This last week I was privileged to help out with the New Mission Presidents Seminar at the MTC. I helped out getting things together the week before, including a trip to the COB (Church Office Building) in SLC, and helping during the week of the Seminar (Sat morn-Wed night). It was quite an experience. Besides being around many of the Brethren, here are some of the highlights:
Sunday afternoon, I held the door open for President Hinckley as he exited to his car. When he came through, he stopped and talked with just me for a brief two minutes. With sweaty palms, I stumbled through the conversation about my mission and former mission presidents. He was kind and genuine and sharper than ever. He said he loved going to Taiwan and it was so beautiful. We exchanged salutations and he was escorted away.
Monday, I listened to President Monsen chat with some of the secretaries from the MTC Travel office. He reminisced with the current MTC president about a visit he gave to the president's family many years ago. Then President Monsen recalled an old song he learned in grade school to help him learn Spanish. He made me laugh.
Wednesday, I held the door open and greeted President Faust. He was frail, but in good spirits. We exchanged hellos and he made his way in to his meeting. That night, I was assigned to escort Elder Bednar and his wife to his assigned dining room. He gave me a very nice compliment as I escorted him away from the crowds of mission presidents.
One other highlight was the chance to get to know many of the new mission presidents. I felt kind of sad when I had to leave them. In a few shorts days, I began to make friends and will miss them. They are wonderful people and always so friendly. They will leave many impressions on the areas to which they are assigned.
As it all came to an end Wednesday night, I couldn't help but think what amazing people they are. They are so calm and yet so strong. They are something of a different kind. I'm so glad I had the chance of a lifetime.
Sunday afternoon, I held the door open for President Hinckley as he exited to his car. When he came through, he stopped and talked with just me for a brief two minutes. With sweaty palms, I stumbled through the conversation about my mission and former mission presidents. He was kind and genuine and sharper than ever. He said he loved going to Taiwan and it was so beautiful. We exchanged salutations and he was escorted away.
Monday, I listened to President Monsen chat with some of the secretaries from the MTC Travel office. He reminisced with the current MTC president about a visit he gave to the president's family many years ago. Then President Monsen recalled an old song he learned in grade school to help him learn Spanish. He made me laugh.
Wednesday, I held the door open and greeted President Faust. He was frail, but in good spirits. We exchanged hellos and he made his way in to his meeting. That night, I was assigned to escort Elder Bednar and his wife to his assigned dining room. He gave me a very nice compliment as I escorted him away from the crowds of mission presidents.
One other highlight was the chance to get to know many of the new mission presidents. I felt kind of sad when I had to leave them. In a few shorts days, I began to make friends and will miss them. They are wonderful people and always so friendly. They will leave many impressions on the areas to which they are assigned.
As it all came to an end Wednesday night, I couldn't help but think what amazing people they are. They are so calm and yet so strong. They are something of a different kind. I'm so glad I had the chance of a lifetime.
