Last Thursday we left our mission boundaries in a big way. We flew to Utah for the baptism of Paige and Matt's oldest son. It was a short visit and we were determined to stick to the East Coast time schedule, which meant going to bed at 9:30 or so, and getting up about 4:30. Technically we should have been asleep by 8:30, but that just wasn't possible.
We had a lovely time, the baptism was marvelous, and we were able to see many family members. I will admit there was just a minute or two when I fantasized about staying. Then I remembered the individuals who are counting on us: for rides, for English class, for lessons, for nurturing, for the food boxes every Saturday, etc., and I knew we needed to return asap. It is amazing how intertwined we are in the lives of these people already. We arrived back in Montreal on Monday night, a 9-hour trip which included a four hour layover in Chicago (we will endure anything to save a couple of bucks). On the bright side, Paul re-entered Canada on his Canadian passport and thus expedited the customs requirements. Is this a definition of getting in on someone's coat tails? If so, it was well worth it. Guess I will continue to stick with him.
Today I reflected on the marvel that we are here, in Victoriaville. There are at least four single church members here who have become friends and with whom we have ongoing interactions. There was a retired couple here in the branch who had been helping these individuals, but a couple of months ago they were called as senior missionaries and are attending a branch in another city (while living at home). Today I wondered who would have been able to pick up the responsibilities for these wonderful individuals if the mission president had decided to place us somewhere else in Quebec. As challenging as it is some days to feel that we are as busy as we would like to be, there is no doubt that the Lord knew the needs of these singles, and provided us to help fulfill those needs. He does love His children.
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