The other Relief Society counselor wasn't able to attend because she was preparing the Iftar Ramadan meal for her Muslim husband's family. The Relief Society President went to a funeral for her neighbor. The teacher couldn't get out of bed because she was up partying late (I know this because she posted a picture on Facebook--dumb idea). The young woman who teaches Sunday School and also interprets for me was too tired and didn't show up. That left me to conduct Relief Society and teach 5 women who don't speak English.
When I opened the door to the Relief Society room and looked inside I went into a severe panic. I really, really wanted to turn around and go home. What to do? How could I teach these women anything? They were all waiting.
That's when the Lord gave us a "tender mercy" and taught me a lesson. Looking up I saw a young 16-year-old girl Yara (non member visitor) who speaks English sitting in a chair with the women. I turned to her and said, "can you help be my interpreter?" She said "yes, I will." Then we prayed. I told her to write the words "I will" in Arabic on the board because the lesson was about Nephi. Next we got the blue gospel pictures box and found the pictures of the Liahona, Nephi's Bow and the ship he built to take the family to the promised land.
At this point, one of the older women "took over" and started reading out of the Arabic manual. Yara held up the pictures while the women all took turns reading in 1 Nephi: 16, 17 and 18. Even though I didn't understand the words they said, I knew it was a wonderful lesson, with a great spirit, and everyone learned, especially Yara and me.
I don't know how many times I've read and taught about Nephi's great attitude. Today I was reminded once again that these Book of Mormon stories very much apply to me. It's my testimony that when we try to do something the Lord wants us to do and we say "I will," he will help us.
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