Early in 2000, I was going through a divorce. I felt confused, inadequate at church and depressed because of my situation. Then I became inactive for several years. I knew that my happiness didn’t depend on anyone, but I did not like the idea of attending church without a husband.
I had very few possessions. However, while I worked part- time job as an interpreter, I managed to go to school and received a social work diploma. I saved some money to buy a car, and after some difficult months of separation from my husband, I decided that I needed to move.
Before leaving though, two visiting teachers had been assigned to me some time earlier. They had often called and left messages on my door or in the mail, but I was not in a good place spiritually. So sometimes, even though I was at home, I didn’t answer the door. I determined that I would go back to church when I felt ready and not through the influence of other people.
Eventually, I moved to Alberta. I loaded my car with personal effects and a computer for my son. Then with only two hundred dollars and my two kids, I left.
Even then, my visiting teachers did not give up. They didn't know that I had moved, so they kept sending the visiting teaching messages or cards to my address. My brother forwarded them to me. Those cards were precious to me because they were evidence that someone still cared.
Now, I realize that my visiting teachers were an important influence in my decision to come back to church. I’m grateful that they were not only doing a “calling,” but were acting out of love. My testimony had not died inside me. All the principles that I learned when I was young had stuck with me. I knew there was no other way. I came back with the encouragement of my visiting teachers and the outreach of family members.
When I have the chance to act in my callings, to teach Relief Society lessons or attend the Gospel Principles class to support new investigators and returning members, I realize that serving my ward family truly lifts me. As I continue to do my own visiting teaching, I try to follow the example of faithful sisters to help others stay close to the gospel through life’s challenges.