We are now Missionaries

On June 13th we entered a conference room in the Church Administration Building and sat around the table there.  Tami was there along with Adrienne, Jen and Brett, and Aaron.  Before we left the hotel room that morning, we knelt in prayer with all of children and then had a family squeeze, of course.  Bruce explained to all of us  that what we would be witnessing in just a few minutes was seeing apostolic keys being exercised in our behalf.  That in itself was humbling to even think about.

Elder Bednar and Elder Gonzalez (of the Presidency of the Seventy) came into the room and greeted us warmly.  Elder Bednar told us that this was a tender mercy, for himself as well as for all of us.  We all felt that.  We received some wonderful and timely counsel:  the missionaries will watch our example (how we treat each other) because this may be the first good marriage they have ever seen, we should work with the missionaries to learn how they teach, study and work (from the first day arrive in the mission), and that we should have high standards and expectations and love.

He then asked us if we had any questions.  Adrienne asked a wonderful question that prompted an enlightened response from Elder Bednar.  He told us that the sources we can rely on to determine the truth are:  the scriptures, official Church handbooks and publications, official Declarations from the First Presidency and the Twelve, and repeated teachings of living prophets, seers, and revelators.  Then he said, "In times of crisis you cannot be comforted by false doctrine."

Elder Bednar set Bruce apart first as a full-time missionary and then as the President of the Cuernavaca Mexico Mission.  The blessings that were promised were both profound and welcomed. Following the blessing, Elder Bednar gave Bruce a huge hug asking him how long they had known each other.  Bruce answered, "Ten years."  Elder Bednar hugged him tightly and said, "I love you."  Elder Gonzalez set me apart as a full-time missionary and as Bruce's companion.

After a few closing remarks to us all, Elder Bednar told us that he thought the first testimonies we bear as full-time missionaries, should be to our children.  He led us to the elevator, up to the 5th floor, and into an empty conference room.  He said goodbye to us all and then we sat around the table.  We spent the first bit of time recalling all of the promises given to each one of us so that we could record them.  Then we each had the great opportunity to look into the eyes of our children and tell them that we can do this because we love the Lord and that we know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true.  I don't believe my testimony has ever meant more to me that at that moment.

This was a glorious day, and we can't wait to get working!