Blessings and Missions

Nick received his Patriarchal Blessing this morning.
Words can't describe the emotion of your hearing our Heavenly Father's words,

through the Patriarch, meant especially for your child. 

The veil was thin as we were reminded that as much as we love our son,

God loves him even more. He has a plan for his life and has blessed him 

with spiritual gifts, talents and unique characteristics that will bring him joy and peace 

throughout his life.

What an important reminder to both Dan and I that as much as we'll miss him

while he's on his mission, this is an important step in his spiritual growth

and will bless both Nick and the people he serves.

***

As a continuation of this amazing day,

Nick, Camille and Christopher came to church with us and stayed for dinner so 

Chris could share stories give advice to Camillie about serving in the Hermosillo, Mexico mission.

We had so much fun going through photos and enjoying Chris' memories and

laughing at some of his antics. As we flipped through photos, we were moved at his love for the individual people he met and served, some who were baptized. In particular, we came to a photo of Umberto and Chris got serious. "My first day we knocked on Humberto's door. 

He opened and we introduced ourselves as missionaries with a message about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Umberto eagerly welcomed us in and said, 

'I've just prayed that God would send me an angel to help me.'"

Umberto was caught up in a gang and wanted to turn his life around.

His parents were strong Catholics, but they fell in love with the missionaries,

defending them and their message to cynical friends,

as they saw their son turn his life around, get back in school, find a job 

and start progressing toward a more hopeful future.

"This is what a mission is all about," Chris testified.

"We laugh, we have a good time. You work hard, you stay positive. 

You miss your family but you also, with time, get into a routine you love.

You grow closer to Christ.

But that's all secondary. 

Being led to someone who is praying for help to change and desiring to come unto Christ,

and you being an instrument in God's hand, that's your whole purpose."