Each life that touches ours for Good

It has been said that "life is fragile". Others say "that you just never know what life will bring". I believe it was Forest Gump who says that "life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what's inside". And others just say "that nobody knows when their time is up."

Yesterday, tragic news flashed across the TV screens. A massive earthquake in China, 7,000, no 9,000, no now over 12,000 people killed. As this news was unveiled thoughts of those that we know who are China brought concern. What about Jason, who is with a college group teaching English to the Chinese people? What about Kay Lin an employee, who was able to go on a vacation with family to China? As thoughts and prayers were offered, the communication came from each of them that they were okay. Shaken a bit but all was well.

Again this evening as I watch 3 life flight helicopters fly by my home within a matter of minutes, I ask myself: "Where is my family?" "Is everyone accounted for?"
Grateful again as we take count and learn that all is well.

But what about those that all is not well. Who are they? Do their families know? Why them?

Another news flash today hits Cheryl and I like a brick. News of a missionary killed in Ohio and the shock and horror sets in when we learn that Sister Deschamps was killed this morning in a car accident and Elder Deschamps is in critical condition.


Saturday, in Kirtland, the Deschamps were the missionaries that so gratefully escorted us on the tour of the Kirtland Historical Visitor Center. Only a few days ago, we spent two hours with them and learned from them and enjoyed conversing and getting to know them a bit. They were so wonderful and we had commented that the Lord doesn't do things by coincidence and we felt that we had received them as guides for a reason. Sister Deschamps was splendid with Gabe and made John and Rachel feel at ease as we toured the grounds. I told Cheryl this evening, as I reflect back to Saturday, that I was impressed with Sister Deschamps and kept admiring her Christ like qualities, which is unusual for me to repetitively continue to admire individuals.

Elder and Sister Deschamps, thank you for sharing with us The Sweetheart Tree and like the tree the love that you shared with us as you served the Lord. We will cherish this memory.
Despite all of the tragedy in the world and our gratitude that our family is well; our hearts are heavy this evening as we mourn a loss of an "elect daughter of God" and the pain and grief that Elder Deschamp and the Deschamp family must feel at this time. We can only say that we will cherish the few short hours that we were able to spend with them.

Love Jeff & Cheryl