A year ago Harry was called to serve in the Arcadia Stake Presidency. At the time of the calling, President Magnusson said, "I don't know how long this call will be - could be a year, could be six months." (Since the call was to be second counselor, replacing President Steimle, who was moving.)
When the letter came a few weeks ago announcing that there would be a new stake presidency called, we figured that the year was up - just as President Magnusson had predicted. Harry was glad for the year of experience with President Magnusson and President Cornwall, and was busy thinking of names to recommend for consideration for a new stake president. We were both pretty certain that they would be looking for a "younger" man!
We took the usual ribbing about how Harry had better watch out or he'd be called - an LDS phenomenon of predicting calls to certain positions in the church! (I recall many years ago when we had only been married for a few years. I told Harry to watch out - that someday he'd be called to be Scoutmaster. His response was that would never happen - there were too many men who wanted that calling! I can't recall the context for such a remark, but I'm sure there was one! At any rate - fast forward to 1979 and our move from Utah to Monrovia - and Harry's call as Scoutmaster!! Got some chuckles and "I told you so's" from that one!)
Imagine my surprise - and Harry's too based on his demeanor - when we got a call Saturday to return for another interview with Elder Falabella of the 1st quorum of the Seventy and Elder Sabin of the 5th quorum of the Seventy!
After the call, Harry commented that he was taken by surprise - was sure they would be looking for someone younger. I love Elder Sabin - who said, "The Lord doesn't look on the stature of a man, but rather on his heart!" That certainly rang true with me!
Saturday night's meeting was great, we enjoyed dinner with the visitors and members of the stake presidency. Sunday morning we had some great teaching and counsel from both of these men, and then we had a great Stake Conference. Noah came and brought Helen, which made it easier and less stressful for Harry and me. Bonny came too, and of course Harry, Dawn and family were with us. The setting apart was a sweet experience - Bruce and the girls were able to join us too. After we enjoyed some great family time for lunch and dinner at our house.
So we've had a couple of days of intense thought, prayer, feeling, emotion - and now it's Monday - the start of a new week.
We'll keep you posted!!
