Tender Mercies

I want to write this event down just to remind myself that the Lord does remember us even when we least expects Him too. Richard and I had been on one of our many shopping trips which included a bus ride. We just got on and sat down and before I go any farther I should describe those rides they very from over crowded to crowded and no one speaks to anyone usually you ride in silence  unless your phone goes off or you are drunk then you speak to others.  Sometimes it is very hard to keep your balance as the driving is very stop and go .  If you fall or bump someone they just give dirty looks and say nothing.  We try not to talk to give away our English nationality.  So it is very impersonal and a don't bother me attitude that goes on.  Once someone fell off balance and I know I shouldn't have but I laughed and he looked up and saw me laughing at him (it was funny) and all of a sudden he cracked a smile and even laughed too but then returned to his stern look and life went on quiet.  I 'm getting away from my story.  I sat down and the man across the isle from me turned and smiled and then reached over and lifted my name badge and started to talk to me, in Russian of course, and He manner was very sweet and in deering so I was not afraid just felt bad that I could not understand him.  So I just said I only speak English I'm sorry.  He turned away mumbling something.  All of a sudden I saw him reach for his phone which looked like an I phone and very expensive.  I all of a sudden got the impression "he is calling someone to talk to you and will give you his phone take it." I just shook my head thinking no not that phone he doesn't know if I will steel it or not.  The words take it came again to my mind.  I watched him talk to some one on the phone then he turned to me with the biggest grin and handed me the phone and motioned for me to put it to my ear.  I put it to my ear and in broken English I heard This is Elder King I am suppose to tell you that couples like you are a great blessing to Russian and this gentleman wants you to know what a great thing you are doing here and that he wishes you all the best in what ever you do. I just could not believe what I was hearing and kept saying thank you in Russian (one of the 5 words that I know).  Then I gave the phone back to the man who was grinning from ear to ear and Richard who was saying what what what over and over.   The gentleman sat back folded his arms smiling the rest of the trip .  I told Richard what had happened and he could believe it and I sat thinking I should have asked for his name or something. We got off before he did and we shook his hand and he said a word that was later  translated into meaning wonderfully marvelous. We were not having a down moment in which we needed lifted or a good word from some one but the Lord new the probably in the future we might and He gave us this tender mercy to remind us that we are needed and we are doing His work and He does appreciates our efforts even if to us they do not seem like much.  I love serving my Father -in-Heaven He is always there for us and He does direct His work and cares for His workers.   

A new assignment

Well, another month has pasted time has really been going fast. I really wanted to go on a mission and be involved with the missionary work of meeting with people and being with the missionaries. That is also what our mission has been so far.  The language has been a real challenge more so for Richard I am now finding out.  Everyone knows that very little stops me from saying what I feel.  Richard on the other hand has sat back and not spoke up.  Mainly because it is really awkward to  talk because you always having someone translate for you and the missionaries only give you very little of what's going on. He has done well I don't want to sound like he has not, it just has not been his thing but he has served with me.  The Lord know us all.  So I got my mission desires fulfilled in the first part of our mission.  We got the call from the Mission President to sharpen our pencils and come to work in the office starting in Nov.  Richard will get the mission experience that he likes the second half and now I will serve with him.  The office I am sure will be a  different thing best of all English is spoken there 95% of the time. Richard will do what he does best and that is budget. We will work with the assistants to the President but not with investigators so much.  I am really kind of surprised cause after knowing us for 5 months the President still asked us to come into the mission home and work closer with him. We are humbled and glad for the assignment.  Winter could have been a lot of time spent in our apartment doing very little. I thank my Father in Heaven for knowing our needs and providing experiences for both of us in this companionship.