When I first joined the church I looked up to the missionaries a lot. They were great role models and I yearned to be just like them. Because of their great example, I had a desire to serve a mission. However, I never thought I would have a chance to due to finances and the very limited knowledge I had at that time. I was also very quiet and shy (there's another twist to this personality of mine too that I will share someday) so talking to just anyone was something I couldn't do. But an unexpected event occurred in my life and changed everything. On December of 2009, I received a call from my father informing me that he was admitted at the Tripler Veterans hospital in Oahu, Hawaii. He continued to give me an update about his health conditions and broke news I was not expecting to hear. With a few broken words he told me his organs were failing and he only had six more months to live. This was a very hard news for me to accept. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and the airport was quiet since all of the flights have departed. It was the end of my shift so I was just getting ready to clock out and head home. Instead I walked into one of the restroom stalls and wept till I had no tears to shed. He requested that I come and see him soon if I could. I promised him that I would be hopping on a plane in just a few days so that we could be reunited again.
I have not seen him in three years so since he was in Hawaii this was a really good opportunity to meet up and see each other again. As soon as I got off the phone, I immediately booked my flight and went straight home to pack. I was so excited I was counting down the days. The day before my scheduled flight my aunt from Hawaii called to tell me my dad had just passed away. The news came as a shock and I was in great disbelief. She assured me that he had peacefully left us and in a better place now where he is free from pain and suffering. It was the hardest day of my life! I was all alone and it made it even more difficult. I curled myself up on my bed and cried myself to sleep. It was the darkest moment of my life. With no one to turn to physically, I had to rely on my Father in heaven. But I was so angry and I questioned him why? He couldn't even just wait one more day? I was told he has six more months? It has only been two days since I spoke with him. But Heavenly Father had a better plan for me-- a plan that changed my life forever. It's a plan that made me stronger. It's a plan that brought me so much joy. It's a plan that is full of hope.It was a blessing to have my mother there. A lot of people I know said she needed me, but I think I needed her more. The faith and courage she had is influential. She was very understanding and accepted what God has chosen to do-- to take her only husband away to be free of discomfort and agony. She expressed my father's last few words to me and that I should share it with my siblings. Those last few words were, "To seek God and draw closer to Him so we could all see each other again!" This was his only dying wish, for all of his children to find God. When I got back to Colorado I met with my bishop. The meeting we had was to see how I was doing and if I needed anything. We talked about my trip, my family and also about work. At one point I remember just sitting in the bishops office and just stared at him while he was talking. I did not hear any words he said; yet I saw his mouth moving a lot. All I heard was a voice in my head of the words my dad had wished for his children. And when I started to hear the bishops voice come back, I interrupted him immediately and these were the words that came out of my mouth, "I want to go on a mission. What do I need to do to get there?" I truly believe that my father was the reason why I was able to accomplish the desire I had deep in my heart to serve a mission. I just needed a little push from someone I trusted and I absolutely valued his opinion. That person was my father. The experience I had serving a mission definitely made me a better person. But most importantly I was able to develop a relationship with my Heavenly Father that is so personal and sacred.
So how is Sister Keavali related to this? Sister Keavali brought me back to the experience I had almost five years ago. It is nice to be reminded of the things that strengthened our testimony and brought us to where we are today. Talk about the tender mercies of the Lord! It is amazing. He is absolutely in every detail of our lives.The experience that this sweet sister has gone through is one that was very unexpected and difficult to grasp. She had an amazing mother that was full of faith, courage and love. And she enjoyed every moment with her. Her mother had some big shoes to fill. And when she became very ill one day, Sister Keavali had to take in some of those roles and on top of that help take care of her mother. She never once complained nor did she ever give up. During all these trying times, she received her mission call to serve in the beautiful state of Colorado. This great news was shared at the hospital by her mother's bedside. She was the proudest mother who cheered for Sister Keavali from the sidelines as she started preparing for this remarkable opportunity that the Lord has blessed them with. Just like any other proud mother of a missionary, she announced it to everyone that came to visit her at the hospital. They had planned to go through the temple with each other and they were hopeful that when that day comes, they would be sharing that special moment together.
But things doesn't always go as planned because Heavenly Father always has a better plan! Although with our imperfect faith, at times we forget that simple truth. Sister Keavali's mom was too ill to make it to the temple with her. This was heartbreaking for Sister Keavali, but she had to do it...do it for her mom! Her mother's health continued to decline each day. She started to ask Heavenly Father with the very well known one word question: "Why"? Followed with an order of, "You can't take her away too soon!" And pleads, "I need her still". Ending with a warning, "If you do take her, I will not go on a mission." Sister Keavali did not know that in just a few days her mother's body would be taken to rest. It was just few weeks before Sister Keavali had to leave home for her mission. It was the hardest trial she had to face and at one point she decided she was not going on a mission. She still had questions and was not very happy with what Heavenly Father has done. But during all the grief and heartache, she did not know what Heavenly Father has in store for her.
She still made it out to Colorado and has been serving for about six months now. She has been to two different areas and now in Grand Junction, being her third assignment. She has received the answers to those very specific questions she asked Heavenly Father six months ago. With tears streaming down her cheeks, this was her testimony:
"I needed to come here to Colorado. It is amazing how Heavenly Father puts people in your life to help you understand what did not make sense to you then. The veil is so thin and I feel like my mother is definitely working through my companion to strengthen me."
What a beautiful testimony! Heavenly Father's plan is pure, bright and full of happiness. Because of the Savior we can be healed and our burdens be made light. We sometimes forget that we have a powerful God that is all knowing, perfect and can do all things. And in these very moments we start doubting, spitting out questions and usually get angry at our Heavenly Father. But He will never forsake us! He truly loves us and will do everything in His power to help us, only if we LET HIM!
.....Let Go & Let God....
He has the Perfect Plan for YOU!
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