Nate had a neat experience last weekend that I have been dying to find the time to jot down here. Here's the part of the story from our end of it.
In 2004 Nate wanted to go to Guatemala with Dave and his dad as part of the Hirsche Smiles Foundation humanitarian trip which took place in January of 2005. We both thought that would be a wonderful experience for him and a great opportunity to serve. The problem: it was going to cost us $1,000.00. We didn't have the money. We lived on about $1,100/month, $800 of which went to pay for rent, and $200 paid for our transportation costs. There was never any money left over. Nate and I tried a few odd jobs in all our spare time. {Oh, wait, we didn't have much of that either.} Nonetheless, we felt like this was an important thing for Nate to do, so we did the only thing we could do. We prayed that a way would open up for Nate to be able to go. It was very close to the deadline of submitting the dollars when a check showed up in the mail for $1,000.00. It was a scholarship from the Academy of LDS Dentists. We were not expecting that to be awarded to Nate. Although a very good student and an excellent clinician, Nate was not the shining star on the application. We were surprised, and immediately recognized this as a blessing from the Lord. Nate had a wonderful experience that first year in Guatemala, and has been able to return there every year since. {except for 2008, after he got really sick} That scholarship paved the way for what I'm sure will become a lifetime of humanitarian service for Nate and our family.
{Nate in Guatemala: 2005}
Now, here's the rest of the story.
Nate is learning to place implants, and attended part of the coursework last weekend in Heber. While he was there, he met a dentist from Provo. They talked about the service Nate and Dave have been able to give in Guatemala over the last five years. At some point during the weekend, this dentist mentioned his affiliation with the Academy of LDS Dentists. Dave told him that it was a scholarship from the Academy that allowed Nate to go that first time. This dentist, with some emotion, asked Nate what year that would have been. Nate told him, and the emotions deepened. And then he explained. That year, this dentist was a Stake President and he and his Counselor, also a dentist, were going through applications to choose who would be awarded the 5 scholarships. He said it was a pretty long and involved process and there were certain requirements that had to be met. Part way through this process, the counselor suggested that they change the way they were choosing the people who would receive the scholarship. He suggested that they take the names home, pray about them, and then meet back together and award the scholarships according to the direction of the Spirit. The next time they met, they had both chosen four of the same people. They conferred, and chose the fifth together. This dentist remembered that Nate was one who had received a scholarship that year.
Many times in our lives miracles happen. Often it is enough to know that they do. The miracle, in and of itself is enough to strengthen our faith. My gratitude and faith have been strengthened as I reflected on the blessing of that scholarship that has blessed, not only our family, but the lives of so many. But, to now understand the additional miracles that happened for this blessing to come into our lives makes me feel humble. It strengthens my understanding of a Father in Heaven who loves us all, a Father in Heaven who answers prayers, a Father in Heaven who wants us to serve. I know He lives and loves us all.
Lexi, Clay, and Clay. A very happy lot, those three. It was an exciting day to share together.
The kids then just played with cousins all afternoon. It is one of their absolute favorite things to do. When the evening settled down, we got out the eggs and colored them pretty colors.
It's the candid shots that are often the most priceless. While Sam and Amelia were busy trying to get in the picture, Clay and Emma were sharing a rare peaceful moment together, hugging and loving.
The top picture reminded me of one I took in Cleveland about six years ago...can you believe it? Where has the time gone? The one below has long been one of my favorites.
It was sunny enough that the snow melted quite a bit Friday, but it was clear that the storm wasn't past. We woke up this morning to even more of the same. After conference was over, I kicked the kids out of the house to go play on the snow machine and get some fresh air. It became clear very fast that they needed something to do while they were waiting to take turns, so I got them stuck on the idea of making a snowman. 
As I walked out the door I saw this. Sam can be such a kind and compassionate kid when he wants to be. He was patiently helping Emma put her mitten back on her hand. I like that.
My kids have a new favorite person:
