Monday, February 24, 2014

Hotel in Austin

We are often asked about our hotels. People hear that we are staying in a hotel and in their head they picture a room with 2 queen beds and a coffee pot in the bathroom. It is actually very different. Here is a quick video tour of our room here in Austin. It is while we were "moving in" so there is stuff in the middle of the living room.
(not sure if the video is working, please let me know in the comments)









Thursday, February 13, 2014

An Answer to Prayers

There have been multiple times that we have heard that we are an answer to someones prayers during our travels. It is always a very humbling experience. Here are two examples that are very dear to me and I feel like it was more of a blessing for me than it was for them.
While in one of our locations there was a woman in our ward that was feeling very alone and felt like she had no one. While we where there she and I hit it off. We spent a lot of time together. Our kids got along very nicely. We quickly became close and shared many personal life stories with each other. As we were getting ready to leave we spent one more night together and she told me how I was an answer to her prayers. She told me how she had been feeling hopeless and how she felt like she had no friends. She told me that she was so glad that we got to meet and that I taught her some important things. In reality she taught me a lot about life and faith. She taught me that through trails and struggles the Lord is with you. She taught me that by the simple act of befriending someone you can be a light in their life.
Another example was here in Austin. There is lady in our ward who for the past 3 or 4 years has been holding a dance/ fitness class for the kids in the ward and local community ages 3-11. She and another woman volunteer their time and talents to teach theses children technique, routines and to love the art of dance. They even put together shows for the kids to perform what they have learned. This is all FREE to any child who wants to participate. She evens goes out of her way to pick up kids that don't have a way to get to the church for class. When she asked if my kids would like to participate we jumped at the invitation. That first class I told her how I admired all she does for these kids. I told her that my very first job I ever had was teaching dance classes. When I told her that her eyes lit up. She told me how the other lady who was helping her was no longer going to be able to help. She asked me if I would be willing to teach the younger kids while she was with the older ones. Of course I said yes! She told me how she had been praying to know how all would work out to keep the kids learning and growing. For the last 4 weeks I have been there to teach the kids. At the same time I have been teaching a few young women(teenagers) who have also volunteered their time, how to teach young kids routines and how to work with them. These wonderful young ladies will be taking over when I leave. I know they will do a fantastic job. I have often thought about doing something like this but never thought it was possible. Now I know it is and all it takes if for someone to do it. I hope to do this when we finally settle down some where.
I am always amazed at how the Lord knows just what everyone needs. I am amazed by how the Lord answers prayers. I am glad that we have put our lives into the Lords hands and how He has used us to bless the lives of so many. But most importantly how He as blessed our lives through our amazing journey!

Until next time, I love you C,M,B,C,E,and L