Sunday morning we had choir practice at 8am for stake conference, so it was a short night for us. Sorella Johnson and Sorella Muce rode there with us, since they were also in the choir. The stake center is not large enough to hold the general session of stake conference, so they rent a big room at a very nice local hotel. There was a doorman in a cape and flat cap, with white gloves stuck into a band on his chest. Sister Johnson told him we were missionaries and we had a fun talk with him. We were all dressed for the choir, in white tops and black skirts, so since we're American and religious, he thought we were Amish :-) When I invited him to come see us sometime, he declined because he's Catholic. But he was really interested in the Temple and wanted the card with a picture of it. Fortunately, the hotel had decent parking and only a single step up, so Dee was able to get in easily. The meeting room was very large, one floor below ground level.
We didn't actually start practicing until almost 9am. The hotel staff set up a bunch of microphones for the pulpit, choir, organ, translators, etc. At one point, they were talking about the mics with one of our bishopric members, Stefano, who does incredible live translation to/from Italian, English, or Spanish; his English is almost native. Several times they mentioned the word "gelato" (ice cream), obviously referring to some kind of microphone. I asked Stefano what that meant, and he said it was slang for a wireless handheld mic, because it looks kinda like an ice cream cone -- very fun word to know!
It was a very enjoyable conference session, and we got to see lots of friends and GANS. Here is the printed program, rather a rarity here:
For Elder Engbjerg's talk, they again had live (but not simultaneous) translation into Italian, using the gelato mic. It is always nice to listen to good live translation, because it helps us pick up very useful words and phrases. FYI, they
also had simultaneous translation for the Italian talks into English,
using a wireless headset system for the English listeners. The choir was quite large, especially by Italian standards. We sang three numbers, and I think that we sounded pretty good; even Elder Engbjerg mentioned how touched he was by our music. First Jenna Perego, then Sister Helgeson held the music for me so I could use my crutches when we stood to sing. Other than the fact that Dee and I enjoy singing, the fact that we are participating in the local choir means that we may get the opportunity to sing in a temple dedication session, though we don't want to take any seats away from Italians. I sang in the San Diego temple dedication in 1993 for our stake, and it was a real highlight for me.
Here is a a photo of Elder Engbjerg (right) with President Pickerd:
Here is a
photo of the Pickerds. You will notice that Sorella Pickerd now has
hair, after wearing a wig for many months during her chemotherapy. She seems to be doing quite a bit better these days.
I gave Sorella James her tablet back, as well as the flash drive containing her photos. She was very grateful.
In the late afternoon, we went to the recently opened temple "information center", which is a trailer on the edge of the temple grounds with a large picture window facing the temple, plus a scale model of the temple site inside. Seven of our GANS came, and we all enjoyed learning about the temple. The Simoncinis are there every day, and they did a marvelous job explaining about the site and the construction. They explained that the temple is an oval shape internally and externally, with no square corners at all. Each piece is custom fit, with no standard parts anywhere, which obviously affected the cost, not to mention the construction schedule! The excitement here is palpable for the temple to be completed at last. It has been a constant item in prayers we have heard here, to bless those working on the temple and have it completed soon.
It was Mother's Day. In my mom's ward in New Mexico, a young woman gave a talk on the topic, telling a story about when my mom volunteered in a local elementary school class, soon after my dad passed away ten years ago. Here are her words (via my sister Karen):
Every woman can help lead those younger than themselves. When I was in Kindergarten a woman from our ward
would volunteer her time several times a week to come into my classroom and teach me and other students in my class.
She was always so kind, loving, gentle, patient, helpful, and
we were all able to learn from her example. I also loved her necklaces; her necklaces were very pretty. She
would tell us a story about them
and how she got them. They always reminded me of totem poles and native jewelry.
Some were specially made for her. My classmates and I would love to hear her stories.
We all felt her love for us. She is a great influence to me.
Dee got phone calls from all four of our kids, which was very wonderful for her. I am very fortunate, having been blessed with both a wonderful mom and a wonderful wife.
You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be --
I had a Mother who read to me.
I love you, Mama.
