Did mother's day come early this year? I feel like every day this past week I found myself so grateful for all of the women in my life. I have thought about so many specific people (at home, in Brazil, in Virginia, church history, etc) and even just women as a whole are amazing haha. swear their energy is nonstop and their ministering abilities are incomparable. In fact, here is the sweetest story you will read this week about 2 amazing women here in the Richmond Branch:
We are teaching Adriana who is scheduled to get baptized on April 4th. 2 short months ago, she lost her husband after he got the COVID shot...so suddenly. They had just opened up a Mexican food truck which sells the yummiest burritos and smoked meat. (My mouth is salvating just thinking about how amazing her food is). Well Adriana works 15ish hours a day every single day. She is nonstop. We even called her this last week to check up to see how she was doing and she couldn't talk for long because with the limited food, time, and money she had she decided to make food for the homeless. Amazing, right?
BUT. My companion and I got a Sister from the branch on a video call with us and Adriana--her name is Sister Edwards. We decided to teach a commandment that is difficult for some and even more difficult for those struggling financially: Tithing.
As we explained this sacred and amazing commandment, Adriana with NO hesitation said "oh, I love paying tithing! I even pay more than 10% when I have the money." 😮
Sister Edwards then talked about her recent struggles as she has been laid off twice and traveling coast to coast to find a job. They both related with their struggles to keep their feet under themselves financially. However, the part that touched me the most as these two amazing women just cared for each other was when Sister Edwards learned about Adriana's sacrifice everyday. With no hesitation, not thinking twice, or even contemplating, Sister Edwards asked Adriana if she could help her clean her taco truck each night to take that burden off her back. While Adriana declined, Sister Edwards has gone 2 times this past week for lunch to support the taco truck and even is bring all 4 of us missionaries this week.
What an amazing example to me. This was just one of A TON of experiences of how women truly are needed in this gospel. I am so grateful for them all!!!
And in the spirit of downtown Richmond and recent shocking events...J. Edgar Hoover perfectly sums up the antidote for animosity:
"The cure of crime is not the electric chair but the high chair."
Love you all!
Elder Gardanier
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