Zoned In

We have officially graduated from “The Training Zone.”   At the “Go Forth Bread-and-Honey-Butter Ceremony” on Friday, it was announced that we are being assigned…drum roll…to the …Family History Library:  US and Canada floor!  What?  Could that be right?  What happened to the British floor, where I might actually be able to “hit the floor running”?  Or the Church History Library?  But, Monday morning, “go forth” to US and Canada—for a lot more training.  And some wonderful experiences, no doubt.  

The assignment for each missionary leaving the training zone is supposed to be “revealed” at the “Go Forth,” so we had to chuckle when we received emails the night before welcoming us to the Family History Library with some training instructions.

It was also revealed at the “Go Forth” that President Fenn loves to sing with gusto, “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go.” 

After the “Go Forth,” the zone and many of our trainers attended a session at the Salt Lake Temple.  Marvelous to be there, not only for the instruction, but to marvel at the faith and fortitude of those who built and embellished it.  They gave their all.  We have a greater appreciation for Elder Challis’ great-great grandfather, John Rex Winder, who was charged with finishing the temple.

Our change in zones means that we are now in the City Creek Branch instead of the Ensign Peak Branch, so lots of new names and faces to learn. 

The weather continued to allow us to get a daily walk in following training each day.  Besides, the path along City Creek, we’ve also been exploring the Avenues. Sometimes when we “just want to see” what’s on the next block, we end up taking a very long walk. One day we made it all the way up the hill to the Salt Lake City Cemetery, a 575 foot gain in elevation, according to Elder Challis’ apple watch.  Too bad the view from such elevation is often obscured by a dirty cloud hanging over the city.  I think that is the cause of the ongoing, mild sore throat.

This morning we went to the Tabernacle for “Music and the Spoken Word,” arriving near the end of the dress rehearsal.  In between the rehearsal and the broadcast, Brother Eubanks gave a brief history of the choir, the Tabernacle, the organ, the orchestra. Interesting.  Again a testimony of the determination of saints to make a fitting offering.  Of course, the music made me teary-eyed—and a little homesick for Olathe First Ward where I was so involved in music.  It feels a little strange not to be so involved here, but I guess to everything there is a season.

From the Family History Library Discovery Zone. We recommend it!

Ensign Peak