Heavenly Father Hears and Answers our Prayers

(**Since this is my Journal I want to remember our experience tonight, so I apologize for its length.)

While we were in the Dominican Republic we took a day trip to Santiago (In the Northern most part of the country) and was an area my dad served in. We got up at 6:00 AM to hopefully beat the traffic, but it ended up taking 4+ hours. We almost turned around a number of times because we got lost in the Capitol, Santo Domingo. We were going in circles, but eventually found our way. When we arrived in Santiago we were all very hungry and the first place we saw was McDonalds so of course we had to have a hamburguesa con pickles and papas fritas. While we were sitting and eating our meal Andy spotted two missionaries across the street. My mom and I told him to bring them over so we could buy them lunch.

They were a little confused, but were grateful for the meal. As we got to talking we found out that one of the missionaries (Elder Anderson) was from Las Vegas! We then found out that he was on his way to the post office to send Christmas presents to his family. Of course we couldn't let him spend money on postage, when we were heading back to Las Vegas in a week's time. We told him we would take the presents with us, and drop them off to his parents. Because what mom with an Elder would not want to hear that her son is well and happy? I know that if someone called my mom to tell her that they saw Trevor in Argentina she would flip!

So we had Elder Anderson write his address and after a farewell we went on our way. Last night we called Sister Anderson to let her know we wanted to stop by and she was thrilled. Tonight for FHE we went over to the Anderson's home to drop off their Christmas packages.  Andy and I were a bit nervous, not sure what the night would bring.

As Sister Anderson opened the door she welcomed us in with open arms. We both immediately felt comfortable. After sitting down and talking we found out that this sweet family had endured a tragedy only 18 months ago. Two of their sweet daughters were in a car accident, and they returned to live with our Father in Heaven. When this happened Sister Anderson did not want her son to leave so soon on his mission. She didn't want another one of her children to leave. However, Elder Anderson knew that he shouldn't delay his mission and that he needed to go. 

Elder Anderson has been in the field for 5 months. Since he has been in the Dominican, Sister Anderson has been praying faithfully to know that her son was in good hands, that we was healthy and happy. After going through her trials and tribulations, having her son leave was even more difficult. Tonight as we spent time with the Anderson's and felt of their sweet spirit I am so glad that we didn't throw in the towel while lost in Santo Domingo. I feel so blessed that we were able to be apart of this family's Christmas Miracle. Words cannot express Sister Anderson's gratitude that we were able to see her son, and let her know that he was doing well.

What a loving Heavenly Father we have, that even when we think He isn't listening or we just can't ask one more time, He is there. He knows us and loves us individually and Hears and Answers our prayers.  

Elder Anderson, his companion Elder de Leon and the family.