I heard the news from my best friend about an hour ago and I still cannot hardly believe that President Hinckley has died. It's like I thought he would be here forever or something. Now, I didn't really think that, but I am awfully attached to him. My heart is so full and so sad. What a truly remarkable man. Think of the growth of the Church that has occured while he has served. All the temples that have been built. It's amazing.
I think the memory that I will always treasure is when he visited my mission in October of 1996, and spoke to us missionaries there. I had been having a difficult time and I wanted to go home. My mission President asked me to wait at least until the Prophet came before I made my final decision. I struggled for a few more weeks and then came the day. I had also received a transfer to a different area and had all my things packed when I arrived at the mission office with my companion and the rest of our zone. The air was thick with excitement! All the Brazilian missionaries recognized this as the ultimate opportunity for them. When else would the Prophet be in a local close enough for them to see and hear him personally speak. For me, a small town girl, it was pretty much the same scenario. As we sat there waiting for him to come into the chapel, I remember thinking, "Will I know he is the Prophet when I see him? Will the spirit testify to me?" I really did want and need to know.
When he walked into the chapel, I felt such a strong feeling of truth that I cannot deny I know that he was a Prophet called of God. The amazing thing that happened next is that I was sitting amongst all the Brazilian sister missionaries and they began to sing the hymn "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet". I did not know the words in Portuguese, but the spirit was touching me so strongly that I was able to sing ALL the words in the language I was still learning as if from memory.
My heart is especially full since this week for activity days we had a combined activity that was about listening to the Prophet;s voice and we shared his message of the "Six Be's" (because it is my favorite). I had the opportunity to testify to the girls in our ward how much I love the Prophet and how thankful I am for all of his counsels. I'm just so grateful and glad that I took the time to share my testimony of him with them.
I love President Hinckley and will miss him as I have missed all the Prophets that have served during my lifetime....well, maybe a little more.
