Friday, August 15, 2014

         Today we met a missionary couple who are serving in Tela, Honduras, which is North of San Pedro Sula on the Caribbean Coast.  They have been here for two months, and we learned that they are from Spanish Fork, UT, and know Jeff!  In fact, Jeff filled the position in the Nebo School District that this man, Brother Web, left vacant when he retired.  He said that Jeff is a great man!  Jeff had told the Webs that Glade and I were serving here so they were keeping a watchful eye out hoping to meet us.  What a coincidence that we were working at the right time to see them today and be able to help them through the session.  It continues to be shown to us that it indeed is a small world!

         They are serving as member-support missionaries and neither one of them speaks Spanish.  They did get two months of training in the MTC, but now they are on their own.  They seem to be doing okay and have great attitudes.  They make visits with the missionaries often.  Sister Web said one of her challenges is dealing with the bugs—meaning the mosquitoes!  It is also very hot where they are.  It is a five-hour drive and they traveled here in a large van with other members who came for a temple excursion.  Sister Web loves the people and is already attached!

         One of my dear young friends here was a temple worker when we first arrived.   She speaks English and was wonderfully helpful and encouraging when I was so new to everything.  A few months later, she came only as a patron and excitedly told me one day that she and her husband were going to have their first baby!  I saw her occasionally after that and we hugged and shared excitement about her baby. 

         After helping at the end of the session, I waited in that magnificently beautiful room where people paused to ponder, pray, and meditate.  It was not my assignment to be there, but I just felt like going in to check on everyone.  This sweet sister was there and was the last to leave.   I noticed that she didn’t look like she was expecting a baby.  I couldn’t remember the time frame for her due date, but I was concerned.  So I followed her into the dressing room and sat next to her while she waited for her locker.  We exchanged greetings and then I asked her carefully about her baby.  With tears in her eyes she told me that her daughter had been born, but had passed away six days later.  My heart just broke for her.  Her little girl had been born pre-maturely, at about six months.  All I could do was hug her and hold her while she cried.  When hearts are still grieving, there are not a lot of words that help except expressions of love.  Nothing will “fix” this loss and only time and Heavenly Father’s love and peace will heal the parents’ broken hearts.  How wonderful as members of the Lord’s Church that we know we will be reunited with loved ones again.

         Hug your children and tell them how much you love them.  And thank Heavenly Father for sending them to you and entrusting you with their care.  Love and prayers to you all.