It was a busy day in the hospital. A pounding headache made it difficult to allow my mind to rest as I swiftly went to patient to patient  But, in Father's sweetest mercy, I had a moment to sit down for a few minutes in the break room. By His divine design, a program started on television. The newscast asked several different men and women this one, simple question: 

"If you could change one thing about your body, what would you change?"

(Click HERE if you would like to watch the video - It's really good!) 

The adults quickly responded with things they did not like about their bodies, expressing their dissatisfaction and personal anguish.

Then, the newscast asked the same question to sweet little boys and girls. The difference was humbling.

These innocent children thought and thought, faces scrunched, chins scratched. After pondering a while - they excitedly wished for mermaid tails, glow-in-the-dark eyes, and flying powers. One girl even proclaimed with a smile: "I like my body, actually!" How stark a comparison! No wonder the Savior asks us to "become as little children" (Mosiah 3:18). 

We have been blessed with beautiful bodies - with which we can progress to the eternities. We ought not let satan override our perception with ingratitude. Let us "rejoice and lift up our heads forever, because of the blessings which the Lord God" has given us - "for in our bodies we shall see god" (2 Nephi 9:3-4).

I've struggled, and still struggle, with loving my body - as many men and women do. I have been overcome with satan's self-defeating cloud of darkness - obscuring my vision of who I am and how divine a role my body plays in Father's plan. 

But I thank God for allowing His light to break through. He helps me see clearly if I look to Him. 

Pornography not only plagues the minds of men with lust and addiction, but it corrupts the vision of women, causing them to compare themselves and fear they are not beautiful nor adequate. 

We must let Jesus cleanse our vision and change our perspective. It's not enough to free our minds from such satanic and evil thoughts, but we must fill them with good and truth from Father, with His light and His love. 

One beautiful summer afternoon, I went to the temple. Upon entering the house of the Lord, my mind was caught up in thought. I had been battling the adversary in the way I view my body. I remember thinking that I had not received a compliment of being beautiful for quite some time. It was not a compliment of looks that I desired, but a compliment of who I am through Christ's atonement. To me, compliments of "you ARE beautiful" resonate much more deeply than that of "you LOOK beautiful."

I have found that Satan has tried to cause me to dwell on the imperfections of my body. The Spirit has helped me see that the adversary has lulled me into the habit of finding physical fault every time I look in the mirror. He has taught me that the adversary desires that I  live contrary to Elder Nelson's counsel, when he said, "Each time you look in the mirror, see your body as your temple." (Decisions for Eternity)

But as I prayed to see myself through spiritually renewed eyes, Father has taught me that I am beautiful when the Spirit is with me. I am beautiful because the Savior makes me beautiful. When He is with me, I radiate, I beam. I am most beautiful when I think of others and not myself, when I think and act as Christ does. It is through His name, the great I Am, that I Am beautiful. Through Him, I am beautiful.

Furthermore, it is not our looks that make us beautiful, but who we are. If we are becoming Christlike, we shine. If we are choosing to let His grace attend us and transform us in all that we do, we ARE beautiful. Despite what the world says, beauty runs far deeper than looks. It is who we are. I am beautiful by and through the great Jehovah, the great I Am.

I dressed myself in the temple garment and went to the chapel to wait for the next endowment session. By divine design, a beautiful woman and mother, with the most loving smile watched me as I walked past. After her friends arrived, they went to the row behind me to sit. As she passed me, she held my hand and said, "YOU are the most beautiful girl!" 

I felt Jesus encircle me about. I knew that it was He who had inspired her to not only notice me, but to approach me with those very words. It wasn't a compliment of my looks, but of me, of who I am through the name and grace of our Savior. I wept in gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father and Lord.

"Inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am--not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual." (D&C 67:10)

Oh how perfectly do these words chasten my soul! I thank Heavenly Father for sending me to this verse and for sending that sweet sister to be an answer to my unuttered prayer.

Satan seeks to cloud our vision with jealousies and fears. But through the atoning grace of our beloved Savior, we can strip ourselves from these lies and be filled with gratitude & love. Humbly, we can recognize our own nothingness and our full dependence on Him. He made our bodies and He makes me beautiful. As we do so, the veil will be rent and we will see ourselves for who we truly are, children of the Most High God. 

Glory to God!

Thanks to the micromanaging hand of God, I was taught the powerful formula of thought choice (THOUGHTS -> FEELINGS -> ACTION) before my mission by my dear sister and friend Valerie Dimick. It resonated so deeply within my soul that it changed me forever. She taught me how to discern between good and evil, how to allow Jesus to free me from the darkness of Satan's grasp, and how to see myself as Father in Heaven sees me - through  the gift of repentance and study of God's word (given by ancient and living prophets). The gospel of Jesus was so intertwined in her lessons, I repented and changed forever. I was transformed. I thank Heavenly Father with all the fervor of my heart for such a privilege to be taught from on High. 

In my psychiatric nursing class, we discussed the very formula Valerie shared with me those few short years ago. But the difference was vast in comparison. No mention of God, of Jesus Christ, or of the conspiring devil from whence lies stem. No mention of the Atonement and the power of the Savior to change our views of ourselves, the world, and God. No spiritual witness was born to my soul. Information was given and information was received. A mortal man's name was referenced and accredited for such a formula, but not God. I hungered for the testimony of Jesus Christ - for that is what carries such principles to the soul. 


A similar sense of incompleteness was felt while working on the psychiatric unit of the hospital. To the patients ill with mental disease, I've struggled to keep contained the name of Jesus Christ. Above all other remedy, they need the Savior, His atoning sacrifice and perfect compassion. They need His companionship and support in this their suffering and ailment. The medicines are divine and given by God. Likewise, the principles taught in therapy are good and inspired by Heaven. But had they been taught and administered by the power of His name and His doctrine, its effect would be profound and eternal. But rather, no mention was made of the God who is so eager to help. No mention of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His everlasting love.

I experienced the opposite while serving a mission. I had the privilege of teaching several brothers and sisters laden with mental illness: Schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. The lessons were sweet as the Spirit bore witness of the Savior. They were therapeutic in nature, and we offered simple coping skills as do the therapists and nurses in the hospitals. But our lessons purged the soul and brought heaven into our hearts, for we taught the gospel of God's only Begotten Son. His name, we praised.


The Lord said to Joseph Smith, "Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words" (D&C 6:2).

President Boyd K Packer's words also ring clear when he said, “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel” (“Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).



The experiences roll on: I recently attended a leadership conference with a friend. My spirit was left wanting. The name of Christ wasn't mentioned once in the two hours of lecture. My soul hungered for the penetrating words received in the course I (and my fellow missionary servants) attended while on the mission. The course was called Launching Leaders and it was taught by a devoted missionary couple - who had worked closely with a world renowned leader, Steven Covey. How different an experience!! On the one hand - secular, and the other - divine. Though the same principles were taught, the power of the Holy Ghost filled our hearts when Elder Ritchie bore witness of Christ the Lord. Through the grace and mercy of the Savior, Ritchie taught, we can rise up and become great leaders. In contrast, the leadership conference shied away from bearing witness of Christ. Surely, it had the "form of godliness, but.. denied the power thereof." (Joseph Smith History 1:19).

If we, as a people, truly gave glory to God in all things, how would the world change? How would the hearts and minds of mankind change?

When Jesus reigns on earth again, life, science, and everything we do will take on a new focus. Christ's name will be glorified in all things! I can only imagine what celestial school or the education we receive in the spirit world will be like. Our learning will be enhanced ten-fold when it is intwined with His glorious gospel, when the teachers teach and the hearers hear by the power of the Holy Spirit, when the glory of God is made manifest in all of His creations.
My prayer is to make such a heaven on earth in my daily interactions with my fellowman. For His grace and strength, I plead for.  


Father in Heaven spoke to me through the power of the Holy Ghost during these beautiful sessions of General Conference. How great have been His promptings and loving commands.

"Between 3 Nephi chapter 11 and 3 Nephi chapter 28, the Savior used the title Father at least 150 times, making it very clear to the Nephites that He was there representing His Father.In every way possible, He was His Father’s perfect disciple. He was so perfect in representing His Father that to know the Savior was also to know the Father. To see the Son was to see the Father (see John 14:9). To hear the Son was to hear the Father (see John 5:36). He had, in essence, become indistinguishable from His Father. His Father and He were one (see John 17:21–22). He flawlessly knew which way He faced." - Elder Robbins, Which Way Do You Face?

No greater example do we have than the Savior Himself. Do we talk of and praise our Father in Heaven as often as we should? Let us follow Christ’s example and talk of Him often and regularly! We ought to let Him be the center of every conversation, we ought to remember the atoning sacrifice of His Son, always.

Synergy is far more powerful than the efforts of one man alone. As Elder Wong emphasized in the story of Christ healing a man with palsy lowered from the roof, the scriptures read: "When Jesus saw THEIR faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Mark 2:5.

Husband and Wife: Austin & Julia Frazier

Describing the experience Austin and I had in the holy temple of our God seems impossible almost. If it weren't for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ - my journal would hardly capture a glimpse. It is most sacred and sweet, beyond my limited capacity to express. Surely, it was the single most important decision I have and ever will make in this life time and in the eternities. Oh how grateful I am to know I have chosen correctly - for Father in Heaven has firmly and powerfully born witness to my soul that this was and is His will for us. I reverently and fervently praise God for His infinite mercy and generosity. 

Austin is my most precious gift from God - one that I will forever cherish and hold dear to my heart. More powerful and eternal than the legal marriage ceremony, the sealing covenant (performed only by His restored priesthood in His holy temples) is the crowning ordinance and gift made possible through Jesus's great Atonement. It is because of His sacrifice that Austin and I could kneel over the altar and be bound as husband and wife, not only for this life - but for eternity. It is because of His mercy that the precious priesthood power lost with the death of the apostles has been restored. Through Joseph Smith, the power to seal families together forever has made possible my eternal devotion and covenant to Austin.

8.16.14 2:00pm in the St. George Temple: 
The moment is immortalized in my mind, it is engraven on my soul. The incomprehensible feeling, the majestic beauty all around us, the sacred words of the sealing ordinance, and most of all - my precious Austin kneeling before me. 

On our way to St George that beautiful morning (having just gone out for an early morning ride with our biker buddies), Dad, Emma, and I listened to talk after talk. I felt the voice of the Lord impress upon my mind the need to listen to a talk by Sister Elaine S Dalton entitled, "Love Her Mother." It is a sweet sermon given to fathers, teaching them the greatest way to love and raise a daughter: that is, to love their mother.

Emma, as expected, was zonked out (her typical car ride pastime), but papa and I wept together as we listened to her words. The Holy Ghost filled me with an all-encompassing sense of gratitude to have had a father who loves my mother. Furthermore, I was overcome with gratitude to be marrying a man who would do the same for my children.

In the temple, President Muir (not only the Sealer of our ceremony, but the former counselor to my grandpa when he was temple president), was inspired to mention this talk as he offered us divine and God-given counsel. He looked to Austin and said "the greatest way to lead your children home to God is to love their mother."

In that moment, I looked at my papa from across the room. There were tears in his eyes and in my own - I was so grateful to be marrying Austin, a good and righteous man who - through the grace and merits of Jesus Christ - will cherish me as my dad has cherished my mom.

I love Austin. Being in his presence seems to ignite some pre-mortal fire deep within my soul, to be more like our Savior and to progress toward our heavenly home. God wants us to progress and rise to our divine and glorious potential, it is His whole purpose (Moses 1:39). In more ways than imaginable, I feel a divine and synergistic power to do so when I am with Austin. I love it and praise God for it.

Forgiven of Debts

The moment I woke, I rolled onto my knees and asked Father for His help, mercy, and grace. I was to go to the BYU scholarship office and plead for mercy. At the beginning of the summer, I was awarded a full time scholarship for the Spring and Summer terms. Though only 0.5 credits were necessary to lay claim on the money, I naively signed up to audit my drawing class, unaware that auditing was not equivalent to enrollment. 

Just days ago, my mom and I realized that the scholarship money would not cover my audited drawing class. BYU expected $760 from us, money of which we do not have to spare.

Austin and I are just two weeks away from being sealed for all time and eternity. Oh how I love and adore him. I cannot thank Father enough. The adventures of being poor together await us, and we excitedly look forward to learning and growing with one another - ever trusting our Lord and Savior. In preparation for the upcoming financial responsibilities, we have prayed earnestly for Father's help and support.

And so I hopped on my bike and went to the scholarship office. I arrived a few minutes before 11:00am, a Tuesday morning. Quickly, I realized that it was the appointed time for BYU's weekly devotional. 

Grateful to attend, and recognizing God's great timing, I went to the devotional.

By no small chance, only by divine planning and mercy, Sherri Palmer - a nursing professor - was assigned to speak.

As they introduced her, they mentioned her role as the international nursing coordinator. At that moment, the Lord clearly and powerfully exhorted me to check my GPA, reminding me that it may have changed after completing my international course. 

At the end of winter semester, I had a 3.79 GPA, a score .01 short of a half scholarship for Fall and Winter. But to my amazement, my GPA was increased by .01 points after finishing my international nursing course in India - making me eligible for the scholarship!! I praised our God in prayer, thanking Him for helping me realize such a blessing just moments before going to speak with the scholarship counselors.

An hour later, off I went, trusting in and pleading for His support as I begged for forgiveness. He forgives debts. I was hopeful that my brothers and sisters would do the same.

I went first to the OneStop Scholarship and Tuition booth where I humbly explained my situation. My first words were, "I am here to plead for mercy," and then continued to describe my naive mistake. The young girl listened and then quietly informed me that there was nothing she could do. I wept, standing before her, vulnerable and helpless. She encouraged me to go speak to the counselor to discontinue the art course in hopes of redeeming 50% of the courses cost. I went to the bathroom, wiped my tears, and walked to the counselor's office. 

A tall Polynesian woman, one of BYU's counselors, approached me, her eyes were kind and her voice was soothing. She introduced herself and welcomed me to her office. She listened intently as she inquired to know more about me and the beautiful life Father has given me. Together we shared a sweet, and sacred moment as we talked about my nursing career and her experiences as a recipient of healthcare. 

I was filled with deep compassion and respect for this kind counselor, awed by the grace of Christ that has shaped and strengthened her. What an honor it was to meet her and to share such a sweet moment with her and the Lord.

She then asked me why I needed to drop my drawing class. I started to explain my situation, recognizing that there was little to be done besides dropping the class to redeem 50% of the cost. She diligently looked for a way to forgive me the debt within the set bounds. But there was nothing she could do at the moment.

Content, I then presented my hope to be re-processed for the Fall/Winter scholarship due to my increase in GPA. She apologetically explained her limitation and incapacity to do so, explaining that the scholarship application process was long over. I understood, and recognized her sweet desire to help. How grateful I am to have been sent into the stewardship of such a kind and Christlike woman. I could feel the love of our beloved Savior as I sat with her. I could see Him in her countenance.

Upon returning home, I wondered why Father would have me check my GPA prior to speaking to the counselor - but I cheerfully moved on, thanking Him for providing a way for 50% of the art class fee to be lifted. Little did I know, there was much more Jesus was doing. 

Two days later, I received an email from the BYU Financial center, informing me that I have been awarded a half-tuition grant for this upcoming Fall and Winter! Oh how sweet, how merciful, how gracious! 

I called my mom to rejoice, and upon closer examination, she saw that the $760 fee for the audited art class was forgiven in full!

I was amazed, awestricken, and grateful beyond degree! Lisa, the sweet counselor Father had sent me to, had not only found a way to forgive me the class fee, but she graciously made possible a grant for my last year of school! Oh how sweet! How merciful! How gracious! Thanks be to God and His Son Jesus Christ!!!

I testify that our perfect and wise Father in Heaven and His beloved Son Jesus Christ, want to help! 

Said by one of Christ's living apostles, Elder Holland:

"Just because God is God, just because Christ is Christ, they cannot do other than care for us and bless us and help us if we will but come unto them, approaching their throne of grace in meekness and lowliness of heart. They can’t help but bless us. They have to. It is their nature." - Elder Holland, Come Unto Me

They live, and Their love for us is perfect. We can trust Them!! Oh how I thank Father for the precious experiences He has blessed me with so that I could learn this for myself. 

Jesus Loved the Blind and Those with Leprosy

One beautiful afternoon in India, I was sitting with a cute frail man named Mari while working in a leprosy colony. He was blind and held a cane close beside him. He laughed and smiled as I talked to him, utilizing the three Tamil phrases I knew and every other universal communication mode possible. He kissed my hand and talked with me. I remember having felt the Spirit guide me to sit beside him, my assignment for the day was not demanding and I know it is by the micromanaging design of our Father. Little did I know that this was a sweet beginning to a miraculous day.

While we sat in the street, the girls in charge of interviews asked if he would participate. He consented and I had the divinely arranged opportunity to accompany him. I helped him up and guided him to the interview stand. 

In the interview, I learned his story. He started having problems at age 30, but lived in denial for 20 years. Alas, by age 50 he was diagnosed with leprosy and started receiving treatment. No wife, no children, and rejected by his parents, he told us about the shame and depression that came with the diagnosis of the disease. He felt worthless and attempted to take his life by poison. But God preserved him. 

Unable to die and unable to live, he wandered from city to city, begging for food, until he came to the nearby leprosy hospital. We later went to this hospital to sing hymns and I was saddened by the terrible condition in which these humble men and women lived. I know it was by God's great omnipotent hand that Mari was in the leprosy colony the very day we came. 

Even still, Mari's source of income is that of begging at the local temple. I wept as Mari explained that his desire to die continues. What sorrow filled my soul as my friend and brother sat before me, unaware of his great and infinite worth. I wept for his pain and his anguish. The interviewers and interpreter sat quiet. I reached out and held his hand. " Mari, you are important to God." I wish he could understand. I then felt an intense spiritual draw to him, and for the test of the day - I had the privilege of staying by his side.

The interview ended and I walked with him to the cleaning stations, helping him from seat to seat. His feet were unsteady, his cane tapped back and forth as he inched his way forward, his deformed hand clasped mine as he trusted me as his guide, his arm wrapped around my waist.

We became the best of friends. I kept him in my embrace, holding him close - his arm wrapped around my leg. We laughed together, communicating in laughter and smiles. "Syringe!" (Smile) I'd say and he would burst into giggles. It became a ritual of ours to place my hand on his chest and say "Mari Mari!" He then would exclaim in return "Joolia Joolia!"

If I wasn't kneeling by his side, I would stand beside him while my dear nursing friends would clean and bandage his ulcers. He would search for my leg, give it the biggest hug, and kiss my side - all to be sure I was still there with him.

Then I brought him to the doctor. After speaking with Mari in Tamil for a few minutes, the doctor turned to me and said, "Mari is very depressed." I really love and appreciate our doctor. It touched my heart to see how gentle and compassionate he was for our struggling brother. My love for the Savior deepened as I saw the doctor's demeanor and sorrow, despite the number of leprosy patients he cares for. 

I asked the doctor what we could do to help Mari. We talked about the condition of the leprosy colony where Mari lived. The doctor said Mari's quality of life would be greatly enhanced if he moved into the leprosy colony.

I felt an overwhelming sense of love and compassion for Mari. I ached for his welfare and happiness. I felt Jesus fill my heart with a moving desire to do all I could to help. I felt Him empower me and call me to action. I stood, helping Mari stand with me, and walked directly to the leprosy colony director. After beckoning the translator to assist, I discussed with her what we needed to do so Mari could live in the colony and receive assistance therein. We made the arrangements and Mari was told to go to te hospital to fetch his things. Oh what a miracle! Thanks be to God!

As Elder Bednar, one of Christ's living apostles, said, I was "empowered through the Atonement to act as [an agent] (see D&C 58:26–29) and to impact [our] circumstances." (Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease)

I know it is because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that all good is made possible. It is He who placed us there at that precise moment, it is He who empowered and guided me to help Mari, and it is He who will continue to strengthen Mari in this his affliction.

I thank Father for letting me feel a portion of His love and for enabling me to be His hands. Mari is so precious and beloved to God, and it was an honor to love him.

I watched as Mari walked away from the colony to the hospital, wandering the side of the road with his cane. Oh how my heart went out to him. My dear brother and friend. On the side of India's dangerous roads, he shuffled forward. I longed to help him, to embrace him, to guide him. But I could not. Into the distance he disappeared.

A little while later, Father allowed us the sweet experience of singing in the nearby hospital, the very one that Mari lived. But when we arrived, I could not find him. My heart went out into prayer as I searched for Mari. I pled to Father, requesting that He send His angels to bring him here safely and in time to say goodbye. 

Meanwhile, the Spirit flooded the room as we sang songs of Jesus.

We walked among the sweet and frail hospital patients, out beloved brothers and sisters. We clasped their hands and held their faces.

But alas, it was time to go. As I walked down the dirt layered halls of the hospital, saying goodbye to each brother we passed, my eyes were drawn forward. I saw Mari standing at the end of the corridor at the hospital entrance! I ran to him and embraced him in my arms. 

"Joolia Joolia!!" He cried as he recognized my voice and my embrace. Asking the doctor how to say it in Tamil - I told him I loved him. He was crying, and as was I. 

This is just one of many sacred and precious moments while living in India. Oh how I thank and praise our God for being ever so intricately involved and intimately invested in our lives.

Vanacam!

Walking the streets of India, we bow our heads - our hands in prayer position, and, with a smile, greet each beautiful Indian person we meet with a warm "vanacam," - commonly known as "hello" or "welcome" in English.

They sweetly smile in return, responding with a similar bow and greeting. This exchange is one that I love and never grow tired of. I love seeing the faces of each person light up with joy and pleasant surprise - the demands of their daily tasks dimmed for but a moment. They are so beautiful.

I can hardly capture a portion of all that I have heard, seen, and felt while living here on India. But thankfully Jesus will enhance my capacity! Oh how I love Him.

As soon as we left the luxury of Chennai's air-conditioned airport, we walked into the hot Indian air, thick with humidity. Each breath was wet and rich with heat. We had entered a world of movement and, to the eyes of a foreigner, chaos. The lines separating the lanes of the streets were mere guidelines to the drivers and pedestrians. Honking was used as a mode of communicating one's presence on the road in any, and every circumstance. People busily ran about - always in constant and purposeful motion.

The streets were lined with concrete buildings, broken and decaying. A thin layer of filth coated everything and everyone.Though the buildings were dead and rotting, the city was full of life and color. The people were beautiful and their big eyes and white teeth glistened against their dark skin. Cows, dogs, monkeys, and the occasional goat meandered about. They were comfortable and content, living amidst the people and they added effortlessly to their chaos. The sounds, the colors, the smells - each are difficult to capture in words but they are priceless to experience.

Alas, we drove out into the country, leaving behind the city chaos and into the village way of life. We passed by men and women bent over, working in rice fields. Coconut trees and lush shrubbery lined the horizon. 

We passed through small villages where little boys dressed in string panties played with sticks and tires. Straw huts and small concrete homes covered in sand dust encompassed the center of village life.

As BYU nursing students, our purpose in India is to care for those inflicted with leprosy through an organization called Rising Star Outreach. 

We also have the privilege of playing with and caring for the children enrolled in their school - giving immunizations, performing checkups, and delousing their hair. Some of the sweetest moments I've had has been with these precious children. I love and adore them.

​

But, I won't go into detail about the kids. Perhaps at a later time I will. In this, I wanted to share with you a portion of the sacred experiences I had while working in the leprosy colonies.

Throughout history, leprosy has been known to be the disease of the "living dead." Once diagnosed, these people are cast out and rejected by family and friends. In India, they are shunned to the lowest caste, doomed to be counted among the Untouchables, a life of begging and rejection.

Rising Star Outreach is an institution formed to combat such a degrading stigma. Indeed, it is a privilege to be a part of such a redemptive work. Christ surely is at the head of such a cause. Rising Star provides medical care for the leprosy patients, schooling for the children, and grants to enable the people to rise above their lowly circumstances and to become successful.

Each day, we travel to a different leprosy colony (ranging from one to six hours away). After getting off the bus, we are approached by men and women laden with the disease. They are disfigured and disabled, their hands and feet deformed. Their faces are worn with rejection, trial and sickness. 

And yet, I marvel to see their eyes full of light, joy, and deepest gratitude. They are happy and they continually express their thanks with love. Embracing them in our arms is most sweet and sacred. The love of our Father in Heaven flows abundantly as we laugh and talk with them and as we serve and labor in their behalf.

Though many of the people in India are Hindu, most leprosy colonies are Christian converts. How sweet it is to hold the hands of these people as they praise our Savior for their lives. Several wear crosses around their necks, others look heavenward and express thanks to our Father above. Together we sing praises to our God and King, grateful for the privilege to be in one another’s presence. Though we speak English, and they speak Tamil, we understand one another. The language of the Spirit is one that is familiar to us both.

Each person moves through our mobile clinic - visiting with the doctor, receiving their medications, getting their blood pressure and blood glucose checked. We remove their bandages, wash their feet, trim their nails, oil their skin, and re-bandage their wounds. Each individual is so grateful and lovely.

One day, I had the privilege of washing the feet of these beautiful people. Oh how I thank our Savior for such a sacred experience. It was my responsibility to clean their ulcers of debris and dirt. One sweet woman cringed in pain as I did so. 

My hearted ached for her and I expressed my apologies as I mourned with her. In love and tenderness, this beautiful woman put forth her hand and touched my back, reaching out to comfort me in this her personal pain and anguish. She bobbled her head as to communicate her understanding, encouraging me to press on in what she knew was best for her. 

What Christ-like love, submission, and long-suffering endurance. I continued to work, bowing over her feet in awe and reverence for our Savior, grateful for such a symbolic experience of His time spent in the Garden and on the cross.

Though diseased and disabled, these people are sweet, kind, and happy. Through the aid of this remarkable foundation - Rising Star Outreach - they are not only receiving treatment and wound care, but they have become successful and many have started businesses with the grants and assistance of the generous donations made. Oh how I thank and praise our God! For surely it is He who has inspired and enabled the brothers and sisters who have founded it.

​

Before traveling abroad, I had heard much about the culture, lifestyle, and poverty of India. Furthermore, I had been taught about the physical and social plague caused by leprosy. But, even though I had a knowledge of these things, I had not yet understood them in full. I had not yet experienced them.

Surely this must be why Jesus was not satisfied with only having a knowledge of our sins, pains, and temptations. Instead, He humbly experienced them Himself. He wanted to understand perfectly our anguish so that He could succor us in a way that was perfect and complete. 

Such is illustrated in the seventh chapter of Alma: "Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance… And he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:13,12)

Oh how grateful I am for the precious experiences I have had in India with His children sick with leprosy. Through these experiences, I have come to understand more fully. My eyes have been opened and my love for the people of India has grown deep. They are beautiful. 

But surely, it is not necessary for us to be in foreign lands and impoverished cities to learn and experience His life.Wherever we may be, to whomever we may meet, with whatever sickness, disease or ailment they may have, our Father in Heaven will grant us the privilege and sacred opportunity to love and care for one of His beloved children if we ask. How precious, and how sweet. 

With each experience we receive, our understanding grows more complete, our practice more Christ-like, and our hearts more pure.

Father in Heaven has taught me much and I thank Him for the many precious moments I have shared with His beloved children here in India. I love and thank Him.