MTC Day 7

SCOTT:
Many years ago, when I was about 10 years old, the music chairman in our ward, Mrs. Simmons, asked several of the more rowdy boys in our ward (hmm, who would that have been) to come to her house to practice a song. She was so sweet, it made me ill. We had to practice and practice. Although I was not especially good at singing, I had a good ear for music, and I can tell you it was BAD. It was torture, yet she pretended she was having a wonderful time. I am still today not so sure that she wasn’t. Then, horror of horrors, we had to sing this song in Sacrament Meeting.

Today in our fireside we got to sing it again. Here it is, from a 1909 children’s hymn book.

1. Kind friends, as here I stand to sing,
So very queer [strange] I feel,
That now I've made my bow, I fear
I don't look quite genteel;
But, never mind, for I'm a boy
That's always full of joy—
A rough and ready sort of chap—
An honest "Mormon" boy.

Chorus.
A "Mormon" boy, a "Mormon" boy,
I am a "Mormon" boy;
I might be envied by a king,
For I am a "Mormon" boy.

2. I'm proud to know that I was born
Among these mountains high,
Where I've been taught to love the truth,
And scorn to tell a lie;
Yet I'll confess that I am wild,
And often do annoy,
My dearest friends, but that's a fault
Of many a "Mormon" boy.

3. My father is a "Mormon" true,
And when I am a man,
I want to be like him, and do
Just all the good I can.
My faults I'll try to overcome,
And while I life enjoy,
With pride I'll lift my head, and say,
I am a "Mormon" boy.



APRIL:
Today for Sacrament we attended a Polynesian Branch of Elders and Sister. What a joy it was. Each Sunday the branch members are told what the topic will be for the next Sacrament Meeting and each is to to prepare a 5 minute talk just in case they are called upon to speak.

Well, two individuals were called out of the audience and gave it their best. It was remarkable because all this whole branch is learning how to speak English besides what ever language they will speak on their mission if they go on to a foreign country which most were. The sweet little sister from mainland China apologized for “speaking small.” WOW, what a testimony.

Then the musical number (Brightly beams Our Father’s Mercy) was sung and harmonized by 7 Polynesian Elders. It was incredible. The funny thing about this group of Elders is that we have noticed them, sat close to them at a lot of meals, and they came across as some pretty jovial characters. At Sacrament we saw their more spiritual side. Their mothers would have been proud of them.

A lot of our group of Senior Missionaries are departing today and tomorrow for their missions around the world. We have made some good friendship and wish them well.
The friendships we have made here are quickly made due to sharing spiritual experiences hourly. These friendships will last a lifetime not just a few years. We don’t talk about the weather that much!

The Havillands are headed off to the Philippines, the oldest couple, the Bassetts are in their 80s and headed to Costa Rica. This is their 4th mission. Our favorite couple is the Daniels from Malad. They are headed to Puerto Rico at the end of next week.

We have about 5 couples that are staying to learn to be Office Specialists with us. It should be a busy week.

Hope you all are happy. We appreciate you emails and prayers. Thanks a million.


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