Week 51

 Well I'm beginning my week of "lasts" - I can hardly believe it! I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. I spent exactly half of my mission in the "normal" phase, and half during a worldwide pandemic. I'm so very grateful that I got to experience so many wonderful things while the mission was fully functioning:

• Attending the Salt Lake Temple almost every week while it was still open and functioning
• Attending church in the beautiful chapel of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building
• Working every day in the mission office of the same beautiful building
• Singing in the choir with Vanja Watkins
• Riding the elevator with Elder Gong and Elder Rasband
• Accidentally running in to Elder Bednar and Elder Uchtdorf, President & Sister Oaks, Elder Johnson ("every day, every day, every day"), Elder Soares
• Distant glimpses of others

It's amazing to me how this mission (along with so many others) has stayed functioning despite the difficulties of the world being shut down. The miracle of technology has kept missionaries here serving in many capacities and working on projects that would never have been attempted or worked on under "normal" circumstances. The Lord has truly provided a way for His work to continue on BOTH sides of the veil. 

Last night we had a special mission conference with Elder D. Todd Christopherson, his wife, Elder & Sister Texeira and Elder Schmutz of the presidency of the Seventy. Part of the meeting included a question & answer period with Elder Christopherson. One of the questions was from a missionary saying that she quit her job to serve a mission here and now she's spending all her time in her apartment. She feels like her time might not be useful and it sounded like maybe she regretted the timing. His answer was really sweet for all of us. He told us that the Lord will "count" our service as though we had done it in the libraries or offices, as completely as if there had been no interruption. He referenced King Benjamin's address when he talked of the poor who would give if they could, and that they would be blessed as though they had given. I'm sure this is true for all missionaries, as well as all of the members who are enduring through this time. The work is continuing as well or maybe better in some cases. 

I'm grateful to have seen it from both sides.

Our new mission president, Steven Randall, is a wonderful and kind man. We love Sister Randall as well. They are so very different in their approach to the missionaries. I'm grateful to have had even this short time with them. I was asked to give a prayer in the mission conference on Wednesday, and President Randall acknowledged my service and pending release twice during the meeting. I was surprised and grateful for his comments. 

Tomorrow I have to give the zone devotional talk. Our new mission theme is "Hear Him." President & Sister Randall have done many things to bring this theme to our hearts and minds. I'm going to talk about how I hear Him. Months ago right after General Conference we were asked to consider how we hear the Savior. My answer today is the same as it was then: through the Prophet, the Apostles, and other general authorities. The scripture came to my mind clearly that “...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” I am grateful for a living prophet who receives revelation and directs His Church. I know that President Nelson and those who have been called to serve with him are being inspired to give us the direction that the Savior would give if He were here. It becomes my responsibility to listen with an open heart and with the gift of the Holy Ghost telling me it is true. I'm so grateful for their inspired leadership. It’s my testimony that if we read and listen to the words of our prophet and his chosen servants, we can’t fail if we follow their teachings. We can find comfort and strength to our testimonies even in these troubled and unsure times. I know they are called of God and I’m grateful for this way we can all choose to hear Him.

My prayers are with you all!

PS - The Temples hosted a very fun dinner on Friday night. They flew in lobster from Maine so I could experience fresh lobster with them - hence the bibs. 😍 They are wonderful friends.