Zion's Camp - 2010

In 1834, a group of 100 Latter-day Saints, commanded by the Lord and led by the Prophet, Joseph Smith, left their homes in Kirtland, Ohio for a journey to join militia forces in Jackson County, Missouri. This expedition, known as Zion’s Camp, traversed over 900 miles before the Lord commanded them to return to their homes. During the two months away from their homes, many men suffered and all were tried by the Lord. One account describes it as “a time of learning and testing one’s fortitude.” In other words, it was a time of great enlightenment, learning, and understanding through challenge and adversity.

While not quite an apples-to-apples comparison, this example of Pioneer Heritage describes the past six months for our small family.

In April, Ryan and I were blessed to receive a job offer from an incredible non-profit organization in Washington, DC. We were thrilled, and I headed out to start my job a week before graduation. The next few months were a whirlwind of new and exciting adventures in our new life. We experienced Washington, DC as a small family, met new friends, and reconnected with old friends.

We were happy.

But, sometimes, the Lord has other plans. Sometimes the Lord provides miracles and blessings in ways you could only imagine in retrospect: for example, our July and August.

As many of you read, Ryan received some inspiration about returning to finish his pre-reqs for Medical School. When we talked about this the first time it was laughable to both of us. But as we looked at the options, we knew that it was a possibility.

There were a few challenges such as how do we do it in Virginia… we can’t. Well, if we can’t do it in Virginia, where do we go? Utah? But if we go to Utah, what about money, insurance, a job, childcare? This is when I stumbled on a previous relationship at BYU. I had worked with an individual in Career Services during Graduate School, and he was leaving his position.

So, it was a long shot. There was only one option. BYU or nothing. It was take it or leave it.

In July I applied to his position as a Career Counselor with University Career Services at BYU. I knew that it would decide our future and moved aggressively (those who know the full story from the UCS side would laugh) to apply for the job.

Phone Interview? Check.

Second Interview? Yes, they wanted me for a second interview, in Provo—they even flew me out.

Agonizing wait? Of course, always.

Offer? Thankfully, yes.

In August, BYU offered me a position with University Career Services, it was such a blessing. It provided for our needs, some of our wants, but most importantly a future and the fulfillment of Ryan’s dream.

In retrospect, I look at the steps, and they fall into place perfectly. As though it were planned out, as though a loving Heavenly Father knew our desires and what is best for us, and then I remember He did.

While our 2,400 mile trek to Washington may seem laughable to some, it was right for our family. It enabled us to learn more about God’s love for us and that he places the path in front of us, even if it is a millisecond before our foot touches the path.

So, if you’re still confused as to where we are… in August Ryan and I moved back to Utah. We are living in Orem for the next couple of years while I work at BYU as a Career Counselor and Ryan attends the University of Utah to finish his pre-med requirements. We know it is a long, hard road ahead, but are happy to be together, following the guidance and inspiration we have received.