amazing story of the week...

Back Story: It is no secret that my Dad works as hard as he can to provide a comfortable life for my family. In recent years, because of the straining economy, my dad's job and become so stressful that it is almost unbearable. Despite this though, he still goes to work everyday and works as hard as he can. As a commercial insurance agent, he is constantly working to make sure that his clients and his boss are happy and this at times is near impossible. This time every year he has to renew his deal with San Juan County. This multi-million dollar account is crucial to my dad's salary as well to the company my dad works for, and so every year during this time he almost kills himself to get it renewed.

Main Story: The last few weeks I had noticed that my dad had been under more stress than in years passed  and I knew that it couldn't be good. After talking to my mom I discovered that for one reason or another it seemed as though he was going to loose his deal with the county. Now it is impossible to convey how important this deal is to my father and for him to loose it would be devastating  When I talked to my mom she was all but convinced that he was going to loose it and she was trying to prepare herself for he hard times she saw lying ahead. I myself understood the gravity of the situation and I began to feel the stress myself. If my dad were to loose this deal his salary would be severally effected, thus placing enormous stress on my family. It is hard for me to convey just how stressed we all were (especially my dad).
      Throughout this situation I felt as though the only thing that I could do was pray. I have come to learn in my life that no matter what, I can always pray and that Heavenly Father always hears me and answers my prayers. The only thing I could do was pray. At first I prayed that everything would work out and that he could save this deal. However, as the days and the stress increased I began to realize that this probably wasn't going to work out. Then, instead of praying for him to get the deal, I prayed that no matter the outcome, my family would be okay and that we would have the faith to move forward. Once my prayers changed, so did my outlook on the situation. I no longer felt the stress of him loosing the deal, but I felt the peace that comes from knowing and understanding that Heavenly Father is in charge. My Mom, having experienced the same feelings, encouraged my dad to let it go and understand that we were going to be fine. My dad then realized that the deal was probably lost and there wasn't anything more that he could do. He had done his best and he knew it so what more could he have done? Based on this, he decided that it was more important to go on vacation with his family and spend that precious time with his family. Due to my siblings being on Spring Break, we decided that it was a good time to go to Phoenix and visit family. Because dad realized that the deal lost, he told his boss that he was going with his family.
   So that's where it stood. The deal was going to be lost but we were still going to go on vacation and enjoy this precious time we have together. However, this is where things get a little AMAZING! On the day we had planned to drive to Arizona, my mom called and told me that my dad and his boss had been requested to attend a meeting at the county. Although I tried to tell myself it didn't mean anything, I secretly hoped this meant that there was a chance that he would be able to save the deal. I kept a prayer inside my heart all day. Then I received this message from my father:

When I read this I was so overcome with love and appreciation for my dad. I knelt down in front of my office chair and I poured my soul out to Heavenly Father. I told him how much I loved my dad and how hard I knew work. I prayed that if it be his will, that my dad could get the deal. I also prayed that my dad would be comforted and know exactly what to say so that he would have no regrets. Afterwards I felt the Spirit so strong and again I was overcome with the knowledge that everything was going to be completely fine. I just wanted my dad to know that he is the most remarkable father I could ask for so I sent him this:

After an almost three house meeting, my dad came home and announced that saved the deal! It is just so incredible to me that what seemed impossible was possible thought prayer. I know that it was because of our prayers that we were blessed with this miracle. It is so amazing to know that my prayers were truly answered. I also know that even if my dad had not gotten the deal, he and my family would have been just fine. 

I will cherish this blessing always because it is a perfect example of my Heavenly Father's love for me and my family as well as proof that he hears and answers all of our prayers. The power of prayer is truly amazing.

Preparing...and waiting...and preparing...and waiting...

     Well like the countdown clock says, I still have 69 more days to endure before the start of my mission. Sounds awful right?? Well it is until I remember all of the things I still have to do before May 15, and then it's almost overwhelming. As much as I want to leave, I am already freaking out because there is still so much that has to be done! A lot of it is actually shopping. So I know you're thinking  "Why is it so hard for her shop? She's a girl right??" Well yes I am most definitely a girl who normally loves to shop, but the fact that I can only take 6-8 stylish outfits that have to meet the modesty standards (http://missionary.lds.org/dress-grooming/sister/), can all be interchangeable, still look decent after being shoved into a suit case, and comfortable to wear all day every day, is really stressing me out. This is where the Elders have it easy because all they need are a couple of suits, classy ties, some extra pairs pants, and white shirts and they are good to go. Obviously we sisters have a greater challenge in finding mission appropriate attire and so I guess that the mental stress of it all has prevented me from shopping. Now don't get me wrong, I have bought a few pieces here and there like my rain coat (it rains like crazy in NZ) and a couple pairs of shoes, plus I have a few dresses and skirts that I already had and plan to take with me. Luckily, in the near future I will be taking a trip to a city much more glamorous and filled with more shopping than poor little farm-pit NM so there is hope!

  

     So along with the waiting and logistical planing, I have also been immersed in my spiritual planning and preparation. Besides my desire to serve, and the confirmation I have received that this is the right thing to do, I feel completely inadequate when it comes to serving the Lord. I know that this is something that I am supposed to do but at the same time I am terrified because I barely even understand what it means to be a missionary, let alone how to be one. Fortunately my stake offers an extensive mission prep class every Sunday morning and let me tell you it is absolutely AMAZING! The spirit is so strong and I am even beginning to have some faith in myself along with the faith I have in my Heavenly Father. I have already learned so much and I feel like this class is the highlight of my week. 

    My Sundays are seriously the best because I go to mission prep from 7:30-8:30 a.m., then I drive straight across town to sacrament meeting at 9:00 a.m., after sacrament I have temple prep (LOVE IT), and finally I finish out my church meetings helping in the nursery. I don't think I could get a better meeting schedule. 

    Well even though time is dragging and the days seem to never end I have to admit that I know that there is still so much I need to learn and do before May and I am doing my best to make the most of the time I have left here. But May can you please hurry?

(This book is simply amazing. You should read it regardless of if you are going to serve a mission or not.)