19

I can’t believe Avram turned 19 this week.  I found this picture of Avram for his 8th birthday and it is overwhelming, exhausting, and truly a miracle to see who Avram has become.

We had to meet with LDS services in order to complete Avrams mission paperwork.  With all his past struggles we weren’t sure if Avram would be able to serve a full time proselyting mission or if he would go on a service mission.  

As I talked to the counselor, and he asked many questions, I felt and overwhelming spirit of gratitude and joy rush through me.  I reflected back to the people who were put in our path that helped to guide us to where we needed to go and what we needed to do to help Avram.  

It was humbling to realize the personal touch and interest the Lord had in helping Avram overcome the physical and temporal challenges he has had.  It was frightening to realize how important my role as his mother had been.  I stepped out of my comfort zone many times to fight for him and if I couldn’t find the help he needed, I learned what I needed to do to help him.  

I have been reading CS Lewis recently and he shared and analogy about if the Lord was going to help us remodel a house.  

I look at Avram and I see that analogy.  Some of the work and challenges Avram had to face was to build him up strong enough to get through the challenges in this world.  

I am worried about Avrams mission.  I pray he has good companions.  I pray he has patient companions.  Sometimes the obvious isn’t so obvious for him.  Most importantly, I pray that he will develop a relationship with the Savior that will help him through this life.  

 Thanks to Crystal for the great missionary pictures.