Hope

Where can I find hope?

“Every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better. . .  My declaration is that this is precisely what the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us, especially in times of need. There is help. There is happiness. . . Don’t you quit.  You keep walking.  You keep trying. . .  It will be all right in the end.  Trust God and believe in good things to come. . . Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven, but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.”
                                                  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I typed this quote up and carried it in the car with me for many weeks.  I wanted to give it to Kim Enriquez if we ever saw her again.  Finally I brought it in the house.  Eventually that piece of paper was lost.  Well last night I had to search and find the quote and retype it.  After seven months, we again saw Kim and her children last evening.  She is destitute.  She is back to square one.  Chase Belisle called us to say that Kim and her kids were staying with them for the weekend.  (We have learned that the Belisles have been evicted from their apartment.  I think they have 75 days or so to be out.  And Kim cannot stay with them for any length of time.)  We were invited to go visit. Ashlynn and Daimien were happy to see us.  Audrina did not remember us and it took a while for her to warm up.  Kim had a story, which I know is only partial and has many holes.  Back in January, after sticking up for Mikey and claiming he had changed, he proved her wrong and was physically abusive.  She left him. She said she was too embarrassed to see anyone at that point.  Recently she allowed Mikey back.  He was great for a short while, going to Job Ready every day and saying he wanted to take care of his family. Then he began being mean  and then hitting her again.  She had him arrested.  Mikey is totally irresponsible and as far as we know has never had a steady job.  The years that they were together, Kim was the one who worked.  Now Kim doesn't think anyone will believe in her or give her another chance.  We and the Belisles have told her that she would be welcomed back to church. (Very few in the ward know anything of her story anyway.)  I doubt she will go today, or maybe ever.  My heart aches for her and especially for her beautiful children.  I want to drive over and see her again.  And take her the hope quote. 

Chapter 2.  Sunday 6:30 p.m.  I just talked to Kim on the phone.  I wanted to make sure she would be there tomorrow.  She told me that about two minutes after we left last evening, they had another visitor.  It was Austin Cary -- Elder Cary, who baptized Kim and Ashlynn.  Austin just got married (ya, I know, quick romance -- a very well-kept secret -- he and his girl both served missions at same time -- engaged three weeks after he returned home :) -- well he and Rachel got married Friday.  The day before yesterday.  Yesterday, on their way to Mexico for their honeymoon, their flight at LAX got canceled until today sometime.  So they rented a car and drove to Ventura.  Yes they did!  He told Kim he was convinced that the reason his flight got canceled was her.  So he could see her and talk to her.  Nothing I could ever say to her would be as effective as that! Coincidence?  After being "in hiding" for seven months?  I don't think so!!  If you read this, please pray for Kim and her little ones!  Heavenly Father is so aware!  And I consider it a tender mercy to us -- we have prayed so fervently for her!  And we so wanted to see her again before we left the mission. --  We, or at least I (depending on Randy's schedule), will go visit her again tomorrow.