Well, it's over. Thank heaven. I'm glad it's over rather than waiting for it to start. We got there and waited for the high counsel to arrive. Then we waited while they began the meeting and read out of the handbook. I was so nervous, I was picking at my nails, bouncing up and down, and shaking with the stress. Jason seemed calm enough, but not 'restful' by any means. He ended up being first to go in. Once he was done, it was my turn. They had me go around and shake everyone's hand on the counsel. Some of them I knew, Brother Youngberg (Marice's Dad), Brother Baliey, and the high counselmen from the singles ward. They all seemed kind and full of love, wither I'd known them or not. They asked about our past and I ran through it. They'd heard most of it from Jason, anyway. After that, they asked some questions. About our counseling experience, about our relationship, my testimony, and our goals. They asked about our families and our support groups. Jason's family is still struggling, but trying. Mine as been such a support, and will continue being. It was actually a very good, supportive meeting. Then we waited some more. At least we got to wait together and go back in together a half hour later. They told us they had prayed very hard and long over our situation. The Lord inspired them in their decision to excommunicate us both. I cried, it was a difficult thing to hear aloud. Pronounced upon my sweet Jason and myself. President Reed explained everything very kindly. He hugged both Jason and me after the closing prayer. Brother Greenwood hugged me as well on our way out. One of the members of the high counsel stopped us just before we got in the car. I'm not sure who it was. He shared some kind thoughts of concern. Everyone was very sweet to us, understanding of our situation. I cried on the way home and got all my tears out. Jason stayed with me. He held my hand and told me things were still good. I decided I really liked the way President Reed described the counsel's decision-- we just added one more step to our goal of the temple, rebaptism. We're going to meet with President Reed weekly, or biweekly at least to make sure we're still on track. We have our first appointment this Tuesday night for President Reed to explain to us what this decision will mean for us. After talking with Jason and drying my eyes, I felt much better. I really do feel that will be good for us, in the end. President Reed explained to us that we'll never have to wonder about our past once we've been rebaptized and that we'll be able to be sealed in the temple without a worry. That will be a good day. Worth it. Jason and I are still happily planning on getting married in July, a step in the right direction. That will be a fantastic day.
