16 years ago today, I was your typical 17 year old. I had lots of friends, went to lots of parties, and worked hard in school. I had dreams and I had goals. I was the oldest of two girls, my sister Erika being 7 years younger then myself. We lived with my mom, who has always been a single parent, and who has always worked very hard to give us the life she felt we deserved. I lived in Mississauga, Ontario, a growing city just outside of Toronto.
Although, we were raised to believe in God, I wasn't quite sure who He was, or the role that He played in my life. I wanted to know. I remember it being a very transitionary time in my life. My peers were over-achievers, but yet I watched as their morals declined, and I wasn't too far behind except for the fact that it bothered me. Why did it bother me? For six months, I prayed to know God. I read the Bible, hoping to find the meaning in life I was seeking. I kept a journal of my progress. Many days, it seemed my efforts were in vain. Then one dreary and cold November day, I was standing alone waiting for my bus which would take me to my after school job at a vet's office. It was crowded that day, as commuters were rushing here and there trying to catch their buses. One young man caught my eye. He stood out among the rest. He looked too young to be wearing the suit and trench coat that he wore, but somehow it made him seem important. I watched him as he seemed to randomly approach people and talk with them. Their conversations seemed short. I felt an overwhelming sense of urgency that he needed to talk to me too. I honestly had no idea who he was or what he represented, but I couldn't ignore that my heart was pounding in my chest, and I decided then that if he didn't approach me, I would approach him! As he came my way, I smiled, hoping he would talk to me as he did the others. He introduced himself as Elder Gustin, and said he was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Little did I know at that moment that my life had changed forever. In the weeks to come, Elder Gustin and Elder Babbitt taught me and my family everything my heart yearned to know. It was all so familiar to me. I remember feeling so humbled that God had given me this precious gift, and I vowed never to take it for granted. It was such a pivotal time in my young life, my life could have gone in two totally different directions. How grateful I am that the Lord saw fit to bless me so early on.
The short version of this story is that I went on to Ricks College, where I continued to learn and grow, and make life-long friends. I went on to serve a full-time mission where I gained an enormous love for people and where I finally had the chance to bless others with the gift I had so generously been given. It was also during that time that I realized how truly priceless this gift was. I married the love of my life in the temple, and I have been blessed with three beautiful children...all of these blessings which have stemmed from that one meeting so long ago on November 13th.
The fun part of this story is that I still keep in touch with Elder Babbitt and Elder Gustin. Elder Gustin has been blessed with a beautiful family. He and his wife and their five adorable kids live in Idaho. He and his wife attended Ricks College the same time I did, and it was fun to see them on campus.
Elder Babbitt has also been blessed with 4 beautiful children, and a lovely wife. He and his family live just over an hour away, here in Colorado! We are planning a family get together soon! I am so grateful my children will know these men that served so diligently to teach me the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are intricate threads weaved in to the fabric of who I have become. I am so eternally grateful for their friendship and role in my life.
So, now you know what November 13th means to me:)
Elder Babbitt and Elder Gustin November 1992(who will either love me or hate me after posting this picture!:)
I believe those are seashells in their ears....?
7 comments:
I am so glad that you wrote this down! What an amazing story. I love that you were unknowingly preparing yourself for this chance meeting. You are wonderful and I only feel bad that I didn't ask you to tell me this story years ago. I love you!
What a wonderful story! I totally forgot but now vaguely remember you saying that you had been baptized & converted at 17. So great that you could share this special moment with us. Don't you love that sometimes the Holy Ghost speaks to us by making our heart pound..this just happened to me recently as I was prompted to respond to a friend about something. Anyhow-thanks again for your story. Happy November 13th!
Thats awesome Callie! It is so nice to hear your conversion story. I can't believe I never heard it before. BTW how 80's do those Elders look*U*
Boy, we look so young! I hardly recognize that skinny fellow. You and your family are one of the wonderful blessings of my life.
What a special story Callie! I love learning about you and your life. That's neat that you're getting together with one of them soon so your kids can know them.
My junior year in college I transferred to a new university and became room mates with this girl I had never met. Well, my dad was visiting and was talking to my room mate and they discovered that her uncle had been the missionary that taught and baptised my dad. It was very special for my dad to be able to reconnect with that missionary. Anyway, I think Heavenly Father is so loving to put people in places at certain times and to give us special relationships with people for certain reasons.
I loved your story.
Thanks for sharing your conversion story Callie! That was beautiful! I love hearing conversion stories, and it is so neat that you still have contact with them!
That was so cool to hear! Thank you so much for sharing. I can't wait to meet you (even though I already feel like I kind of know you! :) )
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