Friday, March 20, 2014
Another week is completed in the mission office. It is so inspiring to recognize the lessons that we are being taught as  we learn our duties and strive to be close to the spirit in all that we do. It is always wonderful to see the missionaries stop into the office and to hear how their labors are going. Monday we gained a unexpected missionary. He had left the Missionary Training Center in Provo and had been learning Spanish. He had to change planes here in Houston on his way to the Mexico Puebla Mission. He had been sleeping on his first flight and when he got off to change planes he inadvertently left his Visa and US Passport on his first plane so he couldn't catch his 2nd flight to Mexico. He is now serving temporarily in our mission as he applies for an expedited passport and then goes on to get his Visa replaced so he can get to Mexico. He has been a reminder to me all this week as I worried so much about my ease at forgetfulness as we prepared to come here. I was so worried that I asked Craig for a blessing and I know that Heavenly Father has answered my concerns and is helping me so very much.

Also early this week I had a stressful day- it seemed that I was re-doing everything I did- things that I know how to do like addressing envelopes etc- as we completed that day I realized that when things got bad I had forgotten to stop and pray and to ask for help. Then on Thursday I was working on a task that was totally new to me- I was requesting flight information for some missionaries that will be completing their missions soon. The system I was using froze up on me and I had to restart several times- I was ready to sit down and cry!! But this time I remembered my earlier mistake, I stopped what I was doing and offered a prayer before attempting the 3rd time on this task- this time there was no computer freeze-ups! Then when completed the travel agent in SL that had been working with me- sent me an e-mail to say that she had received my requests and that everything looked great. I finally smiled and thanked her for her help. I also remembered to give thanks for completing the task.

In conjunction with this I was reading "The Promise of Enough", by Emily Freeman- on page 73 she talks about Samuel, in the Bible, in I Samuel 7 about Samuel took a stone and called it "Eben-ezer" saying "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us"- It became known as the stone of Help.  I need to find a rock I can put on my desk to remind me that the Lord helps me do what He has called me to do. I'm so very grateful he does hear and answer prayers. The Holy Ghost does teach, inspire and lead us in righteousness as we pray, search and seek help in our daily trials.

Next week is our first experience with Transfers- and we have missionaries coming and going! Lots more to learn!
 Got to talk to my brother, Warin, today that is always wonderful! I'm grateful for his support and prayers as we serve.
We celebrated Craig's birthday on the 18th-so we talked to our children and even some of the grandchildren this wee. Please know that we love you all and pray for you all!

My favorite thought today:



My reasons to smile are because: God lives, He loves us and cares for us, He hears and answers prayers; and He has blessed me with a wonderful FAMILY and the world's best FRIENDS!