From: Ecuador Guayaquil North Mission [mailto:2012960@ldschurch.org]
Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 2:33 PM
To: Pania Heimuli
Subject: Re: Heimuli Itinerary
Dear Elder Heimuli's Mom,
I was wondering how many are planning on coming down? Just you and your husband? If you could let me know I would appreciate that.
Thanks,
Elder Willis
Mission Secretary
>>> "Pania Heimuli" 2/22/2008 12:04 PM >>>
Dear Elder Willis,
THANK YOU so much for the information. I called the missionary travel office and spoke to Stephanie. She asked that I inform you of Elder Heimuli's return flight plans, so here they are:
Elder Heimuli, my husband and myself plan on leaving Guayaquil late Thursday night, May 8th, on Delta Airlines. We will take care of all Elder Heimuli's travel expenses and do not expect reimbursement of any kind from the mission or the Church.
My husband always travels with his cell phone (which works fine in Guayaquil, but don't know if it will work in other areas of the mission). Please keep his number on file if you need anything at all while we are there. His number is (801) 673-6654.
Take care,
Elder Heimuli's Mom (I won't be called that for much longer, so I'd better use it as much as I can!)
Letter for the Fam
March 3, 2008
Hey everyone, I wanted to write a short letter to let you all know that I am doing well… yes, that ungrateful Elder who doesn´t write to family members like he should, is doing great. I wanted to take a Little time to thank you all and tell you how great a differance, your Little sacrifices have made. But let me, first, tell you a Little bit about Ecuador.
Ecuador has approximately 13,000,000 people in such a small country. The Ecuadorian people are good, but a very passionate people. I´ve been in many small arguments with people who are convinced that we, the missionaries, are FBI spies sent to exploit the Ecuadorian people.
It is a rich country. Rich in plant and animal life, with an atmosphere second only to the polynesian islands (my very biased opinión).
Ecuador is rich in every sense of the Word, except in Governmental Justice and in economy. With time the Ecuadorian Sucre, which was the old Money system until the late 90´s, became very inflated, and the Government saw fit to change the Money system to a more stable one. They changed the Sucre Money system to the Dollar Money system. About 25,000 sucres = 1 american Dollar. That sudden change caused a drastic increase in the poverty of this country. And an even larger rift between upper class ecuadorians and the poorer ones. Slowly the economy is growing and it is interesting to note, that ever since the church entered the country, the poverty has slightly decreased, although still very high. Now the ecuadorian literacy rate is still very low, and people are still very ignorant and passionate or hot headed. Who do you think the Ecuadorian people blamed for the sudden increased poverty that hit this country? The falty Ecuadorian government? Nope, they blame the Gringos, or the north americans.
This has posed quite a struggle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in the begining years; being declared by others as an American Church, or american sect (Secta Norteamericana), whose missionaries are usually White Utahns. But now there is a temple here, there are thousands of members here (around 10,000) and the work rolls forth bringing the truth to many.
I am so thankful for the oppritunity that you have given me. And for the changes that you have been a part of. Because of your support, over 70 children of our Father in heaven have been able to recieve a true baptism. I have seen the changes in many families that I have taught. The drunken Fathers who have been known to beat their children, have changed their lives completely. I have seen the tears that fall from the eyes of a repented soul. Woman have recieved the forgiveness of their many sins, and have cleaned themselves through the atonement of Christ. Together we have sewed seeds of faith, reaped a bountiful harvest, and at times, cried when the seeds have fallen by the wayside. I have seen miracles everyday, I have seen the hand of my God in his work. But I wish to share with you the greatest miracle that I have seen, the greatest change of heart that I have witnessed… mine.
About two and a half years ago, was when I had my miracle, and made my decision. A Little before that, I found myself in an uncertain place. I didn´t get along too well with my parents, and even worse with myself. It´s hard to decide what you want in life, if you consider yourself a failure. I always had a good example in my Uncles, who always seemed to mention there missions in our family get togethers. I owe alot, also, to Young mens leaders who talked about their missions often. That was key. I realize that I was alot more interested in music and other things, then I was in Jesus Christ. I remeber one time, we were camping around a fire in Zions National Park, and they told me of their experiances in the misión field. They spoke so foundly of the memories, testifying at just the right time, in such a way that I wanted to have those too. I remember when some family members talked of their children serving missions, I remember seeing how proud they were of them, and I wanted that too. I saw the change in the faces of returned missionaries, and how they seemed to shine as they spoke of the families that they baptized. I wanted that too.
I thought of all this one night in particular. Earlier that evening, I had had an arguement with my parents. Feeling bad, I decided to leave the house and hang out with some friends who didn´t go on missions. My parents didn´t know that I left (this will probably come as a shock to my mother who will read this and find out, but she can´t hit me… Im in EcuadorJ). I came home, and sat on the couch in my room. That whole night while I was out I tried to forget all my problems and just do something to occupy myself, but when I came home, they all came back. I thought the whole rest of that night, about what I should do with myself. I was going nowhere fast, and figured that I needed to go somewhere, quick. I thought to myself,”Hey, I could go on a misión.” But came to the realization that, I can´t teach something that I don´t know is true. So my first step was to find out. In that moment that night I kneeled by my bed, to plead to God to know if the church was true. I explained that I thought it was true, but I didn´t know… I explained if it was as true as everyone said that it was, I would go and serve wherever. I knew that the blessings would come, and that I had a chance to try and pay back God for what he has given me. I prayed three times that night. I must have prayed for hours, until I found that small confirmation that these things were true.
I started to fill out my papers with the help of my Bishop, and I was ready to go. So you see, you helped my mission be what it is, even before I became a missionary. And for that I am very thankful. Now I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on the face of the Earth. I know that Lord loves us, he has an endless mercy and love that we can´t even comprehend. Don´t you think that we should share, even the slightest fraction of that love, and God-like forgiveness with others? I know that this work is the reason why we exist, and I am ashamed that I didn´t realize it earlier. I think of the many friends I had the oppritunity to help and ,in those times, I did nothing. God is our loving Father in Heaven, and He loves me, just as much as He loves you.
Hey everyone, I wanted to write a short letter to let you all know that I am doing well… yes, that ungrateful Elder who doesn´t write to family members like he should, is doing great. I wanted to take a Little time to thank you all and tell you how great a differance, your Little sacrifices have made. But let me, first, tell you a Little bit about Ecuador.
Ecuador has approximately 13,000,000 people in such a small country. The Ecuadorian people are good, but a very passionate people. I´ve been in many small arguments with people who are convinced that we, the missionaries, are FBI spies sent to exploit the Ecuadorian people.
It is a rich country. Rich in plant and animal life, with an atmosphere second only to the polynesian islands (my very biased opinión).
Ecuador is rich in every sense of the Word, except in Governmental Justice and in economy. With time the Ecuadorian Sucre, which was the old Money system until the late 90´s, became very inflated, and the Government saw fit to change the Money system to a more stable one. They changed the Sucre Money system to the Dollar Money system. About 25,000 sucres = 1 american Dollar. That sudden change caused a drastic increase in the poverty of this country. And an even larger rift between upper class ecuadorians and the poorer ones. Slowly the economy is growing and it is interesting to note, that ever since the church entered the country, the poverty has slightly decreased, although still very high. Now the ecuadorian literacy rate is still very low, and people are still very ignorant and passionate or hot headed. Who do you think the Ecuadorian people blamed for the sudden increased poverty that hit this country? The falty Ecuadorian government? Nope, they blame the Gringos, or the north americans.
This has posed quite a struggle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in the begining years; being declared by others as an American Church, or american sect (Secta Norteamericana), whose missionaries are usually White Utahns. But now there is a temple here, there are thousands of members here (around 10,000) and the work rolls forth bringing the truth to many.
I am so thankful for the oppritunity that you have given me. And for the changes that you have been a part of. Because of your support, over 70 children of our Father in heaven have been able to recieve a true baptism. I have seen the changes in many families that I have taught. The drunken Fathers who have been known to beat their children, have changed their lives completely. I have seen the tears that fall from the eyes of a repented soul. Woman have recieved the forgiveness of their many sins, and have cleaned themselves through the atonement of Christ. Together we have sewed seeds of faith, reaped a bountiful harvest, and at times, cried when the seeds have fallen by the wayside. I have seen miracles everyday, I have seen the hand of my God in his work. But I wish to share with you the greatest miracle that I have seen, the greatest change of heart that I have witnessed… mine.
About two and a half years ago, was when I had my miracle, and made my decision. A Little before that, I found myself in an uncertain place. I didn´t get along too well with my parents, and even worse with myself. It´s hard to decide what you want in life, if you consider yourself a failure. I always had a good example in my Uncles, who always seemed to mention there missions in our family get togethers. I owe alot, also, to Young mens leaders who talked about their missions often. That was key. I realize that I was alot more interested in music and other things, then I was in Jesus Christ. I remeber one time, we were camping around a fire in Zions National Park, and they told me of their experiances in the misión field. They spoke so foundly of the memories, testifying at just the right time, in such a way that I wanted to have those too. I remember when some family members talked of their children serving missions, I remember seeing how proud they were of them, and I wanted that too. I saw the change in the faces of returned missionaries, and how they seemed to shine as they spoke of the families that they baptized. I wanted that too.
I thought of all this one night in particular. Earlier that evening, I had had an arguement with my parents. Feeling bad, I decided to leave the house and hang out with some friends who didn´t go on missions. My parents didn´t know that I left (this will probably come as a shock to my mother who will read this and find out, but she can´t hit me… Im in EcuadorJ). I came home, and sat on the couch in my room. That whole night while I was out I tried to forget all my problems and just do something to occupy myself, but when I came home, they all came back. I thought the whole rest of that night, about what I should do with myself. I was going nowhere fast, and figured that I needed to go somewhere, quick. I thought to myself,”Hey, I could go on a misión.” But came to the realization that, I can´t teach something that I don´t know is true. So my first step was to find out. In that moment that night I kneeled by my bed, to plead to God to know if the church was true. I explained that I thought it was true, but I didn´t know… I explained if it was as true as everyone said that it was, I would go and serve wherever. I knew that the blessings would come, and that I had a chance to try and pay back God for what he has given me. I prayed three times that night. I must have prayed for hours, until I found that small confirmation that these things were true.
I started to fill out my papers with the help of my Bishop, and I was ready to go. So you see, you helped my mission be what it is, even before I became a missionary. And for that I am very thankful. Now I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on the face of the Earth. I know that Lord loves us, he has an endless mercy and love that we can´t even comprehend. Don´t you think that we should share, even the slightest fraction of that love, and God-like forgiveness with others? I know that this work is the reason why we exist, and I am ashamed that I didn´t realize it earlier. I think of the many friends I had the oppritunity to help and ,in those times, I did nothing. God is our loving Father in Heaven, and He loves me, just as much as He loves you.
Release Info!!!
February 22, 2008
Dear Heimuli Family,
It is a honor to meet the parents of Elder Heimuli. He is a really good missionary. The attachment has some details on things you must do before coming to Ecuador. Your son's release date is the 6th of May. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask me.
Sincerely,
Elder Willis
Secretary Ecuador Guayaquil North Mission
Dear Heimuli Family,
It is a honor to meet the parents of Elder Heimuli. He is a really good missionary. The attachment has some details on things you must do before coming to Ecuador. Your son's release date is the 6th of May. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask me.
Sincerely,
Elder Willis
Secretary Ecuador Guayaquil North Mission
February 18, 2008 - Letter #11, Another Son!
Hi Mom! Well, this last week was pretty hectic. But I got my new companion, and his name is Elder Peters. He´s from Chicago, Illinois and his parents were converts. They grew up and served missions, and he was raised in the church. I went on Wednesday to pick him up, to meet him at the temple in Guayaquil. I met this slightly taller than me kid, 19 years old, and who was excited about the work. He is also left handed, so I know that President Ridd is inspired.
We worked this week, not sure where to start, pretty soon we should have the baptism of a woman who was just so prepared to receive the gospel. Other than that, we are struggling to have these entire families get baptized. I was thinking, maybe just like in my last ward, God wants us to prepare the branch first, then, baptize the city. We are now getting our heads together to finalize plans and to help the branches out here. I´m excited about finishing strong here in Jipijapa, but what we need is Hawaiian cultural ideas, so that we can have activities that strengthen the branch. Maybe like, how to make leis, or how to cook a pig in the ground, or something like that… could you give me some tips?
Well, Mom I love you, and Ill talk to you later, don’t have much time! Love ya!
We worked this week, not sure where to start, pretty soon we should have the baptism of a woman who was just so prepared to receive the gospel. Other than that, we are struggling to have these entire families get baptized. I was thinking, maybe just like in my last ward, God wants us to prepare the branch first, then, baptize the city. We are now getting our heads together to finalize plans and to help the branches out here. I´m excited about finishing strong here in Jipijapa, but what we need is Hawaiian cultural ideas, so that we can have activities that strengthen the branch. Maybe like, how to make leis, or how to cook a pig in the ground, or something like that… could you give me some tips?
Well, Mom I love you, and Ill talk to you later, don’t have much time! Love ya!
February 14, 2008 - Letter #12, I Will Die Here
Hi mom! Well, today was changes, and I am still in Jipijapa... Elder Jenkins was sent to Durán. For Monday and Tuesday, I am with Elder Lazo (who lives with me) until we go to Guayaquil on Wednesday. I´m glad that Elder Jenkins is having a better mission, and I am so happy that you were able to call his mother. Ya know, Marlin (that's Elder Jenkins´ name) says that he would like me to meet his family, at least his parents, and I would really like to. I know that we can make a difference in his family´s life.
Mom, I´m really excited to come home and help less active families and members... I had so many chances to do it when I was in High School, I had so many friends that could have used a little help, but I didn´t. I totally blew it. And now, I´m afraid that it´s too late for some of them, if I could live anything over again... it would not be football, it would be that.
Well, concerning your questions about what I want to do when you come here, here´s what I want to do:
Usually the missionaries can´t see their parents until Monday... but I have heard of missionary parents going and watching the last baptisms of their missionary´s missions. I would like for you to first see my baptisms. I am going to finish my mission here in jipijapa, so you wont have to worry about me leaving. I think that it would be easier if just Dad and you came down, have Helam and the kids wait for me at home. I especially don't want Hevynn to come down here because she´s too pretty, she wouldn´t understand what the men down here would say, but I would. I wouldn´t want to go home early for killing someone, the day of going home.
It would be easier for me to see my families in Manta first, because it´s only an hour away from jipijapa. Then, we can go to Quevedo, and visit my friends there. Guayaquil would be the last stop, because we could see my families there before we head to the airport. I haven´t thought about Babahoyo yet... it´s kind of out of the way, but if Tyler Larson came with us, it would be worth the trip.
Or, you could just come down for the baptism and go back to Guayaquil, then I would go up there on Monday, and we can visit people then. Whatever it doesn´t matter, either way it´ll be fun.
I was thinking that I could study a bit somewhere close by like at Weber or something, before I make a big decision... like I would like to go to Utah, or something. LDS business college sounds good too, but I just want to start out small. I don´t want to play football, because it is a huge commitment, and I would rather study, and play the guitar. I do want use the talents that I have, I could definitely go into business, because I have really, really acquired awesome people skills. I can get people to like me, and I can win them over to my way of thinking. I have learned how to be a leader. I can get missionaries and investigators excited about whatever. I speak Spanish, I would like to go into something in Spanish, as well as study other languages. I love the guitar, I love music, and I can play pretty good. Basically I would like to do something that I love. I think the big reason why my mission here was so wonderful, is because I learned to love. I learned to love getting up at 6:30 in the morning. I loved talking to people, who I also learned to love. Elder Jenkins learned to love too, and it shows. I learned to love the Lord. I don't say that I keep all the commandments perfectly, but I know what I need to do to love him.
So, I hope that helps Mom. Something small first, then we´ll see what happens. Weber State, seems like a good place to start. I am excited to see you guys, and to eat real good food. Love ya mom, and Ill talk to ya soon!
Mom, I´m really excited to come home and help less active families and members... I had so many chances to do it when I was in High School, I had so many friends that could have used a little help, but I didn´t. I totally blew it. And now, I´m afraid that it´s too late for some of them, if I could live anything over again... it would not be football, it would be that.
Well, concerning your questions about what I want to do when you come here, here´s what I want to do:
Usually the missionaries can´t see their parents until Monday... but I have heard of missionary parents going and watching the last baptisms of their missionary´s missions. I would like for you to first see my baptisms. I am going to finish my mission here in jipijapa, so you wont have to worry about me leaving. I think that it would be easier if just Dad and you came down, have Helam and the kids wait for me at home. I especially don't want Hevynn to come down here because she´s too pretty, she wouldn´t understand what the men down here would say, but I would. I wouldn´t want to go home early for killing someone, the day of going home.
It would be easier for me to see my families in Manta first, because it´s only an hour away from jipijapa. Then, we can go to Quevedo, and visit my friends there. Guayaquil would be the last stop, because we could see my families there before we head to the airport. I haven´t thought about Babahoyo yet... it´s kind of out of the way, but if Tyler Larson came with us, it would be worth the trip.
Or, you could just come down for the baptism and go back to Guayaquil, then I would go up there on Monday, and we can visit people then. Whatever it doesn´t matter, either way it´ll be fun.
I was thinking that I could study a bit somewhere close by like at Weber or something, before I make a big decision... like I would like to go to Utah, or something. LDS business college sounds good too, but I just want to start out small. I don´t want to play football, because it is a huge commitment, and I would rather study, and play the guitar. I do want use the talents that I have, I could definitely go into business, because I have really, really acquired awesome people skills. I can get people to like me, and I can win them over to my way of thinking. I have learned how to be a leader. I can get missionaries and investigators excited about whatever. I speak Spanish, I would like to go into something in Spanish, as well as study other languages. I love the guitar, I love music, and I can play pretty good. Basically I would like to do something that I love. I think the big reason why my mission here was so wonderful, is because I learned to love. I learned to love getting up at 6:30 in the morning. I loved talking to people, who I also learned to love. Elder Jenkins learned to love too, and it shows. I learned to love the Lord. I don't say that I keep all the commandments perfectly, but I know what I need to do to love him.
So, I hope that helps Mom. Something small first, then we´ll see what happens. Weber State, seems like a good place to start. I am excited to see you guys, and to eat real good food. Love ya mom, and Ill talk to ya soon!
February 6, 2008 - Lucky Letter #13, It was so sad but we had work to do
Hi Family, I am writing to you on a Wednesday… well because of carnaval, all of Jipijapa was closed. There is only one grocery store here, which also happened to be closed on Monday and Tuesday, therefore I find myself hungry and without knowledge of the outside world. The last week was ok, the best thing that happened, was just that we found some new families that are nice. I´m excited to teach them. Elder Jenkins is going to another sector and next change I´ll be training… so in order to prepare for the new missionary, we´ve been finding new people like crazy, in hopes that we will have something to work with when the greenie comes.
I´m really excited to work here my last two changes... I have lots to do, like reactivate the members and baptize the future members. I´ve been trying to plan out some baptisms for you guys so that when you come to pick me up, you can see the baptisms!! But you need to pray hard, not so much for me, but for them.
I thought the funeral for President Hinckley was wonderful, well… from what I saw. That Saturday, as soon as we entered the chapel, it started to rain. Not just drizzle, but monsoon type rain. It rained so hard, and the clouds were so dense, that the satellite transmission was knocked out. After the opening hymn, the hymn that President Hinckley wrote, the satellite transmission went out. It was so sad, be we had work to do, so we just left.
That Monday, I was so happy! Elder Uctdorf is awesome, I´m so glad that he was called… I kinda guessed that President Monson would be President. I wonder who the next Apostle will be?
Well, I don’t have much else to say… Ill have something better next week! But thank you so much for helping me in my mission, it is wonderful, and I couldn´t have done it without you guys.
I´m really excited to work here my last two changes... I have lots to do, like reactivate the members and baptize the future members. I´ve been trying to plan out some baptisms for you guys so that when you come to pick me up, you can see the baptisms!! But you need to pray hard, not so much for me, but for them.
I thought the funeral for President Hinckley was wonderful, well… from what I saw. That Saturday, as soon as we entered the chapel, it started to rain. Not just drizzle, but monsoon type rain. It rained so hard, and the clouds were so dense, that the satellite transmission was knocked out. After the opening hymn, the hymn that President Hinckley wrote, the satellite transmission went out. It was so sad, be we had work to do, so we just left.
That Monday, I was so happy! Elder Uctdorf is awesome, I´m so glad that he was called… I kinda guessed that President Monson would be President. I wonder who the next Apostle will be?
Well, I don’t have much else to say… Ill have something better next week! But thank you so much for helping me in my mission, it is wonderful, and I couldn´t have done it without you guys.
From G+G: Funeral of the Prophet
February 4, 2008
Hola Elder Heimuli!
This week has been extra busy but glorious, filled with humbling experiences. For the thousands that attended the viewing including your Mom & siblings and Aunty Lani & family, the long lines (5 hour wait for the Pilis) was worth it. Missionaries and Church employees were specially permitted to enter the Conference Center from 7:00-9:00 am on Thursday and Friday before the general admission from 9:00am-9:00pm. When sus abuelitos went early Thursday, there was no waiting and we were able to spend a little more time gazing gratefully at the Prophet.
It's difficult to describe in words the beautiful, very serene atmosphere in the Hall of the Prophets, where President Hinckley lay. Dresssed in temple whites and with his glasses on, the prophet looked as if he were simply resting and that he would soon wake up and get to work. To us, it seemed as if he were smiling, perhaps teaching us even up to the very end of mortality: that joy and rejoicing are ours to look forward to and that after a short rest, there is more work to do on the other side and this time there would be no physical aches or pains to deter us from our labors. How powerful!
At the Wednesday night missionary temple devotional with Elder Oaks, who gave us the remainder of his "Good, Better, Best" conference address (which he didn't have time to do at conference), we learned that (1) President Hinckley was mentally alert up to his passing and (2) our Father in Heaven was hovering very, very close to the Apostles since the dissolution of the First Presidency. What comfort and assurance these apostolic words brought to those in attendance. If you could only have felt the power of the Spirit witness the truth of these words to us--it was truly amazing.
All missionaries were handed tickets to the funeral service, so, of course, we went. Grandpa planned that we should catch UTA Trax from Sandy to SLC early Saturday, which we did, and it was a very good way to travel. Although the entire funeral service was broadcasted, just as General Conference is, and tv viewers get to hear and see everything, there's something extra special about being right at the Conference Center in the midst of the speakers and choir. You know what we're talking about, don't you? Briefly, we, once again, felt the Spirit bearing witness that this man of God--our prophet--had done his BEST in all that was required from the days of his mission in England to his days as Prophet, Seer and Revelator. Heavenly Father was present as the LOVE for this man was everywhere present and deepled sensed. To think, that Grandpa and Grandma were blessed to be there and experience this awesome love that is felt worldwide for him. Newspapers are filled with his life story and legacy even to this morning. It's wonderful to see that he was recognized also in non-LDS circles.
As an aside, Marqel had a cute, baby girl the morning that we were getting ready to leave the house for the Conference Center and the funeral services. After the funeral, we stopped at Albertson's in Center St, Provo, to pick up some fresh fruits, a fresh, long-stemmed rose for Marqel and some deli food for your abuelitos. We ate our snack in the parking lot of the UV Hospital, and spent about two hours visiting her, the baby, and Mari. How blessed are we when little spirits continue to come into our growing family and what a responsibility we all share in to teach them to feast upon the words of Christ.
Snow continues to blanket the valley...we're heading out to Woodscross, with our overnight clothes, mission suits, and also some entertainment gear. We volunteered to help out a missionary branch in SL with some island songs/dances. So before going to the branch, we'll go to your home, make some clam chowder (still freezing cold here) for dinner, then head off to SL. After the missionary activity is over, we'll go back to your family's home to sleep, and head off from there early tomorrow for our mission in the FHL. We're looking forward to an evening of fun and light exercise (ha! ha! ha!)
We pray that you are well and that the Spirit will abide with you as you teach and share the gospel. We love you, Elder Heimuli. Love always...Elder and Sister Murray
Hola Elder Heimuli!
This week has been extra busy but glorious, filled with humbling experiences. For the thousands that attended the viewing including your Mom & siblings and Aunty Lani & family, the long lines (5 hour wait for the Pilis) was worth it. Missionaries and Church employees were specially permitted to enter the Conference Center from 7:00-9:00 am on Thursday and Friday before the general admission from 9:00am-9:00pm. When sus abuelitos went early Thursday, there was no waiting and we were able to spend a little more time gazing gratefully at the Prophet.
It's difficult to describe in words the beautiful, very serene atmosphere in the Hall of the Prophets, where President Hinckley lay. Dresssed in temple whites and with his glasses on, the prophet looked as if he were simply resting and that he would soon wake up and get to work. To us, it seemed as if he were smiling, perhaps teaching us even up to the very end of mortality: that joy and rejoicing are ours to look forward to and that after a short rest, there is more work to do on the other side and this time there would be no physical aches or pains to deter us from our labors. How powerful!
At the Wednesday night missionary temple devotional with Elder Oaks, who gave us the remainder of his "Good, Better, Best" conference address (which he didn't have time to do at conference), we learned that (1) President Hinckley was mentally alert up to his passing and (2) our Father in Heaven was hovering very, very close to the Apostles since the dissolution of the First Presidency. What comfort and assurance these apostolic words brought to those in attendance. If you could only have felt the power of the Spirit witness the truth of these words to us--it was truly amazing.
All missionaries were handed tickets to the funeral service, so, of course, we went. Grandpa planned that we should catch UTA Trax from Sandy to SLC early Saturday, which we did, and it was a very good way to travel. Although the entire funeral service was broadcasted, just as General Conference is, and tv viewers get to hear and see everything, there's something extra special about being right at the Conference Center in the midst of the speakers and choir. You know what we're talking about, don't you? Briefly, we, once again, felt the Spirit bearing witness that this man of God--our prophet--had done his BEST in all that was required from the days of his mission in England to his days as Prophet, Seer and Revelator. Heavenly Father was present as the LOVE for this man was everywhere present and deepled sensed. To think, that Grandpa and Grandma were blessed to be there and experience this awesome love that is felt worldwide for him. Newspapers are filled with his life story and legacy even to this morning. It's wonderful to see that he was recognized also in non-LDS circles.
As an aside, Marqel had a cute, baby girl the morning that we were getting ready to leave the house for the Conference Center and the funeral services. After the funeral, we stopped at Albertson's in Center St, Provo, to pick up some fresh fruits, a fresh, long-stemmed rose for Marqel and some deli food for your abuelitos. We ate our snack in the parking lot of the UV Hospital, and spent about two hours visiting her, the baby, and Mari. How blessed are we when little spirits continue to come into our growing family and what a responsibility we all share in to teach them to feast upon the words of Christ.
Snow continues to blanket the valley...we're heading out to Woodscross, with our overnight clothes, mission suits, and also some entertainment gear. We volunteered to help out a missionary branch in SL with some island songs/dances. So before going to the branch, we'll go to your home, make some clam chowder (still freezing cold here) for dinner, then head off to SL. After the missionary activity is over, we'll go back to your family's home to sleep, and head off from there early tomorrow for our mission in the FHL. We're looking forward to an evening of fun and light exercise (ha! ha! ha!)
We pray that you are well and that the Spirit will abide with you as you teach and share the gospel. We love you, Elder Heimuli. Love always...Elder and Sister Murray
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)