A Breath of Fresh Air

So, this past month has pretty much been the pits.

We have had a few disappointments that have been

extremely hard to get through...

We're both on eggshells most of the time,

probably because we're cramming 4 people

into a 600 square foot apartment.

And because the whole student=being extremely poor thing

is getting old.

Sooooooo...

Needless to say, we needed a breath of fresh air.

And Wednesday, we got it.

Nate met the Xu (pronounced SHOE) family on his mission.

In fact, he gave them the discussions.

And they decided to come to America

for a couple of weeks.

I was really nervous meeting them,

probably because I don't speak a lick of Chinese.

We went to South Towne Mall and had lunch there.

We all rode the carousel and they had corn dogs.

We came back to our apartment

where they showered us with gifts!

We went outside and they played in the snow.

Later that night, we went to Park City and ate

at Bangkok Thai on Main.

I met one of Nate's old mission companions and his wifey.

Then on Saturday, the mom and dad, Nate, and his old companion

all went to the temple. I met them afterwards

and we ate at Tucano's.

Even though we couldn't really communicate

with each other, I could tell that these were special people.

And, I was just so proud of Nate. 

Proud because he decided to serve a mission.

Proud because he learned Mandarin.

Proud because he has maintained contact with the Xu's.

They weren't just another baptism to him.

He really cares about them. 

His mission is a whole different world

that I've known about, but I couldn't really understand.

I couldn't understand why he would get so excited

when he would talk about these families he met.

And when we met the Xu family, I understood.

These past few days have just really made me

stop and think about what life is really about.

Is it really about getting that dream job?

Is it really about having lots and lots of money?

Is it really about making sure your

house is clean every minute of the day?

Is it really about feeling pity for yourself because

you're apartment is too small, and your clothes aren't

exactly up to date?

Or...

Is it about the way you treat people?

Is it about knowing there is a Father in Heaven who loves you?

Is it about living the best you can so you can be with your family forever?

Is it about serving others?

Is it about loving your children and showing that love?

Is it about putting your faith in the Lord and letting

Him take all these wordly burdens off your shoulders?

I think you get the idea...

I'm so grateful to have met them.

They were truly a breath of fresh air.