Life's Little Changes

This past Sunday, my fellow Relief Society Presidency members and I were released from our callings due to the fact that Kassie (the President) and I are both large with child and will be having babies shortly. While I never thought I would say this when I received this calling, I have been really sad about being released. Don't get me wrong, it was a lot of work, but there were so many blessings and things that I learned from the experience. The type of ward that we are in (student married) has a unique dynamic simply because people are getting married all the time and moving in, graduating and getting jobs and moving out, etc. The turnover is huge. Therefore, our biggest focus as a presidency was just getting to know people, which turned out to be my favorite part. I loved having an excuse to go see people and visit with them in their homes and get to know them and their talents. I have also felt an incredible amount of love for the sisters in the Relief Society. Hopefully now I can take some of the things that I learned and continue to do them, even on my own. I don't need a title to be someone's friend, nor do I need a reason to stop by, do something nice for someone, or to help others in their times of need.

I also have to say that I just LOVE the girls that I was in the presidency with, I could not have asked for a better bunch. Though we have spent countless hours together, I of course have no photo documentation to prove it. But, Kassie, Taylor, and Elise are incredible people who have taught me a lot and have become some of my greatest friends. We have had so many great and spiritual experiences as well as bonding moments and hilarious times. Let me just relate one short story for you. As mentioned, we spent a lot of time visiting new sisters as they moved into the ward. Well, on day we went to visit a girl who was newly married at her house. As we walked in, she pointed into the kitchen and introduced us to her brother and sister who were there having dinner with them before we proceeded to sit on the couch and visit with her. Partway through, a man came in and she moved out of her chair and let him sit down before sitting on his lap. Well, Taylor and I knew that he was her husband, but it became very apparent that Kassie hadn't quite caught on to that when she asked the girl, "So, what does your husband do? What is he studying in school?" as if he was not present at all. There was a huge awkward silence while the sister decided whether she should answer for him or let him answer for himself. Taylor and I were frantically trying to think of things to say to cover for Kassie, but neither of us could come up with anything. Finally, Kassie just got this look on her face like she was going to die of embarrassment as she had clued in that he WAS her husband. We quickly left the appointment, only to roll of laughter just outside their door. Taylor and I were just as confused because though it was clear Kassie didn't think it was her husband, we had no idea who else it would be! Kassie clarified that she had thought that when we entered the house, he was the one the girl had introduced as her brother! She said, "I thought it was so weird that she was sitting on her brother's lap, but I didn't want to say anything, because, well, maybe their family is just like that!" We laughed forever about that one. In fact, the husband got up to bear his testimony on Sunday and I couldn't control my laughter again. I am sure I will always think of that story when I see them. How sad.

Anyway, that is just one of our fun stories. I am grateful that I have had this experience and that the Lord knew that this was a calling that I needed at this time. I don't think I made that big of a difference in the ward or the lives of the sisters in the ward, but I know the calling made a big difference for me and specifically for things that I needed. I hope that in the future, I can love my callings just as much as I have loved this one!