An Ohio Miracle

July 24, 2009

Dear Family,

We had a very busy "first week" in the office. We went home tonight, skipped supper because we were so tired and laid down on the bed to rest. We were just dozing off when the phone rang and the elders wanted us to go with them to helped teach a sweet little family. We jumped right up, excited to go. It was a young couple and the husband's 17-year-old sister. The elders invited them to read the Book of Mormon and pray together each day as a couple and ask Heavenly Father to let them know the truthfulness of the BoM. They took the invitation. You could really feel the spirit.

The miracle that took place was all the children and extended family that kept coming into the room just to see what was going on but didn't want to stay. It was hard for the spirit to come until Scott asked if we could start with prayer. The dad said, "You bet." Then he asked Scott to give it. The whole time I was praying the extra people would just stay outside and that we could have some peace and quiet so the spirit could teach. My prayer was answered and the extended family brought chairs under the patio cover and sat and listened really quietly through the front door. No more children running in and out, no more interruptions. When we were leaving the extra friends and family were friendly compared to when we arrived. The Elders we were with were incredible and the spirit really taught.

The husband said he learned so much attending our church last Sunday for 3 hours vs. all the other "150" churches he has ever attended over the years rolled all together. At first they were not so sure they could sit through 3 hours but when they were leaving church they were amazed how quickly the time went. The husband said he liked us coming tonight because he felt good again just like when he left church. He liked that feeling. What a good young couple.

It will be interesting to see how their "Couple scripture reading and Couple Prayer" goes this weekend. They are scheduled to come to church this Sunday again. They are in our prayers.

Ohio is beautiful. I saw my first firefly on Tuesday night. The forest blinked on and off with a bright yellow glow. It was exciting. We also saw our first red cardinals. They are incredible--so pretty. The mission president's wife said baby ones fly down to her bird feeder everyday. She also has box turtles come into her yard from the forest. Every once in a while she has to help one get back through the fence because it gets stuck. How funny!

We are doing well. Thanks for the beautiful pictures of the cutest grandkids around and the fun emails. We love you all. Have a great week.

Love, Mom & Dad