Testing... testing... anyone out there?

I just wanted to journal a letter that I sent to a friend who was here in Budapest for a short time. She is awesome and though she asked me for advice, she's the one who needs the thanks because it reminded me of some things... I need this in my book for the future I am sure. I haven't been DOWN lately. Just super busy. So the few emails that I have received from dear dear friends lately have really boosted me up. Here's one that I needed as well and reminded me of why I am who I am...
_______________________________

Hi,
You probably don't think this is significant, but when we met a couple summers ago in Budapest, Hungary and I went to the ward your husband was a bishop in, I was invited by you guys to your house for dinner and for some games.
I should have told you a long time ago, but I just wanted to say that it meant so much to me. :) ♥
I was having a hard time spiritually then and it really helped me to feel like I was cared for and that God loves me.
Thank you for being such a great mother and woman. You really made me feel better. Tell your husband too.
May God bless you for your charity towards me. Again, it meant so much.

Thanks

T (*not real name)
____________________________

Then I wrote back about how this brightened my day. And she wrote back about her life and what she is up to... and then she asked for advice... gulp!

_______________________________

Hey T,

Congratulations!! What a hard decision to be married. And an even tougher one knowing that your family can't be there with you.

And about having kids... lots and lots of prayer. TOGETHER and separate.

I wanted to wait and Brandon didn't. There is an article in the Ensign from President Hinckley about timing that was really good for me. He mentioned to weigh finances, debt, etc. and go to the temple often. I think that is where I get the most inspiration. And after 4 kids, I'm a little scared to go back. :) I think I am done having kids... Heavenly Father might have other plans for me. As usual.

You are awesome because you can say that you don't want to sacrifice having a family for material things. Your heart is in the right place. I just didn't want to struggle to the point of dependency on others. But struggling a little was good for us. We think back at that time in our lives and laugh at what we lived on.

"Oh be wise. Need I say more?" I'm not the uber scriptorian, but this scripture rings true over and over and over in my life. And I feel that listening to wisdom sometimes equals patience... and always some sort of sacrifice in one way or another. Having kids is a HUGE sacrifice, where waiting for them can also be a HUGE sacrifice.

Only YOU and your hubby can make that decision. Isn't that awesome? I love that no one can tell me how to live my own life. And that you get to have an amazing man to help you along the way. My only advice: Lift each other up. Don't be burdens on each other. If you always put the other person before yourself, your needs will always be met. But sometimes you have to tell them how to get your needs met. :)

Okay, I'm getting preachy. Sorry! You have a lot on your mind. Just concentrate on the temple and the blessings you will receive there. The best advice I received about going through the temple was to ONLY concentrate on the feelings you have for being there. Don't worry about the things people are saying. That will come later. You can worry about everything else in time.
Just keep going to the temple.

Again... geez! Sorry. :) I just know that the temple is the house of God and the feeling I get there is paramount to anything I have ever felt. The first time, for me, was frustrating because I was concentrating on what everyone else was or wasn't doing and felt pressure to know stuff. The second time, I only concentrated on the feelings I felt there. Does that make sense? It was like night and day.

We had a hard time trying to figure out if we wanted to stay overseas or go back to the US. It took lots of prayer. Now that we have a family, we have to think about ALL possibilities with so many different factors. Schools... safety... relatives... sigh. Sorry to say, the decisions don't get much easier. :) But we've all been there. You are not alone!

You are awesome. I wish you would have stayed longer.

with lots of love,

Monique

P.S. Wow! I just wrote a book. In that case: I dedicate this book to you. For reminding me of what I need to do as well. Thanks!