Sometimes you just know...

The circumstances don't matter but an incident occurred this week that allowed us to know, perhaps more strongly than we have yet, that we are exactly where we need to be, doing what we need to do. 

A major part of our assignment is to be a connection between the Moscow CES office, the area coordinators and the 20 plus CES missionary couples who are assigned to help the youth in major cities throughout the East Europe area.
A situation has been building that could have ended with hurt feelings, blaming, and stagnation in the work that is so important to everyone in the area involved.  It was no one's fault but differences in language, culture and expectations were all factors.

 We prayed for guidance and inspiration as we met with the parties involved.  We began with a prayer and hearts began to soften.  We heard the explanations on all sides and the spirit was sweet.  Elder Pierson began to draw on his years of experience in the church and managing people.  He's good but this wisdom was beyond him.  I said some things I hadn't thought of before. It was wonderful to feel that we could really help.  Having gone through some of these same things and having experienced many of these same feelings, we could connect and help them through.  The words from the book of Esther kept going through my mind, "for such a time as this."

 We all felt the healing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are going to stay more closely involved with these good people as we all pursue common goals in helping this work move forward.

 I know that is true for each of us.  We are exactly where we are supposed to be, doing what we need to do.    Sometimes we are blessed with a confirmation of that fact.

More events this week. Wonderful baptism of a dear woman we love.  Happier than she has ever been.  She exudes goodness and commitment to the gospel.

These sweet biological sisters, who we have also grown to love, are leaving within a week of each other for their missions.  Mature and strong in testimony and joy, they are examples of all of the young people we work with here.  Missions are huge in their lives.  They have served, are serving, or are on their way. They are faithful and strong.  We are so blessed to be in service with them.