{ OH! C-A-N-A-D-A }

Today I board a plane to Canada! I'm going to be meeting up with my old companion and trainer from the mission field and together we'll be taking one of the girls we taught and baptized through the Regina Temple to receive her endowment. I couldn't be more excited!!! The chain of events that led me to this point are truly miraculous and I have no doubt that this is where the Lord wants me to be this weekend. It's kind of a long story, but I promise it is so worth it...

I've known that Stacey, the member we helped bring into the church, was planning on going through the temple this summer, but I wasn't sure I would be able to leave my work and other responsibilities behind. Really what it came down to is that it wasn't very high on my list of priorities. Shame on me. Well, this weekend at Stake Conference was the first of many very strong spiritual impressions I received that called me to repentance and urged me to go to Canada this weekend.

Our San Clemente Stake President, President Reese, was at the pulpit and reminded the members of the mission he had for our stake. He proceeded to tell us that we needed to be more faithful in helping our brothers and sisters to receive the next ordinance in the church and how it was our responsibility and duty as members of the church. Wow! It hit me like a ton of bricks. I knew I needed to help Stacey receive the next ordinance, but also was very realistic in my realization that I had not the time, nor means to get to Canada by the weekend.

I went home that night and could NOT fall asleep. I tried to blame it on the excessive amount of Diet Cokes I consumed earlier in the day. But no, that wasn't it. I was absolutely restless thinking about how I was going to get to Canada. I began checking flights and resolved that I was going to spend the money, however much, and just go. Where the money would come from, I didn't know. But I knew I needed to be in the Regina Temple on Saturday with Stacey.

Monday morning I woke up and forgot all about the restless events of the night before and opened my laptop, got on the phone, and started doing a little business form home. Shortly after I began working a call came from my boss saying that he'd like to drop off a few checks for me at the shop and was hoping I could come in and pick them up. He said that one was for our photographer, and the other was my bonus check for a job well done on our last event.

I hurried down to the shop and when I opened my check, I was shocked. I thought to myself "Sweet! Shopping spree!!!" Shame on me. But just then, it hit me AGAIN! A voice inside my head said "Aubrey, why don't you use the money to buy a plane ticket to Canada? You know you need to be in the temple this weekend." I must admit, the natural man inside me hesitated and took some time to think about the many great things I could do with the money. I resolved that I would give myself some more time to think it over (afterall, this was going to be a huge sacrifice). I decided I would go to Family Home Evening where I could be close to the Spirit one more time before making my decision.

Well, wouldn't ya know. The lesson was on the blessings of the temple. Another brick thrown at my face! I had chills run up my spine and I knew that again, the Lord had witnessed to me what I was to do with the money. I came home, watched The Bachelorette (of course!), and then bought myself a round trip ticket from LAX to Regina, Saskatchewan.

So there you have it. I'm off to spend a week in Canada with Stacey and the people I loved and served for 18 months of my life. I can't wait! Oh, and here's a little gem I found of Sister Cox, Stacey, and me from way back when. Brings back memories. It's going to be amazing to be back in Canada together. See you when I get back!