The Visiting Teacher I Never Wanted

We had just received our new Visiting Teaching assignments in Relief Society, and I was excited to make new friends. My companion and I clicked at once- we just had so much in common. Then we met the girls we were to teach. They both seemed nice enough, however one of them, “Jessica”, was not my favorite person in the ward.

But I was willing to give it a try (or so I told myself). Soon it became apparent, though, that it wasn’t going to be easy. Every time we tried to set an appointment, it fell through. She was always willing to give us another date when she couldn’t meet, but that never seemed to happen either.

I also began to notice that Jessica was never in Sacrament Meeting. She always came to Relief Society and participated, but not once did I see her in any other meetings. I couldn’t understand it, and my younger self became more than a little judgmental.

We finally found a time Jessica could meet on a regular basis. She seemed friendly enough, but never got very personal with us. I was frustrated. Every time I offered services, from car rides to meals, she turned me down.

Because sisters are constantly moving in and out of apartments due to schooling in Provo, most YSA wards shuffle their visiting teaching assignments every school semester. We were approaching the end of our fall semester, and I was beginning to count the days until I had a new assignment. I felt I was not making any difference in this sister’s life, and frankly that it was a waste of time.

After Christmas, I eagerly took the envelope with visiting teaching assignments in it and opened it to discover that I did have a new assignment.  My last companion had gotten married over the break so I knew I would have a new companion. My jaw literally dropped when I saw that it was Jessica.

I truly felt like the Lord was punishing me. I imagined I would be doing my assignment alone for the next four months.

But then Jessica knocked on my apartment door that night. Before I could say a word she grabbed me in a huge hug. “Aren’t you so excited?!” she asked, “I can’t believe we get to be visiting teaching companions!” I’ll admit I just stared at her for a moment, before quickly agreeing that yes, I was sure it would be exciting.

She explained she had just gotten a new phone, then handed me a paper with her new number and asked for mine. Still slightly dazed, I gave her my phone number. She then asked whether I would like to teach the lesson or set up the visits for the coming month. With a touch of scorn I suggested that she set up the visits since her schedule was so much busier than mine.

Jessica nodded knowingly. “Yes, I don’t have a lot of free time, but I’m sure your schedule is just as busy. When works for you and then I’ll see if our girls can meet then?”

After exchanging more information, Jessica left with an enthusiastic wave. I wasn’t sure what to do. What’s more, within an hour she called me saying we had appointments with both our girls the following night, double checking that those times worked for me. After agreeing, we ended the call and I realized I needed to prepare the lesson!

Our first visits to the sisters went well, and we even set up our visits for the next month at the same time. This was an entirely foreign Jessica to me. But my world was about to be rocked some more. The next Sunday, who should show up at Sacrament Meeting, with two less-active roommates in tow?

Spotting me, Jessica waved and I indicated she should come and sit by me. Not that I was being generous- I was simply curious. After the meeting, Jessica had a huge smile on her face as she explained how happy she was to be able to come to our ward’s meeting.

“Our Ward’s?” I asked.

“Yeah,” she replied, “It was really hard to have to go to another ward’s Sacrament meeting last semester what with my job and all. It’s just not the same as being with your own congregation. I’m glad our meeting schedule was changed.”

My insides shrunk a little at her words. She quickly herded her roommates into Sunday School and I was left standing in the hallway.

As the weeks went by I continued to learn in detail how I had misjudged Jessica. Turns out she had refused my rides to the store because it was the only time she and her friend got to discuss the gospel. She was always so busy because she was paying her way through school while still attending full time and volunteering at multiple events.

Jessica never expected any ill will from me. She saw the best parts of me and often praised my strengths while my weaknesses seemed to be invisible to her. I began to put more effort into my lessons, and to be more willing to serve when the Relief Society or ward had a need.

Jessica and I were assigned to be visiting teaching companions. But the truth is she was more a teacher than a companion, and one of the most humble people I have ever had the opportunity to serve with.

Although we don’t see each other very often, Jessica continues to be an inspiration and a friend. I can only imagine how powerful of a missionary she was when she chose to serve a full time mission, and she continues to inspire everyone who is on social media with her.

I’m thankful the Lord loved me enough to bless me with the visiting teacher I never wanted.