I’ve mentioned how pleasant it is to be stopped on the street or in a store and be recognized as LDS missionaries.  Of course, 80% of them are Mormons, though I am surprised as to how many are less active, and all want to know where we’re from, etc.  What is even more intriguing is the 20% non-members.  Usually, we’re engaged in business with them, e.g. they might be check-out clerks, waitresses, bank cashiers, and the like.  My barber is typical of these types.  He happens to be an old-time traditional Catholic (e.g. goes to Latin mass, etc.).  Anyway, once they discover that we are not proselytizing missionaries (of course, that’s part of every missionary assignment), and that we work as mentors, teachers, counselors, and grandparents for YSA be they college, military, or whatever, they are very receptive, even pleased that we’re there to help these young people through their daunting problems.  Such persons really seem to admire and respect us.

At the beginning of the Priesthood lesson today, which was on marriage, our Elders’ Q. President/instructor Ben began by saying: “This morning in ward council, Sara, the RS President, leaned over and poked me saying ‘Isn’t that adorable!’ as she covertly nodded towards Elder and Sister Center.  I looked over and they were holding hands—in a morning ward council meeting!  That’s the sign of a special relationship.”

And he’s right—we do have a wonderful relationship.

This reminds me of what the mission president told us in our entrance interview.  After going over this and that, he said, “The most important thing you can do for these kids is to show them what a happy marriage is like.”    Guess we’ve done that!

When Elder Nelson was set apart yesterday as the new President of The Quorum of the Twelve, it reminded me of an incident that happened when Elder Perry past away a little while ago.  My daughter was explaining all this to my sweet, eleven year-old granddaughter, Ester, including how a new apostle now would have to be called to take Elder Perry's place.  Responding as only a special young girl could, she exclaimed, "Gee, maybe they'll call PAPA!"  (While I am swollen up with pride, I'm really not waiting for such a phone call from President Monson!)

Four months ago today we reported to the MTC--time is flying by.

Please pray for us and all the missionaries around the world that we might touch the hearts of the people and that they might come to know and accept The Savior.

                 So lovely--and so were the temple and temple grounds!!!

Went to the Seattle Temple today, what a beautiful day and beautiful Temple and grounds. Had a great trip with Don Center.

OH MY!!!  I was just talking to an old time Washington State resident who was reminiscing about the St. Helen's eruption back in 1980, the deadliest one ever in the U. S.

"Mighty glad it wasn't Mt. Rainer because the damage would have been three-times as bad!"

Intelligently, I responded, "Huh?"  Then went on my voice getting shriller and louder with each word, "Are you saying Rainer, that beautiful mountain we can see from our patio is a volcano?"

"Sure."

Perhaps noticing my growing apprehension, he explained, trying to calm my fears, "Of course, it's not a very active one."

Not very active, I screamed silently.  A freakin' active volcano is a freakin' active volcano!  I only want to know one other thing:  "How do I get a transfer?"

The following email is what makes all our efforts worth it:

Elder Center
Thank you ever so much for your counsel last night.  You are an amazing man.

                      Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.