A Different Kind of Sunday

My friends Karina and Oscar said if I went to their church, they would go to mine, so today I attended Spanish Speaking Services at their Evangelical Church where I was warmly welcomed. My companion was with three of her children who came to town, so this was a good Sunday to spend with one of my favorite families. I understood very little that was said in the services, and it was a very different type of worship, but I felt the devotion of the people to God, and felt a heart full of love for them as my brothers and sisters...and the thought went through my head, "I hope they all have jobs." Oscar told me later that several people were surprised that a Mormon Missionary would attend their church, but Oscar spoke words of truth when he said we are all God's children. He explained to me that the gist of the sermon was preparing to meet Jesus Christ when he comes by being the same person all week that you are on Sunday. The pastor called them to repentance in a loving way. Oscar invited me to go out to lunch with them but when I declined and then explained why, when asked , they changed their plans and we made lunch at their house: carnitas, home-made tortillas, beans, guacamole and grilled scallions. Their sons, Kevin and Joshua are cute little guys who made it such a nice family time together. Karina sent me home with a beautiful apron from San Salvador and a cloth for warming my home made tortillas. It will be several weeks before I invite them to church as next Sunday we are having a special meeting with the Presiding Bishop, yes...I spoke correctly. The next Sunday after that is fast Sunday, the next Sunday after that is Mother's Day, and I want them to hear a regular church meeting, at least that is what I am thinking at this point. We are going to attend the Spanish Branch instead of my English-speaking Brockett Ward.

Scott Kern emailed that he got the Controller position! Great news! Even better - in the interview with the VP he was asked if he was Mormon. When Scott said he was, the VP said that his plant manager in another city is Mormon and the hardest working honest man he knows..... Scott and I agreed that he had to find out that plant manager's name and send him a thank you note for setting such a stellar example!

Highlights

Spring has come early to Georgia - a month early, and with spring, came General Conference. I want to be told what to do by the prophet and the General Authorities. The themes of Faith in Christ, strengthening our precious families, and showing mercy, stood out to me. Much like forget-me-nots started appearing everywhere in church settings after President Uchtdorf's talk in the RS broadcast last September, I suspect the bumper sticker he introduced to us in Conference will as well: "Don't judge me because I don't sin the way you do". "Don't delay - it's getting late", from Elder Holland continues to ring in my ears as well.

Alex, after months of searching and applying for an accountant position, received two offers on the same day, and accepted one. He is a faithful EQ President, and this certainly has been a trial of his faith. Another favorite candidate of mine, Seth, who serves in his branch presidency, was on the verge of being offered branch manager, when he failed the credit check. Oh, that was so disappointing! I am privileged to be working with Damien who recently moved her from Columbia. His passion is marketing but in order to be able to work during the day and get a college education at night, he had to choose Human Resources for a major as Marketing was not offered. He is a stellar individual and quickly, very quickly, rose to the position of Director of Human Resources; however, he now was in a position to pursue his passion, so for the past three years he has worked to position himself to make the change. He moved to the United States, enrolled in an intensive ESL class and learned English, secured all the necessary papers and documents to become a citizen, got a job as a waiter to support himself, and now we are crafting a resume. The challenge is to convince a prospective employer to take a serious look at a candidate who is switching careers, and we are doing that by highlighting the transferable skills he so ably developed in HR.

My dear Karina had a miscarriage and we were all very very sad. There is only One who can replace sadness with joy. When we knelt in prayer, Oscar and Karina could feel the love Heavenly Father has for each of them, their sweet family, and for this little one that for now is not coming. A turning point

Fasted with Jaya for Heavenly Father's guidance as she struggles to move ahead with her plans to finish her last year of med school.

A fervent prayer was answered for Catherine, a recent convert who has suffered abuse her entire life. Her father, who is near death, rallied and had the clarity of mind to insist that Catherine be given title to her car. She has made the payments and needs it to get to work;however, since her parents were co-signers on the loan, they insisted the car be put in their name...now that has been remedied.

I have felt so much joy and gratitude at the blessings my family members are receiving back home....from the little ones to the big ones, and those in between. I also love the pictures, notes, calls, emails, and skypes I receive.