The Tender Mercies have Begun

There is a sweet man working down in the Mexico Ccm and his name is Esteban Nava otherwise know as estebannava on Instagram.  I started following him 2 years ago when a good family friend was down their for her mission.  He is the chef at the Mexico Mtc and his posts are full of yummy food that he makes for the missionaries.  I have enjoyed following him and seeing pictures of the missionaries working with him in the kitchen.

At some point we connected with him letting him know Ryan will be coming down there to begin his missionary and language training.  Our family has had many discussion about Esteban and his story and whether or not Ryan would meet and work with him.

So fast forward to the day Ryan left.  Many of you know that it is an extremely difficult time for the family when their missionary leaves, especially for the mom.  So that evening Roger and I were sitting outside reflecting on the day and feeling a little melancholy and wondering about how our son was doing. It is hard after 18 years to be left out of the loop (so to speak).  Lo and behold, in the middle of this, I see a post from Estebannava stating that he met Elder Pickering.  My heart leaped with joy and gratitude.  Then it got better.  A few minutes later, he sent me a picture of my son in the cafeteria on the night he arrived.  Coincidence?  NO!!  Heavenly father knew I need a sweet and calming witness that all was well with my son and he sent that reassurance in the form of a picture from one that was inspired to minister to me.  God knows us and what we need.  I am so grateful to Esteban and his kindness.

He looks so good and happy!

Then a few days later, Esteban came through again.  He sent me another picture.  This time it includes Ryan's companion (so I am guessing) and Esteban himself.  Isn't he so great?  It was another tender mercy for sure.  I am hoping that it was also a blessing to Ryan to know somehow that we are all connected and taken care of in the simplest of ways.

I am so looking forward to p-day and hearing the rest of the story.  I thanked Esteban, of course, and he told me it was his greatest pleasure to serve the Angels of the Lord.  I believe he is the true Angel in the form of a chef :)