what i've learned in the evergreen ward

for those who don't know already, we are moving in may. we don't know where we are going yet, but ken has had some job offers, and still has more interviews this month. we hope to make a decision in april, and we'll let you know as soon as we know.

i feel reflective lately since we are saying goodbye to the home we have made in arizona. we've been here much longer than anticipated, and for that i am forever grateful.

six and a half years ago, we moved to the evergreen ward. otho was not yet one, and i was hugely preggo with abe. i have had many callings in this ward, and each one has taught me so so much.

as visiting teaching coordinator i learned that heavenly father wants us to be aware, love, and serve every single member of our ward. and we do that, in part, by visiting teaching.

as employment specialist i learned that we must take care of our temporal needs before we can take care of our spiritual selves. as nephi says, "for the day should come that they must be judged of their works, yea even the works which were done by the temporal body."

as i did the ward newsletter i learned the importance of ward unity, and as we know and care about each organization and calling in the ward, we are able to feel the spirit of our ward family.

as a member of the primary presidency i learned how to love each child in the ward, and i was filled each sunday by their humble, innocent testimonies of christ.

as a relief society teacher i was able to strengthen my testimony of joseph smith as i taught his words. i also learned how much i love the sisters' in relief society.

now, as i teach the sunbeams i get to again feel the sweet spirit that abides in primary, but i also know even more how much heavenly father loves the little children, and how he wants each of them to grow up knowing about him.

and as a visiting teacher i learned that heavenly father loves even those who are very, very hard to teach. and i now understand selfless service.

our ward is very unique and wonderful. we am leaving with 4 kids, three of whom are in primary. thank you for all of their teachers who have taught them about christ. we are grateful for all of our leaders and teachers, especially those who have shared with us their testimonies with us. we have grown as a family here, and have received the guidance, love, and service that we have needed to become closer to heavenly father. i have made life-long friendships with so many wonderful women and i will miss them when we move. more then they will ever know.

i will be forever grateful for the evergreen ward. thank you for the friends who have loved and served us. we will miss all of you so much.