Tender Mercy

As a missionary in Korea, there was a time when I questioned whether I was actually helping anyone, whether I was truly an instrument in the Lord's hands.
I had a wonderful companion, Sister Ogilvie. We put a big sign up on our wall that read, "MIRACLES HAPPEN!" underneath a picture of Joseph Smith praying in the sacred grove. And then we chose to look at every small act of goodness as a miracle, directed by Heavenly Father to help Him in His Work and His Glory.
I saw so many miracles. A million "small" miracles, some really, huge, amazing miracles, too. And I was so grateful that Heavenly Father would help me realize that we can accomplish His will through small measures.

But the blessings didn't end there! A year and half later, my dear friend Katrina was baptised today.



We met Katrina just after the "MIRACLES HAPPEN" sign was taped up in our apartment; she was lost in the dark streets of Shinjung, looking for the bowling alley. I happened to know where it was, and offered to walk her there.

She had a mile-wide smile and was the brightest, happiest foreigner I had ever met there. Her Alabama pride, sense of adventure, and love of life made her an instant friend.



We never counted her as an "investigator." I gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon with my testimony written inside. We taught her a familiy home evening lesson. We invited her to church and the Christmas party.

I didn't even know that she continued to meet with the missionaries! As I kept in contact with her after coming home, I always hoped in the back of my mind that maybe our friendship would one day lead her to accept the gospel.

So imagine how full my joy was when she told me she was ready to be baptised! That she had been meeting with the missionaries since I left! That she has a testimony of the Book of Mormon!



I love this girl so much, and I am so happy for her. She is a beautiful, human sparkler who brightens everything she touches.

The most amazing thing of all, however, is that Heavenly Father let me be a part of her story. That He used me to help her begin her journey, and He let me know how great she is doing. I never expected to be a part of something this truly precious.