Before that happy Monday, when Scott was found in good enough shape to be air-transported to the Military Hospital in Germany, there also happened a memorable Sunday, where I was asked to bear my testimony at the Sacrament meeting. I wrote it down, so those exact feelings can be relived again and again. This is my spiritual treasure, this is what has become a part of me, this is my answer to Heavenly Father's love and grace. And this is my sincere Merci to the French people and their wonderful beautiful and welcoming country. Sister Wood translated for me. Here goes:
"I have been here only a little over two weeks and I feel like Marseille is my home. In such a short time you genuinely learned about who we are, what our story is, and how you can help us. You acted as if you were my family and it meant the world to me.
During my time in France I had a lot of time to think about God's plan of happiness. Initially I thought that happiness consists of good things of this earth. But how feeble and fragile that happiness is! This life cannot be it, if God wants to make us all equally happy. He prepared for us much much more.
Before we came to this world we shouted with joy about coming to live on Earth. We were eager to proceed with this physical experiment even when were warned that mortal life won't always be butterflies and rainbows. But what we will gain from it - the knowledge, the experience, the strengths, the talents, the love and relationships - will far outweigh our pains and sacrifices. So, of course, no one here on earth deliberately wants bad things happen to them. But somewhere deep inside we know that pressing on and making through the storms of life will be worth it in the end.
My recent trials have helped me see my life in eternal perspective. Mortal life is wonderful and beautiful, but it is so because it contrasts with sorrow and hardships. In other words, opposition is what helps us appreciate and treasure the good.
But what if opposition is so dark and heavy that it eclipses all hope for much wanted miracles. Walking in the shadow of death in the past two months caused me to broaden my understanding of the plan of happiness. God's miracles extend beyond this life. They continue on beyond the veil. Everything that's been started here is to be continued in the eternity.
Ever since Scott suffered from the heat stroke in the Ironman competition, I have witnessed many miracles big and small, often in the midst of incredibly challenging situations and I am humbled and grateful for every one of those miracles. But I've also received the strongest testimony that there is an absolute miracle that has already happened for each and every one of us. This miracle is - Jesus Christ. It's Jesus and his Atonement, His power to conquer death and to provide the way for all humanity to be resurrected and reunited. This was the ultimate truth and hope that saved me during times of my deepest sorrow and despair.
God lives, brothers and sisters! You are the proof of that. You have exercised your faith with me. You have gone out of your way to visit Scott and administer priesthood blessings to him. You kindly gave us rides, fed us your great French food, translated for us, comforted and welcomed us every Sunday with kisses on our cheeks. You are so wonderful! I love you and thank you for everything.
Scott is breathing on his own, he is fully awake, he communicates with us, and he eats! He had some mashed potatoes, soup and apple sauce yesterday. He will be transferred to Germany tomorrow and I will see my children and tell them of all the wonderful things that happened in France this summer.
L'église est vrai. Je vous aime. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."
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