

May 30, 2017

During our recent Mission President’s Seminar, President George of the Tuxtla-Gutierrez mission shared this experience.

Chiapas is the state in the southwestern part of Mexico.  When Cortez conquered Mexico, he only had a little interest in Chiapas.  It did not have the precious metals of the other areas in Mexico.  The indigenous tribes were able to escape Cortez’s army by fleeing to outer mountainous areas.  Many of these tribes still exist today in outlying areas of Chiapas.  They have their own languages with little of the Spanish influence.

In one of these tribes, there is a mother and a son who belong to the Church.  The son knows both his native language and Spanish.  Each week, in order to attend church, this mother and son walk five hours to the nearest chapel.  The services are in Spanish.  After the services, they walk the five hours back to their home.

Recently the son asked his mother, “Why do you go to church?  We walk so far, and you can’t even understand what they are saying.”  The mother answered, “Because it is the truth.”

He watches over us!

March 14, 2017

I am still amazed each time I see a loving Father in Heaven intervene to help one of his children.  It awes me when I see these simple yet powerful acts.

We had two Elders flying home today because of health problems.  We were taking both Elder Nava and Cortes to the airport early this morning to catch planes.  Elder Cortes' plane didn’t leave until mid-morning, but we had interviews starting at nine in a chapel over an hour away, so the two were going together.

Last night we had second thoughts – if we had Elder Cortes stay at the office instead of our home, we could take Elder Nava at 4:30 AM, turn around, drive to the office, and pick up Elder Cortes.  This would give this Elder two more hours of sleep with just a little inconvenience for us.  We changed plans.

We left home at 4:30 and were able to finish with Elder Nava by a little after six.  We drove to the office and proceeded with our Plan B – pick up Elder Cortes and head back to the airport.

We didn’t realize we would be part of heavenly intervention until we arrived the second time to the airport.  As we walked towards check-in, we saw an Elder standing by the chairs, shifting through papers.  We stopped to say “hello” to Elder Smith.  Elder Smith was flying home to Washington from the Puebla mission.  He and other Elders had left very early in the morning for the three-hour bus ride to the airport.  Since Elder Smith was the only one of the group that had flown more than one time, he took the time to check each of them in and get them to the security gate.  He then checked himself in.  He inquired about the immigration form that he knew he needed because he was a resident with a green card.  The check-in said they were out and to go to an office down the hallway.  That office said they he needed to go to another place.  He finally found the form, filed it out and headed to the plane.  However, one step was missed.  Instead of going to the immigration table after security, he went to the information table who said he was fine and to go to the plane.  Once the error was found while trying to load the plane, Elder Smith had to run back, get it stamped, and ran full speed for the airplane – which had just left.

When we noticed him he did not have a phone, a phone number, or even one peso to his name.  He had spent all his money checking his second bag.  He had asked to borrow a phone from several people but was declined.  He was there alone, upset, and wondering what to do.  However, Heavenly Father had already solved that problem with the change to our plans the night before.  Divine intervention.

We arranged a new flight, called parents, gave him some money for food, and hugged him good-by.  He will arrive five hours later than originally planned with no luggage, but I don’t think his parents joy will be any less.

A sweet experience from Keith

January 22, 2017

As we finished Stake Conference today, a man walked quickly up to me.  He greeted me as I stepped down from the stand.  He was a gentleman in his 70’s, I believe, in a crisply ironed white shirt, tie, nice slacks, and shiny shoes. He gave me a hug (all men give “Mexican hugs”), and asked me if I remembered him.  I hate it when they say that ‘cause I am lousy at remembering names and faces!!! 

With his smiley face and moist eyes, he said he was sorry for the interview that I had to have with him over two years ago. He reminded me that he was one who I had to write a letter of permission to be baptized to President Monson! Then I remembered him!! His was the story of about 50 years ago.  He lived in a rural hilly area somewhere in Mexico, and 3 men had invaded his house and kidnapped his little sister.  He said he searched for days and days, tracking them and looking through valleys, mountains, and countryside.  Then one day, he found their “camp”, and horrifyingly discovered that they had just taken the life of his little sister.  A fight ensued. Two men fled the scene, but the other one commenced “mortal combat” with this gentleman.  They fought until this kidnapper lost his life to the brother of the kidnapped girl.  Police arrived, surveyed the scene and heard the story.  They told this man to return home and took no action.

Long story short, I sent the letter to Salt Lake City.  My start of the letter to President Monson was, "Well, this will sound like a real live wild west story...." ;  the First Presidency granted baptismal permission, and here he was today, almost 2 years later, at Stake Conference, a priesthood bearer, all in his finest Sunday faithful clothing!!  Yes…this is a great experience!!!!  My heart was warmed!!!

 

   

   

      

     

A sacred and difficult experience

January 22, 2017

I participated in both a sacred, and difficult experience today.  Sometimes in the midst of great sorrow and remorse, one still sees the comforting hand of the Lord.

Elder Ochoa is from El Salvador.  His country battles an increasing murder rate.  Elder Ochoa has served faithfully for twenty-two and one half months.  He is scheduled to return to his country the end of February.

Keith received a text this morning from Elder Ochoa’s Stake President.  His step father, but the only father he has ever known, was murdered last night when someone decided to take their anger out on the taxi his father was driving.  Three taxis drivers lost their life to random shootings.  It was simply murder.

We called Elder Ochoa’s zone leaders and had them arrange to meet us at the chapel at 1 PM.  Elder Ochoa and his companion were to come to the meeting also.  Elder Ochoa came prepared.  He sensed that something was wrong but he just didn’t know who it was.  He had a dream several weeks previous to this that his father passed away, and his hope was that dream was just a nightmare.

As Keith shared the news, the Elder cried on his shoulder.  We all three hugged and expressed love.  And then he called his bereaved mother.

As we listened to the phone call and watched the Elder through our own tears, he expressed his love for the family.  Soon, although he was still crying, he gained composure and started to counsel his mother.  He talked of Heavenly Father’s eternal plan for families.  He talked of the fine man that had blessed them all.  And he bore complete faith that the family would be able to handle and grow through this new trial.

Where did that kind of strength come from?  How did he suddenly become all grown up, and ready to handle what was hitting him?  Keith and I sat there with sorrow, and a rich feeling of love for this wonderful Elder.  As the zone leaders, Keith and Elder Ochoa’s companion gathered around him to give him a blessing, there was little doubt of the love that all felt, including our Heavenly Father.

Will the Elder fly home early or will he choose to stay and finish?  He would go home with honor either way and we would support either decision.  He is taking that decision to the Lord and will tell us of his wishes once he receives Heavenly Father’s answer.

An email changes everything

January 15, 2017

The morning of December 22^nd started early – they all do.  I had just awakened and headed towards the bathroom when Keith ran up to me and said: “It’s here”.  It was the email from Salt Lake City.

We had been down this path ourselves just three years ago, only we were at the other end.  We knew that the current President of the Southeast Mission, President Morales, would be told of his replacement before Christmas.  We wondered each day if that email had arrived and how it would be received.

I read the names of Lindsay and Lesa Mann of Visalia, California.  At first I let out a big holler, and then I cried.  I ran down the hall and awoke my daughter and son in law who were visiting.  Through a bedroom door I whispered the news.  She asked if I was crying and through tears I answered that I was.

Within minutes I had already stalked Lesa Mann on Facebook.  Putting faces to the two people who would be coming helped me find peace.  It helped me to see the ones who would start loving our missionaries as we have.

What a strange mixture of emotions!  We are tired, but still going at a complete pace.  We look forward to returning to California, but whatever will be do with ourselves?  We have changed, and we can’t even tell you how.  Our children have surprised us as they speak longingly of not coming to their “Mexico” home again.  Four out of the five have booked weekend trips this spring just so they can experience Mexico again.  The blessings that have come to our family because of this service are immeasurable.

As I packed away Christmas this year, I did it far more carefully than before.  These loved items will make their way across two countries to greet us again in California next Christmas.

"Extraction" from Acolman

The government of Mexico owns the gas stations and oil.  They announced a 20% increase in the cost of gas.  This made all the truckers mad and they decided to stage a protest.  Wish someone had told us.

We had two groups of missionaries go to the Pyramids on January 2.   Each group left the pyramids to return home by mid-afternoon.  The first bus with one group of six, ran into a road block and decided to off road it – and made it past the protest.  The second bus, with 4 sisters and 2 elders, stopped and told everyone on the bus that the bus would probably sit there for 24 hours.  Most of the people got off and walked to a small town named Acolman to arrange other transportation.  Our six followed.  When they got to the town, all the buses were packed and they called us.  We sent them to a local OXXO (7-11), located them on google maps and headed out about 5PM to see if we could rescue them.

 We were good for the first hour and then we hit a protest road block.  We sat for 30 minutes and finally drove over some dirt to get to another road.  That road worked for a while until we hit another protest road block.  This time we didn’t sit so long before we maneuvered off to another road.  By now it’s dark – and there are hundreds of stopped cars.  Keith hid his wallet, and all my money and credit cards were hid in the normal woman hiding place.  We saw a man waving a flag and he led us down a dirt road to another possible way.  We drove for about 15 minutes more and were stopped again.  We were now in the town of Acolman, but still several miles away from our missionaries.  Many people were walking, but security guards at a local store told us of the danger of crossing the bridges.  Not only were there protesters, but some bridges also had bandits.

The truckers were blocking roads into Mexico City.  It wasn’t just one or two trucks – the blocks would be 30 trucks, 3 wide and 10 deep.  The drivers just walked away from their trucks.   They are doing it for 3 days we were told.  We took a two lane, one way street, and drove the wrong way.  We started to think of Plan B.  We called the Mecham’s (our neighbors and President of the South Mission) and got the name of the Pachuga mission president and called him.  President Kimball had been at the pyramids that day and had trouble getting home with his family.  He told us he had seen our missionaries walking.  He is new to the area and didn’t know the town of Acolman, but he started to set up Plan B if we couldn’t get to our missionaries.

 At 10 PM we dashed into a store for a bathroom.  We were once again at a roadblock.  It was now time for Plan B. President Kimball took over and got a local bishop to go to the OXXO and pick up our missionaries.  We were less than 2 miles away from them and couldn’t get through.  We sat in Acolman till we knew they were at a home.  They ended up sleeping on member’s floor – cold, hungry, tired, but safe – and safe was good enough for us that night.  We drove back home getting here about midnight.  Sleep was not the first thing on our minds that night.

Keith and Chris Nebeker headed back the next morning.  The plan was to walk over the safest bridge and get our missionaries.  I called them the “Von Trapp’s” and wished them well.  We thought another man might look more official than an old woman (me).  Surprisingly, the bridge was cleared the next morning and they had the missionaries within a few minutes of arriving in Acolman.  Keith and Chris said the girls just ran to them and cried as they hugged “their rescuers.”  Of course, the boys who had kept them safe, were not nearly so emotional!

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Once in the car, they all slept for the hour+ ride.  We thanked our Heavenly Father for their protection.

Yes - reminded once again that they are 19 year old boys....

January 2, 2017

We have an Elder - Elder H. -  that joined us last week.  While at the MTC (Missionary Training Center), he had a reaction to nuts.  We happen to have 4 epi-pens in the offices that were left over from another missionary who had returned home.  They are out of date – but they are not available in Mexico so we have held on to them.  When our new Elder H. was in the office, I was training him on the use of the pen in case he ate nuts and had a reaction.  I told him to keep one with him, and if he had a reaction, he needed to give himself a shot – ASAP.  I even told him he could give a shot through his pants if he was in an emergency situation.  I was holding one of the containers with an epi-pen and told him how to open it and get it ready for a shot.  Elder A. was watching me.  On the following Monday (P-Day) Elder A. came in to pick up the mail.  He saw an unopened epi-pen.  I don’t know what he was thinking but he opened it thinking it was just for teaching/demonstration tool.  He aimed at his thigh and rammed it in still thinking this was the “play” model.  Well it wasn’t and he knew pretty quickly he was a fool.  Blood soaked into his pants, he got a little faint, and the Nebekers laid him down for an hour.  So much for that $400 epi-pen - it did provide a pretty good laugh.

Home is where your parents live

October 31, 2016

Three years in Mexico…that calling changed our life so very much.  Three years is such a long, and a short time.

My children and grandchildren have loved coming here on vacation.  Mexico has so much to offer – antiquity, history, and brand new experiences.  They all have seen, and eaten, things they never would have dreamed of.  Some have held baby lions, pet camels, and eaten deep fried crickets.  They have walked through churches that have stood for hundreds of years and climbed pyramids that are thousands of years old.  All of them have said it was their best vacation ever.

Their “last vacation” here has already happened for most of them.  It is so interesting to see their reactions as they leave.  Our home here has become their family home and they feel sad leaving it.  They talk of never being here again and what they will miss.  They will miss all of “this stuff” here.  Some of them are trying to find ways to come back “one more time.”  Slowly Mexico City has replaced Oroville.

Home truly is where your loved ones are.

Two transfer missionary

November 4, 2016

Not all young LDS men can serve missions.  Sometimes one has the desire, but not the physical ability to complete 24 months of service.

The church has a program called the Two Transfer Mission.  This mission is for 12 weeks (6 weeks equals one transfer).  This is program allows a young man with limited abilities to “try out missionary work” and see how his body responds.  These missionaries do not go to the MTC first and have not attended the Temple.  If they are able to handle the rigorous lifestyle, they can appeal to Church Headquarters to fulfill a two-year mission.  The church asks that they work each six week period with a different companion to vary the experience.  When the 12 mission is completed, the young man goes home with an honorable release.

Jose is our two-transfer missionary.  He is 5 foot, 1 inches tall.  He weighs 123 pounds.  He was born with a bone disease that has required 5 surgeries in the last 13 years.  Too much walking causes intense pain at night.  His pain medicine causes ulcers in his stomach. 

It became apparent in Jose’s first transfer that he would not be able to serve a full 24-month mission.  Each night at home he would cry.  After pain medication, he would cry again because of the pain in his stomach.  We approached him about going home at 6 weeks.  He talked with his parents and both agreed and asked to stay for 6 weeks more.

Jose is with his second companion.  His companion Cesar is also from Mexico.  Cesar is 6 inches taller, and 80 pounds heavier than Jose.  Last night we heard how it was going with these two.  It’s going very well.  When Jose starts to hurt too much, Cesar picks him up and piggy backs him around their area.

I cried.

Elder Lorenzo L.

August 28, 2016

This week we say good bye to one of the best missionaries we have known, Elder Lorenzo L.   He joined our mission within weeks of our arrival.  We have loved him since we first met him.  He is held in the highest esteem by every missionary in this mission.  He is a natural at teaching and his love of people can be easily felt.

Elder Lorenzo L. is from Chile.  He came on his mission just shy of his 24^th birthday.   He is a certified mid-wife.  He had received a scholarship for this training and the scholarship could not be deferred.   He chose to finish his schooling and then serve a mission.  Because of his outstanding performance in school, he was offered a scholarship for a postgraduate degree studying in Europe following graduation.  However, his goal was to fulfill a mission for the church and so he turned this opportunity down.

While attending medical school, he fell in love with another medical student.  She is still the love of his life, but together they decided that he should serve the Lord for two years before they married. She stayed behind practicing her profession.  The wedding is planned for November.

Elder Lorenzo L.’s parents will arrive next Friday morning.  We will be there with Elder L. to greet them.  There will be many tears of joy which will help mask some of the tears that Keith and I will be crying.  Our tears will include a few of sorrow as we bid farewell to an extremely fine man.

  

What a privilege we have had in Mexico.

Elder Daniel A.

August 28, 2016

Elder Daniel A. came to us from Tijuana.  We laughed when we first saw his picture on the application.  How did this Nordic name come to be attached to someone who was obviously a Mexican?  After he arrived, we found he had been raised by an American stepfather and hence the name.  He was also fluent in both English and Spanish.

Elder Anderson is a temporary missionary.  His mission call is to Logan Utah.  However, his Visa into the United States was delayed and so he joined our mission while waiting for his Visa.  He is a fine young man and easily fit into Mexico City.

Elder Anderson did not know his biological father.  Another man had filled that position for him.  However, just two weeks ago he received an email from a cousin.  He had not heard from this cousin for 8 years, but in this email she told him how she had recently run into his biological father, right here in Mexico City.  She shared an address and an email of his father.  Elder Anderson became excited and nervously sent an email telling his biological father that he was currently in Mexico City and that he was serving a mission for the church.  Within a week his Father found him in a local church.  Elder Anderson said there was little doubt it was his father – they resembled each other in every way except for age.  His biological father brought along 2 half siblings, and shared information about 2 other half sisters living in Spain.  It was a special and healing reunion for Elder Anderson.

Our Heavenly Father knows us all so personally.  He knows of our needs and our desires.  I have total faith that Heavenly Father made it possible for these two to meet.  And now, after being in our mission for 16 weeks and the arrival of both a Visa and a Father, Elder Anderson flies to Utah on Monday.

The final chapter

August 22, 2016

I think I can write the final chapter of my “leg” experience.  It has taken me awhile to get to this point.  Each time I took 2 steps forward, I often found that I had to step at least one step back.  However, after this past weekend, I think I have moved into the safety zone.

I had necessary plastic surgery just 4 weeks ago on the hole in my leg.  When I was so sick last May, the doctors had to remove the infection in my leg in order to heal me.  The hole that remained was at least the size of an American quarter.  It healed for several months before it looked like another surgery would be necessary.  It had healed enough that I was praying that the surgeon would look at it and cancel the surgery – let it continue to heal on its own.  That was wishful hoping.

During the first plastic surgery they found that the destruction of the cells went clear to the bone and so that surgery increased the “hole” by 2 ½ times.  Later that week they placed the skin graft taken from the other side of my leg.

I came home in a wheel chair which is difficult in a 3 story house with varying levels on each floor.  I crawled up our spiraling staircases too many times and the dozen cement stairs that lead into the house were even more challenging.  My daughter Laura came to give me help.  From wheelchair I moved to a cane.  And now the cane is resting against the wall.

However, even just 10 days ago, the healing was not going well.  Last Saturday I finally turned a corner and that corner brought new hope.  This will heal after all.

Emotionally at times I hung onto the knot at the end of my rope.  I pleaded with my Heavenly Father and I cried too many times into my pillow.  I now know that I have been blessed and soon this will just be a difficult memory.  The prayers of many others have helped immensely.  Very soon the exercise bicycle will not sit quietly in the corner!

Returning to a mission - Elder Reyes de Leon

Elder Reyes will complete his 2 year mission in just 2 weeks.  His story was recently featured in the Central America Liahona.  It is a courageous story of determination and perseverance. Hopefully I have done a good job in translating!

Returning to my mission 

On August 15, 2015, I was called to serve a full time mission to Mexico City, Southeast Mission.  I will never forget the moment in which I opened my call; the moment was special and totally different from most of the experience of others.

I was born on the 20^th of January, 1994, to a wonderful and great people, my parents.  I come from a family in which every day, while on the Earth, we strive to succeed.  When I was nine years old, I was diagnosed with a disease that would change my life and my family.

After taking many tests and studies to identify the disease, I was told that I needed to have an operation for a tumor that had formed in my head.  When the day of the operation came we relied on Heavenly Father that all would be well.  We had also hoped that the words from the doctors following the surgery would be that there was nothing more and that my recovery would be immediate.

After passing this trial my family and I continued to strive and progress within the Gospel. Years passed and all was going well until I turned 14 years of age. At this age my family and I did not imagine what was to happen to me. Five years after the first surgery a tumor was again growing in my head. No new studies were required.  The doctors already knew what was wrong and another operation was required; only that this time it would be totally different. On this occasion, Dr. Castellanos (doctor who saw my case all my life), knew that my illness had worsened.

I remember that he talked with my parents and with me about what was happening, and he mentioned that treatments of chemotherapy were needed.  I would have to fight this disease for the rest of my life.  Histiocytosis cancer occurs in several ways.  It manifested in my bones, creating tumors.

I did not want chemotherapy at 14 years of age and following my second operation.  However, I started my treatment that lasted for four years.  During those years of chemotherapy, many tests and trials were experienced by my family.

I can only imagine the tests that were endured by my family, but they never passed on the difficult times to me.  Every week I went to the hospital to receive my chemotherapy.  My family always was with me at every moment.  I did feel something special in those moments of difficulties and that something was hope.  I knew hope meant believing that all will be well and that God would comply with His promises.  Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness, hope sustains us from despair.  This encouraged me to continue through all the tests.

When I turned 18, after having 4 years of chemotherapy, I returned often to the doctor to see how my body had accepted the treatment.

It came the time which had to make the decision to serve a mission or not. I remember that one of the doctors was not in total agreement that I serve a mission. My body was well, thanks to the treatment that I had, the disease had stopped and there was nothing more. It was incredible knowing that all was well, and that I could do the things I’d like to. On one occasion when I was talking to Bishop of the ward where I attended, he mentioned serving a mission. I remember that the Bishop asked me if I wanted to serve a mission, and I said yes, I was willing to serve.

I started filling out my paperwork and be ready to serve a mission. My papers were sent to Salt Lake City. We waited for the letter to return with my assignment. With the letter in my hands, it was time to know where I was going to serve.  I opened it at the time we selected and it was special. My grandmother was sick with cancer and about to leave this earth. I remember that we gathered around her as she was in bed being unable to speak. She wanted to know where I was going; so I opened my call and read it. I felt something special in my heart as I read that I would in Mexico, and felt a great love for the country.

I passed the time preparing to serve as a missionary, reading my Scriptures, praying to the Heavenly Father, and attended the missionary preparation classes that helped to increase my faith in Jesus Christ daily.

Finally the day came to go on my mission and I was excited, happy and nervous about doing something that my family and I had been waiting for a long time, serving a full time mission.  I started my mission on August 15, 2012 and it was so special and unique that I will never forget how my testimony began to grow as I served the Lord with all my heart, mind and strength.

I loved seeing how the Gospel of Jesus Christ changed the life of the people. I knew that time was something special and I had to forget myself and give myself entirely to the Lord's work. Having served nine months in the mission, without knowing what would happen, once again there appeared a small ball of dough in my arm elbow. The doctors said that it was a tumor and had to return home to recover. I returned to a sad home and was desperate to know what I had, the doctor saw me again and started blood tests and other studies. With the results in the hands of the doctor, he told me: "you have nothing!"

I remember that my mother and one of my sisters were with me at the time, and the two turned to me as my eyes filled with tears to know that I had returned from the mission without being ill. After spending time at home, I started to study at the University. I was often thinking that the mission time that was not over.  The leaders of the Church told me that I had done my part to serve and that it was not necessary to return, and that I had been returned with honor. Eventually, they called me as a teacher of future missionaries of stake and when this happened I felt happy for the mission release I’d received, happy for the desire to help others with my mission, and that the mission was a success. However, something inside of me still wanted to help in Mexico, and the desire to return was in me. My uncle shared his experience when from his mission. I thought so much of my mission.  I decided to go back.

I went to the Stake President and shared with him that I wanted to return. He helped me a lot and we started to prepare my papers to return. Two years passed and I remained at home waiting for an answer to see if someday I could return or not. In those two years, we tried three times and never got a response. I decided that I had to do something and started to work, prepare, and focus more on my gospel study.

Finally it happened and my father received a call that I could return to complete my mission. In June 2015, a Friday, they called me from the offices of the Church, and they told me that I could now return to the mission and gave me a date for leaving. The date of departure was the Monday of the following week. I couldn't believe it. I thanked God for giving me this great opportunity to return. That weekend was one that I will not forget. I had to prepare myself to go back to complete my mission. My family and I were so happy.

At this moment I am in the Mexico City, Southeast Mission, culminating my mission. Four months before finishing, I have grown to understand that God and our Lord Jesus Christ are always on our side and that they know the desires of our heart. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that He came to this earth to die for every one of us. I testify that God has created this wonderful Plan of happiness for His children, and that the tests that we endure in life cannot be compared with the test Jesus Christ faced on this earth. And that in this moment Jesus Christ guides the steps of both my companion and me.

I testify that the Church of Jesus Christ is true, that the Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith was the perfect instrument by which this beautiful and wonderful Gospel was restored.

As a representative of Jesus Christ I know that God blesses us when we are faithful and obedient to all that is demanded, and that He is always with us wherever we go. All in the life is based on our Heavenly Father, and God blesses us for our obedience. I Testify of these things, testify of God the Father, of his son Jesus Christ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Everything has value

June 18, 2016

There is a noticeable difference between Elders returning to North America and those returning to Central and South America.  Of course I am talking in generalities but almost without exception, I see the following.

Elders returning to North America take very few of their clothes and shoes home.  It can be compared to a woman who has just given birth.  A pregnant woman is so tired of her clothes that once the baby is born, she is happy to wear something different.  North Americans take home their favorite ties and socks, but most of the rest stays behind including their underwear.

Those returning to Central and South America show much greater respect for their worn out clothes.  They find value in all things and find it very hard to get their bags down to the “acceptable” weight for the airlines.  I see broken toys, crepe paper from birthday parties, books, and worn out shoes returning home.

We recently sent an Elder home to the Dominican Republic.  First we replaced his luggage because it had not survived the 2 years of service here.  We told him of the weight restrictions and stressed that his bags could not be even a pound more.  When we picked him up to go to the airport, his shave kit was attached to his belt.  We arrived at the airport and of course his bags were overweight – but he was prepared.  He pulled bags out of his pocket and moved items over into them.  He started to attach each bag to his backpack or belt.  We took him to security and laughed as he walked away with bags tied in many places.  He was leaving nothing behind!

North Americans live in a “throw away” country.  That is not that way in other places!

The ability to look on the heart

June 15, 2016

We receive notice of missionaries who will be joining us by email.  We receive a copy of their missionary application and their name suddenly shows up on our missionary software.  We are notified of missionaries coming from Mexico as long as 4 months ahead, and sometimes just weeks before they arrive.  We are often given a five month alert on missionaries coming from foreign countries due to strict Visa requirements.  Yesterday I received notice of 2 new Elders who will join us.  Both were of the same ethnicity but from two different countries.  The comparison of the two left me uneasy.  It was a stark reminder of the different opportunities that are open to some, and not to others.

Elder M. is graduating from high school probably about right now.  He has done extremely well in school and earned an Associate’s degree along with his high school diploma in the past few years.  His parents are both members of the church. He is an Eagle Scout, a clarinet player, and his sister is also currently serving a mission in Mexico.  With 4 years study of Spanish with grades of “A”, he will probably pick up the language quickly.

Elder H. is 20 and joined the church when he was 18.  His parents disowned him because of that decision so he lives alone.  With only an elementary level education, where he rates his accomplishment level as “not very good,” he has supported himself as a cook for the past 4 years.  His home ward will help him purchase the necessary clothing items, and also be the ones to kiss him good bye. 

Both Elder M. and Elder H. are highly recommended by their local leaders.  Both have the chance to excel here and deepen their own convictions.  Each will approach this assignment from their own perspective and face discouragement and challenges differently.   Hopefully Keith and I can help guide each to success.  I do know one thing for sure – Heavenly Father loves each of them more than can be imagined and will bless them both for their dedicated service.  He has the ability to look on the heart and not on the circumstances.

Sara's perspective on Max with autism.

Lenore was going to give a lesson on motherhood.  Sara, our second daughter, has Max, a son with autism.  Lenore asked Sara her perspective on the experience. Sara writes so well and I thought others may enjoy!

"Did you know that a front-loading 4.5 Cubic-foot LG washing machine has a maximum speed of 1300 rotations per minute and is available in red, white, and graphite steel? I did.

Did you know that a Boeing 747 has four wing-mounted engines and eighteen wheels? I knew that too.

I wouldn’t have known it a few years ago, though. My 10-year-old son, Max, has recently become a master of all things regarding washing machines, airplanes, and elevators, filling his mind with any and every piece of information that he can get his hands on. He is a walking encyclopedia. And he has autism.

Max was diagnosed a few months shy of his second birthday. Having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human development, my “spidey senses” were tingling six months prior to that. But there was something about getting the official diagnosis; it triggered a reaction in me that I wasn’t quite prepared for.

I ugly-cried. A lot. I sobbed until I shook. And when I thought I was done, the tears would start again. My husband and I found ourselves mourning the loss of our son’s life as we had pictured it would be. It is okay to feel that way. As I speak with mothers whose children have a new diagnosis, I actually encourage it. You have to go through the grieving process before you can get back to living. And that’s when you put down your plan, pick up God’s, and grab the hand of that little child who still has so much love to give. What I didn’t anticipate was how much I would learn from Max.

Max is always 100% authentic. He embraces life with reckless abandon, completely oblivious of society’s opinion. And he is so very happy because of it. One particular Sunday he came to church wearing a headlamp and six watches on each arm. Another Sunday he yelled “Amen!” in the middle of a prayer that he believed had gone on too long. And after a beautiful musical number had been shared during Sacrament Meeting, he stood up, clapped, and yelled, “That was great!” How much time do we waste worrying about what other people think? Now I’m not suggesting that we all start wearing headlamps to church and interrupting prayers, but there is freedom in living without inhibition due to the fear of criticism from others.

The most important life lesson that Max has taught me is to trust. We were all part of that special council in heaven who chose to come down to earth. We sustained Heavenly Father’s plan and made the decision to follow Jesus Christ. What would your premortal self say to you? In times of struggle, I imagine my premortal self saying something like this: “Hey – you signed up for this. You know the beauty of this plan. Have faith in Heavenly Father. Trust in Jesus Christ. You know them, remember? Trust that they will help you do the hard things.” One of the most difficult aspects of motherhood is feeling like you aren’t doing it right. Guilt is a brilliant little tool that Satan uses to make wonderful mothers feel like they don’t measure up, like they aren’t doing enough. Don’t listen to those voices. Focus on your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ; listen to that wonderful still small voice who works as the instrument to communicate their guidance. Trust in that.

And guess what – the trust goes both ways. The first few years following Max’s diagnosis were very difficult for me. The frustration that Max experienced not being able to communicate came out in explosive tantrums and meltdowns. On top of that, a surprise pregnancy two weeks after his initial diagnosis brought along a little girl who mimicked everything that her brother did. When I introduced them to people I would say, “This is my son with autism. This is my autistic daughter who does not have autism.” At the end of a particularly difficult week I sat in the temple with tears streaming down my face and a very heavy heart. I felt completely paralyzed in my life and didn’t know what to do. And then the relief came. I heard a voice in my head call me by name and say, “Sara, don’t you know that I trust you?” It caught me completely off-guard. As I sat there, trying to process what had just happened, the clarity came. Yes, it’s going to be difficult. Yes, there will be a lot of tears. But God trusts in my ability to do it.

As mothers, it is vital that we constantly remind ourselves that Heavenly Father trusts us to raise His children. Let me say that in a different way. The Almighty creator of heaven and earth, the all-powerful and all-knowing God, trusts you with His children. He is vouching for you. He is pulling for you. And He is there to give you all the help you need. Nurture that relationship. Jeffrey R. Holland said, “Sanctify yourselves. For tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” He wants to bless you. He trusts you. And he loves you.

In the Doctrine and Covenants we have been promised that our minds and bodies will be restored to a perfect state. This scripture takes on new meaning to those of us who have children with special needs. I look forward to the day when I see Max after our time here on earth is complete. I am excited to fully remember him from the preexistence and embrace him again, knowing that we did it together. But more than anything I want to thank him for the gift of being his mother. "

Got to love Elder Blackham!

From Elder Blackham in one of his letters: 

I do have one quick question.  Is it cooler to be a missionary or mission president because I think it´s pretty sweet to be a missionary and can´t imagine anything else cooler then this! 

Once in a lifetime experience?

May 17, 2016

I have been a very sick girl.  A small injury on my shin slowly turned into a massive infection that became septic.  For 10 days in the hospital, the doctors worked to strengthen me so that I could survive.  Both my lungs and heart were compromised and I now have a quarter size hole in my leg that needs to heal.  That’s enough said about that!

I now am recovering at home and reflecting on what the experience was all about.  We have lived in Mexico for almost 23 months.  It has been an experience that can’t be told with just words.  It is the greatest, and the hardest.  As I lay in the hospital I realized that I just may have the choice of going back to California 13 months early.  I was sick enough to request that…… but I didn’t.  Keith and I talked and we came to realize that we really didn’t want to go home early.  Do we miss our town, our children, and our grandchildren?  Absolutely.  Do we want to stay and finish what we are doing here?  Absolutely.  I think that perspective change will carry me for a long time.

As news spread of my sickness, Keith and I were amazed at what a presence social media has become!  It was not just my family praying for me, it was past missionaries, parents of missionaries, websites dedicated to missionary moms and past school buddies.  Friends of my children knew what was going on everywhere from North Carolina to Texas to Washington, and California.  My son’s boss joined in the prayers as did coworkers.  Quickly many temples and families knew my name.  That is a humbling experience!  What faith so many have.

Because I am the “wife” of a mission president, word went to Salt Lake City quickly also.  Doctors from Salt Lake called and monitored my progress.  A cardiologist from the states but now serving in South America is still checking.  Our area medical authority, Dr. Heder, came to the hospital several times.  My name was added to the Quorum of the Twelve’s prayer roll. (I didn’t even know they had one.)

As I lay there so sick, I sometimes wondered what all the fuss was about.  Poor Keith slept on the room’s couch for 7 nights.  I never saw him cry but knew he was when he wasn’t by me.  My children were in close contact and I just hoped it wasn’t being too hard on them.

It is hard to sum it all up.  I can say that I’m glad to be alive.  I’m glad to still be in Mexico.  I know there is a God who lives and loves us dearly.  I have been deeply touched by the generosity of so many – so many who could not be by my bedside, but could turn to a God they loved, and ask for a special blessing for me. 

I don’t think I want to go through that again.  Wonder if that can be my “once in a lifetime” experience?

The hand of God

April 23, 2016

We often feel the hand of God in our life.  This calling would be impossible without it.  That truth was reaffirmed last night.

Keith put his phone on the nightstand next to the bed.  Although it was on “vibrate”, it will usually wake me up.  Last night it didn’t.  It is always heart wrenching when you awake and see 32 calls from the same number during the night.  With dread you call and find out what emergency happened while you were sleeping.  Last night the calls were from Revolution.  Revolution is in Los Reyes and some distance away.  Sometimes it takes 2 hours to drive there, totally depending on traffic.

Elder C. is allergic to penicillin.  He knows that.  When he went to the clinic for antibiotics, they were informed of that.  However his reaction came from a different strain of medicine last night.  As soon as he started to experience difficulty breathing, the four Elders called us with no reply.  However, they didn’t stop there, prayers were offered.  Elder C. was alert enough to take Benadryl and call for an ambulance.  It probably saved his life.

How thankful we are this morning for a loving Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ, who could help when we couldn’t.

Lost in translation

Elder Munoz is from Mexico.  However, he arrived with an excellent foundation in English which makes talking to him much easier for me!

We brought Elder Munoz to the house last night.  He is the companion of an Elder who is hospitalized.  Even in the hospital, we keep 2 missionaries together.   We don’t like to keep companions of those who are ill and in the hospital for too long because it is boring.  So last night we brought in someone else to replace Munoz and he came to our house to sleep and be ready to start missionary work the next morning.

Elder Munoz arrived hungry.   It was 9:30 at night and we decided to scramble some eggs for him. Keith got them in the pan starting to cook when the phone rang.  Keith ran to get the phone and told Elder Munoz to watch the eggs.

After the phone call Keith went back to the kitchen.  There was Elder Munoz being totally obedient and “watching” the eggs.  They had now formed a solid pie like piece, totally black on the sides and bottom.  

“watch” does not equate to “scramble.”