God is there and guides our Lives

Saturday evening we had a missionary in Santa Cruz develop a serious health problem. Sunday he was stable enough to travel and late Sunday night I was off to Bolivia again on the 1 am flight I'm getting to know so well. This time the Elder's home was Utah. Going home. 

President and Sister Spitale, mission leaders in Santa Cruz were so kind and gracious!  I served in Argentina with President Spitale's older brother, Ruben.  They are wonderful people!

In Phoenix we had a 3 hour layover.  By the time we got to Phoenix, Elder was feeling pretty low. Not physical, he had remained stable during the trip, but emotionally. He did not want to be going home, he did not want to be in the US and he did not want to be speaking English. I didn’t know what to do for him. I offered a silent prayer and suggest we go get something to eat.

As we were walking away, we met a young sister missionary, Sister from Arizona on her way to the MTC in Provo. She was traveling alone.  She was the only active member of her family and the flight earlier that morning from Flagstaff to Phoenix was the first time she had ever been on a plane.  She was such a sweet young lady.  Helping this new young missionary was the perfect antidote for Elder's depressed mood.  On the plane, I had Sister take my seat next to Elder such that she could sit by a window, but also so she could sit next to Elder. She was a sweet answer to prayer. 

As I settled into Sister's assigned seat, the gentleman just across the aisle turned out to be Spanish speaking family physician member of the Church with whom I had a wonderful conversation about the blessings of serving in Missionary Medical. We are in great need of more Spanish speaking doctors who can help. He said to get him more information. What a coincidence that was! 

Once a year they have grandparents day at school in Richfield where grandparents come in and have lunch with their grandchild. Grandma and Tracie were going to attend for us, but then suddenly, I was going to be able to attend, too!  My flight arrived Tuesday evening and I was returning Thursday morning. Wednesday was my day in between. Another tender mercy. 

                                It was so great to be with family and hold the grandchildren again. 

                                                    The dogs were happy to see me. 

The rain was such a sweet gift!  It never rains in Lima and I just happened to be in Lyman on a day that it rained!  It was so beautiful.  I was also able to see all of my siblings but one. So many tender mercies. 

As I was getting in the car to head back up north for my next day flight, there was a beautiful fair well rainbow telling me goodbye and wishing me well. 

As I was driving out of the valley I thought of all the tender mercies, the safe travel with Elder, the blessing of Sister, meeting the Spanish speaking member doctor, being in town the day of Grandparents to school day, rain, rainbows, seeing most all my siblings. I could see the Hand of the Lord everywhere. So many little miracles. 

As I was thinking about this, I thought of a quote Sister Holmes had shared that morning in our weekly meeting. “How many things have to happen to you before something occurs to you?” And it occurred to me just how much God is involved in the details of our lives.  And it also occurred to me that I may be in places and around people for a purpose known to God. Where we are and what we are doing is by the Lord’s design.  We need to be attentive to what the Lord is arranging as we move through each day. We are a part of God’s plan and if we’re willing, He will use us to move His work forward.