Good luck Ashley

Last fall, my daughter KristiAnne asked if we could help out Ashley, a friend of hers (she had met in the Church's Young Single Adult program) who would soon be homeless, due to the circumstances of the family she was living with previously as a nanny.

Ashley came to live with us until she could find another more permanent place to live, hopefully by getting a job and supporting herself. Given our wonderful economy, this did not happen, despite Ashley's fairly consistent attempts to become employed.

Given that Kristi is coming home from BYU Idaho in a few weeks, and would need the room Ashley was using, Ashley arranged to move in with her father in Tacoma WA. Her father brought a trailer down yesterday, and we spent a few hours loading her storage unit and the belongings she had at our home.

I was touched by Ashley's parting comments. She (and her father) sincerely thanked us for taking her in and caring for her. Ashley said the thing she would miss most about not living with us was the 7:20 AM family prayer.

As when Chelsa moved out, I feel like I'm sending off another daughter (so that makes four now). It hasn't been all roses, but she is already missed. It felt strange going to church today without her in the Suburban. Johnny was the first to voice his feelings, after our morning prayer, dedicating our fast to a father in need, saying "I miss Ashley"

She has truely blessed our lives during her stay at the Atkinson home. Since Ash was a fairly new member of the church, the Elder's were still doing follow up visits with her, teaching her more of the gospel on Tuesday night visits. The Elders also came over and helped with the move. We even had three Elder's quorum members show up at the appointed time to help out. Our kids have attended some of these discussions, and learned even more of the gospel. Its amazing the questions new members have that don't occur to life-long members to ask.

Good luck Ashley - we look forward to your weekend visits when you need to see your doctors here, or visit with James. Remember Amtrack has a low fare from Tacoma to Vancouver.