Spiritual Rejuvenation

I may have said something similar to this before, perhaps after the last conference I attended and perhaps after the one I had attended before that.  I don't really know what married members of the Church think happens at a Singles Conference.  When I was married I probably thought that they were set up so that singles could meet singles, fall in love and married themselves.  I really didn't give it much thought except that I was happy that I didn't need to attend them myself.  This was my third trip to singles conference and I have to say that meeting other singles does happen.  Falling in love - perhaps there are those that do, I don't know, hasn't happened for me though I have made a lot of great friends who I do love and care about but not in a romantic lets get married kind of way.  What I have experienced that has been such a tremendous source of strength for me is the spiritual rejuvenation that comes from being there.  Those who organize these conferences seek out and bring in some extremely good speakers and presenters.  There were messages shared at each of the conferences I have attended that moved me deeply, that lifted my spirits and strengthened my testimony.  There were messages that provided a great deal of hope for the future and desires of righteousness. 

I believe I joked the other day about the problem being that these conferences are so good it takes away the motivation to get married.  If I get married I don't get to go to the conference again and miss out on powerful messages of faith.  All joking aside, that could be a tough thing.  I guess I should learn more about education week at BYU and see what it offers.  If I find it a place where I can enjoy the same kind of training and classes then perhaps I might find a little more motivation to press forward with finding a spouse. 

At this particular conference I met a man who moved me deeply.  His conversion story was powerful and my goodness, I felt such a strong connection with him.  His name, Yeah Samake.  He is actually running for President in the West Africa Country of Mali.  If I remember correctly his country is like 90% Muslim.  He is one of four members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints living in Mali.  The other three members of the church include his wife and two children.  Pretty amazing really.  I was talking to pops and Dave about him today and got a little emotional while doing so.  Having served my mission in South Africa I have a great love for African people.  I was so moved by his faith and his pioneering spirit in his Country.  I was able to shake his hand at the end of his presentation and I shared with him that I had served in South Africa.  He was very excited to hear that and looked me straight in the eye and sincerely thanked me for serving his people.  It was a humbling moment.  I would have enjoyed spending some additional time with him.  Here is a link to his sev site. 

I visited with Dave Kimball or Jericho Road fame but more importantly than that of the Kimball Family on Ida Lane in Sandy, Utah fame.  He knew I was a Fontano when I walked towards him.  We chatted for a while.  He let me know his folks were coming to the concert they were performing that night.  I had the opportunity to go and visit with them.  Steve and Margot.  She was my cub scout leader and a great woman.  Sure do love the Kimballs. 

Wow, so many other great presenters and people.  I loved being there.  Loved being fed.  Loved feeling the spirit.  I am looking forward to the next event.