This mama is grateful at 17 weeks in....

Oh my heart.   It feels like a big balloon-- so big and full it might pop.  I just talked with Sadie on her pday and I feel so immeasurably full of gratitude to my Heavenly Father-- it's so amazing to hear her and see her-- the powerful testimony she has, the insight for life she's gaining, the application of every sweet and spiritual prompting and how that is a pattern for her life.  I am just so grateful that she is having this experience, that she's open to it, and all in and purposeful in intention and effort and obedient.  She is full of His light and His love.  It is the most reassuring and uplifting thing-- all the faith it took to send her-- and there she is- soaring-- taking it all in- having a marvelous refining experience, constantly resetting her focus and building her relationship with her Savior.  It is so apparent that she is on His errand-- and I know HE will match her effort, and the desires of her heart with HIS tender mercies to move mountains big and small in Ecuador while He has her there.  The continuing miracle is that this is a beginning that will continue to shape her life and her service in the church-  it will cement things in her heart that are most important- It is teaching her about love and service and doing things willingly and cheerfully, (like my mom used to always say).  I am humbled by her commitment and her ability to see the good, persevere, BE the joy, hope in good things to come and trust that the Lord is in charge.   I am so grateful for these wings she's growing- in testimony, faith and dedication to the Lord.  It is the happiest and safest feeling I've ever known as a parent and I am just so thankful and overwhelmed with love-- for her, and for my Heavenly Father-- never before have I known exactly just how much she is HIS until now.  She is becoming like Him in small and simple ways, and my heart is full.