Do you remember this post? (If you don't, you can click here to read it.)
Well we were busy helping members of this family with their challenges that our life got a little sidetracked. Everything comes at a cost and getting a college education is no different. Last year I spent some time applying for various scholarships in hopes of getting something to help with the financial costs of attending college. Lucky for me, my work had paid off.
I had set aside the week of the due date to reapply for the scholarships.
Life happened. Between losing a baby and losing a dear friend, dedicating time to writing papers wasn't in the cards for me. Helping others is a blessing that comes during a specific time and place. Although I really wanted to reapply for scholarships, I knew that my being of service to others would have far greater blessings than any scholarship could award me.
The scholarship due date was the same day I was invited to Ahmed's burial. Money could wait, but this moment in time could not be paused, even for one second.
A week after the burial the phone rang.
"Hi, there is Jerry with the [city] Chamber of Commerce. How are you doing?"
I paused, not knowing what to think.
"So I'm calling to inform you that you are the recipient of the 2009-2010 scholarship. Instead of awarding a new recipient, we would rather award it to you instead."
*Stunned, still not knowing what to think.* Then finally, "You do realize I hadn't applied for any of the scholarship, right?"
"Yes, we know that. Usually we do not renew such scholarships, but after reviewing the current applicants, we felt it best to renew your scholarship than award it to someone else. We usually don't do this, but after talking with a few people, we're going to do it this time. We feel you desire it more than the others."
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Dear Husband was excited and said, "Congratulations honey. Why don't I take you out to dinner and, if you're lucky, you'll get some money for school while you're at it."
I also got to bring an additional guest to the event this year. Who better else to bring to such occasion than a person who has unconditionally stood behind me in all my craziness than Mrs. Barbara V?
Summer 2008
Summer 2009 - Nice to see you again, Rich!
6 comments:
Congrats on the scholarship. Good things happen when we put service first! And I love Barbara - one of my favorite people. I miss her!
Congratulations Julia! How wonderful that they called you up AGAIN!!! We are so proud of you and your desire to get your degree! Hang in there! How did N's tooth do? Did it come out YET?
Love, MOM
So proud of you Julia. Things often have a way of working themselves out. There are no coincidences in life, as Elder Bednar said!
I didn't know about Faduma's brother. How heartbreakingly sad. Your darling hubby is an angel, and someone I would want to be there if I couldn't be for any of my kids.
Many congrats, and loves and hugs all around. Darling Barbara - such a sweet and darling soul. Give her my best as well as you - miracles all around.
NO WAY! Somebody calls you up and asks if they can pay for your school? How often does THAT happen? Apparently twice ;) YIPEE!
That sounds like a made for tv blog post, like it's just too good to be true. But since it is, congrats!! That's what you get for being such a wonderful person :) PS, it was so nice to see you at the reunion!
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