Angels Round About You

As a young woman, I served a mission in Spain.  During that mission the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 84:88 was frequently quoted in which it says, "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face.  I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."  I read this scripture often when I felt overwhelmed or discouraged.  It was very comforting.  I really believed, and still do, that we do have angels around us helping us and strengthening us.  However, I had always considered that these angels were loved ones who were not currently on this earth.  With this mission, I have found that in addition to the angels I can't see, there are many angels on this earth who are supporting and "bearing me up."  On numerous occasions since receiving the call to serve this mission, I have been overwhelmed, sometimes even to the point of tears, by the great love and support I have felt from so many people.

This mission is a wonderful experience.  We love being with the missionaries.  The people of Houston have been so out going and welcoming.  They have been angels.  When we arrived at our new home, there were members of our new ward (religious congregation) there with dinner for us.  The fridge had been stocked by the previous mission president's wife with the essentials.  The next day when I went to put something in the freezer, I found it stocked with frozen meals made anonymously by other "angels."  The day after we arrived, a couple of "angels" organized a swim party so my children could meet other kids their age.  There are three angels that every six weeks make two very large dinners for me so I can feed all the missionaries that are leaving to return home one night and all the missionaries that are newly arriving to the mission the next night.  Those are just a few examples of the great love and support we have received since arriving here.

Emily sent the first package with this cute poem.

A few weeks ago, my sister Emily who is one of my angels and an amazing woman, organized a whole host of angels.  Since then I have been receiving three care packages in the mail each week.  Unbelievable.  I have felt so loved and supported.  It is overwhelming how many wonderful, loving, giving people I know.  I am just so blessed.  It is truly amazing.  Thank you, thank you, thank you to all my friends who love and support me.  You are all great examples for me and I love you.

Here are some pictures of some of the care packages I have received so far.  I will eventually share all of them, but at the moment I will share the ones that are currently on my computer.

Emily made this cute Valentines banner.

Sweet treats including chocolate covered cinnamon bears.

Maria Majeroni--just what we need--healthy food recipes and easy FHE lessons-so fun

Shauna Redford--Love the color red on this journal and willow tree

Tracy Lyman--essential oils including lavender for relaxation-you can imagine how much I need this

Paula Call-tons of yummy treats and recipes, journals, and a movie for entertaining the kiddos-just what every mom needs

Denise Stevens-Yellow may be my favorite color-it is just so cheery-certainly brightened my day

Paulette Santiago-Yellow and citrus, two loves.  I love using fancy bars of soap, but it is a luxury I don't get to enjoy frequently

Amy Davis-yummy lo-cal treats (perfect since I am STILL trying to lose my baby weight) and a gift card for date night.  Wish all these friends were here to go out with us.

Tammie Moore-citrus AND chocolate-what more can you want, plus a bonus of cute kitchen towels.  Her brother is one of our missionaries and we love him.