Tender Mercies felt but not Understood

We are going to Nigeria. We feel that Heavenly Father is in charge. This is not the road we expected, but we know it is the way that will bring us closer to our Savior Jesus Christ and closer as a family. We are so grateful for the answers to prayers our family members have received in regards to our going to Nigeria, especially Grammy who seems to have received her answers in the beginning of the decision making process.  We have felt that the things that we are to learn that will prepare us to be a tool in His hands will be taught to us there and that we will be blessed abundantly with blessings that will stay with us all of our lives. It is with this understanding that has given us peace beyond our logical understanding that embarks us on this journey. We hope that all of you whom we love and cherish will find increased peace through the peace that we seek, find, and share among our African friends and coleagues at the American University of Nigeria in Yola, Adamawa, Nigeria.

We are naming this blog Tender Mercies Realized for now in reference to a scripture found in the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi chapter 1 verse 20. The part I reference is near the end of the verse...'I will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.' This scripture became even more special to me as when Elder Bednar, one of the current apostles of Jesus Christ spoke about it in April 2005 general conference. We are sure that as we have seen his tender mercies in guiding us to Yola, Nigeria that we will continue to see and experience them along the way and hope to find time to share them here.

I have realized that I feel a little strange sharing my personal thoughts on blogs, as Derrill has been the major writer in our last blog, but if you all will comment every once in a while then I will probably feel a little less strange throwing my thoughts out into space.

You are welcome to join us on our journey and we hope to stay in close contact with all of you.

 -- Joy