Random thoughts. . . .

We have 24 American missionaries here this time and only 6 Africans which is quite a switch. Actually, included in that 24 is one from Scotland, one from Australia, and one from Keribati. I was thinking about them in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday and I had visions of them growing up in the Church and being raised up to be missionaries someday. Singing in Primary, "I Hope They Call Me On a Mission." I could feel the love their parents have for them. I could sense all the planning and praying and preparing that has happened over their lifetime. Being taught the gospel in Family Home Evenings, reading scriptures together, taking them to Church, making sure they signed up for Seminary, etc. Then I pictured those parents getting their son or daughter physically ready with all the things they were told they would need. I pictured sending them off to Africa hoping they would be safe and stay well and shedding tears as they put them on the plane, but feeling so pleased with the decision they had made to serve. (I have always called it a "Painful Joy"). This made me want to help carry on that love and attention they have always enjoyed at home. They are so young and it is almost always their first time away from home. They begin to really appreciate their families and suddenly realize how much they love them. I can in no way take the place of "Mom," but I will love each one and treat them like I would want my grandchildren treated, and the way I wanted my own sons and daughters treated, in a similar situation. They are incredible young men and we are blessed to be here to share this time with them.

The Spirit here at the MTC is very strong. We watched Joseph Smith of the Restoration a few days ago and there was not a dry eye in the room. The hardships and trial that Joseph Smith and the early Saints went through become real to them all of a sudden and their love and appreciation for the Gospel becomes intense.

As we read their first letters to the President, we realize how they have all prayed sincerely to have testimonies of their own after having leaned on Mom's and Dad's for so many years.

One of the African missionaries from Swaziland said that he feels more love here than he ever has at home. Kind of sad. When he was very young, his father died and his mom went with someone else. (Not sure that means marriage, but I rather think not). In their culture, when they go with another man he will not accept their children so they have to leave them behind. He was left with his grandparents. They passed away when he was 16 and then an Auntie took him in. Can you imagine leaving your children and going with another man???? How does someone do that?

They all write a personal history for us and one of the questions they are asked is, "What impressed you the most about the missionaries who taught you the Gospel?" Over and over again they say how impressed they are with the confidence these young men have, the strong testimonies they bear, the love they have for the people, the clarity with which they are able to explain the Gospel, the way they always smile and are happy, and the knowledge they have of the scriptures. They all love and respect the missionaries so much.

The people of Africa are hungry for the Gospel. One of the cooks, Ruth, who joined the Church about 3 years ago said, "I have learned to be honest, to forgive, to love. . . I am such a much better person and if my husband could only embrace it, he would be a totally different person as well."

I have rambled on long enough and many of you probably stopped reading long ago, but we are having an amazing experience here and our testimonies are strengthened every day. The Gospel is true!