Three Mother's Days...

Being Far Away from Home, there are those days when a little email, text, or message from a loved one can change things.  This week was like that for us as we took turns being quite sick (we even had to cancel our young adult activity on Saturday and we missed going to Church yesterday).  It's those kind of days, that we are thankful for zoom mtgs. for time to heal, for extra time to read, sleep, or try to all through the nights, 3:20 am, 5:40 am, maybe if we turn this way or try a taste of the chicken soup that doesn't taste, 6:18 am, 7:42 am etc. and so many things run through one's mind.  I am thankful for perspective that refocuses our gratitude.  It was Mother's Day back home & through the day we received little emails, calls, and texts from our family.  

I feel that same lift of spirit from the Scriptures and I treasure the love-notes that they actually are... from Home.  Sent to warm and warn us, to remind and refine us.  Like family.  Like Best Friends.  Like Heavenly Hugs. The difference in a day with or without them is tangible.  Water on dry ground.  Arms wrapped around.  Different.  

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This past Thursday, May 5th, as I was trying to sleep, my thoughts went back 9 years to May 5, 2013. (We were serving a mission on a small island called Fogo, off the west coast of Africa in Cape Verde.)  It was another night when I awakened.  Seeking peace, I went into the kitchen to open my scriptures for the calm I needed.  As my eyes ajusted to the light, I looked at the page I had just opened and read: "Be Still and know that I am God."  Psalms 46:10  And I knew my sweet Momma had just passed away.  My sister called an hour later to let me know.

 I will copy and paste from my journal at that time:

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  There is a sweet scripture in the 32nd chap. of Isaiah that reminds me of Momma. "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." She had that gracious countenance about her. I think it began with faith. Not just faith, as in believing things that are not seen and hoped for, while waiting for truth to land on it...but a willing, working, wearing a smile, faith that runs after truth with a jar and lid in hand! The kind of faith that grows up to become knowledge. It was great faith that made it possible for my sisters and I to be born. Elder Spencer W. Kimball blessed Momma that if they would serve their mission faithfully, they'd be blessed to have the children that doctors said she could not have. Momma had faith that the seeds of smell, taste, touch, sounds, prayers, and home, would someday grow into a faithful family. And she loved our Father. OH! how she loves our father! We have witnessed a love story that will last forever. That Love of family and the Hope of Eternity...are all about faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Serving family and keeping promises is the faithful part...and she did both: Beautifully. The moment we learned of their call to serve as Mission President in the Philippines, I hurried to a travel agency. I'd make a fun brochure with facts and pictures! I knew how homesick Momma would be. I approached the desk with wide eyes and asked the nice lady if she could tell me about the Philippines. "Oh, you don't want to go there!" The lady practically lunged at me with her list of why that was NOT the place to be.) I drove home a bit dis-animated. I had so wanted to help Momma get excited-- but--too late---she already was! She was excited because Daddy was excited. That describes Momma. Her faith was not just to endure, but to enjoy! And she did. They loved the Filipino people. We were all surrounding them the night before they got on the plane that didn't let them off again for three years. Momma looked at all of us and said, "If we just thought this gospel was true, we wouldn't leave you, if we just wanted it to be true, we couldn't leave you," and then she got a bit teary, "but... because we know it's true...we are going...because of you." My heart memorized that moment. The gospel has never been a spectator sport or a 'have-to' or 'should do' thing for Momma and Daddy. It was a 'get-to', 'blessed-to-be-able-to' thing. They chose that gift. Its the only way it is given. 'Thy will be Done' requires great faith, the kind our parents have. Even in this...final and difficult test. ************************** A few weeks ago, Momma understood my question without me asking: "Honey, I know the doctors can do nothing more, so I know that if I stay it is because of a miracle, and if I don't...it is ok...and I am glad to know that whatever way, it is right, because 'He' is in charge, and that brings me peace." They told us they love us and Daddy said: "You stay there and bless us with what you are doing. We know you are with us everyday and we feel it." Momma added: "Honey, you and I both know that we will hug each other again, but there are still many families who don't know about the blessings of The Temple. You must find those families and share this blessing with them.

  *************************** "Why are you sad?" Alecio Andrade stood before me and wondered This kind young Cabo Verdiano is the only member in his family. He has an understanding heart and is preparing to serve a mission when his one year baptism date comes. I didn't mean for my feelings to seep to the surface. I used my hem to quickly wipe my cheeks. "My Mother is dying", I whispered...feeling the tug again. Her name is Evelyn. "Is your Mother a member of Jesus' true Church?" he asked in hope. I shook my head and smiled yes. "Has she been in the Temple?" His eyes sincere. Again, I shook my head in thankful Yes. (Oh Yes! I thought, They have been in the Temples! So recently, President and Matron of the Logan Temple, sealer and worker in the Rexburg and Idaho Falls Temples.) "Then"....And he paused a moment... (not just trying to tuck me in...But trying to understand) "Then .....why are you so sad? You will have her forever!" I know --how very very far...far away can seem...and yet because of our Savior, how very close forever is! *****************************  

 I love you Momma, Fiercely and forever, Thank you for being beautiful...your pattern and love bless me to walk the cobblestones of life with Joy!

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OK, Ok...Now back to Monday morning in Portugal!!!  We woke up feeling quite like we are real people again. Nice!  I must share two Wonderful moments from this past week as well:

We met with Ricardo in Beja again last Tuesday evening.  He shared with us that they have decided to get married, and he wants to be baptized!!!  His eyes smiled as he shared his experience and decision.  We are so happy for this family.  They went to church again Sunday.  He invited us back for another visit tomorrow night.  He wants to learn all he can. 

Mother's Day in Portugal was on May 1st and our friends in our stairwell, invited us for their Mother's Day special lunch. Paula had prepared bacalhau com natas.  (codfish in a cream sauce with potatoes) and salad.  Some chicken and potatoes.  Delicious!  Chocolate cake (and some banana cake for me. So thoughtful.)  What a great day!

We Love you.  Thank you for every word in your Mother's Day love-notes this week. Heavenly Father knew that I wanted so much to be a good Mom. I think that is why He loaned me such patient and resilient and forgiving and loving souls to help me try.  Thank you for being that. Thank you for all the times you just have to smile and nod...even now! Some nights I went to bed feeling like Mother of The Year and other nights...I wondered why I ever thought I could be a Mom!  Ha!  But,You...

YOU are each magnificient!  I love you fiercely and forever.  

Life is Good.  Make a Great Week!  We will too!!!