God's hands

It is so wonderful to sit back and observe the hand of God in our everyday lives.

Brakston was a great older brother to Alec. He looked out for him, protected him, and translated for him. He got Alec involved in high school activities. He included Alec and paved the way for others to accept Alec. Brakston often would take Alec out to movies, out for treats, or even out on a double date. Brakston went on Alec's first scout camp (a Klondike) because he was worried about him and didn't trust the leaders to be able to handle and look out for Alec. Brakston helped Alec say the Sacrament Prayer the first time Alec did so. Brakston was probably the most influential person in Alec's life.

Right before Brakston left on his mission, he really started to worry about Alec and what would happen to Alec while he was gone. It was causing him some stress and concern.

When the Stake President set apart Brakston as a missionary imagine our relief when President Mickelson included Alec as part of Brakston's blessing. He told Brakston (or rather the Lord told Brakston through Pres. Mickelson) that Alec would be watched over and blessed.

The blessings started even before Brakston left. After his "farewell", many of his RHS soccer teammates were at our home. They asked if Alec could be the manager of the soccer team again that year. Brakston explained that it had been a one-time thing while he was there to look out for him. The boys promised they would look out for Alec and begged for him to be able to be included with the soccer team again.

We've seen other blessings in the year Brakston has been gone. Alec not only did serve as the soccer team manager but Alec has also been asked to be the manager of the RHS basketball team. He has been asked to 2 school dances. He was able to participate on a Unified Soccer Team. McKayla's new soccer team has adopted him as part of their team. Her coach even gave Alec a team shirt and hat. In fact, the coach even gave Alec a medal when the team took 2nd in a tournament.

I guess this is just one of the ways our family has been blessed by Brakston serving a mission.