5That night, I prayed and asked God to forgive my sins and bring me into His glory. I can't say that I felt like a whole new person then, but I know my life was changed. From that time, I have had a Guide and a Helper in everything. I told Dan about my conversion. He wasn't overly impressed, but he's never mocked me, either. I think he's proud of me for doing something like this without anyone telling me to.
Mom and Olga never came back into our lives. I called Mom after that competition, but she refused to speak to me. I've sent her letters, apologizing for the things I said and the way I said them, but she never writes back. It hurts, but I know that it is in God's hands.
Dan and I coached ourselves for a little bit, then ended up going over to Alexei and Marina's coach. We both have to work to pay the bills, but we don't mind. I coach and Dan works as a landscaper. We're not the number-one team in the U.S. anymore—the Martins took over that spot—but we're so much happier that we don't really care. After all, anything could happen. We'll just keep plugging away until we get back to the top—but under our guidelines this time.
Dan's parents come visit us often, and we go there a lot. I still spend Thanksgiving with Dad, but he's so bitter that it's hard to be around him much these days. He's glad I stood up to Mom, but he still resents my skating. I try to deal with it as best I can, and keep praying that he comes to understand.
As for Alexei, he and I started dating as soon as we had the same coach. He's taught me so much about life and about God. He is the best thing to ever happen to me. We're engaged to be married this spring.
When I think back on that competition in Lake Placid, I'm amazed. First Dan and I split with our coach, then I had a fight with Mom, and then Alexei and I went to that church, and then the Lord saved me. Each event led into the other, and I never would have anticipated any of it. I'm so thankful that God works in mysterious ways. He is a good God.
Author's Note: This story came about as a result of volunteering through North Country Ministries to work at various sporting events in Lake Placid. It is not based on a true story, but is just something I came up with while putting in long, cold shifts on the mountain! The title came from NCM's original name, which was More Than Gold Ministries. For more information about NCM, visit their website (you can find it through any search engine; the computer won't let me upload it here! Sorry). Feedback on the story is always welcome!