But what does this have to do with my coming to speak a little bit to you today? When I was a child, I didn’t really think that much about a mission. You know, it was so far away and I had more important things to worry about, like how to make hats out of grocery bags and fishing poles out of tinker toys. But then I grew up a little. What happened to me? I started thinking about other things, such as, school, bigger toys like bikes, and even started getting into Seminary. Now, in High School that was a good time for me. I really enjoyed it while I was there: the social life (not that I had much), getting to drive, and date, wow! But, as we all know, as we grow up our perception of things increases. We start to see more, plus, we also start to think a little more into the future.
And, of course, the big question my Senior year was, “Should I go on a mission?”
Well, I made my decision and followed it through with a little help from others, such as, my bishop, Mom, Dad, family, etc.
I still remember getting my call.
My sister had to know where I was going, but she had to go to work, so she took my call with her and I had to open it at her workplace.
The joy and excitement that filled my soul as I said to everone there where I was going — Australia!
My mother yells, then covers her mouth as we look at her.
There’re a lot of decisions that we have to make in our life.
One is whether to go on a mission.
Well, I sure thank God that I made the right decision and was able to go on to that great land and preach the gospel.
You might ask me why I thank God for helping me make the right decision. Well, I don’t think I could break it down into one word, or even a phrase. But one reason I’m glad I went was [at this point the prose breaks down. The reader who feels the need to understand the following will find a detailed expression of these events in Geoffrey’s missionary journal.]
on Easter 1990, we were at church. Lisa and boyfriend came, etc. Taught them, … think of the change — she didn’t even believe in God. But now I was an instrument. … what a feeling to be an instrument in the hands of God … Spirit.
Tom Price.
It’s great being all by yourself, no bike, no car, … [?]liked everyone, knew everyone.
Basketball with the kids … met Debbie … B.R.O.T. weeks …
finally Barbie Kangaroo Shishkabobs marinated … lonely … gave her a Book … taught next day …
Bambi … love Spirit … best yet, “will you be baptized?” Yes. Wow! Bus trip Bambi came to see us.
Joy.