13 February 2022
VOLUME 10 – NUMBER 439
Family at Endia’s birthday party
Endia
Recently I switched from a supervisor position to a full-time, on-call position at my work. On Tuesday I went to work, and it was a pretty long boring day, but I got to meet some new people since I was working at a different house.
In the evening, London and I went country swing dancing with our roommates, and it was definitely weird for a while. Dances are always awkward for me, but I did get to dance one time and learned some new tricks.
So, this week I have gone running quite a bit (8 total miles) and after coming back from work I went to the gym and ran a couple miles. Right when I walked into my apartment my roommates were leaving to go to Institute, so I took the fastest shower ever and headed out with them. It is cool all the things that I don’t have to miss out on anymore because of work!
Family at Living Planet Aquarium
Thursday is our volleyball night, and this week London, Ashton and I made chili, homemade mac and cheese, and corn bread for dinner before we headed out. Volleyball really has been the highlight of my week every week. I just love to play so much, and this week I played really well!
One time on the second hit my team hit the ball into the net and it headed straight towards the ground. I dropped to the ground and popped it straight up with one hand just before it hit, and then it magically just curved right over the net and down onto the other side! I still don’t know how it happened, but I think I am ready to go pro! [Nacho Libre quote]
For my birthday on Sunday, the family all came over to my apartment for games and treats and it ended up being a lot of fun, AND we ate peanut butter bars, so pretty much perfect!
Children crossing rope bridge at aquarium
Jenny
To say that some difficult things happened this week would be a major understatement. But as things usually go, with the great challenges also come great and marvelous blessings.
On Friday, Arkin and I were dismayed to find that through a series of unfortunate events Selena made a false accusation that led to an investigation by Utah Child Protective Services (the case was closed as soon as they met with us and found out what really happened).
Selena has been planning to move out at the end of the month, as soon as she turns 18, so after we discovered that she had helped to open a case against us, Arkin asked her if she was still planning on moving out. When she said yes, he told her we wanted her to go ahead and move out that day, and not wait another two weeks.
Natalie and her children at the aquarium
While she was loading her stuff into Emma’s Jeep, Selena claimed to her family that we were forcing her to move out, so Arkin asked Selena if she wanted to stay. She said she didn’t. She wanted to move out. She has moved in with her older sister, Lupe.
Things became so difficult and dark for us that I asked Arkin to give me a blessing. In the blessing he told me that in coming days, there would be three significant and distinct tender mercies from my Heavenly Father that would comfort me and show me that he was keenly aware of what I was going through.
The first was probably the most miraculous of all. Immediately after the blessing, I felt an amazing increase of love and charity for all of my children, as well as for any others who were causing the distress in my life. I was so thankful for this!
Trying to eat crackers with mouth guards
The second tender mercy happened as I had a wonderful talk with Natalie the next day when she came over to go to the aquarium with us. Among other things, she talked about how hard it is for teenage children to see why we have parented the way we have, and how she has come to understand who we really are, and what we are really trying to do. Natalie is such a blessing in my life!
The third tender mercy came on Sunday. The General Sunday School President, Mark L. Pace, had attended our sacrament meeting. When we sang the closing hymn, "How Firm a Foundation," I felt the spirit so strongly that my Heavenly Father loves me, especially as we sang the words, “Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed. For I am thy God and will still give thee aid…”
After the meeting was over, Brother Pace rapidly left the stand and came toward me and offered his hand. As I shook his hand, he asked my name and then tears flowed. I couldn't remember anything else he said. I felt that he represented the love of my Savior as we just stood there in silence with his hands around mine.
I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who knows us and loves us and wants us to be happy. I know that if we seek Him, we will find Him. He will show himself unto us. He can turn all of our ashes into great things of beauty.
Family at Endia’s birthday party
Dad / Arkin
There is more to the story that Mom has just shared. As the stake clerk, I had been copied on several emails from Brother Pace about his upcoming visit to our stake, so after his kind act towards Jenny, I decided to write him this email:
Brother Pace,
You don’t know me, but we met briefly on Sunday when you visited the Oquirrh Point 2nd Ward. After the meeting, you approached me wife, took her hand, and asked her name. I can’t remember what else you said, and my wife can’t either. Your handshake was all she needed.
I thought you might like to know a little history behind your inspired actions, and I’ll try to keep this short, since you must receive a lot of email. My wife and I have 23 children (8 biological, 15 adopted out of foster care).
Over the years, that has afforded us many blessings, but also some sorrow and heartache as well. Last weekend on Friday, one of our adopted daughters moved out of our home prematurely under difficult and emotional circumstances. That Friday night before your visit, my wife asked me to give her a blessing.
In the blessing, I felt inspired to say something very unique, at least in my experience. I blessed her that over the coming few days, three very specific tender mercies would be extended to her from her Heavenly Father—three distinct witnesses that He loves her, and is mindful of her trials.
Immediately after the blessing, she felt the first tender mercy as a significant increase of charity for all our children entered her heart. The next day, she received the second tender mercy as an adult adopted daughter had a very meaningful interaction with my wife, and expressed how blessed she was to have my wife as her mother.
Then on Sunday, as we started singing the third verse to How Firm a Foundation, a very sacred hymn to us, I knew my wife was going to begin to cry as we sang. Afterwards, when you approached her and showed your concern and love for her, she felt that you represented the Savior, reminding her with the third tender mercy that she was not forgotten.
I just wanted to thank you for being sensitive to the spirit. It meant everything to her, and she has been doing so much better since then.
Sincerely,
Arkin Hill
Family at Living Planet Aquarium
Brooke
I am a Young Women leader for the 12–13-year-old group. This week's youth activity was combined with all the youth, and we played Human Clue.
It's based on the Clue board game, but there were adults dressed up as the Clue characters, and the youth were put into groups and went to different rooms where the characters were and asked them questions, trying to find the murderer, the murder weapon, and the room where the murder took place.
I dressed up as Miss Scarlet. It was really fun to dress up and get into character! I also got to decorate the room I was in to make it more immersive. It was cool to see all the other adults dressed up as their characters and see how they decorated their rooms. I think this would be a really fun Halloween activity with the family!
Brooke at youth activity
Ashton
On Wednesday, a group of us went to see the play, Treasure Island, at Hale Centre Theater. It was pretty intense, and the choreography was incredible!
There was actual water surrounding the circular stage, and they would throw people into the water, and jump off ropes into it and such. It was definitely unique and did not disappoint! At one point it was even raining on the stage for the characters. We had a good time together.
Other than that, I had a dentist appointment, where I committed to do better at flossing, and then had a test to take in my American Heritage class.
On Saturday morning, we had an Elders Quorum activity where we were taught how to make molten carmel lava cakes! They were really good. On Sunday we celebrated Endia’s birthday and that was a blast! Lots of treats, drool, and fun all packed in one!
Family at Living Planet Aquarium
Dad / Arkin
And here is the last part to the story—Brother Pace’s response to my email:
Dear Brother Hill,
Thank you so much for your sweet and thoughtful email. Thanks for that beautiful picture of you and Jenny and your family. What a wonderful family!
During the Sacrament meeting last Sunday, I noticed Jenny (one of the blessings of sitting up towards the front!) She was very attentive and seemed to be feeling things deeply. Another way to describe it—she glowed.
When the meeting was over, I had the strong impression to go shake her hand right away, so I did. As I shook her hand—a privilege for me—I asked her name. Then all of a sudden, I had no words to say. It was just the handshake, a smile, looking her in the eyes, and an overwhelming feeling of love. I felt that I was in the presence of true greatness. That I was shaking hands with a great and noble soul. It was one of those sweet moments in life when the Spirit does all of the communicating.
It was as if anything I could say would interrupt the sanctity of that moment. There was no need for words when the Spirit was already communicating perfectly. I also had the impression that the Spirit was there so powerfully because of who Jenny is and the goodness of her life. That I didn’t know her, but that the Lord certainly did. He was letting me feel what he feels for her. It was a sacred moment for me. I was so honored to be there.
Thanks for reaching out and sharing the back story with me. Now you and Jenny have the same from me. You must be great folks. It was a blessing and an honor to meet you.
May the Lord bless you both and your wonderful family.
With love and admiration,
Mark L Pace
Family at Living Planet Aquarium
Caleb
Hola papa! Thank you, Dad for the newsletters, they're always incredibly amazing! I want to let you know that truly your influence for good in the world is truly beyond your ability to see.
Thank you for everything you have raised me to be! Thank you for giving me the light and knowledge of the gospel, and beyond that, thank you for showing and being a true example of what it means to be a disciple of Christ!
Caleb and Elder Wray