Days Never to Be Forgotten

"These were days never to be forgotten; to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom! Day after day I continued, uninterrupted, to write from his mouth, as he translated with the Urim and Thummim, or, as the Nephites would have said, "interpreters," the history or record called "The Book of Mormon." 

Oliver Cowdery

A small section of the main auditorium as the missionaries were about to sing "Called to Serve" before the Devotional where Elder Bednar spoke. 

These were not regarding the translation and recording of the Book of Mormon, but still, were days never to be forgotten. The Mission Presidents Seminar held at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, was an experience that is hard to describe. To be counseled and instructed by the First Presidency and all but Elder Hales of the Twelve Apostles, as well as numerous members of the Seventy and Missionary Committee was a once in a lifetime experience, almost surreal but nevertheless an actuality. The association of 128 other couples from around the world, likewise called and responding with all their hearts, was also inspiring. We were able to meet with 16 missionaries that were at that time in the MTC and coming to us, mostly in two weeks in Kentucky, though some 6 weeks later as they were in the Spanish program. Additionally, we were able to meet with Sister Airi Shichijo of the Nakamura family that Rick taught and baptized in Japan. She was at the MTC from Tokyo and was headed for the Japan Fukuoka Mission.  

In the course of the seminar, we visited with eight of the eleven members of the Twelve that were present, having a meal with Elder Bednar and another with Elder Anderson, and at other times Elder Rasband and Elder Zwick of the Seventy.

With our neighbor and dear friend,  Elder Richard G. Scott

Each day was filled with Devotionals, speakers, instruction, and training, and where we truly were able to feast on things of the Spirit as well as learn much about the technical aspects of our calls.  By the end we felt somewhat bewildered with the great responsibilities that were to be thrust upon our shoulders, but also filled to overflowing with faith, courage, and strength from on high.  

Three new Mission Presidents who had grown up together in the Yalecrest Ward.

Three new Mission President and a member of the Church Missionary Committee who grew u in the Yalecrest Ward.
Rick Woodbury, Norm Clark, Dan Gibbons, and Steve Christensen.

Three new Mission Presidents who served together in the Japan West Mission.  The Weavers were assigned to Washington Tacoma, the Woodburys to Kentucky Louisville, and the Zinkis to Japan Sapporo.