FaceTime Refugee

Elder Bradan Soria received a warm welcome when he finally arrived in New Mexico with four other missionaries, a few articles of clothing, and a small backpack. The new mission president provided a hot meal, then insisted he FaceTime home, so our family could witness his survival. His first comment while shaking his head in shock, "What just happened...?!?" He was not yet able to sort through the complete destruction, endless tree branch moving, lengthy power outages, and numerous peanut butter cracker meals he had experienced. But his countenance remained bright.

"We have nothing, but we have everything we need," he said, referring to all valuables and belongings lost in the hurricanes that struck Puerto Rico.

Ending the call, I realized Bradan was a refugee in his own mission...

Evacuation

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. I received a call from the LDS Church Mission Department that Elder Bradan Soria is safe and will be temporarily reassigned to serve in the New Mexico Albuquerque, Spanish speaking mission. He should arrive there by end of next week. He will "return to Puerto Rico to help communities rebuild once basic infrastructure is restored." Meanwhile, The LDS church is continuing efforts to assist in the restoration of devastated Caribbean islands. Bradan has a deep love for his Puerto Rican brothers and sisters and will hold them dear in his heart until he can once again serve them.💞

https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865689445/LDS-Church-buying-food-in-Puerto-Rico-for-Irma-victims-temporarily-moving-some-missionaries.html

Tall Weight

When I heard some strange, clanking noises and asked my young son, Gavan, what he was doing in the bathroom, he responded, "I'm weighing how tall I am."

"How much do you weigh?" I questioned.

"I'm five fourteen tall!" He declared.

Translation: Gavan weighs 51.4 pounds.

🤓

Unclear What It Meant

Last week, our stake held a special fast, specific to having the desire for opportunities to share the gospel in preparation for the Meridian Temple Open House.

At the close of all Kingsley Park Ward meetings on Sunday, Bishop Bowen had the congregation kneel in the chapel before offering an amazing prayer to break our fast together. As he shared words of gratitude for missionary opportunities, I received an overwhelming warmth in my heart regarding my son, Elder Bradan Soria. Unclear what the rush of emotion meant at the time, I simply nodded my head in agreement during that prayer and mentally expressed to the Lord that I trust and accept he is in control. My tears flowed.

Later, I went home to offer my own personal prayer, in order to break my fast, and felt inspired to include, "Please bless Bradan as he embarks on his new journey." I stood paralyzed and a bit confused. Tears welled in my eyes. I had no idea why those words came to me so clearly...until I received Bradan's email on Monday.

In his message to me, he mentioned that the missionaries in the Puerto Rico mission were making immediate preparations for the onslaught of Hurricane Irma. My heart sank a bit. I was clueless such a catastrophic storm was headed for the small island (and felt horrible for being so clueless), but I sensed a tone of nervousness in his writing. Bradan had survived a small Texas tornado and several California earthquakes, but never faced a Category 5 hurricane. He requested I read about it and stay alert. I followed up on his request and soon realized that come what may, the inevitable hurricane would thrust Bradan aboard a cruise of new Caribbean experiences; demands of the mission would be slightly altered. That, I understood, is why I prayed specific to him.

Sparing intricate details, this week carried gratitude unmeasured as my son and I both embarked on adventures to unknown territory: he facing an unavoidable natural encounter that will forever impact his perspective, and me with newfound spiritual insight. The Lord knows me, he knows my son, and he guides the meeting of our needs.

While driving home from a Linder Stake Relief Society meeting last night, I reflected on President Petersen's remarks about Mom Moments, and how they can happen at any time, at any place, and for any reason. Once again, my tears flowed and my heart swelled. I had been feeling super inadequate overall as a mother and daughter of God. But in reflection of his words, I thanked my Heavenly Father for the moment I answered the early morning call from Puerto Rico and heard my son declare, "Hi, Mom! I'm okay." Our chat time was limited, but in that brief Mom Moment, he called to me, I replied, "...now go forth and serve," and we shared an unforgettable holy connection, united, even while standing on separate ground.

I am grateful to leaders like President Petersen who give those unclear life experiences true meaning. And for helping me realize you cannot create any divine MOMents without including MOM...