Why are we here?

That has been a question we've asked more than once over the last few months. When the opportunity presented itself last spring we felt inspired that this is where we should come. But after arriving we've wondered why. The branch seemed to be functioning completely fine without us. They'll function just fine when we leave. We had such trouble getting residency and never did get it. Despite best efforts from their teachers, the kids' education suffered (meaning they had great teachers but the "climate" of the school is not one of excellence.) Todd has been asked by the CEO in Jordan ot move there and work with that operation. That works better for him because he didn't feel he was ever fully involved with the other one here in Kuwait. Still we felt we were meant to be here. But why? Now don't get me wrong. We've met some incredible people and been able to do things that will forever have an effect on us. But just as we were about to leave Kuwait feeling a bit ummmm . . . discouraged that we should have put in more effort, a couple of things have happened right here at the end that have made us feel it was worth it.

First of all I received a note from a friend in the branch who expressed that we were an answer to her prayers. Her kids had other LDS kids to play with and have contact with. She was such a help to me here in Kuwait showing me around that she was an answer to my prayer that I would be able to adjust to life here in Kuwait. So that was one thing that helped us feel like we were worth something here.

The second happened today. Petey, Critter, Todd and I were asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting today. Petey and Critter prepared all by themselves and did a great job. I got up and gave my little spiel. Then Todd gave his talk. His topic was temples. While he was talking I noticed a brother (Fulton something) up front who seemed to be getting emotional. I was in the back row and couldn't tell for sure. In our small branch the room we meet in for Sacrament Meeting is not large. Only the branch presidency sits up front and the speakers sit with their families til it's time to speak. After Todd's talk was the closing song. I was the chorister for the day so I went up to the front to lead the song and then I could tell that Fulton had indeed been emotional.

Now I should give a little background about this brother. My first time seeing him was the first Friday of this month. He stood up and bore his testimony. He bore a strong testimony about the basic tenets of the church--what a testimony should be. He also gave a bit of his background and shared that he'd never born his testimony before because he's never been baptized but is hoping to be baptized in the future. He's here in Kuwait with the military and was only supposed to be here a short time before going to Iraq but his time here has been extended indefinitely. His wife is a member and she and the kids are back in the States.

Back to today. After the meeting I asked Todd if he knew anything about this brother like when he was going to be baptized. I wondered because I didn't want him to end up like one of those stories you hear about where people say "I wanted to go to church but nobody invited me" or "I wanted to be baptized but nobody asked me." Todd said he did ask him a couple weeks ago and Fulton kind of skirted around the issue and just said "soon." Todd assumed it was because he'd want to wait til his wife and kids could be there which would be a safe assumption.

Today was potluck day and after arriving home from the potluck Todd got a call from President Lacorte (the branch president) telling Todd that Fulton was so touched by the meeting today that he wants to be baptized and wants Todd to do it. So we're planning a baptism for next Friday morning. The church is growing--even here in little Kuwait.

Next Friday is our very last Friday here and we get to enjoy a convert baptism and confirmation. It's made our short time here all worthwhile.