Sisters

Just a quick note about last night's post:  I hope I didn't give you the impression that I was rude to the young investigator who confided that he didn't believe in God.  I visited with him about that.  As he talked, he seemed determined to convince me that he didn't belong there, and I was so delighted by his earnest explanation that I couldn't help but chuckle and then just let him know that we would love to have him join us anytime.  I have a strong impression that sooner or later he will join us in the church. He will be going to North Dakota in a couple of months to work as a paramedic.  I am praying that the missionaries find him there, and that he will remember his evening with the YSAs and listen to their message.

Our Danish class was interesting today.  Doris is doing much better, and I love to see her with a smile on her face.  I am enjoying her friendship and always look forward to seeing her.  Her life is enlarging and she is finding things to do that she loves, so I am happy for her.  I am still praying that the light of the Gospel will find its way into her heart.

We shared some of the white chocolate almond cookies from last night with all of our class members. It was fun....it is just a simple little cookie (no real chocolate), yet everyone was so pleased to try them, and (much to SK's delight) all seemed to like them!  It is the first time we have taken anything to share, and it is amazing how people kind of relax over food!

A classmate, Melba has been very unhappy for a few weeks now, and I have tried to encourage her to hang in there and keep trying.  She has been teary-eyed these past 2 weeks and has gotten up and left class for a few minutes several times during each class.  So after class today, I gave her my pep talk again.  Melba looked at me with one of the most forlorn expressions I have ever seen.  Her large brown eyes are very expressive, and just seemed to speak of misery.

Her friend answered for her and said that things at home are not good....in fact it sounds like they are awful.  She said that Melba's husband treats her very badly.  I don't know what her culture says about how a man treats his wife, but I am concerned for her.  Her friend told me that I am a mother figure and could maybe help her.  I can't imagine that I could be of much help, other than sharing the wonderful news of the Gospel, and being a friend.  So there is another dear soul who is added to our very long list to pray for.

Relief Society tonight was the birthday celebration.  There were 14 of us there and it was lovely.  The president shared a story about when she visited Portugal and attended Relief Society.  She didn't understand the language, but everything else was the same as it is in Denmark.  No matter where in the world you go, Relief Society, the sisterhood, the lessons, the music, even the birthday celebrations are the same to the extent that you always feel as though you are home.....because in a sense you are.

I have had that experience many times in my life.  I remember as a homesick 20-year old in Chicago attending the Logan Square Ward in a raggedy old building on a cold winter night.  The warmth of the sisters' welcome enveloped me like a blanket.  Relief Society has been a refuge and a strength to me no matter where we have been.  That society of sisters provides compassion and help.  I wish Melba and Doris had that to turn to.

The society of sisters ...the dearest of mothers, my sweet sister (Judy) and sisters (Lisa, Deb and Ginny), the dear sisters that SK brought into my life, his amazing mother, our treasured daughters Erin, Melissa, Lia and Heather, aunts and Grandmas and nieces, and kind and loving friends.... is one of the greatest blessings and most comforting strengths of my life.