September 29, 2014

This week I had the opportunity of witnessing something very thought provoking.

The other day I found myself waiting for a bus in a placed called Don Torcuato.  We were there for over thirty minutes, waiting for a few other missionaries to arrive so we could head to another place called San Fernando together.  As we waited I observed something, like I said, peculiar, but very thought provoking. 

This specific bus stop that we were at is located on a very busy street in Don Torcuato.  There is two way traffic, three lanes on each side, and a large median or sidewalk sort of platform that divides the two sides.  On different occasions I have seen people use this sidewalk as a stage to sing, dance and even juggle. And at other times I've seen people there selling food, purses, jewelry, and passport pictures.  People here use what they can to their advantage.  When there aren't jobs available and there are mouths to feed, people in Argentina are forced to open up shop and become an entrepreneur of sorts.  

The other day I watched as two women used this area as their place of business. Although there are many different types of people here in Argentina that pass out business cards, offering different sorts of appealing products, law advice, information concerning upcoming events, hot deals and offers at the grocery store, all types of professional services, or even cards pertaining to religious practices and new churches that have recently opened their doors, it was more than obvious what services these two scantily clad women were offering. 

At each red light when the drivers were forced to stop their cars, the women left their stand and passed out cards to all of the male drivers in the street.  I watched as they made their way to each car, and EVERY driver accepted the cards.  

I watched as the men read the cards and realized what was being offered.

I watched as they looked up at the women, back down at the cards, back up at the women, back down at the cards, and weighed their options.

I watched as they all counted the cost. 

Even if we haven't been in a situation exactly like this, we have all been presented with situations that have offered choices, were we've been forced to weigh our options. 

Some might argue that as a missionary I should not have been paying attention to what was going on in front of me, but I did, and I feel like I was able to observe something very real, something heart breaking, but something valuable that taught an important lesson. Not all lessons can be learned just by reading Friend magazine. 

It was so hard to watch as these men were presented with such a difficult situation.  

It didn't seem as if a single one of them intended to drive to this specific street, get stopped at this specific street light, and receive another love letter from someone they had an intimate relationship with.  

Rather, they were driving to work, home from work, heading to other places, and it just so happened that at this moment one of Satan's most prized organizations was having an exhibition on main street.  

The light turned red and they were all caught in the trap.

I was mostly sad because of the fact that nearly every man that I observed in this situation either "didn't see it coming," or gladly accepted the temptation without putting up a fight. 

It made me think about what Sister Linda Reeves said in the last general conference,  "the personal internal filter that comes from a deep and abiding testimony of our Heavenly Father’s love and our Savior’s atoning sacrifice for each one of us," is what will allow us to confront, dismiss, and much more easily avoid tempting situations that are inevitable in this life. 

I will I ever know if any of these men that were offered the services of these women were members of the LDS church, any church, or if they believed in God.  But I do know that they lacked this "internal filter" that comes from feasting on the words of God, to the degree that they become a real part of us. 

What purpose do the scriptures have if we just simply read them?

What purpose does General Conference have if we stay at home lying on the couch in sweat pants, playing with our I-Pads, and just every now and then we look up at our big screen TV and pay attention in fifteen second intervals? 

Even if you post an Instagram photo or a Tweet (#confrencewithmybesties) but the messages of the Lord's servants don't penetrate your heart and mind, nothing is gained at all!

Elder Donald L. Hallstom said, the voice of the prophet is "the Lord’s own voice (see D&C 1:38), (but his message) has little value unless we are willing to receive the word (see D&C 11:21) and then follow it. Simply stated, the purpose of general conference ...is fulfilled only if we are willing to act—if we are willing to change.

 

All of us will have occasion to find ourselves in a situation where we contemplate the wrong choice and maybe even then we will make the wrong choice. 

I've done it plenty of times.  We all will.  I guess that's just a part of life.

But I hope and pray that we can obtain a true love for the scriptures and always have "hunger" for the revelations of our Prophet and the leaders that guide us in these difficult times. 

I know if we obtain this "internal filter," if we are willing to receive the words of our leaders and if we are willing to constantly progress towards a better more Christlike version of ourselves, we will be much better prepared when we find ourselves in these difficult, trying situations where we fill inclined to count the costs--that aren't worth it. 

I'm beyond excited for General Conference this week.  I can proudly say that I have read and studied every talk from May 2014's General Conference, and I shamefully admit that it has been the first time that I have put much effort into studying the GF talks.  

BUT, after receiving immeasurable direction and guidance in these last six months, I have officially committed myself to studying these talks and messages for the rest of my life.  

We can't afford to not take advantage of them.

I hope you all have a great week. Prepare yourselves to receive the messages of the prophets this weekend and make an effort to allow the messages to become a part of you.  

I love you all and hope all is well where ever you find yourself. 

Love,

Elder Puzey 

FHE Interview Kim Bert Puzey

Today for FHE we learned about my dad, Kim Bert Puzey.  We started our singing, "I Lived in Heaven."  I read the girls the following essay, written by my dad as a portion of the lesson:

Jeff and I were in the blue truck as we crossed over the Columbia River when we saw a woman standing on the bridge just as we were entering Oregon.

She had light red hair and was wearing a thin modest dress, both of which were blowing in the gentle breeze. There was a tiny satchel at her feet, and she had on a pair of flat walking shoes.

Afraid she was preparing to jump off the bridge; I quickly pulled to the side of the highway and carefully approached her.

“Are you alright?” I asked.

“Are you a Christian?” She asked.

Her question surprised me, but when I answered affirmatively, she looked heavenward, clasped her hands together, and as if praying said, “Blessing. Blessing. Thank you. Thank you.”

She then looked directly at me with her piercing green eyes, and as she strode toward me, extended her hand and, by way of introduction said, “I am Diane Johnson; Soldier in Almighty God’s Army.”

Enveloped in goose bumps, I was taken aback, but extended my hand and greeted her cordially.

Her face was deeply browned by the sun, making her eyes even more bright and penetrating. This was not a casual suntan, but of the type that one only sees on the faces of the homeless, lonely, and wandering.

When I asked about her circumstances, she said that she had been on the road from Kentucky for five weeks and was nearing her destination in Salt Lake City where she had secured a job.

She got in the truck between Jeff and I and we visited as I drove.

She said she would appreciate a ride to Pendleton which was about 35 miles from where she had been standing on the bridge, and although we weren’t going that far, it seemed like a reasonable request.

I noticed that her hair and dress were newly washed and clean. There was no odor that one would have expected from someone who had been on the road for weeks.

As we approached a truck stop I asked if she would like something to eat or drink, to which she eagerly agreed. When we stopped, she selected a banana, an apple, an orange, a sandwich, milk, and bottled water.

I smiled that she was so confident in what she presumed would be our generosity.

We got back in the truck and as we visited, she said she liked to stay in hotels and could use some money to get a room that night. This explained why she was clean.

She was so pleasant and filled with faith that it was easy for Jeff and me to then give her money for the room she would certainly be staying in later that night.

By way of unsolicited advice I told her it was illegal to hitchhike on the Interstate, to which she replied, “I wasn’t hitchhiking.”

I conceded that she had not been trying to ask for a ride, but said that even being a pedestrian was not lawful, to which she said, “I wasn’t walking.”

Not only was she incredibly brave and substantively faithful, she was unusually wise and surprisingly street smart.

As we were nearing her interim destination on the south side of town, she said, “Slow down now, and let me off right here.”

We bid her farewell, best wishes, and Godspeed as she took her satchel, groceries, and bottled drinks, and got out of the truck.

She stepped back from the vehicle and we drove away.

I gazed at her in amazement in the rearview mirror.

The sun was shining brightly behind her.

The wind was gently blowing her hair and dress.

The satchel and food were at her feet.

I smiled to myself and then at Jeff.

We got to feel like Christians and to have the blessing of meeting Diane Johnson; Soldier in Almighty God’s Army.

So this is what I have for you. Occasionally you may want to just stand still. You might be surprised at what happens next. 

Be clean.

Be brave.

Be confident.

Be faithful.

Be smart.

Be patient.

Remember Diane Johnson.

It was great to talk to Dad and learn from him. The girls loved this story.  

We ended with one of his favorite scriptures which is John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer' I have overcome the world."

Later this week we will enjoy Tres Leche Cake which is a favorite of Dad's.  I love this new little tradition.  

Fun day

Evelyn had a fun day with Dixon today.  They have been good buddies their whole life.  It's so nice to have good friends.

Rainy Days

It's been a rainy week so we moved our entertainment indoors.  We colored Easter eggs, watched movies, played games and did plenty of crafts! 

General Conference

I love General Conference Weekend.  It is like my favorite holiday!  We had so much fun just being together.  The girls did awesome listening.  I think I most enjoyed Elder Holland's talk.  I think I most needed to hear Elder Bednar's talk but really, most of the talks!  What a good time to resolve to be better. 

April Fools

We had a great April Fools Day dinner tonight.  I handed out menus to everyone in the family.  Each person made their selections (without having any idea what any of the things on the menu were).  They were then served what they ordered.  We used some pretty wacky dishes and utensils too.  What a fun memory.

Letter from McKenzie

McKenzie is full of kind words.  She leaves me notes all over the house.  This week I got this note on my pillow and this other she hand delivered.  Sometimes the notes will simply say, "Mom, are you going to write me back soon?  Love, McKenzie" I hope she always writes notes.  What a special way to express love!

Sleepy Little Ones

It's 7:30 am and the littles are all sleeping.  They should have all been awake 45 minutes ago but most of them coughed through the night and all of them fell straight to sleep when I put them to bed last night so today I decided they needed some time to rest.  I am so thankful I'm not dragging them out of bed every morning so I can go to work.  This morning in my prayers I felt particularly thankful I get to be with them through most of the seemingly unimportant things each day.  For I believe those things are the things that bind us as a family. 

I spoke with Anna on the phone yesterday.  She is in the midst of 1st trimester pregnancy.  She is as sick as can be.  I feel so bad for her.  We laughed (I think mostly to avoid tears) about how awful pregnancy is... WORST event of my life and yet how miraculous the whole journey is.  And somehow we forget and do it to ourselves over and over and over and in some cases over again.  And all for the love of those sweet faces sleeping upstairs who in just a few minutes will probably come down the stairs, blanket in hand, bed head and morning breath and hug and kiss me like they haven't seen me in weeks.

How did I get so lucky to be their momma?

Good Bye Hannah

Last night the three older girls came down the stairs and turned in their Hannah Montana paraphernalia to me.  I didn't ask them to.  I didn't even think they should necessarily.  In fact, I never thought much of it.  They came down stairs handed me all their pjs and such and said, "Will you take this stuff to Good Will. She's not as pretty as she was then.  We don't want these."

On New Year's Eve Miley Cyrus was one of the entertainers and I did say I didn't want them watching her segment of the show because she was she was sleazy.  But I didn't say much more than that. Before she performed they interviewed her a bit and it was sad and gross and disappointing but the girls actually asked to mute the TV or change the channel.  

I was sure proud of the girls and their ability to see, on their own, that Miley Cyrus is not the Hannah Montana or even the Miley Cyrus they once adorned.  She was their first movie star stuck person.  It's too bad they have to be disappointed.

Basketball Superstar

Hallie started basketball in October which overlapped with soccer for a few weeks. At first she was a bit unsure if she liked it, not sure if she even wanted to play but now... we can hardly pull her off the court. She got a basketball hoop for the backyard and she practices diligently even in the cold and rain. This week she was the top scorer with 18 points. Her coached teased her after the game and started to call her "Turtle." He said, "when I first started coaching you I wondered if you'd come out of your shell. You're out of your shell and I don't think I'll ever get you back in your shell!"

It's true. She was amazing. She is tall. She is strong. She is so fast. It was so fun to hear people in the stands talking about her. Asking us about her experience. What a happy day for Hallie. I couldn't have been more proud.

A little crafty

I don't know if it's the fact that Brenda came over last week and we started working on a "Give Thanks Banner" or if it's the fire burning and the smell of Pumpkin Roll Scentsy or Taylor playing Christmas Music on the piano or what but I've had a major crafting bug.  This week I've been trying really hard to get the family reunion book done but during my sacred daily naptimes (when Evelyn is asleep and all the other kiddos are at school) I have been listening to General Conference talks I wanted to hear again and working on a wreath, pears, the banner... lots of fun things.

I would have to say, I think Fall is my favorite time of the year.  Of course I think we live in the most beautiful place on earth for Fall.

Now that I've got these few little projects done I think I can stop crafting for the year!

Dallin's Birthday

I can't believe Dallin is 21 now.  This little guy is so awesome.  He has always been so kind, so tender, so willing to be a friend.  I am one lucky girl to be able to be his sister.

School Nights

Last week was CRAZY.  We had so many things to do each night and all for the love of memories.  But it made for some pretty busy school nights and school mornings.  So, I just finished my homework for the weekend  which consists of going through all the papers that come home each week and completing paperwork back to the teachers and writing a letter for Taylor's Family Journal.  I have to say I am looking forward to these little beauties (homework binders and library books) to be packed away for most of this week since we only have 2 school days this week.  It's a beautiful thing to have some time away from the routine of school and sports and music and all the other every once in a while to just be!  And be we are excited to do!  Looking forward to a great week!

Marathon

Yesterday, I completed my first marathon.  It was quite an incredible experience.  I never wanted to run a marathon or so I used to tell myself because I honestly am not sure I thought I was capable of a marathon.  In April, Michelle Barker signed me up to run a marathon with her.  I didn't really feel like I could get out of it and I figured what the heck.  At this point our 5 mile morning runs became a little more serious.   In June we finally got really serous about this whole marathon journey.  

When I ran my first 15 mile run I felt so good and I was very excited about a fast, Boston qualifying marathon time.  Then each week as the speed and hills got harder and longer I began to hate marathon training.  I hated that I could hardly walk each Saturday.  I hated that I was gaining weight (and not muscle weight... we're talking nursing mommy body fat in my tummy and arms and chest).  I hated that I was tired.  I hated that my blood pressure was so low sometimes I found myself on the couch eating green olives with a blanket over my eyes because my head hurt so bad.  During the marathon training I had planned to run Hood to Coast and I did terrible. I felt like I would be a complete failure during the marathon. My head was obviously taking a tole on me.  I doubted my ability to complete such a big undertaking.

One day I decided if I didn't change my attitude I really wouldn't be able to finish such a task.  I decided that if the marathon was too hard for me to complete for myself I would do it for people who inspired me to run a marathon or who got me to this point.  And so the list writing began.  I spent a good week coming up with this list.  I spent a great deal of time thinking about the good people in my life who have literally carried me through the good times and the hard times of this marathon training and other times in my life.

And so this list was comprised:

MILE 1 - Katie (ME) because YOU have to start some where.

MILE 2 - Nicole Wagner, because she taught me 2 believe and got me a bracelet to wear on race day that said "believe".  Nicole was there at the race cheering for me, taking pictures of me, texting and talking to my family.  What a huge blessing!

MILE 3 - Kim Puzey (Dad),  because if I finished my marathon in the 3 hour time I would let him post it on Facebook... if not I  wanted it to go unmentioned!

MILE 4 - my 4 beautiful daughters who teach me daily through their example that we are capable or doing hard things.

MILE 5 - Kristi Smith because she was with me the first time I ever ran more than 5 miles and she encouraged me the ENTIRE way!

MILE 6 - Michelle Barker because we run during the 5 and 6 o'clock hours each morning.  She inspires me to get out of bed when it's dark and cold and RAINY!  Michelle is an amazing competitor anda phenomenal   athlete.  Her ability to push through things is incredible.  AND, if it wasn't for her I probably never would have done a marathon.

MILE 7 - Julie Puzey (Mom) because she drove 7 hours in the rain to come watch me finish this race.  She is always there at all the cross roads in my life and one of my biggest cheerleaders in all I do.  How did I ever get so lucky!  (the thought of her at the finish line brought me to tears a few times on the marathon)!

MILE 8 - Tommy Puzey because when I gained 8 pounds during this journey he let me call and rant to him about it and he assured me it would all work out. He also gave me so much advice about how important a happy, smiling attitude can make a race so enjoyable for you and for others around you.  THIS PROVED TO BE 100% TRUE.  And let's not forget Tommy is training for an incredible race in 2 weeks in Hawaii.  He is a phenomenal athlete and a HUGE inspiration to everyone who desires to do hard things.

MILE 9 - Aaron Puzey because I was 9 years old when Aaron was born.  This mile was one of my favorites.  I was feeling good and I spent the entire time thinking about Aaron. Aaron does hard things. I thought about him as a baby, as a child, as a young man and now was a real gentleman... a grown man!  He is a real Superman in my life.  

MILE 10 - Saturday Morning Running Group (Wayne, Anne, Mike B. Mike T. Michelle, Suzi, Kekoa, Gayle) because when you've got friends who will get up early on Saturday mornings and run 10+ miles with you week after week, after week you sure feel blessed.  Not to mention the early morning texts and emails the morning of the big marathon.  

MILE 11 - Kim Puzey (Dad).  As an 11 year old we took a trip to NY together that I believe set the course of my life.  Dad has been a part of some of the most spiritual parts of my life.  I spent this mile thinking about those times.  He called me the night before my race and told me he would be with me anytime I cried and he knew I would.  He was right.  There were times I was in great pain and I cried. There were times I felt great strength and I cried and there were times I literally felt carried by a greater power and I cried.  Dad and I have cried a lot of tears together.  This was a great reminder!

MILE 12 - Dallin Puzey (My DalBear) because I was 12 when Dallin was born.  This was an awesome mile because the terrain was getting more difficult.  I was pretty alone in the race at this point and I spent this time thinking about Dallin and how he has taught me to love so deeply.  He has taught me through his example to keep on keeping on.  He has taught me to never give up.  And so during this difficult mile thoughts of my sweet baby brother kept me putting one foot in front of the other and I actually ended up with a decent 1/2 marathon split just after this mile (1:42)

MILE 13 - SheraLynn Murray because I have only run my 1/2 marathons in my life with her.  In fact in our very first we crossed the finish line holding hands.  In my life I look for her a lot to hold my hand and get me to the finish line.

MILE 14 - Starr Thompson because we have trained for a 1/2 marathon together.  Starr is a great cheerleader. She and a few other dear friends were also running the 1/2 marathon on the marathon course on the same day and it was fun to think that as I was coming up on the 14 mile mark they were probably cooling down from their 1/2 marathon.  

MILE 15 - Kim Cimmiyotti because I ran my first 5K with Kim shortly after Taylor was born and so began my "running career."  Kim and I have been friends for 2 decades. I love her like a sister and my children love her like and Aunt.  Mile 5 was a good time to think about Kim.

MILE 16 - Ashley Perkins because she runs marathons like it's no big thing.  Mile 16 is when my body was getting tired and I just kept thinking of Ashley running marathon after marathon.  She encourages the people around her to be healthy.  Ashley is amazing in every way!

MILE 17 - Jen Puzey because she is Jen Puzey the Incredible. Jen is humble.  Jen is SO strong.  Jen is smart.  Jen is kind.  Jen has encouraged me so much for so many years with so many runs.  It was a good time to think of her and the woman she is and the gift she is to Jake and to her children and to our family.

MILE 18 - Jake Puzey because he told me if I listened to him and did what he told me to do I would not hit a wall between mile 18 and 20.  HE WAS RIGHT. Jake is always right.  Through my entire life Jake has been right.  Jake's ability to set his mind to something and accomplish it is amazing.  Jake's mental capacity while running inspires me.  He was my coach through this whole marathon training.  He listened to me complain, question, get excited, feel discouraged.  I am lucky he always has and continues to put up with me!

MILE 19 - Anna Landin because I always call Anna when I am about to hit a wall.  We talk each other through so much.  When I haven't talked to Anna in a day or two I miss her.  Anna is a rock in my life.  She talked to Nicole several times during the race and Nicole relayed messages to me from Anna.  They gave me a renewed energy.  Anna is who I hope to be someday. 

MILE 20 - Julie Puzey because I always all her when I hit the wall.  I don't know what in the world I would ever do without my momma!  She is strong in every way.  All through mile 20 I thought about things she does to be strong. She is immovable when it comes to keeping her covenants.  She has taught her children to take chances. She has taught us to do hard things.  She has taught us to expect hard things of ourselves.  She expects us to do hard things and then she loves us and encourages us through it all.  Sacrifice is something she understands very well and has given so much to me.  I was strengthened knowing she'd be at the finish with me.  

MILE 21- Taylor Hendrickson because she is my 1st daughter.  Taylor is determined and by mile 21 I had to be determined to finish.  I just kept saying over and over in my head, "we can do this Tay!  We can do hard things!"  Taylor is determined to make good choices and help those around her do the same thing. It was fun to think about her and the things she teaches me each and every day!

MILE 22 - Hallie Hendrickson because she is my 2nd daughter.  Hallie does hard things quietly.  She is humble. She is kind. She is patient.  Hallie and I ran this mile together (in my head).  I kept saying, "We've got this Hal!"  Hallie is so good at literally and figuratively holding hands with people and making them feel loved.  I was so excited to meet Hallie at the finish line.

MILE 23 - McKenzie Hendrickson because she is my 3rd daughter.  McKenzie has taught me to slow down and enjoy life.  I had naturally slowed down by mile 23 but I tried very hard to run as if I was with Kenzie and notice the things she would notice (the big leaves, the small leaves, the slugs, the moss covered branches, the slippery bridges, the bright colored tank top worn by the girl in front of me.)  

MILE 24 - Evelyn Hendrickson because she is my 4th daughter. Evelyn is a fighter.  She fought to stay alive while I was pregnant with her.  She makes me run faster than I have the strength sometimes because she is so intense and determined and so mile 24 I fought and I ran faster than I had the strength and I smiled thinking about how beautiful my life is because Evelyn is in it!

MILE 25 - Rendell Hendrickson because I can't wait to see him at the finish line.  While he won't say much I know this finish line means a lot of sacrifice on his part.  Rendell helps me finish all the crazy things I think up. He is a strength and help in all I do. He encourages me to spread my wings and FLY and I am so thankful for him.

MILE 26 - (those last .2 have to go to someone) and so I gave them back to me so I would remember that I can do hard things for myself too!

So when I woke up and it was pouring rain the morning of the marathon I was strengthened by the phone calls, texts, FB posts and everything else but also by this list I would have with me.

During the race I felt GREAT most of the time and when I didn't I thought of these good people and the bad feelings went away.  I literally felt carried by angels for large parts of the race.

Thank you, thank you, thank you my earthly angels for literally being with me one step at a time on this journey!  When I reached the finish line I was overcome with gratitude for each of you.  AND of course I cried some more!  

AND here I am at mile 26 with my "I am like a Star" face that Tommy told me to wear the entire race.  It felt good to smile after 26 miles and almost 4 hours of running!

Cape Lookout Camping Adventure

We took Celia with us to Cape Lookout for our Ward Campout this weekend.  This was her first experience camping.  When I first asked her if she wanted to go camping she was hesitant because she thought we were going to be sleeping in the mountains with the animals.  After I showed her the camper she felt a little better.  She agreed to go but only for one night! Although, we couldn't convince her that s'mores really would taste good.

BEACH AS SOON AS WE COULD GET OUT OF THE CAR

 

 

 

 

 

BACK AT CAMP

 

 

 

 

 GOOD MORNING CAMPERS and BACK TO THE BEACH