Tender Mercies

Most recently Mom came to visit me in Provo and stayed for a few days and we had some very needed "Momma and Annie time." Dad had to go on a business trip and Mom didn't want to be home by herself so she very conveniently found a flight that left right before Dad and got in right after Dad, it worked out perfectly. We went to the gym together, shopping, Payson Temple open house, went to the movies..twice, sat on my bed and talked just like old times and went to lunch with friends. This woman is my best friend and always will be, having her here was exactly what I needed. Love you tons and tons forever Mom!

^^ One negative of having long hair, taking pictures when the wind is out of control is almost impossible, but I think this one turned out just right. 

While at the Payson Temple open house we met these two amazing individuals. This is Robert and Sally. We were sitting in the chapel across the street watching the introduction video before entering into the temple and Mom leaned over to me and said, I think that this couple sitting next to me is signing. I quickly looked over and could see them signing back and forth to each other. The video finished and we began our walk over to the temple. I jumped at the opportunity and I walked up to Robert and Sally and signed to them, "This wind is crazy! I hope that it doesn't pour rain on us again right now!" They both got a huge smile on their face and the conversation continued. I introduced myself and Mom and gave them a little of background about myself, that I was a Deaf Education major at UVU and that my Mom was here visiting from Southern California. They told me that they wanted to come to the open house but the only time that they could get an interpreter was that weekend at the most inconvenient times so they said forget it and came when was convenient to them and came without an interpreter. They then asked me if I could interpret for them inside the temple. I got wide eyed and said, "I'm not sure I'd do the best job for you so I'm not sure that you want me to do that, but I could sure try!" They assured me and said that I would do just fine! 

I ended up interpreting for and chatting with for Robert and Sally during the whole tour of the temple.  I would let them know the little facts about details in the different rooms, ask questions to the workers that they had, and anything that they wanted to know. They were very interested to know about my life and what I was doing, why I chose ASL as a profession, how long I had been signing etc. They were such delightful people to talk to. 

We finished the open house and walked to the front of the temple for pictures. Before saying goodbye Robert again told me how grateful they were for me and that I chose today to come to the open house, that I was there for them. We all came to the agreement that we were all in the right place at the right time and that we were guided by the spirit. They left and I stood in front of the temple with my arms folded and tears flooded my eyes. Have you ever heard about missionaries that go on foreign speaking missions that all of a sudden have this moment where they are speaking the language fluently to someone with no trouble at all and once the conversation is over they stand there and think, "That was me, I just did that? What? I didn't realize that I knew all that!" My moment where tears flooded my eyes was exactly that!

The couple days before the open house I had been second guessing my ASL ability, my decision to change my major and having difficulty in trying to decide which way I would go with my degree. After meeting Robert and Sally, after having this experience, I know for surety that I am in the right place. I felt as if they weren't my hands, felt as if the spirit was guiding me through every sign. I was there to serve, I was needed, I was important to them. I felt that the hands of the Lord were guiding mine. 

I can talk with my hands, can you?