When sisters become SISTERS!!!: June 2013

A Mother's Concern

I thought a mission would help the missionary grow - but it helps the mother grow, too!

Well, it has happened. Heidi was only gone from the Mission Training Center, MTC, for one day when I started my fretting. I thought I was doing so well, until the mission home called my cell phone. Kelli took the call, as I was out of the room and I hadn't heard the phone. The CA Riverside Mission Home called to tell us that Heidi had arrived safely and was now located in the Palm Springs Valley.

WHAT? She had been called to an area in the Riverside Mission which will have new boundaries July 1st. We had been told that the 'Riverside section' of the mission was really awesome. Palm Springs is not within those new boundaries, not in the 'Riverside section'. Palm Springs area will be 113 degrees next week. WHAT? What is going on? She hasn't been sent to where she was supposed to be sent! It is true that mission papers always say the mission president can adjust the call to fit the needs of the mission, but, come on! Palm Springs Valley? I was not ready for this!

It didn't ease my concern when, a couple days later, I ran into a second-cousin that had served a mission in Riverside and he said, "Oh. Out in Palm Springs valley where there is a nudist colony." You can imagine my facial expression, so he added, "Palm Springs Valley is a great place. Beautiful! And great people live there!" Did he say 'NUDIST COLONY'? My baby is serving in a barren desert where it is 113 degrees or more. Wouldn't the nudists burn to a crisp? I was tempted to call the mission office and make them aware of their mistake!

Then, this was pointed out to me by a loved one: Drama: I love drama. I feed off it. I am addicted to it! So, naturally, I became all dramatic over this. I totally freaked out! I ranted and raved and worried. Just call me Martha. I needed to just calm down and listen to the Spirit! I turned to prayer.

Thank goodness Heavenly Father blessed me to realize that Sister Heidi Bonham is in His hands. Truly. I can 'Let go, and Let God'. I have strong faith in my Heavenly Father. He leads and guides His chosen servants, including the CA Riverside Mission President, in their responsibilities. I know, deep down, that Sister Heidi Bonham is exactly where the Lord wants her to be. I can know this because the Lord has always lead me in the paths He wants for me and I will be eternally grateful that I have followed Him, He is near to me and I feel His love!