Proud to be an American!

We attended a Stake breakfast yesterday in celebration of our great nation's birth. A group of men, young and old, sang the patriotic number that expresses the feelings of pride in being called an American. Other patriotic sentiments were shared and for a brief moment we were able to forget the conditions that are so prevelent and focus on what this great country really stands for. This was extent of our celebration except for what I will always hold dear in my heart. I have two nephews who are serving our country in the military and I honor them for their service and belief in that cause.

We had a very busy week in our office which doesn't leave much time for learning about more that is available to assist the unemployed. When I read articles in the Church News and Church Magazines about other LDS Employment Resource Services, I have to be careful to not bring comparison into the picture. At the same time, I must not let myself think there isn't a lot of hope for the people in the Rio Grande Valley and make excuses for how different the situations are here. We are in the process of working with resources, we have found, in bringing information to the undocumented of how important it is to start the necessary procedures and not wait and how to go about it. So many members of the church fit in this category and I have become more sympathatic to their situation being so close to it all every day. It would take a lot of writing to share the details, but what we are up-aganist can be overwhelming. I need to remind myself every day who is in charge and Be Still and Know.

We find as we visit the different Wards, that some are more friendly than others. I am so grateful that my home Ward chooses to be in the friendly category and have a reputation for being so. Because we are not assigned to a Ward like the young missionaries, it is more difficult in making those connections with the people. We are progressing, though, and some of the people are warming up to us and becoming more than acquaintences, even when we don't see them every week.

We had our monthly Bi-Stake Ward Employment Meeting which reminded me that we don't measure success by how many attend. Brother Martinez felt he was taught and that it was worth the 30 min. drive to come. We also meet Brother Vela, who is the newly called Stake Employment Specialist. We felt his enthusiasm and know that once we have the leaders educated to how the Wards and Employment Center are not separate entities, but need to be working together in this much needed service to our brothers and sisters.

Elder Avery brought stories with him of his ancestors and has been enjoying reading about them. I know how much I have enjoyed my family histories and so I understand his feelings. I have a desire to do more searching on my family when we are complete with this service. I am grateful that we never stop having so many wonderful opportunities to learn and serve. Is that not what this life is really all about!

With love,
Los Averys