We came up to Wyoming over the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend and it is comforting to know that some things never change. Wyoming is still as cold, windy, and winter like as it has ever been.
Likewise, the people here are as warm and friendly as they have ever been. Some things just never change.
Today I was released as the 2nd Counselor in the Page Ward Bishopric. I had served in that position for almost 4 years. When you serve in a position like that for as long as I have, you come to feel a huge loss when the situation is changed. I enjoyed serving with some fine men and women in the Page Ward. I now find myself without a calling. I am sure that will change soon, but it is an unusual feeling for me. I praise the Lord for the opportunity that has been mine to serve with such wonderful men.
Those of us that are somewhat older than the majority of the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints remember Elder LeGrande Richards of the Quorum of the Twelve. He was a great man. He was a former Presiding Bishop of the church, and his roots in the church ran way deep.
No one who ever heard him speak will soon forget him. He would wind up (with no written talk in front of him) and get going, almost screaming out the words with force as he bore his testimony regarding the great latter day work of the church. He was an incredible man of great testimony. Those of us who knew of him, knew that we loved him. The church is a poorer place due to the lack of his testimony now.
I sat and watched last night, all 4.5 hours, the opening ceremonies of the 29th Summer Olympiad known as the Beijing Olympic Games. I normally would never sit and watch one TV show or event for an hour, let alone 4.5. It was a fabulous show. However, what really affected me was the special place that I have in my heart for the Chinese people, and the obvious pride that they must be feeling at this moment. I longed to be there, sharing this moment with them.
No one can live with or know the Chinese people and not be profoundly affected. I lived for 3 years in Taiwan and love this people like my own. My second family lives in Beijing and Taiwan now. They are a wonderful people who have a unique history and past. We must cherish them, yet know and understand them.
Bonnie and I had planned to be in Beijing next month. Then, a heart operation for me has changed our plans. I had given up on going to Beijing to see our friends there, but now want so much to go there and spend some time amongst these wonderful Chinese. I feel the pull of Beijing, and the pull of the Orient. I hope we can figure out how to go there.