When roadblocks are actually stepping stones

As many of you know, I served an LDS mission in Switzerland and France in my early-20s. My experiences there were completely life-altering and changed the entire trajectory of my life, including who I ended up marrying.

One of the very best parts of my mission was teaching and baptizing Isabelle, a “golden” 16-year-old girl. I could write volumes about the instant connection we formed and how proud I am of this beautiful mother of three today. She lives outside of Lyon, France in the Rhône-Alpes region, situated between Paris and Marseille. Over the years, her family has endured a fair amount of trials but she’s still as stalwart as ever and a tremendous example to me.

They bought a plot of land with gorgeous views mountain views upon which they were going to build their home. Almost from the offset, there have been challenges and roadblocks that have dragged on for ages. I started wondering if it was ever going to happen and last week, I received an email from Isa telling me that it wasn’t. Almost at the very moment they felt inspired to abandon the project, her husband was offered an incredible new position with his same company in Annecy. So, in July, they will be moving to one of the most beautiful places in France at the base of the French Alps and the startlingly turquoise Lake Annecy, a stone’s throw away from Geneva, Switzerland.

Suffice it to say, I’m already planning my family’s visit.

Like Isa, I’ve felt like I am at a crossroads in my life and that I should be changing directions but have no idea where I’m supposed to be. Over the past several months, I’ve been obsessed with doing an international homeswap for a few months and we found a lovely family with whom to do it in England’s Cotswolds–we even had the kids accepted at school in the nearby village! This family has a 19th century converted barn in the middle of a 700-acre private estate and National Trust Land with stunning views of the surrounding woods and fields.

Views from the family’s garden

But the timing of everything just wasn’t meant to be as neither or our husbands could figure out the challenges of working abroad on such short notice, even if they are both self-employed. However, we’re still hoping to visit each other’s homes in the future.

Hearing Isa’s relief and joy after these several agonizing months reminded me that there is a Master Plan. I have no idea what is in store for me or why I’m requiring this period of patience when I very firmly feel like there is something else I’m supposed to be doing.