(Our front yard in the snow - March 2008)
It snowed last night. It was the craziest thing! In the two winters we have lived in Texas, we have never experienced snow. Yes, thunder and lightning storms, wind storms and sleet, but never snow. It was actually kind of cool. The kids were all excited that the ground was white and I had to make Jace and Caden promise that they wouldn't stop to play in the snow until after they got to the bus stop. I could not have them missing their bus! They were good listeners, they ran all the way, cute things!
A little later on this morning I was in the daycare room with all my cute daycare kids. They were coloring as I was de-cluttering my filing cabinet, preparing for the big move. We had fun songs playing on the cd player and everyone was happy. It was very nice because I was actually able to get some things done. Mark called to discuss our moving plan and as I was going over that with him on the phone, there was a knock at the door. "Oh great," I thought. I told Mark that I had to go, there were "Jay-Dubs" at the door. Just as I was thinking, "I don't have time for this! Maybe I'll just pretend I'm not home." the kids all ran over to the door to see who it was. A little frustrated that the kids had blown my cover, I got up and walked to the door. I probably had a scowl on my face as the door opened, but then the weirdest thing happened. As soon as I opened the door, I absolutely felt for this couple. Maybe it reminded me of my mission, with their long coats, and the snow covered ground, going door to door out in the (freezing) cold winters (of New York) for what they believe. It was a man and his wife. They were Jehovah's Witness. They handed me their literature and invited me to read it in light of the upcoming Easter holiday. I was not interested in the literature, but I did not want to be rude or make them feel bad, like I did after having so many doors slammed on me in New York. Williamsburg Circle Drive came screaming back to my memory. I was a brand new missionary, still with my trainer, Sister Kenny and my MTC buddy, Sister Moya (We were The Gruesome Threesome).
We encountered so many people that day who were not just rude, but they were MEAN! It was rainy, all three of us were freezing cold and wet. I think we went home and cried when our day was over. That was truly the most discouraging day in the mission field for me.
I do not share the ideas and beliefs of this couple, but I would never wish that type of discouragement on anyone so I gracefully took their pamphlet and thanked them. They asked how we were enjoying the snow and I told them that we were originally from Utah so it was nice to see snow again. They thanked me for my time, I told them to stay warm and I closed the door as they walked away. I wondered if my telling them that we were originally from Utah is the reason they ended the conversation or if they were just there to pass out their literature. Either way, I was glad for the reminder of my mission and I am glad that others are motivated enough by their faith to go out and share it with others. I am SO GRATEFUL for the missionary program in
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My mission is what molded me into the person I am today. And even though, I had discouraging moments like the day we tracted Williamsburg Circle Drive in Fairport, New York, I wouldn't trade one day of my mission...not ONE day!
(The Gruesome Threesome: Sister Kenny, me and Sister Moya on P-day on the walkway to the Sacred Grove April 1996)
Mom and Caden with the Immunity Idol