The kindest thing

On this wedding week, there is no such thing as the single kindest thing someone has done, but this story ranks near the top.

This is the Hernandez family. They live near Vancouver, British Columbia, and they love missionaries. They consistently and lovingly invite our missionary and his companions into their home to feed them dinner and offer support. Bishop and Sister Hernandez recently welcomed home both of their sons from missions, and they are enjoying a road trip in the western U.S.

Tim is flying to Guam on Monday night, experiencing the biggest transfer of his mission, and has a lot of winter gear for Canada that he will not need in the South Pacific. The Hernandez family arranged to drive his and another elder’s extra clothing to Utah.

They drive a sedan and there are four of them, so there was not a lot of room, yet they took Tim’s Blundstone boots and two bags of clothing, plus a similar amount for the other elder. Sister Hernandez reassured Tim that she wouldn’t mind holding a bag on her lap if there wasn’t enough of room in the car.

So, I met these lovely people at the Payson temple. They carried his bags to my car for me, smiling, and then we took pictures. I consider them instant and forever friends.

Daniel and McKenna’s Wedding Day Snapshots

I asked my sister Susan to take photos with my phone so we could have some candid shots of the wedding day. I think these photos can be more fun and can tell a story better than professional photos.

Eventually we will see the professional photos, but the day after a wedding, I am anxious to relive the day in my mind. These candid snapshots are a blessing to me. Thank you, Susan!

Another reality about the day after a wedding is that I awoke this morning on the couch where I had collapsed the night before. But look! My hairstyle was still intact!

Virginia Reel 2022

Instead of, “Bow to your partner,” my brother Paul the caller said, “Pose for the camera.” 😂

Our family reunions are over, there is one week until the wedding (pray!), Mark is on Pioneer Trek (pray!), and Timothy flies to Guam in two weeks to begin his missionary work there (pray!). I have exerted so much mental labor over Mark’s piano teacher dilemma and school schedule dilemma that I must have burned some calories with those mighty thoughts. Also, I am laboring to find a new counselor in the stake Primary after Susan’s passing. This is difficult spiritual work.

I have been reading in 2 Chronicles this week. I am trying not to be overly worried or stressed about all that is going on, but sometimes I just swim in concerns. When I read these scripture verses, the words center me a little.

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect [completely] toward him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

“For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

Most of the Sanchez family, 2022

big little things

Recently, I awoke very early with a predictable headache from little sleep. I prayed for help, as I had hit a real limit in capacity. The relief came suddenly and completely, beyond what I expected.

Also recently, I prayed on a Sunday morning that I could speak to a particular friend at church. I really needed some insight only she could give. I arrived early to the meeting, prepared to seek her out. She sat down in the seat I had saved, even before I could wave to her and welcome her. Then, the meeting ended 10 minutes early so there was extra time to talk. Her words were incredibly helpful and a specific answer to my prayer.

I don’t think that prayer is like a vending machine, where you just enter your code and money and expect the exact thing you want will drop. But, I have seen that prayers offered during painful times are met with particular tenderness. I have also seen that prayers asking for specific helps towards a solution are effective. This was the case in this prayer to be able to speak with a friend. I didn’t ask that my dilemma just go away, but that I could be given insights in a casual, friendly talk.

My stress is still there, and sometimes I still can’t sleep. My dilemma isn’t completely solved, but these recent answers to prayer are like stepping stones, indicating a path, and the presence of God in my life.

Sometimes, probably most times, the blessings come without my asking. Last week, Paige and Michael came over to help care for Richard’s apple tree. After they bagged hundreds of baby apples, without being asked, they cleared the debris from the backyard which fell during a terrible windstorm. They filled three wheel barrows full of twigs and branches and carried them off the lawn. They were such a blessing that day. Yard work has been a big part of my life lately as we prepare for a wedding celebration, and those branches were a setback. Hooray for inspired and helpful children, and a Father in Heaven who is in the details.

from Anne

Each member of my Primary presidency brings something unique and strong to the team. Susan brought enthusiasm, humor, and great quotes. Shelby brings warmth and resolute testimony. Anne brings evidence of her deep thinking and a faith that has been tried and fortified. I could list many more things for each person, and Anne also consistently brings music to our meetings. This week, as we met without Susan, and with the shock of her sudden passing still with us, Anne played this song. ♥️

photo essay

We had one last goodbye and thank you to our piano teacher who moved away this month. Mark is the only one still taking lessons, but Paige and Daniel joined us to say goodbye. Natalie was an incredible teacher for our kids.
A reunion of Young Women leaders to bid farewell to Deor who is going on a mission.
GARTH BROOKS CONCERT
Our tickets were not together, but we rode together on the train into Ute territory. (Note Richard Jaussi’s t-shirt.)
waiting for the wind to die down
We loved the concert. Once Mark graduates from high school I will be auditioning as a fiddler for Garth’s band. 😉
Always a sunset picture in the mix…
Working at the Filipino cultural event
We painted our fence. Hooray!

my friend

This is my friend Susan who passed away today. She served as my second counselor in the stake Primary presidency until the end of her life. Today I just keep thinking of the hundreds of children she taught over a 32-year career at our neighborhood elementary school, mostly as a kindergarten teacher, then as a third grade teacher. Walking into a room with her was like being with a rock star. Children would light up and run to her. One day a teenage boy, her former student, saw her visiting a Primary and ran into the room to hug her.

I keep thinking of her family. I keep thinking of the things she taught me. What a giant spirit in such a tiny person. Her influence is everywhere. Well done, darling Susan! I will miss you until we meet again.