I received my third bishop’s referral to Deseret Industries for employment training (I had thrown away the first two!) and placed it on my table along with my bishop’s order form for Christmas gifts. I took the envelope the next morning, thinking it was the one for gifts, to the Deseret Industries and gave it to the cashier. She opened it and told me I had brought in an order for a job! Merry Christmas to me! Heavenly Father knew that what I needed was much more than a few material gifts.  

Still in shock, I went and spoke with the development staff. The next day, I was called in for an interview and was hired. I was placed with a caring man as my job coach, who, I am quite sure, was bewildered to have this angry, frustrated woman on his team. He carefully listened, counseled, and patiently watched over me as I learned from my coworkers. From his example, I slowly learned to trust men again.

I found out during my new hire drug testing that I had a kidney stone, actually a kidney boulder, which filled my left kidney. I didn’t have insurance. I was led by the Spirit to one of the missionaries serving at DI. She helped me find a doctor, a hospital, and hope.

I have made friends for eternity from working at Deseret Industries and have received blessings that are too numerous to count. I have a renewed faith in my Heavenly Father, faith and trust in others again, and most of all, I know how to channel my negative feelings. I have a great love for this program and for all those special people from DI who have blessed my life. I am thankful for this journey, and have been forever blessed and changed. How grateful I am for that Christmas gift—a job at Deseret Industries.