Hanging out with Young People

Did I mention Family Home Evening last night?  I got carried away talking about driving around here, and didn't tell you the sweetest part of the day.  We had nearly 20 there and a young woman who has her mission call to South London, England gave the lesson about missionary work.  She told of her conversion.

She became close to another girl when she was five years old in Zimbabwe.  They were friends all through school, and she frequently spent Saturday night at her friend's home.  But the rule was:  If you stayed the night, you went to Church with them on Sunday.

They stayed close all through the years.  Fast forward 17 years.  The friend and her family moved to Utah, and this young woman went there to visit.  They took her to Temple Square.  Her heart was deeply touched by all she saw and heard.  Finally, she turned to her friend and said, "Why did you never give me a Book of Mormon?"  The friend reached into her purse and handed her a Book of Mormon inscribed with her testimony.

This young woman said that we never know what example may mean to someone....it may make a significant impact within just a few minutes, or it may take 17 or 18 years, but someone's example is so important.

With tears flowing, she told how much she loves the Lord for what He has done for her, and how grateful she is for the Gospel and the opportunity to share it with people.  I know she will be a very sweet and diligent missionary and will share the Gospel with a very special spirit.  Did I mention she is absolutely beautiful?

I look at all of these amazing young people and wonder if I was anywhere near that strong when I was that age.  They love the Lord and are all so eager to serve.

On another note, we had our 4th Danish class today...with three more students added.  Two more from Philipines and one from Egypt.  It is fascinating, and I am enjoying it very much, especially all of the personalities from everywhere.  I sit next to a lady from Greece.  She is so funny...very emotional and very vocal about how she is feeling.  Every now and then she throws up her hands and says, "I don't understand this!!!!!"  She walked out of class today because it just got a little intense for her.  She came back in a few minutes and did much better.

One young man from Peru is mounting a Friday-go-for-a-few-beers party after class.  I explained that we will be with the young adults from our Church and didn't get much farther.  I think he was fine with us not coming!

At one point the teacher asked us to ask everyone around us their age and then line up in the classroom according to age.  Slam Dunk.  We didn't have to ask....we just went to the end of the line!