Marshall Family Vision, Mission, Values

 I spent last week in Nemacolin, PA as part of the Excellence in Government Fellows program.  It's a government leader training program that the Partnership organizes and oversees.  Last week's session focused on visions, missions, and values.  I really like this topic.  I loved studying it in the MPA program (and we actually started these statements a year ago around that time) and am glad that we formalized them this week for FHE.  So, for the sake of transparency and accountability, we share them here.  And a special, sincere thank you to Whitney Hardie for taking these wonderful pictures. 

Marshall Family Vision

We, the Marshall family, envision ourselves in the presence of Heavenly Father and the Savior with clean hands and pure hearts, able to enter His presence worthily along with our extended family and others we love.

Marshall Family Mission

We will reach our lofty vision by embracing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, loving Him and our neighbor, preaching the Restoration, linking generations through temple work, helping the poor, and making and honoring temple covenants. 

We will act as good stewards over our children, those who we are called to serve, our time, our resources, and the earth. 

We will seek to recognize the power of the Atonement and remember Him in all of our thoughts, words, and actions.         

Marshall Family Values

The Marshall Family Values will serve as the inner drive for the execution of the activities delineated in the mission statement.

Charity

Integrity

Gratitude
Creativity

Fun
Optimism

Enthusiasm

Order

Health

Further Light and Knowledge

Endurance

Above all we know that only through the grace of Christ can we achieve our vision. 

Why I Love Our Government

This morning, in my role at work as the FedExperience Program Coordinator, I spoke with eight agency representatives, all of whom are committed to improvement in their recruiting and retaining of experienced workers in order to further their agency's missions and make life better for all of us.

And tonight, at the Service to America Awards Gala that the Partnership for Public Service throws every year, I felt inspired, excited, and grateful. So much so that I wrote this blog post on the metro while riding home. The government as an institution is essential. I'm grateful for the security, leadership, regulation, and law that it offers. I recognize and try to remember that we depend on our government for clean water, for smooth roads, for scientific and medicinal discoveries, assistance to the poor here and across the world, safety, and countless other goods and services. But why I love public service particularly is because it is just that: service. It is service to fellowman.
Tonight the Partnership celebrated nine deserving individuals who have worn out their lives and careers in service to us. I was lucky enough to get to know and interact a great deal with Pius Bannas, the winner of the Federal Employee of the Year Award. This man spent (and spends) literally day and night providing Haitian children with the chance to finally embrace their adoptive parents in the United States, and he expedited the process for 1,100 to do just that immediately following the earthquake. I took a tour of the White House yesterday, and while getting a wave from Michelle Obama was very cool (it did happen, by the way), walking and learning from Pius marked me for good.



He, along with many other civil servants do the work they do because they care. It sounds cliche, but they really do care about people, about society, about our earth (here, here, and here), about human rights, about safety, and about our future.

I love my job, and am committed to public service. It is an honor to be part of a first-class nonprofit that revitalizes the federal government by inspiring a new generation to serve and by changing the way government works.

Let's hear it for public service.

2010 Federal Employee of the Year from Partnership for Public Service on Vimeo.

The One and Only . . .

Ariel has accomplished a lot in her 25 years of life. As a belated birthday tribute I want to highlight some of her accomplishments, attributes, and gifts. As I did with our tribute to Mom Galli, this will all be supplemented with words of friends and family who filled out her birthday survey. Also, this post does not even touch the tip of the Ariel Glacier. For example, it does not speak to her love of the outdoors nor her zaniness. So I chose pictures in an attempt to fill in the gaps.

Health and Fitness.

"She has always been the BEST example to me and I've always look up and admired her. She kept us all fed, and healthy. She kept us all in good shape whether we liked it or not."

Ariel is the best at keeping me and the boys fed and healthy. And somehow vegetarian dishes that by name seem daunting (the Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches we had the other day, for example) turn out completely delicious under Ariel's masterful culinary hand. Her love of health has driven us to an almost vegetarian diet (we have meat on Sundays and when we go out to eat . . . or rather, I do). This positive change for our family only could have happened under Ariel's leadership. Not only that, but she has also been the one encouraging me to bike to work, and she takes the time to do Power90 or yoga or walking with her boys every day.

Mothering.

"Ariel really is the best mother and I always look up to her example and try my best to be like her."

"We miss you and think you are the greatest mom!"

"You've also been a great example to me as I watch you be a mother. I hope that I can be half as wise and calm as you are as a mother."

"Poster girl for a mega modern pioneer mom."

These are just a few of the comments offered about Ariel's uncanny, intuitive ability to mother. She knows how to have fun (Abe's become quite an artist with his easel Ariel recently bought him), knows how to teach (Abe's Spanish vocabulary has grown rapidly recently as he has asked Ariel what different words mean in Spanish. She has instilled this desire to learn in Abe), she shares the gospel (Abe knows very well who Jesus is, who President Monson is, and can sing any number of songs from the Children's Song Book), and offers practical advice (Abe thanked a woman today for giving him some water, and when she didn't respond, he said, "say, 'You're welcome.'"). Cool sentence. I really am in awe of the indefatigable, loving mother that she is. She attends night and day to her boys and is molding them for the eternities.


Thinking.

"I also love her deep and wide thinking; I love hearing what she's been rolling around in her head and sharing thoughts and ideas."

"I have particularly enjoyed the many thoughtful discussions I've had with Ariel on health issues -- childbirth (and parenting), nutrition, and green living. She is eager to share what she is learning and interested in the insights of others as well."

"I remember home teaching Ariel and always being very impressed by her wisdom and insights."

"I always loved every time I had the chance to talk to Ariel about almost any topic. She's so smart! I always came away feeling edified, even if we were talking about something that we disagree about, which I think is pretty amazing!"

I really like this one below.

"How much one can learn from an hour with Ariel! The best part is that when you're with her you're never just cooking, or just hiking, or just cleaning or packing! Every activity comes with magnificent, thought-provoking, world-enhancing discussion. Conversations with Ariel are like lighted sparklers on the 4th of July: they make you want to dance, and spin around, and write words in the air like magic... and how badly you want them never to burn out."

I truly never tire of conversation with Ariel. Her mind churns out inspired thoughts faster than McDonald's serves hamburgers. She has wit, intellect, depth, and thoughtfulness. I know where to go when I have a question about the layout of a powerpoint slide or a team issue at work. I love learning from her enlightened mind.


People Skills.

"Something I love about Ariel is that she completely lacks that strange competitiveness than many girls have. She's so easy and comfortable to be around and puts people immediately at ease."

"She is open and kind, un-endingly hospitable, and effortlessly beautiful to the core. I hit the jackpot meeting Ariel in that quad - she is a wonderful friend to have."

"She has always been so personable, hospitable, easy going and just really buena gente."

"I think Ariel could find herself at home in any culture and in any situation."

"She is so comfortable with herself, and so easy to love. She fits right in with anyone she is around."

So this section is something of a hodge-podge, but it captures well how easy-going, hospitable, and comfortable she is. She doesn't need fancy clothes, make-up, or be caught up on the latest TV shows to fit in with people. She goes beyond that. Her connections to others are deep. And she is irresistible in that way, because when you come in contact with Ariel you connect. I have seen her interact with people from different countries, with different religious beliefs, in different cultures and she never fails to see the divine in all. She brings all she comes in touch with a little closer to our heavenly heritage and our divine destination.

Service.

"I watch her with amazement as she involves herself in Andrew's school and work, giving valuable ideas and encouragement."

"I stood by as she served with Andrew in the inner city, and tackled life changing tasks for the Young Women and Young Men of their ward, as well as helping and loving all the members there."

"Ariel helped me ACE my Africa test in 9th grade. She stayed up with me late at night teaching me a song of the countries. I got the highest score in the class! It was a sacrifice for her, I'm sure, but I've never seen her complain about helping someone who needs something."

"I will always remember how much Ariel helped me out when my husband was in the hospital last semester. She watched my son all day long one day and lots of other times. She even fed him dinner and changed him into Abe's pijamas! She also made dinner for us. Then when I was waiting to have my second she was so sweet to go on long labor inducing walks with me and share all of her childbirthing secrets (which I totally credit as a big reason for why my labor was so quick and easy)!"

Whereas most of us need reminders to go about doing good, Ariel needs reminders to take time for herself. Her most natural, comfortable, dependable state is when she is serving others. That may be inviting people over for dinner (which she has done this week), inviting people over to stay (which she has done this week), feeding, teaching and loving her children, making me happy in any and every way possible, sending happy texts to family members with funny things Abe says, or any number of other things. She gives constant glory to God by serving her fellowman. And I've really got to keep huffing and puffing behind before she's translated and leaves me in the dust.



A Perfect Mix.

"You are a perfect mix of refinement and adventure, and will forever be a model for me."

"A quarter of a century isn't very long really, but you have certainly made your mark in just a few years. You've had adventures in Spain, Mexico, graduated from college, gotten married, guided your husband through graduate school, had two beautiful children, served an inner-city mission, and a host of other things."

She is a perfect mix. And she has done a lot. She's seen the world, studied the world, played soccer and lacrosse, become advanced in acoustic guitar, graduated with honors, served two inner-city missions, served in numerous other church capacities, worked professionally, had two children, and changed countless lives. As one survey participant put it, "I've seen her step smiling into the shadows and allow others to shine." I have seen her do this all day, every day. I'm grateful to have a forum to bring her into the light she deserves. I love you. I love you. I love you, Ariel.

Dear Chaco Masterminds,

August 17, 2010

Dear Chaco Masterminds,

What an amazing product you have created! As you can see, I have thoroughly enjoyed my Chaco sandals. I got Chacos in June of 2003, and have worn them almost every day since. Not until June of 2010 did I notice the crack in the bottom. Even then I kept wearing them until (as you can see), they became completely un-wearable.

I have walked countless miles in these Chacos. They have served as my preferred footwear in my travels all across the United States, Mexico, Peru, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, France, and up and down many mountains across the Intermountain West.

I have roommates, friends, and at least 10 family members who have purchased their own Chacos on my high recommendation. I also plan to advance your cause by posting this letter to my blog today (andrewandariel.blogspot.com).

I was wondering if you could please send me a replacement pair because of the priceless PR work that I have done for you, because I have so thoroughly used my first pair, and because I am so invested in your product. I have enjoyed wearing the green Chacos, but this time I think I’d rather have a blue, brown, red or pink pair. You have so many wonderful choices now! I believe these Chacos were a size 8½.

My Chacos have taken me on life-changing adventures in some of my most formative years. I hope and trust that the next pair will have the same inestimable impact.

Thank you again for a wonderful product.

Ariel Marshall

Childbirth and the Atonement

This is the third and final post about childbirth. We began this study before Abraham's birth and continued and finished it before Benjamin's. If you have thoughts on the matter, we'd love to hear them.

Childbirth and the Atonement
By Andrew and Ariel Marshall

Childbirth serves as a powerful type of the Lord and His Atonement (2 Nephi 11:4). Both the suffering and the joy inherent in giving birth bring to mind His sacrifice. This paper seeks to identify some parallels, symbolism, and connections between childbirth and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Sanctifying Blood
In order to be free from the stain of the “blood of this generation,” priesthood holders have the obligation to teach and preach the gospel (D&C 88:85; see also Jacob 1:19, 2 Nephi 9:44, Acts 18:6, D&C 88:138). Through this service they are sanctified and prepared to return “spotless” to the presence of God (Jacob 1:19). Women, however, are pronounced clean from the blood of this generation, seemingly without further obligation. We believe that this sanctifying process begins with pregnancy, continues with childbirth, and culminates in motherhood.
A mother sustains her unborn child’s life while in utero. The two are one through the nourishing blood, water, and spirit of the mother. Similarly, we are born again through the blood of the Savior (3 Nephi 27:14). The blood and sweat and spirit that He gave in Gethsemane and on the cross seal us to Him and give us new life (Moses 6:59-60). Through His Atonement we are purified and we glorify Him (3 Nephi 19:28-29). Similarly, an infant is purified through the blood of the mother and in turn glorifies her, giving her the blessing of filling the measure of her creation.

The Nephite missionary Aaron explains that “there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of His blood.” (Alma 21:9). The blood of Christ gives life. He spilt it freely that we might gain eternal life. A mother likewise spills her blood freely that her child might have life.

Suffering
In Gethsemane, the Son suffered “pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be His anguish” (Mosiah 3:7).

A mother in labor experiences pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue. Some women feel they will die while in transition. Many women have died in childbirth, giving up their lives while giving life. While nothing compares to the physical suffering of Christ, the sacrifice of a mother for her child may be proportionally similar to the sacrifice of the Savior for humanity.

Both the Savior and the mother endure necessary suffering, a purifying, cleansing suffering. A purposeful pain that brings life. The suffering experienced in childbirth is the only physical suffering that results in something good. It is productive suffering. The Atonement, too, is physical suffering resulting in all things good (Moroni 7:24).

Sanctifying Love
Christ’s love serves as the motive for the giving of His blood (1 Nephi 19:9; D&C 133:53). The essence of the Plan of Salvation is His love. We, who can barely comprehend how to love in this “carnal, sensual, and devilish” world can still be “filled with His love unto the consuming of (our) flesh” (Mosiah 16:3; 2 Nephi 4:21). His love carries us through this world and we are ultimately born again through His love. The only love that could compare to the love of the Savior is that of a mother for her child. The Lord made the comparison himself: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15). The love of a mother for her child is the strongest love we can understand, yet the Lord’s love is even greater. Nowhere is a mother’s love illustrated more vividly than through her sacrifice in bringing life to her child. The love that grows while carrying the child and later expressed through giving birth is almost tangible. There is an immediate bond between a mother and child as they are sealed in love through blood. The child cannot comprehend the love the mother has for him or her, but can still be swallowed up in it, and can even reciprocate in his or her own small way.

The love of the Son brings us through darkness and into His light (3 Nephi 19:25). The love of the mother brings a child through the darkness and into the light.

Our Helpless State
Paul taught the Ephesians that “we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). His sacrifice is grace for us. Were it not for his “infinite atonement” we would become “angels to a devil” (2 Ne. 9:7-9). Just as we can do nothing without His suffering, neither can a baby enter the world without the suffering of a mother. The Atonement and childbirth save those that cannot save themselves, those who are otherwise helpless.

One Way
Just as “there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent,” there is no other way whereby mortality can come unto the children of men, only through the womb of a mother (Mosiah 3:17).

The Will of the Father
Through the pain and agony of Gethsemane, “the will of the Son (was) swallowed up in the will of the Father” (Mosiah 15:7). It is the Father’s will that we receive mortality and then immortality. Immortality is an eternal gift, and therefore the suffering was so sore, exquisite, and hard to bear, we cannot begin to comprehend it (D&C 19:15). Mortality is also a great gift, but not so eternal and all-encompassing. However, in both the suffering for God’s children to enter into mortality and the suffering for God’s children to enter immortality and eternal life, the will of a mother and the will of the Son are swallowed up in the will of the Father.

Lonely Suffering
No one can take the pain from the Savior or a mother, but they certainly can receive support. The Savior received support of an angel, and asked His apostles to watch with him (Luke 22:43; Matthew 26:38). Mothers have the support of midwives, doulas, parents, and especially spouses. All of that said, no one can carry the burden from the Savior or the mother. The Father could not relieve the Son of His mission (Matthew 27:46), and fathers cannot relieve mothers of their mission. They must finish their mission on their own.

Crowning
Just as Christ wore a “crown of thorns” (Matthew 27:29), when a baby’s head is emerging from the mother, it is called “crowning.”

Joy and Rejoicing
Paul, when writing to the Romans, makes an interesting comparison between God’s children and Christ. He states that we are “children of God” (Rom. 8:16) and in the following verse he calls us “joint-heirs with Christ” on the condition that “we suffer with him, that we might be glorified together” (Rom. 8:17). Just as Christ worked out our immortality through his suffering, death and resurrection, a mother does something similar when bearing her child. The glory Christ offered to the Father and to His children outweighed the suffering he passed through (see v. 18). The glory revealed through the life of a newborn makes the suffering to bring that life into the world nothing by comparison.

The process of labor is described in scripture as “travail” (see Genesis 38:27, Psalms 48:6, Isaiah 54:1). This same word is used to describe the Savior’s suffering (Isaiah 53:11). The Lord Himself makes a direct correlation between childbirth and His Atonement and Resurrection. When His disciples are anxious and afraid because of His foreboding words regarding his imminent departure, He comforts them with a unique comparison:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you” (John 16:20-22).

Just as a woman’s joy overcomes the memory of pain and suffering, so do the power and joy that accompany the Resurrection overcome the pain and suffering of the Savior. Life is given through the suffering, and all rejoice.

Immortal and Mortal Initiatory
In the initial step of our temple endowment (otherwise known as the initiatory), and on the path to a spiritual birth through His Atonement we are washed, anointed, clothed, and given a new name (See Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Volume 2, Endowment; see also Exodus 40:12-13). Likewise, a newborn child is washed, anointed, clothed, and given a new name upon entering the world. The mother then takes care of the new child as Christ cares for His flock.

Nursing
A mother responds to her baby’s every need—including the need for nourishment. Anytime the baby is hungry, without asking anything in return, a mother again yields up her body for a moment while the baby enjoys sweet milk. Likewise, Christ invites us to come unto Him and “buy milk and honey, without money and without price” (2 Nephi 26:25).

Conclusion
Christ’s atoning blood saves. A mother’s blood saves. Christ’s love carries us to Him. A mother’s love carries a child to her. The Savior helps those who cannot help themselves. A mother helps one who cannot help him or herself. There is only one way to immortality and only one way to mortality. The Savior did the will of the Father, even in the face of suffering. A mothers does the same. Childbirth is a beautiful, real symbol of the infinite sacrifice of the Son.

Joy in the Journey

I know pictures of Ben is really what you want, so I'll start with one of them.

Andrew has been encouraging me to write my side of the birth story for the blog, so I thought Benjamin's due date would be a good day to post. Feel free to skip to the pictures.

Two years ago as I prepared to give birth to Abraham, I didn't know what to expect. I had many reasons to want a natural childbirth, and one primary reason to think that I could: women throughout time had always given birth without medication, and I was a woman. I believed that if I had enough "tools in my toolbox," that I could reach my goal of a birth without medication. On June 24th 2008, I gave birth to Abraham Craig Marshall, 8 lbs and 15 oz, after 44 hours of labor. I had reached my goal, but I was so exhausted that when Abe was put in my arms, I couldn't adjust him or move him at all. I was glad that I had given birth naturally, but it was very trying--mentally, emotionally and physically.

When it was time to start preparing for childbirth again, the reasons to have a birth naturally hadn't gone away, but I did not want to repeat that first experience. I really believed it was possible to have a joyful unmedicated birth from beginning to end, and I made that my new goal.

My good friend, Amy Thompson, invited me to take a Hypnobabies class with her at her house. This course helped me realize that maybe the solution for me was not that I needed to work harder, but rather that I needed to learn how to relax better and meditate, accept and enjoy each "birthing wave" instead of simply endure it. For the months leading up to Benjamin's birth, I spent many hours pondering and meditating, changing my negative thought patterns and learning how to completely relax.

Throughout the pregnancy I prayed that we could find a safe place for Benjamin to come in peace, and I knew God would answer that prayer. We thought we had everything settled until our first appointment July 8th. Andrew and I both felt uncomfortable there, so we prayed to know what to do. Two people served as messengers that evening to point the way to Special Beginnings Birth Center. We called that day, and they worked hard to fit us in the next morning and transfer our records right away. We didn't know how close we were pushing it!

Sunday we (accidentally) went on a very long walk, and Tuesday I hosted a dinner for eight people, and spent the whole day cleaning the house and cooking dinner. After everyone went home and we had cleaned up, I said, "I should probably take it a little easy until Benjamin comes." I felt pretty strong pressure waves fairly close together, but I decided that I just needed rest. So I went to sleep and had one of the best sleeps I had had in a while.

I woke up when Andrew got up for work Wednesday morning, and felt pretty strong pressure waves five minutes apart. I felt peaceful and very grateful that we would be heading to Special Beginnings. I stayed comfortable in a chair and rested while Andrew rushed around calling people, packing the bags and making me breakfast. I accepted each pressure wave happily because I knew that my new son would be coming so much sooner than anticipated.

As we drove the 1/2 hour to the center, my waves temporarily stopped allowing me to rest in the car. It was a really lovely time for me. I got to talk to my dad on the phone as he told me stories of my great-grandmothers. Thinking about them and the strong women they were gave me great comfort as I labored to bring another branch onto our family tree.

At the birth center Andrew gave me a beautiful, empowering blessing. We then relaxed for a bit before walking the stairs to help the labor pick back up. I found that listening to the relaxation CDs and focusing on relaxing was just as effective as walking around to pick my labor back up.

I labored peacefully from 10 am when we arrived until 5:30 when my mom arrived from the airport. I loved having Abraham close by, coming in and out with Melissa. I was so grateful for her short-notice help! She was a real angel to us.

We asked the midwife to fill the birth tub and break my water. I had a few minutes of peace while I climbed into the tub before transformation (transition) started. I had a couple of exhilaratingly strong waves, and then a very strong urge to push. I let it pass and told Andrew I was going to push on the next wave. In one push, I pushed the head out, and in the second push I pushed Ben's little body out. Andrew was the only one to catch him, and he calmly caught Ben while the midwife rushed in in time to help bring him to my chest.

This picture is of me right after Ben was born. I am looking to Abraham to see his response. My mom brought him in just in time to see him slip out. Benjamin came out quite purple and with lots of vernix, so I wanted to make sure Abe was doing okay, and I really wanted to share that moment with him. I was so thrilled that Ben was born and so glad I could share the moment with Abraham. (Note from Andrew: I love this picture! What a perfect expression of joy just seconds after Benjum's birth!)


Here I am in my nightgown leaving Special Beginnings around 10 pm the night Ben was born.
One of our angels, Sloane, Amy's cousin-in-law. She happened to work at SB, and happened to be on call for the duration of my labor. Her presence contributed greatly to the Spirit in the room.
Abraham really loves his brother. I only have to keep my eye on him because he wants to talk to and play with and kiss his brother all the time, even when he's sleeping. I can't wait for Ben to start being responsive so that he and Abe can really interact.
This is not the most flattering picture of me, but my mom took it because she loved how the only light in the room was shining on my face. That's how I felt; full of light. I am so thankful for how this experience has taught me that I have the choice to enjoy the process of life, not just focus on benchmarks. I have found that through Christ much in life we may fear has potential to be enjoyed.

Benjamin James Marshall!

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

That proved the theme scripture for our experience bringing Benjamin James Marshall into the world yesterday. Here is our story:

Birthing Time. Ariel woke up with me at 6:20 a.m. on Wednesday morning. I was just about to get ready for work when she said she thought this might be it. She timed the pressure waves while I took a shower. They were five minutes apart. Game time. We made some calls to the birthing center, the pediatrician, Aunt Melissa and Mom Galli. We packed our bags, picked up Melissa, and went on our way to Special Beginnings, the birth center. Mom packed her bags and hopped on the next flight to Maryland.

Ariel performed heroically throughout the day. The waves continued fairly consistently from 10:20 a.m. when we arrived until 5:55 p.m. We used the Hypnobabies relaxation techniques we had learned and practiced over the last months. Ariel was really able to relax through the pressure. Her goal was to really enjoy the birth, and she did. She received a priesthood blessing, with promises that all came to pass.

Delivery. When Mom arrived at 5:30, we decided to break the water. That really helped Abe's birth move forward, and we thought after twelve hours of labor, it was the next step to take. They broke the water at 5:55 and Ariel and I got in the birth pool. She leaned over the edge, passed through a couple of serious waves and the next thing I knew there was Ben's head coming out! I called to the midwife and nurse who were out of the room, saying, "He's coming, he's coming!" But I didn't feel tense or afraid. I think the Hypnobabies stuff had rubbed off on me. :) While trying to put on her gloves our wonderful midwife said, "Wait, wait!" But he was coming out. I helped his little head out, and then his little body slipped easily out into my hands at 6:08. By then the midwife was there to help maneuveur him into Ariel's arms. Ariel perfomed perfectly gracefully, perhaps because so much grace attended her.

Benjamin has some brownish-reddish fuzz on his head, full Galli lips, long fingers, and my nose. Perfect bundle.

Post-partum. Ariel held him close to her for the following hours. No pricks, no pokes, no weighing, no scrubbing. Just time close to Mommy. He learned to nurse before long and they had a wonderful time bonding together. Ariel looked refreshed and perfect. We stayed for a few hours, they then performed a physical on little Ben--making sure his ears and arms flapped the right way (he's 7 lbs. 8 oz. by the way, and 19 inches)--and then we went home.
Special Thanks. We want to thank everyone who prayed for us yesterday. And we want to especially thank Melissa, who stayed with Abraham all day. We also want to thank Abraham, who never cried or complained. Even watching the birth he remained attentive and interested. He already loves his little brother. We thank Mom, who paid extra money to get out here quick. Her assistance there and here at home are invaluable. And we thank Joe, Janel, and Lynn, who all came to celebrate and support. Finally, we thank all of the good people at Special Beginnings. If you happen to live in the D.C. area and want a wonderful experience, this is the place to go. Thanks to Sloane, who stuck with us all day. Thanks to Nikki who helped deliver. Thanks to David who performed the physical. Above all, thanks to God for making this miracle possible. He led us through this. He supported us. He gave us His Son whose sufficient grace blessed us yesterday. The Plan of Happiness is unfolding more and more in our family. We are happy.

You've Got a Friend in Me

Recently I’ve thought a lot about friends. I’ve thought about many of the true, amazing friends I have had, from Upland Terrace Elementary to Brigham Young University. In each stage and place of my life Heavenly Father has blessed me with many friends who “stand by (me) . . . with warm hearts and friendly hands” (D&C 121:9). During the packing and unpacking of our lives I have stumbled into many letters, journals, pictures, music, and other mementos that have stirred in me a feeling of melancholy for the loss of friends through change, gratitude for them, and hope for future relationships with them and others.

Toy Story 3 moved me far beyond my high expectations. It drove home this theme of friendship and change in a most poignant way. It showed that mortality is made up of change and loss, but that the immortal nature of our souls makes change endurable. It showed the power of loyalty and teamwork, trust and love. I would write more explicitly on the film, but there may be some deprived readers who have yet to see it. Do see it as soon as you can. I attached myself to the Toy Story series (and to Pixar) from the opening release of Toy Story in 1995. I believe I saw it 9 times in theaters. I absolutely loved Toy Story 2, adding dimensions to the characters and complexities to their need for love. Toy Story 3 served as the perfect close to a perfect series (and please disregard the previews if you’ve seen them, which completely fail to capture its greatness). The boundless friendship of the Toy Story team comforts and inspires me. The film also touched me because of my very strong relationship with inanimate creatures, primarily made up of stuffed animals. Nothing makes me happier than seeing Abe play with my old friends, Wrinkles the Dog (my version of Woody), Blizzard the Bear, or Leo the Lion.

I knew I would have trouble putting pen to page for this post. The feelings I’ve had lately are too deep. There is a slim chance any of my friends will read this, but if you do, know that I am your friend. Know that our experiences together have not been forgotten, but that they are part of my immortal soul. Know that I am a loyal friend to you, even if I haven’t contacted you or heard from you in months, or even years. Know that I would do anything for my friends, you included. Whether our interaction took place at Upland Terrace Elementary, the East Mill Creek 2nd Ward, Evergreen Junior High School, Olympus High School, Big River at Hale, the Porto Portugal Mission, The University of Utah, Big River at the Grand, the Mount Ensign 2nd Ward, the Garden Park Ward, Brigham Young University's MPA Program, the BYU 87th Ward, the Partnership for Public Service or even the College Park Ward where we're making new friends each day, know that you've got a friend in me. And the experiences we had transcend their all-to-short length--they make up the eternal me, and for that I'm grateful to you. And how grateful I am that my very best friends are permanently attached to me, to infinity and beyond.

If you want to read a much better tribute to the idea of friendship, read this month's First Presidency message in the Ensign. I hope that I can be counted a friend of His.

Illegal Immigration

From Joseph Smith’s “Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States,” which summarized his political position when he was running for president:

“As to the contiguous territories to the United States, wisdom would direct no tangling alliance. . . and if Texas petitions Congress to be adopted among the sons of liberty, give her the right hand of fellowship, and refuse not the same friendly grip to Canada and Mexico . . . And when a neighboring realm petitioned to join the union of liberty's sons, my voice would be, Come--yea, come, Texas; come Mexico, come Canada; and come, all the world: let us be brethren, let us be one great family, and let there be a universal peace” (HC 6:206, 208-09, emphasis added).

A few years back, I was driving a friend of mine, an undocumented immigrant, home from a church activity. We were talking about immigration. He said, “Marshall, you’re lucky you’re white.” He’s right. I am lucky I’m white, and I’m lucky I’m American. But it shouldn’t be that way. I don’t know why I am entitled to so much more than someone born across the dotted line as determined by the prenatal lottery, or the “accident of one’s birth or race,” as Booker T. Washington called it. I don’t see why I’m entitled to more than those born into a country that is currently being ravaged by drug lords, gangs, kingpins and weapons dealers; who furthermore, may be unable to wade through the mountain of paperwork, have the finances or lack the education to pass an equivalency exam established by the American bureaucracy explicitly to make it extraordinarily difficult for one to gain "legal" entry into America.

I know quite a number of undocumented immigrants. I know them as hard-working, determined, grateful, loving, faithful people. I have heard them talk about their time walking through the steaming hot and icy cold Arizona desert with a prayer in their heart and guided by the Spirit. I have seen doctors and lawyers from Latin America working as house cleaners and painters in the United States in order to give their children a better education and a safer future.

These people bring us a rich culture. I have come to love their language, traditions, cuisine, and values. They value family, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.

And I have seen these families torn apart by hateful laws. Laws like Utah’s SB81 and Arizona’s SB1070 (not to mention other policies Arizona is implementing). For the purposes of this post, I will focus on SB1070. And as a disclaimer, I do realize that illegal immigration is a real issue that needs real answers. I simply don't think that this kind of bill is the right kind of solution.

I think this law hurts the Church, has no gospel foundation, tears apart families, and I disagree with many specific elements in the bill, as illustrated below.

The Church. This law will impede missionary work. It will give the Church negative associations because of the LDS legislator (Russell Pearce, R-Mesa) who sponsored the bill, and attempted to support it with his faith. The Church, under direction of the First Presidency, has addressed this issue, and they clearly are against such radical legislation. Considering the thousands of members here without legal status—including missionaries, branch presidents, bishops, and stake presidents—it is no surprise the Church takes the stand it does. How can anyone (to say nothing of a Mormon) feel that tearing a father away from his family is anything but reprehensible? We have a great deal of that in our own Mormon history, another reason it shocks me that this issue is so divisive. Sadly, this Mormon Arizona senator doesn't want to stop there.

The Gospel. Pearce sought to support his bill with Church doctrine, but I argue that Church doctrine does much more to defy the bill than support it. First of all, I've often found the "law of the land" corollary particularly weak. There was a time not so long ago when a Western country's leadership made it illegal to shelter a Jew. Closer to home we have our friend, Jim Crow. And closer still, in the 1830s there was a law enacted in Missouri making it legal to kill a Mormon (only repealed in 1978). The law can be a terrible agent for injustice when wielded by the wrong hands. It all depends on which side of it you happen to fall.

It is against our theology to turn away anyone for any reason. We can begin by looking at the God’s most basic law, the Law of Moses, that commands the Israelites to provide for strangers (in a time when boundaries, land, and laws were just as important as they are now) (Deuteronomy 24:19-21). The Lord also commands the Israelites to “love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). And, incidentally, some translations, such as the NIV’s refer to these “strangers” as “foreigners.” The parallels between Americans and the Israels are clear. Christ’s higher teachings remind us that He is the stranger that needs peace and prosperity: “I was a stranger and ye took me in . . . inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:35, 40). He warns the Nephites that He will be a “swift witness . . . against those that . . . turn aside the stranger” (3 Nephi 24:5). Shortly after Alma established the Church, Mormon notes that “in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any . . . having no respect of persons as to those who stood in need” (Alma 1:30, emphasis added). And the Anti-Nephi-Lehites were commanded of the Lord to cross boundaries, enjoy the resources of their former enemies, and receive protection from them (Alma 27:12, 23). Nowhere in scripture does it talk about throwing them out of the country or tearing their families apart because of man made laws. Where much is given much is required (D&C 82:3). And we, as Americans, have been given much. We are only meant to have riches and abundance if we can bless others with them (Jacob 2:19).

While on that note, it is important to remember the role immigrants play in the last days. The Savior talked about this not once, but three times to the Nephites before leaving them (3 Nephi 16:13-15, 20:16-22, 21:12-24). I don’t know exactly how the remnant of the Jacob (the people of Latin America) will “tread down” and “tear to pieces” the Gentiles, but I know that I want to be on their side, because they are on the Lord’s side and they will build the New Jerusalem (3 Nephi 21:23-25). We will be blessed to be in their company and should learn to get along with them here and now.

The Bill. The following addresses specific parts of the bill with which I disagree.

Federal vs. State Authority. This is a federal issue. Lines 40-45 on page 1 of the bill give rights to police officers and federal agents to exchange information. This will keep the role of the police from fulfilling their duties. It will heighten fear and crime among immigrant populations and even those associated with immigrants. Ironically, the bill refers to law enforcement officers as “peace officers.” Breaking families apart, racial profiling, making people afraid to report crime and scaring people into hiding sounds like anything but peaceful to me, and certainly is not promoting the “universal peace” Joseph Smith sought. It’s no wonder some police officers are refusing to adhere to it, and others are speaking out against it.

Racial Profiling. One of the worst parts about this bill is the risk of the aforementioned racial profiling. Police officers have the authority to apprehend anyone “where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States” (Page 1, Lines 20-26). A friend passed onto me a message that he received from a friend who lives in Arizona. This SB1070 supporter has said to have had undocumented immigrant neighbors who have too many people living in their home and stay up all night partying. She also saw some purported undocumented immigrants in front of her in a grocery store, speaking Spanish and using food stamps. This person, while arguing on behalf of SB1070, gave evidence of the very concern the bill’s opposition continues to address: racial profiling. Like my friend astutely noted, I’m lucky I’m white. Even if I were here illegally, running an underground drugring, and made a habit of stealing identities and benefits from the American people, I would be safer than a brown man working his life out to provide for his family. There is certainly cause to believe the profiling that will accompany this law violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Undocumented Criminals. Now the bill does talk about deporting those who have broken state or local law (Page 1, Lines 27-31). This is reasonable, mostly. If they are dangerous to our society, it makes sense to deport them. I would argue that the SB1070 should stipulate what crimes are cause for deportation. It’s one thing to speed and another to commit murder.

Undocumented Employees. The bill cracks down on undocumented immigrants who even “apply for work” (Page 5, Lines 14-17). It goes on to talk about what happens to employers, a process that is much more lenient and much more complicated. It’s do-and-die for the immigrant, but the employer has second chances. If anyone should be penalized, it should be the employers.

Transporting Undocumented Immigrants. The bill (along with SB81) puts any at risk who “transport or move or attempt to move an alien . . . who has entered or remains in the United States in violation of the law” (Page 5, Lines 29-34). That would be me. Many times. When I served as the Young Men’s President of a Hispanic ward in Salt Lake, I drove undocumented immigrants to and from activities at least weekly. I would take them to service activities, campouts, counseling with LDS Family Services, etc. So beware, any serving or working with the Latino population, including nonprofit volunteers, church leaders, and employers. I would owe Arizona thousands of dollars for those youth activities.

Civil Rights. I found it amusing that the end of the bill states that it will be implemented “in a manner consistent with federal regulating immigration, protecting the civil rights of all persons” (Page 16, Lines 22-24). I suppose that means those excluded from the “persons” category include undocumented people, and Hispanic people in general (at least those not “lucky” enough to be white). Sad.

The majority of the American people seem to be in favor of this bill, thereby losing sight of the core ideological foundation on which America was built. Huddled masses, there is no room at the inn.

Richard Marshall contributed to this post.