[Tucson]

Slow start-up. Marian and I missed Sunday School and Priesthood/Relief Society and caught up on journals and talked quietly. It seemed to be a good time for it. Sacrament Meeting here in the Tucson 25th Ward was good. Best part of the program (after the Sacrament) was the talks given by Mary Ellen and John. They each spoke, each very well, each humbly and with testimony, and I was so proud I could have popped all my buttons. Mary Ellen spoke on prayer, John on missionary work. I'm more grateful than I could say, that this little family is getting along so well. They seem to be prospering in all departments—spiritually, financially, maritally, etc. They understand each other, make allowances, are complementary one to another. Evening we played a couple of games and it was nice to be together.

[Tucson]

Spent part of the day at the storage place, putting in some extra furniture from Mary Ellen and John's. Afternoon we went to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and had a great time! Evening was quiet—reading, TV, etc.

[Tucson]

Pumped up the tires on Daddy's car, then bid Mom goodbye again and went to Coolidge. Visited Jerri and Susan, dropped off Donna, came to Tucson, where Amy was involved in a little play at school. Runaway Rabbits! Cute!! Nice to be with Mary Ellen's family.

[Mesa]

I worked until I got the latern's root ball out from under Mom's orange tree—a major job! I've tried that several times before, without success. Also got two palm trees from under there. Also some other little yard things.Read some, the Marian, Sue and Donna got there, with Kimball and Talmage. Visited some, then Susan and the boys left. We kept Donna for overnight. Had dinner at Sizzler (Donna liked that) and got her a permanent. A nice evening with our special daughter.

[Mesa]

Marian at Susan's. Me at Mesa. Pbtttt. I love the lady and hate to be away from her—especially now that we are missionary companions! She's having some time with Donna. I worked in Mom's yard part of the morning, went to Phoenix to the (?????) and got them squared away on getting our pictures in the missionary departures, got some more pictures of the family ordered from Welker(???), visited for a long time at the CES office. Charlie and I had a 1 hour session, then I had a brief time with Lund and a good session with Linc. Lund Johnson will be Mesa Institute director next year, and Lincoln Goodman will be associate area director. I feel good about those appointments. I always felt, or expected, that one day Linc would "fill my shoes." I told him that I didn't pick him, but that if I could have, I would have. Linc and Lund are true friends. It's a lot easier to leave my life-long job and move along knowing that they, and some others I have touched along the way, are in charge and growing with the work.

[Mesa]

Slow start, but finally got started out of Tucson. Saw a couple of model home areas on the way North. These were retirement communities, so not as desirable. Visited with Susan and left Marian there to stay while I came on back to Mesa to check on Mom. We're separated 'til Thursday. I don't like that—and anyway it's against mission rules! But this mother of mine needs some watching, and Carol isn't doing it like she's supposed to. A miserable evening (Anyone reading this diary can immediately detect here a sag in mission spirit. Boy do we need those visas!).

[Mesa]

Another nice day in Tucson. We enjoyed the kids a lot and it's always neat to be around Mary Ellen. Saw several groups of model home—just thinking ahead to when we get back. Saw a couple of really nice ones, which may not be within our reach. Evening we went over to Dave and Peggy's—to see their home addition and to enjoy their family. John was working, so Mary Ellen and the kids went too. Nice evening.

[Tucson]

Early start, down to Tucson by 8 am and Sunday Meetings with Mary Ellen's family. Nice ward. Nice people. The Campbells have made a good move to Tucson's Northwest side. Saw a few people I know—Bishop Craig Cook, he and Kathy were in my student branch; Anthony and Pierce Goodman. A lazy day with the kids, snoozing, etc. Some gospel study, a little language.

[Mesa]

Some more stuff around Mom's home. We shopped some. Met the Vanderpools at the drugstore. Mom's trying to trying to run us and showing her forgetfulness in the process. I've determined that it's probably not safe for her to be alone, but she's too stubborn to have it otherwise. After noon Marian and I went to Coolidge where we enjoyed Donna again and Susan's family. Shortly Dave, Mary Ellen and Mike and their families arrived. A nice dinner and enjoy-one-another time (There was an altercation, but I'm not going to expand on that—just try to help resolve it. This is part of the give-and-take of family life.). At the conclusion, we drove back to Mesa, to bring Mom Gibson home, spent the night in Mesa.

[Mesa]

A day of this and that. Trying to get our car on a new loan, mainly. In the evening John and Barbara came by, and Mike and Jerri too. Carol and Dale Frost were here part of the time. So it was a busy day.

[Provo-Mesa]

Breakfast, finish packing, load up --> we're on our way home! It was hard leaving the Chapmans. We'll see them in Portugal next, for sure. We headed down I-15, and didn't stop until near St. George, just off East of St. George in Hurricane. We went by there to see the Rodney (??) Nelsons. She is in Phoenix with her son David who was in a serious accident here in Arizona and is now trying to recover from head injuries. We saw him at the Seminary. Good to see Rod again!! At St. George we tried to call Sister Rex, but no one home. At Kingman I wasn't tired, so we came on in to Mesa all at once! 12.5 hours. When we got here, Mom was here so we checked in to the spare bedroom and here we are! Tired!

[Provo]

The day started out normal enough—the mid-week day hen old-timers here are in classes all day, to give space for new arrivals to roam the halls and have orientation sessions. It seemed Elder Peterson and Sister Harris were at their best—I learned a lot and progressed pretty well—I feel I'm catching onto the subjunctives and their indicators. Prior to suppertime Chapmans were called in to the travel office and were told that visas hadn't been heard from yet (This is normal—after 8 weeks you need to know your status!). Then we were called in and told the same. Sister Keller, who heads the travel office, then said we could work out arrangements with Brother Hill to go home and wait if we wanted. We decided that we wanted—so we saw Brother Eugene Hill, head of training. He gave us that option, so we're leaving in the morning! End of MTC. We started packing, call Mike's house and asked Reina to call around to let the family know, talked to Donna and packed some more. At 8:00 we went for ice cream to the Carousel (?) here in Provo with the Chapmans. Best ice cream! It was a farewell party, until we meet in Portugal! After scripture study and diaries we started our last rest in our small apartment here, which has become almost home. What lies ahead, we are uncertain, but we're through here!

[Provo]

We did our laundry first thing before and during breakfast—then studied 'til time for classes. A pretty normal day—morning and afternoon classes, no mail, evening was fireside with a General Authority. This time it was not normal. Elder Russell M. Nelson was speaker. he gave an unusual presentation—told us all about the Savior with slides and scriptures and descriptions. He bore witness of him—said he could only give his testimony of the Savior, that further knowledge he had of Him was sacred and he is limited by covenant in speaking of his experiences. Another neat—more needed—thing he said was to give us all an apostolic blessing. He blessed us as missionaries, then, seemingly as an afterthought, blessed our families. We need that. We are worried about Donna—she's losing weight and seems not to be settling in entirely at Susan's home. And we're concerned about Johnny. In fact, we're concerned about everyone—we love all our family so much.

The Wilson's stopped in to say goodbye. He had an exam, and some surgery is needed. They're going to San Diego for the surgery—from 3 to 8 weeks depending on what is found—then they'll fly straight to the Canary Islands from there.

Then finally at 9:30 we went up to the lobby and saw the (????)—LeGrande and Trudy and kids. They're here to see Curtis off. He leaves early tomorrow for his field of labor. So good to see Trudy, a true sister. Also a fabulous woman. If this world were full of Trudys, we'd already be in the millennium.

[Provo]

Classes all day. We mailed the acceptance of the house offer back, then got escrow instructions in the mail, so signed those and mailed them back, too. No other mail today. Both Marian and I feeling a little less than 100%, but making it. Oh, celestial duties this morning—I got toilet paper again. Classes morning, noon and night.

[Provo]

Today it was my turn to feel rotten. I went to Priesthood Meeting, then was so tired and punk I slept 'til Sacrament Meeting time, but didn't get awake enough to go, so missed it. But Marian brought me a dinner tray. I felt better in the afternoon. Evening gospel study class, then fireside. President Pinegar was better tonight, I thought. Spring is really doing a number on this valley right now. Beautiful. Took some pictures.

[Provo]

P-Day. Temple, where I kept waking up! We shopped, wrote letters, walked, called Melvin. We had dinner out—at Garcia's with the Chapmans. No Portuguese today—I'm bombed out. We got an air express letter from Gary Fuller today, to sign stuff for our house sale. We'll send it back Monday.

[Provo]

Our wedding day, 39 years ago. Marian is lovelier now than ever before. She's beautiful through and through, a lady in every way, and a spiritual force that I can see growing everyday. She is full of surprises and loves me more than I deserve. Far more! 39 years are just the beginning. If I can prove worthy of her, eternity is forever, and with my Marian, it will be worth having.

But today wasn't great, because she's sick. I brought breakfast and dinner to her on a tray. She made it to the cafeteria for lunch, but didn't eat much. She didn't go to her classes. In the evening we went for a drive for a half hour, then called Susan. Marian's worried about Donna. She's not eating and has lost 9 pounds since we left her. Sue says she cries sometimes and misses us. I suppose that's not too big a surprise for a child of 33 to miss her Mom and Dad. It's a lot of years to pattern, then get torn out of the pattern. The rest of the evening was spent with journal, letters and scriptures. This anniversary in Provo. Next anniversary in Portugal—40. Then 41 back with our family! I hope.

[Provo]

Full day back at the MTC. Said "hello" to Chylean (?), Darwin (?) and Marvin (?) Cook, Wilsons, Stanley Swain (?) (who just got here yesterday), Elder Eugene Hill, plus the language teachers. It was good to see them all. Elder Peterson was back as our morning teacher, had Elder McCloud afternoon. Evening Marian wasn't feeling well. I went out, got her cranberry juice. This morning I called Gary Fuller but his machine was turned on, called Mack Bowen to report on the plane trip and find out about the box we're shipping to Portugal. Spent a quiet evening writing letters.

[Provo]

Without a car, we feel real isolated! (But not for long!!) We studied language until time to call CES to see what they'll do with us. After several calls and much standing by the payphone outside the laundromat, we got our directions. Our tickets back to the MTC were to be at the American Airlines ticket counter, fly back to SLC, re-enter the MTC until further word, because the Missionary Department still can't get ahold of the European Area Presidency to ask them if we could go to Arizona. But at least the Committee can get us back to the MTC. So, at 12:30 we get to the Springfield, ML airport, and American Airlines doesn't have our tickets, doesn't have a plane leaving for SLC until 3:50, doesn't have that flight number,even. Upon searching, they found that our tickets were at Springfield, Illinois! So we spent a long afternoon at the airport! They put us on their 3:50, we flew to Dallas in a small "Eagle", then a larger plane to SLC, arrival 8:25. Kurt and Sandy picked us up, we drove to the MTC arriving at 10:00. Checked back into our same room, said "hi" to the Chapmans, and retired into blissful slumber, halfway back home. And glad to be home.

[Springfield, MO]

Up real early, visit Bro Anderson's institute class here in Springfield and 2 Early-morning classes in the same building. No comment. As soon as we could, we called Frank Bradshaw and he was in a meeting but asked us to call back in 2 hours and talk to Mack Bowen. That was good news, because I knew then that Frank wasn't going to say "no," but that the message might be positive. When I called Mack 2 hours later, he said that they were trying to get thru to Germany (that is, the missionary committee was) to get Elder Asay's approval forms to return to Arizona. Because we're on a regular mission, we're under the missionary committee, not CES! So, call back in 1 1/2 hours! I called back and Mack and Frank were both on the box, and said the Committee couldn't reach Elder Asay yet, but that if they couldn't break it loose soon, they would fly us back to the MTC. That's OK—better than this never-never-land we find ourselves in at present. Meanwhile thru the day we did our laundry, mailed Donna a package, ate a Taco Bell lunch and Trotter's dinner, studied Portuguese a lot, took two walks, went to Anderson's and presented them with 2 books for thank-you, and generally tried to keep busy and our minds off our problems. Last thing at night Anderson's came by to pick up the car so he can go to Kansas tomorrow for his institute class there.


This is a very difficult experience for me. I know we should return to Arizona, but can't get permission to go. I feel I'm in a similar box to that of my great-grandfather, William Jordan Flake upon arrival at the Little Colorado settlements when he was sent to settle in Arizona. He didn't like the looks of things there, felt it wasn't right for his family, so he didn't stay. Some criticized him for not following counsel. Some said he was an apostate. But he felt he was right so he went to find a better settle-down place. Hence, Snowflake!! I feel that same way. I hope Elder Asay can see us home to Arizona to finish waiting for our visas, and meanwhile we can attend the temple, help our affairs along, counsel with John, squeeze grandkids, etc. In MO, nothing but Portuguese (And I have found—she has found— that I'm not the Portuguese teacher Marian needs!). Even as far back as the MTC will be helpful, for the language will continue to blossom.

[Springfield, MO]

Left early with Bro. Anderson for Williard, nearby, for 2 back-to-back Seminary classes. Back to the apartment and breakfast. We worked through the morning at language and gospel study. I met with Anderson in the afternoon, then we fixed dinner here and spent the evening walking, a little shopping, fixing a box to mail to Donna, and language.

I made the decision that we ought to return to Arizona for now—we've really done all we can do here, and this stuff is real repetitious. In Arizona we can do a lot of needful stuff! I called Frank Bradshaw and he's checking with the mission department—Bro. Eakley. I'll call tomorrow and see if I can get concurrence!!

[Springfield, MO]

John Campbell's B-Day. Springfield 2nd Ward meetings this morning. We were well received! We got more "hellos" and introductions in one morning from sincere, well-wishing people than we did in 6 months in Huntington Beach. It seems like a very nice ward and I could enjoy these people very much. We went to dinner at Anderson's—a real nice Sunday dinner fixed by Shirley. Called Gary Fuller about the house—he's got a sale and it looks good!! We found a Western Union office and wired approval to him (cost $63 for 2 wires—him and his colleague). A lazy afternoon in the apartment—a little snooze, diary catch-up, map consulting and 4 Nephi preparation. Stayed home in the evening and went to be early—zonked.

[Springfield, MO]

Up a little late after a bad night. The bed is not good. I hope our backs hold up. We shopped a little for groceries, then at 3:00 left for a supersaturday in Joplin, about 70 miles west. Sister Anderson accompanied Bro Anderson—she's his secretary, thus the custodian of reports. We attended a meeting of high counselor with stake seminary presidency, then a scripture chase for all who wanted to compete. Then we attended a teachers' faculty meeting while the Joplin Stake held their monthly youth dance. We got home at 11:00. We got news today that Gary Fuller has sold our Huntington Beach house again, and we need to call him (he wasn't home when we tried). Also we got our medicines finally. I have plenty of Tagamet for the duration, but Marian will have to restock on her two medicines. Got a letter from John's family. Cute!! All the boys wrote who can write. Nice letter from Barbara.

The trip to Joplin showed off the Missouri countryside in early spring. Some trees are just starting to leaf out, but mostly the trees are still bare. But the Forsythia (masses of golden yellow), Red-bud (a pinkish-red blossom all over trees), and god-wood (both off-white and a salmon-red blossom all over trees) are magnificent. Springtime in Missouri sure puts on a show! The hills are all covered in green grass for spring—everything in rolling hills—no mountains at all, and no flatland to speak of, just rolling hills. Limestone outcroppings are everywhere, and the soil appears to be fairly shallow at Springfield deepening over toward Joplin. Lots of cattle grazing here about, with not much tilled land. Also, I hear there are lots of caves for spelunking—the limestone dissolves and leaves an underground cavern. This claims to be the heart of the Ozarks, but I haven't see any Ozarks!

Oops! I almost forgot! We stopped in at the local AAA office and got maps of this territory plus our international driver's licenses. We each got licensed so that we can meet all contingencies while in Portugal.

[Springfield, MO]

We slept in a little. Breakfast across the street, then hair-do across another street while I studied language. We got into a small apartment and got settled. The Andersons had arranged it, and the Fantauzzis own it. They gave us a very good deal—only $30/week and we can leave when we want. Such nice people. Andersons came back a little later and gave us their car to use. They took us out to dinner at Trotters a great restaurant where we really tied on the feedbags, last night I got to contemplating the information already received from Brother Anderson, and looking at our condition. I suggested this morning that we'll see all we can see in a week. We made it a matter of prayer, and feel we've had a confirmation that we should leave and go back to Mesa in a week on Monday. I don't see any reason to stay here beyond that date. And, we'd much rather spend our time in Arizona 'til visas are approved. Bro. Anderson took that information in stride, and even appeared somewhat relieved, because he seemed to be scratching pretty hard to find ways to keep us occupied. That's what we'll do!

[Springfield, MO]

I mention family members' B-days. I should mention today that our families' greatest and most-honored member has His birthday today. I refer to our Eldest Brother, our Savior and Redeemer, the Great Jehovah. So this is a special day. We got up early, quick breakfast in the hotel, and went to Curt and Sandy Nelson's. Curt said he'd take us to the airport, and keep our car for us while we're in Missouri. He took us, and we checked in. Curt and Sandy are so nice. Our flight was at 8:20, United Airlines. The plane was full. A 35 minute delay for fixing an errant compass. Then a pleasant flight to Denver. Boeing 727. Then an hour stopover while changing planes to a 737, and the flight to Springfield. We hoped our luggage would make the plane change, too. We took 7 bags and checked 4 of them. Two totes and a briefcase were carry-on. A nice flight, however a little bumpy and the plane was only half full. Nicer stewardesses, too. Sister Shirley Anderson met us at the little Springfield airport (The airport reminded me of Farmington, N.M.—about that size.). She's a lovely lady with 13 children! She had the 3 youngest with her. She said we'd have an apartment ready tomorrow and we'll need a motel tonight (actually, they offered a room in their home, but we demurred. We're causing them a lot of extra work and expense as it is!). After awhile, Bro. Mike Anderson came home from teaching a class. They've been here about 12 years. Took us to a motel. We had dinner at a nice little restaurant across the street, then Mike came for us and took us to a home study class at the church here. Only 2 of the kids were there, and 5 were not. The teacher was very well prepared and we had a good lesson on family communication. It was very cold and windy when Bro. Anderson got us back to our motel. We were cold and ready to retire.

[Salt Lake City]

Went to class to tell the teachers goodbye. Elder Lucero was the only one there, so the word is out and the teachers are pulled off! I wrote thank-you notes to Elder Petersen and Sister Harris, and left them at the Training Office. Then we cleaned our apartment and packed the car. Packed! About 1:30 we checked out. Our bill was $672 for room and board for six weeks. That was a memorable six weeks. A real sweet-sour time. Sweet for most reasons, sour because of the confinement, regimentation, and most of all our being "different kind of missionaries"—education missionaries and they didn't know what to do with us most of the time. We drove to SLC and went to Bookcraft, where we had a good talk with Russell Orton and Marv Wallen. Then on to our appointment with Bradshaw and Euvrard. They were at a chapel near downtown SLC where the Area Directors' convention is being held. We saw a number of our friends there—Charlie, Randy, Mack Bowen, etc.

The meeting with Frank and Christian was 1 hour, helpful and informative. Christian went over the area, the personnel and the problems with us. Declining percent of Portugal Youth enrolled in Seminary is a real concern: 30% in '86-'87, 17% in '87-'88, and 12% in '88-'89! That's real scary! The problem seems to be, large numbers entering the Church, but not being picked up by the CES. Looks like a lot of work to be done there! He (Christian) outlined some possibilities for Marian and me: possible location at Coimbra, possible separate district to work, probable car to drive, etc. Christian had some questions on budget (which didn't get answered well at all) and we broke up.

We saw Ken Godfrey on the street. He told us he loved us. That's always nice to know. Then we went up to Russell's condo. PLUSH. LUSH. BIG. IMPRESSIVE. WOW. First time I've seen that place. He lives there all alone since his wife divorced him—4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, the entire 1/2 of a floor of that big place! The elevator goes only to the 7th floor, and when it gets there, his is the only place (the other side of the condos is served by another elevator). We had a nice chat then drove down to central SLC to eat Spanish food. Then back to his condo and we talked and talked. He needed that: about old times and old friends, about his problems with his former wife, etc. It was neat. We went back to the Double Tree Hotel, where we're staying, and visited with Charlie and Olga Beckert awhile. Charlie wanted to visit about Arizona Area personnel and Olga wanted to visit Marian. She thinks Marian is the greatest ever! And she is! I love her more everyday. We retired really late. Nice room!

Before closing the day: I expressed the "sour" back there, referring to the MTC. The sweet is far more extensive. Great, wonderful people; a program that could only be believed if seen, it's wonderful; unusually high-quality and -quantity food; all that and friends we'll never forget. We truly hated to leave the Chapmans. The only solace was that we'll see them again shortly in Portugal. The Church has created a remarkable place there. We will remember it with fondness the rest of our lives.

[Provo]

Classes as usual, but a real twist today! First: Marian had her blood tested and it was 52. That's great news. Normal is 60-160. I think that means it's good. We've been eating regular and well, each are feeling good and each have lost several pounds. At about 2:30 this afternoon I was working with Sister Harris and Brother Hill (head of training) walked in with the news that we're all finished at MTC!!!! Tomorrow we have a 4pm meeting with Frank Bradshaw and Christian Euvrard (Frank's Zone Administrator for Europe, Christian is Area Director for Europe), stay overnight in S.L.C., then fly to Springfield, Missouri Thursday morning, there to stay and train in Home Study until our visas come through! This is sudden! We've been scurrying ever since, starting to pack, starting to say goodbyes, telephoning the family. Our medicines aren't here. What a mess! At night we had our Fireside and Elder Arthur Kay was speaker. He gave a real good talk, recorded elsewhere. We retired real late for our last night at the MTC (Late we visited Warren "Jota" and Enid Wilson. They've been good friends here again.).

[Provo]

Celestial duties first thing. We changed all the toilet paper. Classes all day. I about had my fill of Para and Por. Morning and afternoon. I just can't seem to get it lined out straight. At night I did my tarefa, then studied grammar alone—no teacher. I like that. I'll have Sister Harris check it tomorrow—she's my best grammarian. It rained and snowed a little today and turned really cold. Seems that Conference let out too early for the usual blustery time! Lincoln's B-Day!!

[Provo]

4th and 5th Session of General Conference. We started Daylight Savings Time this early a.m. in Utah, and all the rest of the country except good old AZ. So, I had to set my watch ahead 1 hour. President Monson led off with a real fine report about the Church in East Germany. What a story of faith, sacrifice, courage and living the Gospel. Those Saints in the German Democratic Republic are in for huge crowns studded with jewels! After 50 years of oppression now they have a temple, stakes, new buildings, and both missionaries entering from the western world and missionaries leaving East Germany for foreign countries. A Miracle—in every way!! The head of the Republic, in a meeting with President Monson said, "We have watched you for 20 years. How can we help you." And the doors opened!!

President Hinckley said that the great Pole Star in our work is Love— the great constant in the Lord's work. This has the power to lift us above evil and conflict. Sister Joy Evans, 1st counselor in the Relief Society spoke. That was nice. Significant statement: God watches over us, but He meets our needs through another mortal!

After the last session of Conference, and after dinner, we got in the car and went to see Diane Orton in Alpine. She was home, and we had a real nice visit. She's busy with BYU courses she's taking. Still hasn't sold the huge house. She's proud of Scott who's on a mission to Pennsylvania Pittsburgh.

[Provo]

The big thing today was General Conference. It was a most significant conference, not just for the quality of talks given, but because of the business. Historic. The 2nd Quorum of the 70 was organized, with the 7 presidents presiding over both 70s Quorums. If I got the message straight, the First Quorum of the 70 will include all permanent general authorities of the Seventy. The 2nd Quorum will include the men on 5-year assignments. If that is the case, then John Carmack is now a life-time general authority, and so will be Joe J. Christensen and Jeffrey R. Holland, for they were sustained with the First Quorum. So, now the general authorities can continue to proliferate as the work keeps progressing. With so much happening, we need all the help we got! I feel that most certainly at some not-so-future date we will see a 3rd Quorum and so forth (That's a prediction, not a prophecy). The talks given by Elder Ashton and Elder Packer were both phenomenal—really classics. Elder Ashton spoke on Worthiness—That we are not the ones to determine temple—and ordinance—worthiness. That is the job of Bishops and Stake Presidents. Elder Packer spoke to the youth. A well-delivered, much-needed look at their lives and their options. He told the youth to conquer the "Black Knight." The pedigree of their spirit can be written as a single line—they are literally "a child of God." Never give up! President Benson's opening message was on Pride. He hit the subject very hard. He said the Lord wants this word to go to Saints and the world now. No righteous pride in the scriptures (he's right—I checked!) it's all negative in usage, which reinforces the fact that God is down on pride! "What men will think of me is stronger than what God will think of me!" The inactive are proud. Those not on missions are proud. Temple work is negatively affected by pride. Etc. Elder Hunter delivered a good talk, and fell right in the middle of it. His legs gave out (He was operated on and a nerve was severed—he could never walk again—but he does with aid of a walkers!!). He walked to the pulpit. After the fall Elder Packer stayed by his side through the balance of his talk. A significant statement: Faith precedes the miracle. But faith also follows the miracles—it must! (Otherwise the Saints wouldn't be Perfected—my extension on his remarks) Elder Hunter showed the Church true grit today. His courage brought tears to my eyes. And, he was going on with his talk as soon as they got his head above the pulpit so he could see the prompter. He didn't repeat a word, didn't apologize, but just went on reading as though nothing had happened. I recall that the past 2 or 3 conferences he has given his talk from a wheelchair. Some stats (as of the end of 1988):

6,720,000 members. 1707 stakes. 11,976 words. 222 missions. 41 temples.

Growth 1988: 73,000 child baptisms, 256,515 convert baptisms.

36,132 full-time missionaries at end of year in 125 nations.

Oh, also, Elder Oaks gave his usual powerful talk. It was on voices, and he hit unauthorized and unqualified voices hard—those who try to or assume to speak for the Church—non-members, former members and members—all unauthorized, unaccountable and poorly informed. Thesheep will hear and know the voice of the Shepherd. Then he gave the shepherds—bishops and stake presidents—a strong charge to teach, tech true doctrine, monitor classes, watch the speakers at meetings, see that truth goes to the members. Also avoid controversy, arguments and discussion with commentators, etc. "When attacked by error, silence is better then incomplete, unbalanced rhetoric."

Priesthood meeting at night was good, too. Needless to say, I was impressed with General Conference. We're in safe hands.