Epiphany

A couple nights ago, I went to bed with a terrible headache, one that had been building all day. As usual, I read my scriptures for a few minutes before crashing. I was feeling a little down, mostly because I was tired and my head hurt, so I decided to do that turn-your-scriptures-to-a-random-page-and-read it. I flipped around a little till I felt like I should go to the Doctrine & Covenants. As it so happened, this is what I read: (Imagine you are a mother of 4 expensive little girls, living even further from family and loved ones, trying to pay off student loans on an assistant professor budget, and save up for a down payment for a house in a place whose housing prices compare to California...)

1 I, the Lord your God, am ^anot displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies.

2 I have much ^atreasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality.

3 Therefore, it is expedient that you should form ^aacquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you.

4 And it shall come to pass in due time that I will ^agive this city into your hands, that you shall have power over it, insomuch that they shall not ^bdiscover your secret parts; and its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours.

5 Concern not yourselves about your ^adebts, for I will give you power to pay them.

6 Concern not yourselves about Zion, for I will deal mercifully with her.

7 Tarry in this place, and in the regions round about;

8 And the place where it is my will that you should tarry, for the main, shall be signalized unto you by the ^apeace and power of my ^bSpirit, that shall flow unto you.

9 This place you may obtain by hire. And inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabitants and founders of this city;

10 For there are more treasures than one for you in this city.

11 Therefore, be ye as ^awise as serpents and yet without ^bsin; and I will order all things for your ^cgood, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen.

As I read this scripture to Derek last night, all he could say was, "Wow." Sure seems like this section was written just for us. I must admit, the opportunity for missionary work is incredible here, and we have already had the chance to be a part of it in the 2 months we've been here. So I will try and be content to be so far from family, and ignore the rude drivers, and be a part of this community. And somehow, we will know where (and how) to buy a house! :)
maren