I continue to be amazed at how quickly we develop rich friendships and feelings of love for people here in Dayton. With their permission, here is a quick introduction to several of them:
Janie
The second time Janie served time in prison (drug-related), she decided she wanted a better life. After studying with the Latter-day Saint missionaries for several year, she joined the church four years ago. We immediately feel in love with Janie - she is an open book. She regularly points out challenges that slow her down - she refers to these as "a hitch in my giddy-up". :)
We really enjoy reading scriptures with Janie - she has an enthusiasm and frankness that warms our hearts!
Teresa
This photo was taken at Moose Restaurant in Dayton, where we enjoyed breakfast with Teresa. She too has had some challenging life experiences, including being held up at gunpoint where she was working in a pharmacy. She also has had some significant health challenges. But look at that smile! She is a beautiful person.
June
June is a trial attorney for the city of Walla Walla. She also serves in our ward Young Women presidency. We bonded over Latter-day Saint academics - like me, she loves exploring ideas and fresh gospel perspectives.
June became discouraged and stepped away from the church after her second marriage to an active Latter-day Saint fell apart. But one Sunday about five years ago, she just had a feeling that she should attend church. It felt great to be back! She is a faithful and beautiful soul.
We met two of June's three adult children at her home one evening - really lovely people: it's clear they love and respect their mother and that she loves the
Sylvia and Frank
Chris bonded immediately with Sylvia - they are indeed two birds of a feather. Both are direct, upbeat, and love to laugh.
Sylvia was born in Mexico and raised in Texas. Her father recruited migrant workers to work on farms/food processing in Dayton. Eventually the family moved to Dayton.
We serve weekly with Sylvia at the local thrift shop. She loves crafts and is an amazing quilter.
Frank is more reserved. His passion is golf - and he invited me to golf with him on the local nine-hole course. I hope to take him up on that soon!
General Conference
Semi-annually, our church holds a general conference. In leu of attending our normal Sunday worship services, we are invited to watch/listen to five two-hour session over two days where we hear from 25-30 speakers. (These talks are available on-line after-the-fact for people who aren't able to catch all of the sessions or would otherwise like to hear the messages.)
I really appreciate these semiannual conferences for many reasons. I am uplifted, reminded that God loves me just as I am. I am encouraged to live my core values, such as developing a loving heart, to be humble and teachable, to serve others, to be a peacemaker, and to be patient and nonjudgemental. I hear of powerful examples of discipleship that I can share with others to uplift them and bless their lives.
So many great talks! I particularly enjoyed Sister Tamara Runia's talk on shame. When we screw up, we are inclined to hide from God and from others, especially when we keep doing the same stupid thing over and over again. I love these thoughts from Sister Runia:
"While God cares about our mistakes, He cares more about what happens after we make a mistake. Are we going to turn to Him again and again? Are we going to stay relationship [with Him]? .... when we’re repenting, God forgives without shaming us, comparing us to anyone else or scolding us because this is the same thing we were repenting of last week.”
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Such wonderful experiences!
Great to hear your stories - sounds like you are meeting some wonderful people whose lives are being changed by the gospel - Keep up the great work !!
Great to hear! You are uplifting other people there with their backgrounds and challenges!