Bishopric

When were coming home from Florida we were literally waiting at the airport and Andy got an email from the partners of the group informing him of big changes that were going to impact us in very negative ways. It was hard to digest the email after we had had such a great family vacation and this email felt like a punch in the gut. We got home Thursday night and for the next few days did a lot of soul searching and praying trying to figure out what was going to be best for our family. Could we live with these changes? Should we stay? Should we find another job? It was a very stressful few days and as we were fasting on Sunday I had a peaceful feeling that everything was going to work out. I didn't know how but we needed to be patient and stay for now. I didn't feel like the answer was we would be here forever but I didn't get the urgency to leave like I was having the previous days. That afternoon we got a call from the Stake Executive Secretary. Andy has been 1st Counselor in the Stake Young Men's Presidency for 3 years and I immediately knew Andy was going to be called to the Bishopric. I don't know why, but I knew. Andy knew too. We waited for Tuesday to meet with President Presbury and our feelings were confirmed and Andy was called to be the 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric. It had been such an unsettling time leading up to this as we were praying to know if we needed to move and the moment President Presbury said, "You have a been called to be ...." The weight of everything was lifted. It was tangible and another confirmation to our fasting, prayers, and answer we received on Sunday. Andy was sustained and set apart the next Sunday, December 11th. Andy's Dad and my Dad were able to be here for the ordination to a High Priest and then he was set apart for his calling. It was such a tender mercy for Mike's health to be well enough for him to come and lay his hands on Andy's head to ordain him. A treasured memory for sure. The next week (our 17th wedding anniversary) Andy conducted his first sacrament meeting. My heart was so full as I sat there with our kids looking at him. Seventeen years ago, I imagined building a life and family with him but what we have has far exceeded any of my hopes and dreams. It truly has been such an amazing adventure this life that we built together and moments like today reminded me of the outpouring of blessings from my Father in Heaven.