Tender mercies--daily blessings: Corey heads to College

Corey and his sister Nisha work on scholarship applications

It is amazing how often the Lord blessed us, in so many ways--big and little. One recent experience shows how his hand prepares and blesses his children. On January 5, Steve had a dental appointment in Blanding, and we also made arrangements to take Corey Wauneka up to CEU/San Juan Campus at the same time. We were to leave Sunday after church, so we could get there before dark.


You can see the kind of young man Corey is, by his friendly countenance.
That morning there was about 2 inches of new snow on the ground, and by the end of church there were 4 more inches. Go, or not?? That was the dilemma. I called the missionaries in Chinle, and they reported no snow storm there, so we felt roads would be clear once we dropped down past Chinle. That proved true, which was a great blessing. Who likes to travel on snow packed roads?!

Corey's mom and sister also went up with us. Just as we drove up to our home, Rob, Kathryn and Ethan met us, with fixings for a delicious turkey dinner. We had a great time visiting, eating and playing games. Boy, was there a lot of snow in Blanding, and it took forever for our house to warm up. We then went over to visit the Carrolls, as Bishop and Diane had generously consented to let Corey live with them this semester. We are so thankful for their kindness and hope it will be a good experience for all.

The next morning the Pincocks fed us a delicous full course breakfast at 7 AM, and got us off on a good start. Corey was first in line to finalize his registration, and Dennis Bradford gave him lots of good advice. Right across the hall he met with Pam Hosler, who squared him up with the last of the scholarships he needed to send off. By the time we got finished there, there were all kinds of kids lined up, up and down the hall. He quickly got in to see Charles Lyman next door, to get the loan for books, and his dorm refund. I'm so glad Charles had everything ready, and had already ordered the $500 book check, which came the very next day, so Corey was able to repay me for the books we got for him next.

Corey's family in Ganado, getting ready to head out to Blanding

It seemed like everything just fell into place that morning. He also got signed up for the computer lab, got a library ID card, met all except one of his teachers. He also met Terri Winder in the writing lab, Bob McPherson, Gail Glover, and the Institute president. He located all of his classes as well, and got to meet the nursing teachers. Nursing is his long range goal.

Then a great surprise, when we went to meet Silvia for lunch at the cafeteria, she had invited all of our home evening group, so we had a wonderful reunion with them during lunch. Luckily, Steve hadn't had to have deadening on his dental appointment, so he was even able to eat with us. Steve was also able to go visit is good friend Ardell Ostergaard. We next made a quick trip to the credit union to set up his account, and then to Alco, and then dropped Corey off at Carrolls, and were headed back to the Rez.

I felt so thankful all the way home, knowing Corey was in good hands, and that he felt excited and confident in starting his college career. I know his mom and sister were also relieved to see what a friendly, and helpful campus CEU/SJC is, and knowing he will have people to help him. We are so hopeful, that he will continue to grow in the gospel, and prepare to serve a mission. His patriarcal blessing is very direct about that goal. He is such a good person, and we hope the gospel light continues to rub off on his parents and siblings. He is the only member in his family. Our little branch is really going to miss his friendly smile and helpfulness but we know this is a good decision.