Stake Conference

I cried a lot at church this weekend. Last night I was moved by Sarah Hachtman's beautiful, nuanced performance of Rob Gardner's arrangement of "Come, Ye Disconsolate," accompanied by Marilyn Olson. Pr. Wilde taught about not being deceived. The biggest risk, I'd say, is self-deception.

This morning I drove Dad to the airport and then went to the church. I cried through Makayla Steiner's talk about maintaining our connection to Christ through uncertain times. And I cried through Pr. Wilde's talk about focusing on the first two commandments to love God and love our neighbor because I have felt that love.

And I felt tired at the end. It was not surprising after a week of my younger kids not showing up for my parenting time, and navigating my dad's visit. The visit actually felt calm and enjoyable, but I was still drained when it was over. It was my dad's first real glimpse of what things look like on the ground here. Tom and Amelia were difficult to connect with, but Dad did get to see them. Anna, Noah, and Tina willing came for games and all seemed to have a good time.

And here comes another quiet week.

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