Enjoying Delicious Fruit

As we each celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us be mindful to smile through the difficulties that life brings. In addition to keeping our focus to always remember Him, learning to savor all that is good in life helps the medicine of life go down so much easier. I love this quote by Carlfred Broderick, an LDS marriage therapist: "The gospel of Jesus Christ is not insurance against pain. It is a resource in the event of pain, and when that pain comes, (and it will come because we came here on earth to have pain among other things), when it comes, rejoice that you have a resource to deal with your pain."

Elder Zabriskie and I are rejoicing in the miraculous resource of the gospel of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We have encountered many difficult situations here. Yet, the Lord provides a way to keep you "smiling through the pain."

This past weekend was one of those weekends which we wish we could keep locked in our memories forever to carry us through the hard times of life that will surely come. Tyler Smith, age 16, going on totally mature in the near future, was baptized and confirmed a member of the church. He has a great destiny in building the kingdom of God on the earth. What a joy to see him progress in the gospel. In a beautiful card to us he wrote, "Dear Elder and Sister Zabriskie, Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. You will both stay in my memory forever. I hope to keep in contact with you after you travel back to Utah! Every testimony that I give can be traced back to you two, because of how much you influence me. Thank you again! Love, Tyler Smith." We are truly bound together in love eternally. Bliss!

On Sunday, Elizabeth and Elba bore their testimonies for the first time in church. They are both young single mothers who were baptized this year. When we first met, both were homeless or living in very undesirable circumstances. With the help of the Lord and many people pitching in, they both have their own place and are striving to be worthy of going to the temple to be married some day. Truly, they are the real heroes of life.

In Elizabeth's testimony, she expressed vivid and sincere gratitude for her new life. She expressed her belief that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and searched for the right words to say how she felt and what she knew. Then she found just the right words: "I can tell you one thing, this ain't no fake church!" Go, girl. No it ain't! We laughed and cried so hard when she said that. It was so "Elizabeth" and so true.

Eba told about how her daughter Betsybel's life was spared when she was born. The doctors told Elba, who was but 15 years old at the time, that there was no hope for the baby. Elba prayed for help from the Lord and told Him she would gladly give her life if He would but spare her baby's. Such a perfect example of Christ-like sacrifice which everyone feels in sweet Elba's spirit.

We are also teaching Elba's mother, Manuella, sister Rosio, and nephew and neice: Luis, age 10 and Daisy, age 8. Last Wednesday was another one of those memories you hope to savor forever. Manuella struggles to read in English but is determined to succeed. How thrilling it was to take turns reading from the children's versions of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and New Testament. Surprisingly, Luis and Daisy did not know anything about the story of Christ's birth and why we celebrate Christmas. While they read very well phonetically, I discovered they didn't know the meaning of many words. So, with a little encouragement, they started asking for the meaning of words they did not understand. How thrilling is that, to be able to help them with their reading comprehension skills and gospel studies at the same time! These children are so unspoiled and eager to learn. They appreciate everything so very much that is done for them.

We wonder how on earth we will bear to leave these dear loved ones.

Yet, as we will be waving sad goodbyes, you our dear friends and family will greet us with warm hellos. We are wondering what new things lie ahead that can compare with serving a full-time mission.

We send our heartfelt love and best wishes for a glorious celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Elder and Sister Zabriskie