It was one year today when Tyler joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a decision that came with a lot of thought, prayer, and preparation. I was honestly surprised how willing he was when he met the missionaries. But I truly feel like the missionaries he had were meant for him.
When I started dating Tyler, I remember him telling me, "I will get baptized so we can marry in the temple". That was a goal I had when I met him and something I lost sight of two years after we started dating. We found ourselves pregnant, and marriage was something we knew was the next step. I was still very hesitant to go back to church because of the previous wrongdoings I had made. For the first year of our son's life, church was not something I felt I needed. I made EVERY excuse of why we didn't attend church. In reality, I knew the church was true and it was what our family needed. However, I didn't want to go through all of the work, repentance process, which was essential. I remember talking to my mom who told me not using the atonement is a slap in the face because we are not taking advantage of a sacrifice that was made. I felt I could be forgiven and it is essential to the plan and not something that should be looked at as "unnecessary"
I'm not sure exactly how everything happened and what exactly was the turning point but after we blessed Ty in the church on July 5th 2009, Tyler wanted to take the discussions. We tried one set of missionaries and he wasn't feeling like it was right. Then we ended up finding a town home in a different town and moved to a new ward. We met with two missionaries but they were quickly (and unexpectedly) switched to two new missionaries, Elder Vea and Elder Lee. They are the reason that Tyler was converted. Everything clicked. They had gotten through to him like no one else was able too.
I remember the peace I felt when he was baptized. I remember looking at our son and knowing that this would change the rest of our lives. I am so thankful for those two missionaries who were sent to us, to help us achieve everything we are capable of. We are now preparing to enter the temple to be sealed for eternity. I look forward to our life together and I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful husband who values me and does all he can to provide for his family.
I am so grateful that he made the choice when he was ready. I know too many guys who convert because of a girl and I did not want him to do it solely for me. I have seen people get baptized and then quickly fall away from the church when the relationship soured. I am proud of the man he is and I cannot wait to be by his side and watch his testimony continue to grow in the church.
