September has been eventful!

Well, it is true. I have been busy. I was offered a long term sub job on Friday, August 30th. School started on the 2nd of Septmember. It has been quite an adventure. I teach 5th grade and I am starting to get things in control. The teacher is taking over as the principal because the principal is taking a leave of absence. My class is going well and I am enjoying it. There is always so much that I could do.

Well, the very exciting news was on Saturday. I had been asked earlier in the week to say the closing prayer at a Regional YSA fireside. The speakers would be Elder Ballard, Elder Christofferson (of the quorum of the 12 Apostles) and Elder Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy. I was honored to be asked, but I was so busy that I did not realize how exciting it would be. The meeting was one of the most amazing experiences. These men were so close and telling us exactly what we, in our situation, needed to hear. The spirit was extremely strong. Elder Ballard was incredibly powerful and the words they spake truly were powerful. There really was no question in my mind about the true of their message and who they are as Representatives of Christ. At the end of the meeting, we sang "We Thank the O God for a Prophet". My parents were up on the stand in the front row with an empty seat by them. So, I walked up at the end and sat by my parents. I then said a prayer and I was extremely nervous. The Mormon Center was packed solid and then to have Apostles listening to me. I said the prayer and then turned to walk back. As I was walking, Elder Clayton stopped me and said that I needed to shake Elder Ballard's hand. So, I turned (as everyone was watching) and shook Elder Ballard's hand. Then Elder Christofferson. Elder Ballard said, "Thank-you for your prayer". Then they walked out of the building. As they walked, Elder Clayton shakes my hand and then Elder Trythal (of our area authority). It was amazing. They could not stay to talk to everyone, but they were kind to me. So, to say the least, it was an experience that I will never forget.