Kevin has a new calling...

     We received a phone call on Sat night... could we be at church 45 minutes early?  The district presidency was visiting, and wanted to meet with us.   Kevin is now the 2nd counselor in the new branch presidency.  From left to right:  Bro. Mower, the new clerk, Pres. Gary Baker, new president, Kevin, District President Steve Toronto, his counselor Bro Rogers, and taking the picture was Bro. Lattimer.

   It was a very interesting day.  Pres. Toronto interviewed me first:  how was the family doing in adjusting to life in China? did our family follow the expected spiritual road, as in did we have family prayer, FHE, scripture study, etc.?  It is at moments like this that every hassle in getting these things done has been worth it so that I can reply, "yes, we do."  It is different being in an area where we don't have a "history"--the leaders don't know what we've done or where we've served.
   Then Kevin was interviewed, then both of us together as the call was extended.  I was in awe of Pres. Toronto's speaking ability.  He sounded like a General Authority, and was so clear and concise.  He has the ability to say things the way I'd LIKE to be able to say them.  And interestingly, Pres. Toronto grew up in the same SLC neighborhood as Kevin--in fact, they attended the same elementary school, and Pres. Toronto is Kirk's age.
    The members of the district presidency all live in Beijing.  Both counselors are attached to the American Embassy (either lawyers or other government service).  Pres. Toronto is an attorney for the NBA in China.  So if we ever want to go to one of the exhibition NBA games here, he has tickets--just ask.  Pres. Lattimer said his kids are all gone now, and they have two extra bedrooms--if we want a place to stay for district conference, just give him a call.  And district conference is in a few weeks.
     One interesting piece of information they passed along was to be careful with our girls at an international school.  The ones in Beijing are populated with the wealthy kids from around the world and all kinds of bad behaviors are going on.  We feel SO blessed to have the international school that we do--with opening prayers, and teachers enforcing the modest dress code, and no swearing, and people acting like real Christians.  Of course we must always be vigilant, even at an LDS Youth Conference, but it is a good school.
    The best part of the day, as far as Elizabeth was concerned, is that she didn't have to give the talk she'd prepared.  It was saved for the following week.