Tender Mercies

I was talking to my sister Caitlin the other day about adoption. 

Jordan and I had gone to a Ward BBQ and Swimming party this past weekend.  We ate, talked with friends from the ward and were having a really fun time.  We were watching all the parents playing with their kids in the pool, taking them down the slides, splashing and laughing.  After an hour or so I turned to Jordan and told him that I didn't really want to swim and was ready to go home.  Without question he said ok and we left.  As we were walking to the car Jordan asked if it was because it was hard seeing all the kids with their parents.  It was.  He just knew and I love that he just knew.

Sometimes out of nowhere it just hits me.  I feel an overwhelming sense of longing, sadness and frustration.  It is in those moments that I turn to my husband, my family and The Lord.        

I feel so blessed that Caitlin has already gone through the adoption process and she is such a huge help for me. She is the one person that I can always turn to when I have adoption questions, frustrations or need some inspiration and hope. She is not only my sister but is one of my best friends!  She has been through the adoption process, she gets it and understands. 

She told me to read a conference talk called 'The Tender Mercies of the Lord' by Elder Bednar.  She told me that when her and Ryan were waiting to find Maya that they often turned to this talk.  It wasn't about adoption but was very comforting to them. 

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/the-tender-mercies-of-the-lord?lang=eng

It was just what I was needing to hear.

"The Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."

Waiting for our baby is at times difficult but knowing that through the Savior's tender mercies we will be comforted and strengthened it gives me hope and renews my faith. 




 
   

Paria Canyon

Jordan has been training all winter to hike Paria Canyon in southern Utah.

"Paria Canyon offers a challenging and enjoyable 38- mile hike for a well-prepared hiker. For ill-prepared hikers, it can become an exercise in survival. Four to five days are recommended to hike from White House Trail head to Lees Ferry."

He left on Thursday and originally planned to come home late Monday night.  To my surprise he came home on Saturday!!  He said that he was able to hike a lot faster than he expected and go out of the canyon early. I was so happy to see him home safe.  I really miss him when he is gone.

We had talked about me going with him but we both knew that I wouldn't be able to carry my own pack for that many miles.  And if I did I would have been miserable the entire time so I made the decision to stay home this trip and to join him the next time he goes when my back is a little more strengthened.     

He said it was an amazing canyon and he would love to go again but would wear a little more sunscreen the next time.  Ha Ha.  I don't blame him.  He came home with a pretty bad burn on the back of his neck, blisters on his ankles and will probably lose a few toenails.

I love being married to an adventurer.    

Here is his trip.

Documented in photos.