What I have learned...

I am not into politics. In fact, mention the presidential election and my eyes will instantly glaze over. No, I did not vote for Obama, however by popular vote he has been named the next President of the United States. I wish him well and will pray for him to lead us well.

I have learned many things during these past months. I will be honest. I was not thrilled that we were taking upon this burden. I was not happy to take a list and knock on the doors of strangers to talk about proposition 8. I cringed every time a meeting was called where our leaders would speak to us about how we should gain a testimony of marriage and that Heavenly Father loves all his children, He just doesn't have to love their choices. We were asked to stand in the forefront of the battle. I followed the request of our leaders and completed my tasks when I believed there was no way I could. Standing on the corner was my least favorite idea. I didn't think I could handle it. I was amazed as I stood there while people mocked us from the passing cars and also standing right next to me screaming at the top of their lungs how we were intolerant and we were teaching our children to hate. At times it was unbearable, but I felt strengthened. I walked away feeling calmer than I did when I arrived. I watched my daughters...I watched them smile and hold their signs for passing motorists to see. I watched as three people flipped off my 11 year old and my heart ached until I saw her smile. She told me she knew she was doing what was right...that was all that mattered.

I found that we had prayers sent not only from my blogging friends, but from perfect strangers. I talked to a brother who flew in to visit his daughter in California and joined us in the rain and wind to hold a sign on the corner last night. He told me of the testimonies born from his ward members telling of how their hearts and prayers have been coming to strengthen us. I feel weakened and humbled at this very moment. I also feel an army of angels watching over us and filling our hearts with serenity. It is hard for me to describe the feeling as we do not have the final results of our efforts. From all indications right now we are ahead by 10% however that is with only 12% of precincts reporting in. We could easily lose, but at least I know...I didn't sit on the fence. I took a stand and have no regrets. I am grateful for all the prayers and warm sentiments in our behalf here in California. Win or lose we chose the right and in the end we know whose side we stood on. Nothing else matters.