"Your Future is only as bright as your Faith"

What a wonderful weekend we all had! Although most of you enjoyed conference in your jammies curled up in front of your home TV´s eating crackers and cheese and taking notes I once again had the amazing opportunity to go to conference here in Quito. While just last year conference really just meant to me a day when I got to sleep in a few more hours, not shower, and not have to make the trek to Dayton to go to church, living in a place very far away from anything that is familiar, my view on General Conference is also one of those many things that has changed.
Saturday morning dawned bright and warm and beautiful, and although we´d had rain for the past few days the streets were dry and the sun beamed brightly upon me and I made my way to the Iñaquito stake center. To get to the stake center I am required to take two buses, which take me to connecting streets on Calle Americas, and then I needed to walk about two blocks up a hill where the stake center is located comfortably in the corner of a very quiet and nice neighborhood. I hummed hymns in Spanish as I made my way to conference. And I thought how interesting it was that conference was such a big deal to me now!

Now for those of you who are wondering, my stake center is generous enough to set up a room for us English speakers. The chapel is devoted to the dubbed over Spanish version of conference (very weird to hear President Monson´s voice in Spanish…) but the Relief Society room was set up with a T.V and a channel in English. I feel very lucky that even though I am still so far away from home both conferences I’ve been to here I’ve been able to enjoy and listen to thoroughly in English. It makes me offer a prayer of gratitude for modern technology that makes it so that members of the church everywhere in the world are able to partake of the blessings of conference.
Before conference started I was startled to run in to a gringo missionary whom I know from the states. Elder Grange (picture) is from College Ward Utah, and his home ward is the same as my Grandparent´s and my Aunt and Uncle and cousins. Elder Grange and I had many things to catch up on and it was fun to see someone from home. He comes home in August!
I thought the Saturday talks were fabulous! And enjoyed every one of them. As I look through my notes as I write this I’d have to say there isn´t one that didn´t touch my heart and make me want to do better. From the first talk by Robert D. Hales regarding the financial and economic struggles to Russel M. Nielsen’s regarding prayer I felt fully spiritually uplifted. I am always amazed how these loving leaders of our church come down and tell us what we need to work on, with at the same time making us feel loved, and appreciated. I was impressed as it seemed that each talk although highlighted the rough times we are in, also encouraged us to be grateful, be of good cheer and how the solution to all of life´s problems no matter what it is indeed is to turn to the Lord and follow his commandments and we will be ok!
My two favorite talks from Saturday would have to be President Eyring´s, and Elder Rafael Pino. Elder Eyrings struck me personally as he highlighted that there is a common things among all of us, Adversity. I really liked one thing that he said about how the very fact that we have adversity is evidence of our Heavenly Father´s love for us. It truly is an interesting way to look at it, but he points out that the disciple who accepts trials as an opportunity to grow will find peace and comfort during his afflictions. ´
Elder Pino, is in the Area of 70 presidency here in Ecuador. English being his second language he was very nervous to deliver his talk in front of the world in English. However I think and feel like he did a fabulous job! One thing he said really stuck with me, “living the gospel doesn´t mean we will escape adversity. Rather we will be prepared to face adversity with confidence”.
I was also very impressed and motivated by all the talks about getting to the temple, doing temple work, going to the temple, preparing to enter the temple, and setting specific goals to get there regularly.
Sunday´s talks were just as good, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir´s music touching. Elder Uchtdorf´s talk about discipleship was really good. He talked about how it´s not a spectator sport. It is not enough to just speak of it, or surround ourselves with symbols of it, it´s not a second hand religion we need to get off the side lines and practice what we preach. I also loved it when he said, “even when we give up on our selves, He never will. We see our selves as yesterday and today, God sees us as forever.” In closing he reminds us, it is never too late, it is ALWAYS the right time.
President Monson reminds us to be of good cheer, to turn away from troubles and focus on your blessings as a member of the church, and as we make the Gospel the center of our lives we will be able to face our challenges and rise triumphantly. However, I must say Jeffrey R. Holland´s brought tears to my eyes as I felt like he was speaking directly to me. As he spoke of the Lonliest journey ever made I couldn´t believe how comforted I felt. Knowing that those feelings of loneliness have been felt by some one else, when you think no one understands. I learned that someone does understand, and because Jesus walked that path, I don´t have to.

I am so grateful for this gospel, for the blessings it brings in to my life. And for the assurance, and the confidence I have because I am a member of this church. I love each and every one of you, and I thank you for your prayers, love and support! Until next time!
Em