Very slow at the office lately -- been doing some family history indexing.
Sadly, we have another missionary going home this week. I know none of the circumstances/details. He's only been here two months :(
Lots has happened with Kim, Michael, the kids, and the Belisles. Where to begin . . . First off, when I previously said Kim had gotten some state help and that she would be okay for a month, I obviously misunderstood. I think she can get food, but as far as where to stay, she could not afford to stay in the motel.
Kim and the three kids moved in with the Belisles last week. The missionaries had a great discussion with them all. They had another discussion set up Monday evening, but Brother Belisle was not going to be able to be there, so the Elders called to see if we could go (they cannot be alone with the women and kids in the apartment). So of course we were happy to go.
When we arrived, Brother Belisle (Chase) was just pulling up in his truck -- not sure if Sister Belisle (April) had called him or why he was home, because he had not planned to be. Michael was also there; he walked over to the truck and spoke with Chase, then as we crossed the street to head to the apartment, Michael said he wanted to talk with us. The Elders had just arrived too. As we were talking with Michael, who said he had apologized to Chase, Kim headed up the street pushing Audrena (sp?) in the umbrella stroller. It was very cool outside -- no jacket or blanket on either of them. Kim said she needed to "get some air." Michael was upset -- I won't go into all the details, but evidently some voices had been raised and who knows what all had been said. We calmed Michael down and he was supposedly leaving -- on foot -- and we went to speak with April, Chase, and the Elders, who were standing outside. Oh, and the three other kids were inside, and we learned that Ashlyn has pneumonia. She was watching out the window. As we were talking, Michael, who was on foot and supposedly leaving, turned around and headed up the street in the direction that Kim went with Audrena. So Randy and I got in our car to find them and make sure Michael didn't do anything rash.
Okay -- so -- domestic problems. Nasty things said. Bad situation all around. Randy ended up driving Michael across town -- dropped him off where he said he had friends. No, he is not looking for work. No, he is not particularly interested in learning about the gospel. He wants his baby and talked of taking her away from Kim.
Meanwhile back at the apartment, the elders showed pictures and talked with the kids. Kim came in sobbing with a cold baby. I held Audrena and rubbed her cold, bare feet. Kim went and showered, then came out with the rest of us. What a lovely situation for the elders to be put into. It really is a good thing we were there!
Short discussion on Priesthood blessings -- a healing blessing was given to Ashlyn, a general one to Kim -- then Peiper Belisle (the out-of-control daughter) climbed onto the chair and said it was her turn. The elders gave her a blessing too. The elders left for another appointment, and we left too.
Tuesday evening I saw Kim, April, and baby Audrena at a Relief Society activity. We had a "swap meet" -- (sort of like a giant garage sale, and they both picked out some clothing and a few other things.) All seemed good.
Wednesday afternoon, yesterday, I got a call from Kim (using April's phone). She was crying -- was outside with Ashlyn and Damien -- Audrena was with grandparents -- Michael's parents, who he says are licensed foster care givers. Ashlyn was still sick and was coughing. Kim said she could not "take it" any more -- staying with the Belisles, that is. She is very grateful for their help,
but their daughter is out of control and not good to or for her kids (true), and the place is less than clean (also true). However, what other options does this poor lady have? NONE. She has made a series of bad choices in her life, and now her life is a total mess -- she has three kids (actually five kids -- two older ones living elsewhere), no home, no money, no family to help, no job. My heart goes out to her -- what in the world is she going to do? She
has been helped by the transient bishop, the relief society, the Belisles -- what now? (The Relief Society president told me that the bishop has
several families needing financial assistance right now.)
The Relief Society President called briefly Wednesday evening to say she had spoken to Kim. Chase had just arrived home. He suggested they say a prayer and talk things over. (GOOD for him!)
I called April around noon today (Thursday) and she said they had "worked things out." Kim was gone at the time -- took April's car to go get Audrena. Ashlyn was feeling better and had gone to school today.
Got a call from Elder Cary this afternoon. He said they had just had a lesson with Kim and that it went great! She is wanting to be baptised. He said so often when investigators become serious about the gospel, their lives fall to pieces - (and how! -- Satan!!). And when they have these discussions, they can literally feel the difference as they experience peace and have the Spirit bear testimony to them.
So I have confidence that the Lord will bless Kim and help her work things out. She could become an awesome member of the church who could help countless others. I'm praying for this miracle in her life! And the lives of her precious children!
