May 14 2020 ❤ Our Hearts are FULL

I've focused during the past week of those people who have completely impacted my life and made it better!   Thank you.   We love you.   We're grateful for friends and family who laugh with us and cry with us.  We're so grateful for eternity and the hope of reuniting.   I loved the many tributes on Mothers Day from family and Missionaries who have become a part of our lives!

Our hearts are full.   Today is DAY 50 of Quarantine/Isolation.   Today we have finally moved to NZ level 2.   Social Distancing still remains, but we can now meet together in groups of 10 with 2 meter separation.   We can enter restaurants with proper distancing.   Our prime Minister has stated that borders remain closed and ongoing tracking and distancing will stay in place EVEN at level 1 and for a very long time.   However, Our missionaries can AGAIN teach, meet with others in person, and most importantly BAPTIZE.   This is what they've been called to do, this is what their HEARTS desire.  We are committed to assist in Gathering Israel. 

We have continued indexing NZ rolls and love seeing familiar names and places.   I encouraged our children and grandchildren to participate. This is something our son used to do and was always his first choice when he needed to do service.  So we found it appropriate to create an Indexing Group in his honor.   Did you know you can participate in several different groups?   You request the ones you want to be a part of, some of them even have access to projects that are unique to their group.   We named our group "Nates Group" and although you have to "request" to join it, we will approve anyone who is interested in adding your numbers to something Nate continues to assist us with!

Our 8 and 10 year old grandsons were excited to have their own account and be able to help in indexing.   One day our very competitive 8 year old was beat at a game of chess by his 6 year old brother.   He was beyond aggressive and upset.  Nothing would calm him down.  After several other attempts his mother gave him the laptop and told him he could index some more names.   He immediately calmed down and focused on the enjoyment and satisfaction of something he knew he did well. Indexing has a spirit that will bind our families together and calm us in visible ways.


I've had a deeper appreciation for the story of the 10 virgins lately.   I love the reality of choices we are all faced with everyday.  D&C 88:92 tells us in the last days ALL things will be in commotion before the Bridegroom cometh, "prepare ye, prepare ye" and go ye out to meet him.   Matt 24:42-43 tell us "Be ye also ready".   If you knew the Savior was returning tomorrow, what would you do different today?

Elder Despain and I have spent the past week discussing what we often do to "take care of the missionaries" as members.    We're really good at making sure they have meals and food.   That seems to be our priority and focus.   However, there are many days these valiant missionaries spend FASTING for the work to move forward, for their investigators, and for you.   
Food is only ONE of the things we can focus on to help the missionaries. 

Consider these things for Missionary Calendar sign up:
twice a week feed missionaries
twice a week have them come teach in Member homes:   This can include Gospel lessons, English lessons, Family Home Evening Lessons, Addiction Recovery 12 step lessons, Family history/indexing lessons and missionary preparation lessons
Twice a week have them do service projects:  Cleaning church, roadways, yards, cemeteries, gardens, (Many of missionaries just knock doors and offer service without any other obligations)
Twice a week invite them to join or lead youth activities, primary, and ward activities.   Often there are non members present who can see them interact without obligation, but it will also bond a relationship between you and them so you can make suggestions and become comfortable with them.

The day will come when our missionaries will have more work than they're able to complete.   People will be lined up to meet with them.   They will recognize the truth of Christs' church and desire to be a part of his church and kingdom.    Today, we are preparing for that day.   Our missionaries have been called home to their own countries where they are familiar with the language and customs and confident in their knowledge and ability to interact with others.   Help them open doors and "Prepare the way of the Lord".

We love you
💚❤💜 The Despains