Missionary Monday

Dear Brother,

I sure love you.  You have been on my mind so much lately. I know that a lot is happening in your personal life, and my heart is breaking for you.  I don’t know the inns and outs of all that is happening, but I do know that God is aware of us.  He knows our emotional strength.  He fills our hearts when they feel empty.  And, when we feel like we only have a couple fishes and a loaf of bread to offer, He can feel thousands.  He makes more of us than we could ever make of ourselves, and my dear brother—you have so much to offer.  I am so proud of you for all of your hard work.  I am so thankful for your example.  Just the other day, Atrain and I were running in the stroller and he spotted a few men in suits ahead.  He piped up and said, “Is one of those missionaries JD?”  I cried.  But just a little.  It was so sweet.

So—I did something.  I gave one of my dear friends a copy of The Book of Mormon.  I have been over thinking this gesture for months.  I thought of every angle—analyzing how she might react, what she might think, hoping she wouldn’t take it the wrong way.  But I should have done it so much sooner.  I can’t believe how easy it was.  She and her husband smiled and thanked me, and said she really appreciate it.  I told her that it would be a shame if she lived in Utah and never received a copy of the Book of Mormon from a friend.  We laughed.  I told her that it was special to me, and that she is special to me, and that’s why I wanted to give it to her.  So, I did.  Inside of it, I included a note with my testimony.  And, I told her that if she was ever curious or wanted to come to church, that she was always welcome to come with me.  Who knows what will come of it.  At the very least, she knows how awesome I think she is, and how grateful I am for her friendship.  So, it was a great experience. 

Our little family has been up to a lot in the past few weeks.  The husband had to take a national medical exam in California, so we spent three days there last week.  We took Atrain to Disneyland while little Jdog stayed home with Grandpatty.  It was so much fun.  He was just tall enough to get him on some of the bigger rides—Star Tours and Splash Mountain.  He had no idea what was coming, but was so brave, and hasn’t stopped talking about it since.  His absolute favorite thing was meeting Mickey Mouse at his clubhouse…that, and knowing that he got to sleep right next to his mom and dad every night.  I’m sure that was at the top of his list.  Atrain and I also spent a day at the beach, playing in the sand, running along the shore, and chasing the waves.  It is so nice to spend unstructured time with my boys.  It’s so easy to remember what life’s all about while you’re building sandcastles.

I spent a lot of time studying the apostle Paul in The Acts this week.  I got to teach the husband’s lesson for him since he was in the hospital, making up for time missed while in California (how dumb—to have to make up missed time for an exam they require you to take…but that’s a complaint for another paragraph).  The lesson was about Paul’s testimony of the Savior, and his call to be a witness of Christ.  His response to every challenge was to act in faith, bare a strong witness of Jesus Christ (recounting his vision on the road to Damaskus), and share his testimony of the gospel.  I want to be like Paul with everything I face.  There is so much uncertainty in our lives right now…where we will be in one year for residency, what medical insurance will be like, cost of living…student loans…education for our kids, etc.  I need to act more boldly with faith in God, knowing he will continue to guide our little family. 

Continue in the faith, brother.  Thank you for being a bold example of the believers for me to follow.  I sure miss you.  I can’t believe how fast time is flying by.  Baby J will be one next month.  He is learning to walk.  He will love to meet you soon.

Love you,

MJ

Ps—funny story for the day:  Saturday I told Atrain to get his clothes on over his underwear so he could go play outside.  His response: “But I look awesome like this!”  I’m still laughing about it.