Love One Another

This blog entry might ramble a little BUT I had to share an experience while I was on my Houston adventure. I don't really know how to put all of this into words because it is pretty sacred....but I just want to use this as an example of how we should be more Christ-like in our lives and also how we as members can be tightly woven and supportive of each other if we want to be.

While I was on the plane, I overheard a man behind me talking about BYU and how he had just taken his son up to school that weekend. My plan that night was to sleep in the airport from 3am (the time I was getting there) until about 7 and then take a taxi to the passport office. I waited for this man to get off of the plane and then I asked him a couple of questions. I introduced myself and told him that I was a member too, etc. All I wanted to know was what time I should leave the airport because of traffic, etc. This man was so nice and I found out that he was the Stake President for the Bay City, TX Stake. He found out that I was going to stay at the airport and insisted that I stay in someones home that night. I felt so guilty and didn't want to bother anyone but he said, "People always ask me to find them an opportunity to serve and I never have anything to give them. Now is our opportunity and we need to help you tonight." I was really pleased, and little anxious/nervous, and also realizing that it was an instant blessing. We walked to the baggage area and (after talking about me and my situation forever) President Martin looks at me and said, "Well, Sandra, I am coming home to a tragedy today. My daughter was killed after church today." Silence! I was just dumbfounded. This man was SOOOOO worried about me and he is trying to get home to see his family after his daughter was killed in a car accident? He was so self-less and Christlike. I met his counselor, President Whipple, and of course there are a TON more details but in short.... I stayed out in a "bayou" in Lake Jackson, TX (50 miles) outside of Houston and their home was beautiful. They gave me my own room and I got to sleep a while. I woke up to English muffins and eggs and then they took me to the passport agency another 50 miles back to downtown Houston. The Whipples are awesome and I am so thankful for them letting me into their home. President Martin & President Whipple are men that will always come to mind when I think of the word CHARITY. I will never forget saying goodbye to President Martin as they dropped me off at the house so I could sleep (and then he went on to see his family)...I thanked him and talked a few moments and he said, "Sandra, this was meant to happen. You provided us an opportunity to serve and in doing so I have been directly blessed. I needed this tonight to help me through the pain of losing my daughter. Thank you." I later found out that his daughter was my exact same age! I feel so blessed to have met these men....Now I have some new friends in Texas and they are amazing!