Their Souls are Precious

Yesterday, we had two experiences that are difficult to communicate the impact of. The first is with these two little girls. I met them first at my cake baking class. They stuck very close together. They attached themselves to me, and were so happy and tried to help me pronounce iban words.

I next saw them weeks later at church with an old toothless man. They sat by me and were poorly dressed and not very clean; but again, happy, smiling, sweet.

I didn't see them again for a long time until one evening, we saw the oldest one with the old man selling greens along the street from house to house. The little girl was extremely shabbily dressed and dirty... But, when they saw us, broke into broad smiles.

We determined to find them. Last night, we found their house.

How do you cope with the breaking of your heart over their situation? They are different than so many, in that they truly don't have anything. A few greens may fetch a few cents each day.

We will buy them each some clothes for church and have the R.S. Pres give them to them. I will add a little heart pillow for each.

These last pictures are of "Jerry." He first walked into the Church a week ago. He stood by the piano and listened. I tried to find out about him; but he seemed very uncertain
and confused. Dad saw him a few days later. Again he had found his way into the Church. Dad tried to talk to him through another Iban girl, but found out little. He was intrigued with Dad's tie, so Dad took it off and put it around his neck. He tried to give Dad his cap in exchange, but Dad couldn't bear to take it. He walked out very happy.

He returned the following night, his new tie tied and hanging loosely and long over his tee shirt. Proudly he pointed to it and smiled broadly. Then he indicated that he did not have a white shirt. Dad got into the closet and pulled out the smallest size: a Large. No matter, he immediately put it on and Dad and the Elders tied the tie. (yes, the tie is a beauty, from Utah Woolen Mills...)

The look on his face when he first saw Dad will
never be forgotten: A Friend! I know him! He knows me!

Dad fussed over him; and made him feel important. He walked out of the Church and down the street. Where was he going? Where did he live? Who did he know? Did anyone care about him? Who will check on him?

We have prayed that we might be instruments in the Lord's hands. Among all the things that we have tried to do; perhaps these two little, little things have been among the most important: Seeing someone, "unseen".

"Behold, their souls are precious; and many of them are our brethren...." Alma 31:35