Spiritual Week

This past week was full of spiritual experiences. On Wednesday, Elder Black drove 11 departing missionaries to the Orlando Temple. It was wonderful to see their excitement and to see many tears shed as they sought confirmation from the Lord that their offering was accepted by Him. Look at the attached photos and see what a wonderful light they are to the world. On the trip back from Orlando, they started asking a bunch of questions of Elder Black about his life's experiences and how Sister Black and he were able to work together and overcome our challenges in raising a family and balancing work, church and family. On a few questions, I just had to honestly admit that didn't remember, but that Sister Black would know. When we got back, we had a nice dinner and then was able to hear the testimonies of the departing missionaries.

On Saturday, we had our Mission Christmas Conference where the whole mission came together. The missionaries had prepared many beautiful Christmas songs, President and Sister Hale talked to us and then Brad Wilcox, a professor from BYU and noted author and speaker, talked to us about how these wonderful Elders and Sister were not only children of God who had been held back in the pre-existence until these latter days, but that they had the promised birthright through their lineage in the House of Israel and a double portion of God's blessings to be able to proclaim the gospel with power and authority and bring souls unto the Savior. He is a very dynamic and funny speaker, but also taught some wonderful things to encourage and fortify us in our efforts. He and President Hale had been missionary companions in Chile and Brad Wilcox had been a Mission President in that same mission.

On Sunday, Sister Black and I, were speakers at a Snapper Creek YSA branch fireside. It was a neat experience and very interactive. The subject was on Patriarchal Blessings and living close to the Spirit. We are looking forward for Christmas. A family who has been learning English has invited us over to their house on Christmas eve. Their celebration goes to midnight, but I don't think we will make it until then.