An unraveling. And a binding up.

 

Time seems to be speeding up. This roller coaster photo is an accurate depiction of the emotions our entire family is feeling right now. 

In the MTC, I remember visiting with missionaries who had been to Disneyland before. Their first few days into the mission experience was most accurately described as a ride on 'California Screamin', the rollercoaster that took you from 0-60mph, flipping and twisting and turning you upside down and sideways. By the time the ride was over one had simultaneously screamed, cried, laughed and squealed with delight. 

As a family we've been trying to squeeze out every moment of this ride together that we can, which means that everyone is staying up too late, the babies are sick and off their routines, and emotions are running full throttle as we grapple with the reality of our separation. Keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times. Long good-byes are not for wimps. 

But God is merciful and kind. He is aware of us in this tender time. As the thread is unraveling, Gary and I have both felt an increase in the ministering of angels, even as we sleep. 

Somehow we were able to snatch a temple appointment in our temple's first day operating in Phase 3.  Being reminded of powerful covenants we have made as we did the work for family members caused me to wonder if maybe they were the ones ministering to us from the other side of the veil as we prepare to serve. We left the temple feeling more steady and centered than we have in a while. We feel blessed and sustained by our covenants. 

...And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the ^cpower of God in great glory.