“Olvera Street,” Friend, Feb. 2016, 30–31
Friend to Friend
Olvera Street
From an interview with Sister Linda S. Reeves, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency; by Linda Davies
When I was 10, my family had a big family reunion. We visited a place called Olvera Street in California, USA. My cousins and I walked around together and looked at everything. There were craft shops, places to eat, and lots of fun things to do. I stopped to watch a glass blower. He was creating all kinds of beautiful shapes.
After a while I looked around and couldn’t see any of my family! The more I searched, the more scared I became. I couldn’t even find a police officer to help me. I knew I had to do something. Then a thought came to my mind. I would pray to Heavenly Father.
I found a quiet place and asked Heavenly Father to help me. I asked to see someone from my family who would take me home. When I finished my prayer, I had a feeling that I should wait on the sidewalk. I waited for almost two hours!
Meanwhile, my family had all left. My parents weren’t worried because they thought I was with one of my uncles. My uncles weren’t worried either because they thought I was with my parents. When they counted everyone, they realized that someone was missing—me!
My dad got in the car and drove right back to Olvera Street. He looked all over for me. Finally he saw me waiting on the sidewalk. He stopped the car and gave me a great big hug.
I remember this very clearly—even though I was scared and afraid, in my heart I was peaceful and calm. I felt Heavenly Father’s comforting Spirit. I knew my dad would come. I knew Heavenly Father was watching and protecting me.
Prayer and the Godhead
When Sister Reeves was scared, she prayed to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost helped her feel better. When we pray, all three members of the Godhead can help us.
We pray to our Father in Heaven because we are His children. He created us, and He wants us to talk with Him. He is always ready to hear and answer our prayers.
Jesus Christ taught us to pray in His name (see 3 Nephi 18:19). When we do, we can remember how much He loves us.
The Holy Ghost helps us feel peace and comfort from Heavenly Father and Jesus. He helps us know that Heavenly Father is listening to our prayers.