Feasting

     Those of you who know me probably think I am going to write a piece on the delights of feeding my face.  I could do that, for it is one of my favorite activities.  However, I thought that I would like to document a recent spiritual feast that we enjoyed.
     On March 22, all of the missionaries in our mission were gathered together in one stake center.  This, in and of itself, is highly unusual because the church leaders don't like to have large groups of missionaries in one place, for safety, and other reasons, probably having to do with having a large group of barely-older-than-scouts assembled in relatively small quarters.  But when an apostle tells a mission president to do it, he quickly obeys. While in Switzerland, we sent as request to the area presidency to allow us to gather all the missionaries for a  Christmas zone conference- denied.   However, two months later, Elder Bednar was traveling in Europe and he told us to have all the missionaries come to Geneva.  It was a great experience.
    We were told in February that an apostle was coming in March, but we were not told who it would be.  Just a few days before, we were told it was Elder Neil L. Andersen. Along with him, and his wife, Elder Causé of the presiding bishopric would be coming, and Elder Holmstrom, one of the presidency of the seventy.  Not sure why we merited all of these, but it was a treat.  Wow--were we all excited!  We were not disappointed.
   Elder Andersen and the others took the time to shake everyone's hand. He said visiting General Authorities try to do this because it symbolically reminds all of us that the Lord knows each of us individually. Elder Andersen didn't recognize me (it had been 25 years since we knew them in Florida) but when he saw Paul he knew who he was immediatley.  I suppose I could cry that I am the one who is now unrecognizable, but I won't.   I got a big hug from Kathy, and both of them mentioned us in their remarks later that morning.  We felt a little 'special' for a few minutes.
    The surprising thing about the visit was that none of the General Authorities spoke about how to be a better missionary, or how we can find people to teach, or how to be more obedient, or any of the "normal" topics one might expect in a missionary meeting.  We were simply given wonderful insights and  ideas--those "nuggets" which can boost and inspire.  And thus, all of us came away with a greater commitment to be a better missionary.
    Now, today,  we await another opportunity to hear the word of the Lord for us, so needed in these troubled and also exciting last days.  For a missionary, the anticipation of General Conference is similar to Christmas.  Can't wait!    
   I must mention that when we went into the meeting on March 22nd there were a few snow flakes;  when we left 2 hours later we had 6 inches of heavy snow to navigate through.  Ugh.