"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger"

I think the way I view my life changed forever the other day.

Yet another dramatic start to one of these emails. Are we surprised? But seriously!!!! We were sitting in relief society (kind of like Sunday school but for all the women) and the sister teaching is this super cute 26-year-old. You could tell just from looking at her that this girl had a story. She starts by explaining that when she got the text— asking her to teach— she thought it must be a mistake. After praying about it, she decided she would teach even though it made her really nervous. She was honestly so cute, and hadn't been to church in a while. But this got her there. When there was about 20 minutes left of class, she told us she wanted to share her story. And wow, in just 26 years this girl has been through probably more than I would ever experience in a lifetime. Imagine any type of abuse and she's been through it. Her mother was absent and she spent from the ages of 10-12 taking care of her siblings, making sure they didn't get taken away. She even would hold her own family home evening every night. Until she found herself pregnant at 12-years-old. But no one in that room could even think to judge her. She did the very best she could, with the experiences she was given. 6 months pregnant and all alone, she took her siblings to church. It was the only place throughout life where she felt some peace and could escape her life that felt like a living hell. And - even though it shouldn't have happened, sadly, she probably got her share of stares and eye rolls when she would walk through the doors. But she still did it. Even through it all, she's now married to the father of her 5 children, has a nursing career, and is doing so good. While she told us this all, she just cried about how the Lord was with her through it all. He saved her. Even after all she had been through, she still could recognize the Lord was with her. I am in awe of the strength of this young woman who has experienced so much in her short life. She is definitely an example for us all that "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" (Thanks for my song lyric title this week, Kelly Clarkson!) From listening to this sister's experiences on Sunday, I learned three things: 1. Sometimes, no matter how good peoples desires are, the world just makes it so dang impossible. 2. Even 12-year-olds realize they need church and the peace that only the Savior brings — even if their world is crashing down around them. 3. We can recognize the Lord is with us, even if it seems He has forgotten us. I realized how much the Lord has blessed me, and I need to be grateful for it. The Lord has been with me every step of the way, and I'm super grateful for him.

I know this was a random email, but it felt important to share. It just was so eye opening for me to realize how much pain and suffering is in this world, and it amazes me to see people make it through and still recognize the Lord's hand. Don't forget that Jesus loves you, Sister Wallace Pics: 1. Pretty New Mexico skies 2. Me 3. Kekeli this Monday morning 4. A cute pic about Jesus