By the end of our first full day of work in the Language Training Mission, a great deal of Portuguese has been stuffed into our heads. How much will remain by tomorrow is hard to say. At this point it would be difficult to evaluate any progress in learning the language. I felt both confident and grossly inadequate all in the same day. Any confidence at this point probably stems from ignorance.
Almost 12 hours of the day (11½ to be exact) were spent in class, in retention, in meetings. Saturation contact with the language should soon make us proficient or drive us mad. I rather suspect the first is the general outcome. An hour of soccer just before dinner offered some nice diversion. It will take a few days to become used to such concentrated learning and such vigorous activity.
This morning the new elders and lady missionaries were out of class long enough to take a language proficiency test. Results from this will mostly determine the composition of our permanent districts. Changes should be announced tomorrow. Also tomorrow we are expected to speak no English. If we cannot say it in Portuguese, we are not supposed to say it. That should prove interesting.
Yesterday was my mother’s 53rd birthday. I sent a card Friday.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 29, 1968
Time is fleeting even when no direct obligations or responsibilities are pressing. From Friday evening until this evening has been as a flash. The welcome we received when we arrived at Allen Hall was overwhelming. All the missionaries in the Portuguese zone were on the front lawn waiting for us new ones from Salt Lake. No sooner did we step off the bus than we were grabbed by an elder or two, who carried our luggage and quickly escorted us to our quarters.
Within seconds we were checked in and assembled in the chapel to begin our first meeting. Singing hymns in Portuguese, though I cannot understand the words yet, is really great. We were temporarily assigned districts and companions. I have an unusual distinction of having two other companions—Elders Kent Gale and Dave Babbel—because of an odd number of elders. All Friday night was free for getting settled, writing letters or in journals, resting, and like activities.
Yesterday started with an orientation meeting for all new missionaries in all the zones. The Language Training Mission presidency spoke to us. Our first class in Portuguese followed. We worked on a short dialogue with an Elder Alder as our instructor. A zone orientation meeting, led by zone leader Elder Gibson, ended Saturday’s meetings. The afternoon was free. After lunch I did laundry and wrote letters while my companions played football. Finishing about the same time, we walked up to the bookstore on campus to buy our Portuguese texts. To Sir with Love was playing in the Varsity Theater, which was next on our list. I had seen this movie once before, but now as one preparing to go out and change people’s lives, its effect on me was significantly more profound than I remembered from the first viewing nearly a year earlier. Seeing the show made us miss dinner. We stopped at the A&W to eat on our way to the Iowa State–BYU football game. Coincidentally, Kay and Claudia were there and I saw them for a brief moment. They were down for the game. Rain fell before the game and during halftime. BYU lost to Iowa State 28-20.
Meetings today began with scripture class at 6:45. Sunday School followed at 8:00, priesthood meeting at 9:30. All classes were in English, but opening exercises were in Portuguese. This evening at 5:30 we had culture capsule which included slides on the ethnic groups and the arts in Brazil. Sacrament meeting came at 7:00 and was all in Portuguese. Home evening, taught by Elder Babbel, ended the day’s meetings. During the afternoon the three of us had a nice long nap, and I wrote Karen a letter.
A box of cookies, baked by Karen, was delivered in the afternoon. A wonderfully super letter accompanied the cookies.
Within seconds we were checked in and assembled in the chapel to begin our first meeting. Singing hymns in Portuguese, though I cannot understand the words yet, is really great. We were temporarily assigned districts and companions. I have an unusual distinction of having two other companions—Elders Kent Gale and Dave Babbel—because of an odd number of elders. All Friday night was free for getting settled, writing letters or in journals, resting, and like activities.
Yesterday started with an orientation meeting for all new missionaries in all the zones. The Language Training Mission presidency spoke to us. Our first class in Portuguese followed. We worked on a short dialogue with an Elder Alder as our instructor. A zone orientation meeting, led by zone leader Elder Gibson, ended Saturday’s meetings. The afternoon was free. After lunch I did laundry and wrote letters while my companions played football. Finishing about the same time, we walked up to the bookstore on campus to buy our Portuguese texts. To Sir with Love was playing in the Varsity Theater, which was next on our list. I had seen this movie once before, but now as one preparing to go out and change people’s lives, its effect on me was significantly more profound than I remembered from the first viewing nearly a year earlier. Seeing the show made us miss dinner. We stopped at the A&W to eat on our way to the Iowa State–BYU football game. Coincidentally, Kay and Claudia were there and I saw them for a brief moment. They were down for the game. Rain fell before the game and during halftime. BYU lost to Iowa State 28-20.
Meetings today began with scripture class at 6:45. Sunday School followed at 8:00, priesthood meeting at 9:30. All classes were in English, but opening exercises were in Portuguese. This evening at 5:30 we had culture capsule which included slides on the ethnic groups and the arts in Brazil. Sacrament meeting came at 7:00 and was all in Portuguese. Home evening, taught by Elder Babbel, ended the day’s meetings. During the afternoon the three of us had a nice long nap, and I wrote Karen a letter.
A box of cookies, baked by Karen, was delivered in the afternoon. A wonderfully super letter accompanied the cookies.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 27, 1968
Today I received my endowment in the Salt Lake Temple. The sacred nature of these ordinances and instructions in the Lord's house prevent elaborations concerning the wonderful experience. We were told that a person receiving his endowment for the first time could not come out of the temple the same person who went in. I know that to be true in my own case. The experience is a maturing and growing one.
After the first session we were able to enter the assembly room to have questions answered for an hour by Elder Harold B. Lee of the Twelve. Then we had another session, in which I served proxy for a John Plowright Russell, who was born in 1796. I gained considerably more from this second session than from the first. At 3:30, after nearly eight and a half hours within the temple, we were through.
Only an hour remained for our final meal at the Hotel Utah, for last minute packing, and farewells. Group pictures including Elders Hill, Cannon, Boswell, LeSueur, Ballard, and myself were taken. I bid Elders Boswell and Cannon good-bye for two and a half years. The others I will still run into occasionally in Provo. Of the four busses hauling missionaries to the Language Training Mission, the Portuguese one had 28 missionaries on it headed for the three Brazilian missions.
After the first session we were able to enter the assembly room to have questions answered for an hour by Elder Harold B. Lee of the Twelve. Then we had another session, in which I served proxy for a John Plowright Russell, who was born in 1796. I gained considerably more from this second session than from the first. At 3:30, after nearly eight and a half hours within the temple, we were through.
Only an hour remained for our final meal at the Hotel Utah, for last minute packing, and farewells. Group pictures including Elders Hill, Cannon, Boswell, LeSueur, Ballard, and myself were taken. I bid Elders Boswell and Cannon good-bye for two and a half years. The others I will still run into occasionally in Provo. Of the four busses hauling missionaries to the Language Training Mission, the Portuguese one had 28 missionaries on it headed for the three Brazilian missions.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 26, 1968
With an overflowing heart, with a filled soul, with subdued emotions, I thank my God for another rich day and evening. Tonight the missionaries were privileged to visit the Tabernacle to hear the choir in rehearsal. I had the unique opportunity to shake hands with Alexander Schreiner and Richard P. Condie. And then the choir performed such great hymns as "The Lord’s Prayer" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic," anthems as endeared to me as that organ and choir are. The closing evening moved them into "God Be with You till We Meet Again."
If all this were not enough, Elder Ballard and I, along with Elders Hill and Boswell, met and spoke briefly with President S. Dilworth Young and his wife, who were also leaving the Tabernacle. Such moving opportunities in such quick succession are truly humbling.
Bishop Robert L. Simpson and Elder Spencer W. Kimball addressed the elders and sisters today. Bishop Simpson’s comments on tithing and fast offerings cleared several hazy points floating in my mind. Elder Kimball talked in some detail of Church organization at the general level. Theodore Mabeus spoke concerning safety, and Gordon Johnson explored with slides the use of mass communications by the Church as a missionary tool. I certainly hope those working in this area can catch the vision of the potential and usefulness of mass communications in spreading the gospel.
If all this were not enough, Elder Ballard and I, along with Elders Hill and Boswell, met and spoke briefly with President S. Dilworth Young and his wife, who were also leaving the Tabernacle. Such moving opportunities in such quick succession are truly humbling.
Bishop Robert L. Simpson and Elder Spencer W. Kimball addressed the elders and sisters today. Bishop Simpson’s comments on tithing and fast offerings cleared several hazy points floating in my mind. Elder Kimball talked in some detail of Church organization at the general level. Theodore Mabeus spoke concerning safety, and Gordon Johnson explored with slides the use of mass communications by the Church as a missionary tool. I certainly hope those working in this area can catch the vision of the potential and usefulness of mass communications in spreading the gospel.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 25, 1968
Today under the hands of Elder Elray L. Christiansen, an Assistant to the Twelve, I was set apart as a missionary, an ambassador of Christ, an ordained minister of the gospel. This took place in his office in the Church Administration Building shortly after 3:00 P.M. My companion, Elder Gale, received his commission under the same hands. I was blessed to be able to master the language, admonished to keep wicked thoughts that would hinder the work from my mind, blessed with every needful and righteous desire necessary to accomplish the Lord's work if sought from Him in earnestness and with pleading. I was given the authority to baptize, confer the Holy Ghost, teach, exhort, expound, and all other necessary rights pertaining to my calling.
Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Twelve presented a certificate, signed by the Prophet, indicating I was a duly ordained minister in good standing in the Church, authorized to preach the principles of the gospel and administer the ordinances thereof.
General Authorities this morning included Howard W. Hunter, Milton R. Hunter, and Delbert L. Stapley.
A surprising amount of free time was scheduled for us today, with even more tomorrow. I suppose it should be devoted to study and learning discussions. Most of it, however, is spent with Evan, or Elder Ballard rather. We generally wander over to Temple Square and sit talking as long as time permits. Out of everyone we both know in the missionary home this week, it seems most difficult to call each other Elder Ballard and Elder Cleverly rather than by our first names. We have talked much about both Karen and Dorothy, much about ourselves and our missions and our relationships to God and each other. Evan tells me he does too much of the talking. That is partly true. The significant thing about our talks is that we are able to exchange love and other good emotions as well as pretty deep ideas at times. For these precious moments together with one of the Lord’s choice children I am humbly appreciative, wishing to trade the associations and memories with absolutely nothing else. Evan commands both my love and respect. I place fullest confidence in his potential as a truly great missionary. How lucky we were to be in the mission home together.
Life in the mission home begins each morning around 6:00 A.M. and runs until between 10:30 and 11:00 P.M. Meals in the basement of the Hotel Utah are served at 7:00 for breakfast, 12:00 for lunch, and 5:00 for dinner. Classes meet in the basement of the mission home.
"Scripture Sally" is a favorite of the elders in the home. I fail to understand her. At meal times she stands in front of the home in her self-assumed prophetic role, quoting scriptural references and telling us how apostate the Church is. She does not believe in the Old Testament but quotes from the Doctrine and Covenants mostly and some from the Book of Mormon. We were instructed to ignore her and do so generally.
Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Twelve presented a certificate, signed by the Prophet, indicating I was a duly ordained minister in good standing in the Church, authorized to preach the principles of the gospel and administer the ordinances thereof.
General Authorities this morning included Howard W. Hunter, Milton R. Hunter, and Delbert L. Stapley.
A surprising amount of free time was scheduled for us today, with even more tomorrow. I suppose it should be devoted to study and learning discussions. Most of it, however, is spent with Evan, or Elder Ballard rather. We generally wander over to Temple Square and sit talking as long as time permits. Out of everyone we both know in the missionary home this week, it seems most difficult to call each other Elder Ballard and Elder Cleverly rather than by our first names. We have talked much about both Karen and Dorothy, much about ourselves and our missions and our relationships to God and each other. Evan tells me he does too much of the talking. That is partly true. The significant thing about our talks is that we are able to exchange love and other good emotions as well as pretty deep ideas at times. For these precious moments together with one of the Lord’s choice children I am humbly appreciative, wishing to trade the associations and memories with absolutely nothing else. Evan commands both my love and respect. I place fullest confidence in his potential as a truly great missionary. How lucky we were to be in the mission home together.
Life in the mission home begins each morning around 6:00 A.M. and runs until between 10:30 and 11:00 P.M. Meals in the basement of the Hotel Utah are served at 7:00 for breakfast, 12:00 for lunch, and 5:00 for dinner. Classes meet in the basement of the mission home.
"Scripture Sally" is a favorite of the elders in the home. I fail to understand her. At meal times she stands in front of the home in her self-assumed prophetic role, quoting scriptural references and telling us how apostate the Church is. She does not believe in the Old Testament but quotes from the Doctrine and Covenants mostly and some from the Book of Mormon. We were instructed to ignore her and do so generally.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 24, 1968
Two years of complete dedication to the Lord is but a tithing on 20 years of life. And so here I am, offering myself as a messenger of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to repay in some modest way the great debt I owe to my God. I can never repay Him though, for His goodness is beyond my comprehension and is continually and more fully extended.
King Benjamin said, "If ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants. And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments" (Mosiah 2:21–22).
How great is Christ's love for His children!
Tonight I can already look back on two days of extreme growth and development in the mission home. My spiritual awareness has been opened more fully, possibilities and horizons expanded. To be able to sit at the feet of the prophets of God, to learn of their wisdom, to feel of their spirit is a truly significant opportunity.
The servants of the Lord before us today included President N. Eldon Tanner, Richard L. Evans, Mark E. Peterson, Gordon B. Hinckley, Bruce R. McConkie, Ezra Taft Benson, and LeGrand Richards. I could fill pages relating the information dispensed and the spirit shared by these spiritual giants. It seems nearly impossible to be able to digest so much. As many testimonies were borne the Spirit ratified their validity.
Last night we were greeted by and received instructions from the mission home presidency. President Jaussi presides. These instructions, following dinner in the basement of the Hotel Utah, began at 6:30. After that a Dr. Parmley, who wife heads the Primary general board, lectured and bore testimony on the subject of science and religion. Tonight we met in smaller groups with returned missionaries to work on parts of the first discussion.
In the mission home with me this week are several friends I knew from school last year: Jeff Boswell going to the Samoan Mission, Steve Hill going to the South German Mission, Joe Cannon going to the Irish Mission, Dave LeSueur going to the Franco-Belgian Mission, Dave Babbel going to the Brazilian North Mission, and Evan Ballard going to the West Spanish American Mission.
My companion during the week, also headed for the Brazilian North Mission, is Elder Kent Gale from Salt Lake City. By his suggestion and by my being older by a month, I became senior companion. We are the only two in our room. Some of the rooms are larger and have four elders each.
As President Tanner welcomed the missionaries, all 309 of us, he delivered a message from President David O. McKay. It included the fact that each of us holds a great personal responsibility and that the Savior is very concerned with every one of us. The Prophet prays for us each day. Think of what strength can come from realizing and knowing that.
For the record let me skim ever so briefly over the short days before the beginning of this week in the missionary home. I bid Jerry and Mom good-bye near noon on Friday. With me driving, Dad, Dale, Jackie, and I Volkswagened our way to Bountiful, where I left everyone off at Uncle Marv's home before hurrying south to Provo.
I expected and had great reunions that weekend. I first met Steve and Dave Hart, Mark Smith, Bob Reading, and a few of the new men on second floor right of Stover Hall. I spent Friday and Saturday nights in Bob's room. Sister May was actually the first familiar face I saw as I checked with her about staying for the weekend and reported my mission call. Then it was over to Karen Stockton's for a brief visit before closing time.
Saturday at breakfast I saw Jeff Boswell and Brian Rabe again. We visited for a bit, met with Steve Hill when he came over from where he had spent the night, saw Karen, and rode to Campus Plaza to visit girls in the ward from last year.
Karen and I drove to Tooele for my cousin Curtis Palmer’s funeral services. We reached the Palmer home just before time to go to the mortuary. I was able to see many relatives for a last time before my mission, and Karen was able to meet many for the first time.
The services were particularly moving, filled with hope and confidence in the gospel. Ken and Berniece were taking the tragic and unexpected death of their son in a most marvelous way. After many good-byes Karen and I returned to Provo for more farewells before Dad, Dale, and Jackie left for Ogden, where they would spend the night before returning home to Idaho.
That evening I had the unique opportunity of spending time with Brother Terry Warner. He met with a group of old students and friends, about six or seven of us, in the Stover lounge. If only I could spend more time and room on this particular reunion. After that I spent the rest of the evening with Karen until 2:00 A.M.
Sunday morning found us visiting priesthood and Sunday School in the BYU 22nd Ward. Sullivan Richardson had arrived by now to add to the number of visiting old members. Sulli, Steve Hill, and I ate dinner in Marina Palmer's apartment with her five roommates. Then the rest of the day, from 2:00 onward, was devoted to Karen. It was hard because good-bye hung so heavily over us. She spoke in sacrament meeting. We waited some in Stover lounge hoping to see Evan Ballard and Dorothy Pack but learned later we had missed them by only five minutes. The day with Karen ended at midnight. I talked with Mark Smith for two more hours before going to sleep.
Monday we left Provo at 9:00 A.M. Karen was there to see me off. Sulli drove us to Salt Lake, where we met Dave LeSueur at the airport before checking into the missionary home. After some shopping, I finally saw Evan Ballard again. The nearly four months apart had been a long time, and it was particularly good to see him again. Well, this outlines most briefly the weekend prefacing the beginning of my missionary career.
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