Catching Up...

7.24.2013                                                                                                                                       

Dear Family & Friends,

I apologize for letting time get away from me when it comes to writing letters home.  I see it’s been a month since our last one.  This one will obviously need to be a catch up letter.

La Familia Hernandez.  Probably the sweetest experience for us since coming to WI was accompanying the Hernandez family to the Chicago Temple on June 29^th.  They had prepared themselves well.  For at least two weeks prior, every prayer offered by a member of that family, whether at home or in public, included a sweet plea to Heavenly Father to bless them to go to the temple on June 29^th to receive their endowments and be seal together as an eternal family.  It turned out that we drove them (5) together with hna Flores, the escort for hna Hernandez.  It was a busy day at the temple.  At just after noon, when we arrived, we took some pictures of the family on the temple grounds.  There was a Primary group on the grounds from a Spanish-speaking ward in the Chicago area.  It appeared they were having a special Primary activity day at the temple. Vicki took the the children and explored the temple grounds, fountains, etc., while hna Flores and I accompanied the parents into the distribution center to purchase garments and temple clothing. That took a good 45 minutes.  When we went back outside to find Vicki and the children, they were eating sandwiches and paletas, while drinking juice. It seemed that the Primary group from Chicago had extra and had offered it to the children.  What a life saver that was.  Heavenly Father’s hand was in it. 

After a little cleaning up, we went into the temple.  A member of the presidency met us.  The children were taken off by temple workers to the children’s center, where they happily spent the next few hours.  I accompanied hno  Hernandez and hna Flores accompanied his wife.  A Spanish-speaking temple worker was also assigned to each of them.  First they were taken by the ordinance sister who had to verify all the family information on the recommend.  Turned out the sister was a member of Kenosha 1^st Ward and a friend of hna Flores.  Next came las ordenanzas preparativas (initiatory).  The member of the temple presidency then came to give hno Hernandez his orientation and instructions.  He asked that I go along to translate.  Wonderful to be present to hear that information again.  Hna Hernandez was getting her information from the assistant matron at the same time.  Finally we were ready for the endowment session.  It was in Spanish.  Vicki used headphones.  The branch president and his wife and the first counselor came to be there with the Hernandez.  There were a few other Hispanic sisters on the session.  After the session, and a bathroom stop, we were taken to the sealing room.  The sealer assigned was an Anglo brother who did a very nice job. His wife was present.  She speaks Spanish pretty well, a convert, learned Spanish on her own taking classes.  They are getting ready to serve a mission she said.  Of course the highlight was when the three children, all dressed in white, were brought in, (Alexandra (10), Jose (6) and Erick (4).  The sealing of the children was so sweet. 

The children were taken back to the children’s center, and the parents back to the dressing room to change.  Hna Hernandez had brought her wedding dress, and it still fit.  She had added a white jacket to make it work for the temple.  We changed and went outside and again took pictures for them.  When we finally got into the car to head back it was 4:30.  The branch was planning a party for them.  It got started a little late, but it happened.  Lots of food, a tres leches cake, music, dancing.  It appears that the Mexican as a people dance a lot better than they sing.  What an awesome day.  What a privilege for us to be a part of it. 

We attend mass. 6.30.2013. Some of you may recall that Theresa Setter, music director of St. Mary Catholic Church accompanied us to the Tabernacle Choir Concert in Milwaukee.  She had a marvelous experience.  On the way home she told us about her various choirs at St. Mary.  Her men’s choir was going to perform “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” one of the signature hymns of the Tabernacle Choir. She invited us to come and hear them.  It turned out to be a very nice experience.  Mass was to begin at 9 am.  Theresa was waiting for us at the west door 15 minutes before the start.  The old church is huge inside, but beautifully decorated with typical Catholic art and statues.  We felt rather over-dressed when compared with the regulars there in their casual attire.  She did a beautiful job of briefly explaining what the service would consist of and how we should respond as.  Very nice.  The last feature number by the choir was “Battle Hymn.”  They did a great job, considering their numbers.  The pastor gave his sermon about being good neighbors.    The ushers did the collections three different times, as called for by the pastor, using long handles with fish net sort of things to reach way down the pews.  At the end of the service the pastor invited all visitors to stand.  Gave a special welcome, said he hoped we’d taken advantage of the passing of the collection bag.  The congregation gave an applause for us.  Following the service all the choir members came and personally greeted us, as well as the accompanist and her family.  We thought what a nice job Theresa did to make our experience a pleasant one.  A good example of what we should do when we invite a nonmember to church.  Theresa’s sister sat with us during the mass.  She expressed her interest in attending an LDS service with her children.  Hopefully she will have that opportunity. 

Meeting President & Sister Cutler. 7.2.2013. The Milwaukee South and North Zones had the opportunity to become acquainted with our wonderful new mission president and his wife on Tuesday morning.  After a brief video introducing them and their family members, some of whom live in Wisconsin, They did a beautiful job of teaching the doctrine of the family, tying it to the doctrine of Christ, and reminding us that our purpose as missionaries is to find those whom the Lord has prepared to learn these precious doctrines, and prepare them for baptism.  It was a wonderful, spirit-filled meeting.  What a blessing to see how the specific priesthood keys for the gathering of Israel are passed to each new mission president.  We certainly sustain them and feel a great love for them and from them.  Ten days later we were blessed to have the Cutlers come to Kenosha to do interviews with the Spanish-speaking missionaries.  We were so grateful  for that experience to get to know them on a more personal basis. 

Other catch up happenings.  Vicki continues with her teaching of basic keyboarding.  The numbers of students keeps growing.  It is a blessing for Vicki.  So much of the time she is in the background while I am teaching in Spanish.  This is all hers, and she does a great job with it.  We are teaching the temple preparation lessons to a terrific young man who has been called from the Branch to Minnesota to serve a mission.  What a well-prepared young man.  He has also asked Vicki to teach him keyboarding.  He has a good previous music background and is picking it all up quickly.  The Hymns Simplified book is very helpful to him.

Last but not least.  I will include here the e-mail sent to our family members on 7.15.2013.  As you will see, the contents of the e-mail have pulled us together as a family, and perhaps set us on a new adventure –

Deep Water Ahead...

15 July 2013

Dear Family,

I wanted to let you know what we have learned so far from the medical appointments today.

The appointments were related to the lump under my left jaw that has developed over a period of several weeks.  When the small lump first appeared it was very tender.  We went to the walk in clinic and it was diagnosed as a blocked salivary gland with infection.  I was told to eat lemon drops to stimulate secretion.  Supposedly that would move the blockage and allow the saliva to drain.  An antibiotic was prescribed for the inflammation.  In time the tenderness disappeared, but the lump did not. 

After a time the lump enlarged slowly.  Then over a period of 48 hours the lump mushroomed to golf ball in size.  While visiting my doctor who tracks my blood counts related to myelofibrosis, we asked him to examine the lump.  He ordered a PET scan.  The PET scan identified the enlarged tissue as a lymph node.  From the follow up with the doctor related to the PET scan, a tissue biopsy was ordered.  Today's appointment was to receive the biopsy results. 

At this point the doctors are quite certain of a diagnosis of lymphoma, cancer of the lymph nodes.  There are various types.  They think this is most likely large cell lymphoma.  I will be having another PET scan with contrast dye that is attracted to the lymphatic tissue to evaluate how pervasive or widespread the lymphoma is.  Already I can feel other lymph nodes that have begun to enlarge.  The doctors also want another CT scan to help confirm the diagnosis. Also it will be necessary to do a bone marrow biopsy to see if the lymphoma is spread there.  These procedures will allow the doctors to stage the cancer, or in other words determine how advanced it already is. 

The usual treatment for lymphoma is chemotherapy.  However, the condition of my blood cells related to myelofibrosis complicates this process.  A treatment plan will have to be determined that my blood cells can best tolerate. 

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the elderly.

So that's pretty much what we know medically speaking.

We feel like we were brought to Kenosha in order that we might benefit from the amazing medical care that is available here.  We use the Aurora Medical Center.  It consists of excellent medical doctors from almost every specialty.  We appreciate Dr. Gregg Rocco, our primary care physician.  My main cancer doctor is Malik Bandealy.  He and his associates are rated in the top 1% of general oncologists.  One of the good things is that referrals and procedures happen almost immediately and is all within one system.  Long delays are avoided.  We feel very blessed to have their assistance.

While it appears we may be swimming in the deep end, we are not without hope.  We know Heavenly Father's hand is in His work.  While we are instruments in his work as missionaries, we are also part of His work.  We know His hand will be over us as we move forward.  We have no plans at this time to request any changes in our assignment.  Our mission president expressed his wholehearted support in dealing with whatever health challenges we might have when we were interviewed by him last week.  We will continue to take things one step at a time, trusting in the Lord to take us where we need to go.  It well be another learning experience for us, for all of us. 

One of the great strengths we are blessed with is our family.  We are so very grateful for each one of you, for your love for the Savior, and your faith in Heavenly Father's plan.  We teach it to people every day.  We better believe it ourselves.  I know each of you does.  We certainly do believe it!  We are grateful for your continuing love and support, for your faith and prayers in our behalf.  We have swum in the deep water before and grew from it.  Although we wouldn't choose to do it again, there seems to be a divine purpose in our having the opportunity.  We accept it and will do our very best.  We feel there is still work for us to do.  If there is, He will provide the way.  What more can I say.  If there isn't, then we are okay with that as well.

 

Thank you so much for sustaining us wherever this may take us. 

Love to each of you.

Dad Skinner / Charles & Mom Skinner / Vicki

All Mission Photo

Notes From Mission Conference

 6.15.2013

All Mission Meeting With General Authorities held at Neenah WI. 

Missionaries were advised a month or so ago by our mission president, Timothy Jones, that five General Authorities would be coming to our mission area to do priesthood leader training in mid-June.  President Jones said he had requested that a missionary meeting with the General Authorities had been requested and he hoped would be approved.  At zone conference President Jones announced that the request had been approved.  The meeting would be held in Neenah, north of Milwaukee about two hours, at 9 am on Saturday, June 15.  He said all missionaries in the mission would be attending.  He then told us that Elder Dallin Oaks of the Twelve would be with the General Authorities.  You can imagine the excitement that his announcement gave to the missionaries, including these two.

As usual, we were asked by our zone leaders to help transport missionaries.  The Kenosha Spanish elders and the Racine Spanish elders were to ride with us.  As the time for the meeting approached, we prayed that our hearts and minds would be prepared to receive the instruction given at the meeting.  We felt very thankful to be blessed with a visit from these priesthood leaders.

We arose very early (4:30 am) on Saturday morning to get ourselves ready, pick up our passengers and travel to Neenah.  It turned out to be a rainy morning almost all the way to Neenah.  However, as we got closer to our destination, the storm stopped and the weather was very pleasant.  How beautifully green is Wisconsin, everywhere we go!

We arrived at the Neenah Chapel at about 8:20 am.  There were lots of missionary cars already in the parking lot.  We entered the chapel and found that it was already almost full of elders and sisters.  It was an amazing sight as we scanned the chapel from the back.  One of the counselors in the mission presidency came to the back and said they wanted to fit all the missionaries into the chapel area and to close the overflow area.  We moved a row of folding chairs from the overflow up behind the last row in the chapel.  That is where we sat. 

At 8:30 am, President Jones and Sister Jones lead the group of priesthood leaders into the chapel and onto the stand.  All the missionaries stood as they entered.  Church leaders accompanying our mission president were, Elder Oaks, of the Twelve; Elder Whitney Clayton, of the Presidency of the Seventy; Elder Gifford Nielson, of the First Quorum of the Seventy; Elder Randy Funk of the Second Quorum of the Seventy; and Elder Jack Ward, Area Authority Seventy.  President Jones explained to the missionaries that all of those on the stand would come to the floor level and line up across the front.  Then the missionaries would come forward starting from the front, row by row, and shake hands with all of the leaders. 

It was a precious thing to watch the individual missionaries greet their president and his wife for the last time before they return to their home in Monroe UT on June 28.  There were affectionate embraces, not just handshakes.  It was a very emotional time for the Jones, and for many of  the missionaries.  What a special blessing to be able to have all of their 210 missionaries together one last time before leaving them behind.  In the receiving line next to the mission president and his wife were Elder Oaks, then Elder Clayton, Elder Nielson, Elder Funk and Elder Ward.  There is a “pecking order” in the Church.  I don’t mean that in any derogatory sense.  It is part of what President Packer calls “the unwritten order of the Church.”

After all of us had had the opportunity to greet and be greeted by the priesthood leaders, which took about fifteen minutes, the dignitaries returned to their seats on the stand.  The prelude music resumed until time for the meeting to begin.  After the opening hymn and prayer, a special musical number was offered.  Two elders (one was Elder Kanahele who served with us in Kenosha Spanish when we first came) sang, accompanied by a sister on the piano and a sister on the violin.  It was lovely and prepared us for hearing from those on the stand.

Sister Jones talked about the “tender mercies of the Lord” to them, and how thankful she was for serving at this time in Wisconsin.  She made reference to the “I can do hard things” statement that has been quoted before.  This was a very hard thing for her.  Mostly she spoke of her gratitude and gave her testimony.

President Jones – The Book of Mormon is a very important part of the “marvelous work and wonder” referred to by Isaiah (ch. 29).  He gave his testimony of the Lord’s work.  The Book of Mormon teaches of the pride cycle, the doctrine of Christ, to build on the Rock of our salvation (Hel.5), that He is the Rock (3 Nephi 11).  Our mission purpose (PMG) is the doctrine of Christ.  Alma’s question, “if you’ve felt it previously, do you feel it now?”  Making and renewing covenants, nourishes and strengthens our faith to be able to do harder things.  This puts us into the upward spiral that is “enduring to the end.”  Expressed his heartfelt gratitude and gave his testimony.

Elder James Ward – Area Authority Seventy – You will never forget your mission president and his wife.  Jacob 1:5-7 – We do it first for ourselves, then for others.  PMG, p.6 – purpose of the Gospel.  “My missionary purpose.”  PMG, p 146 – goals – D& C 4:4 – a sickle is a one person devise, we do our own missionary work personally, within our reach.  Same with the ordinances. 

Elder Randy Funk – Second Quorum of Seventy – newly sustained – (he and his wife were in the MTC with Pres. & Sister Jones, preparing to serve as mission president, was just recently released to serve as Seventy).  The desires of your heart – New stake formed in India. Two men came to the gate and asked about what church the building was for.  One was a minister for a Christian church.  Invited them in to see the building and to listen to two young men who came.  After listening one of the men said, “I always did believe that Jesus would have just one church.” PMG, p. 9 – Elder Oaks quote.  Align your will with that of Heavenly Father.  Suggestion PMG, p. 19, p.2.  Study time becomes more meaningful and purposeful as we focus on understanding the Atonement.  May give you the great desire to share the gospel. 

Elder Gifford Nielson – First Quorum of Seventy – newly sustained – Preparation for this day; D&C 50:22, 24. I have done the same.  This may be your perfect day to be instructed by and Apostle of the Lord.  Expressed gratitude for Elder Oaks, who was Pres. of BYU when Elder Nielson attended there as a student.  Pres. Oaks hired LaVell Edwards to be the football coach.  As his FB coach LaVell has had a great impact on his life.  Recently had open heart surgery in December; as he came out of surgery, all connected up to tubes, etc., said to his wife please call the bishop.  We are not going to be able to attend tithing settlement.  Please tell him we are full tithe payers.  Timothy, “Be thou an example of the believers” – A key for him as stake president setting apart his missionaries – counsel them to be the kind of companion that each of their companions will say about their mission, “the best part of my mission was the time I spend serving with Elder _________.”  You are a prophetic priority.  You have the Prophet and Apostles praying constantly for you.  Enoch’s call, Moses 6:26-27, 31-33, Moses 7:13 – can that happen to you?

Elder Whitney Clayton – Presidency of First Quorum of Seventy – Told experience with mission president in Canary Islands, the Hawaii of Spain.  Goldar – no baptisms for 10 years.  Impressed to send a very dedicated missionary with 6 weeks left to go, together with a brand new missionary to Goldar to baptize before going home.  Found a family with 3 + 2 children, plus two more = 5 baptisms in 6 weeks after 10 years without any. Does not take some extraordinary thing – just obedience and faithfulness.  Returning members to activity is just as important as baptizing.  D&C 4:4, Alma 23:5, 6, 7.  Be careful that you turn people to the Lord by inviting them . . . it is not about you.  Be careful.  Heard quoted by one of the Twelve, “It is an offense to a sacred ordinance to baptize someone who has not repented.”  Help others bury the weapons of their rebellion . . . you do the same.  D&C 112:30-32 – the power of having an Apostle with you.  “Blessed to open the last dispensation . . .” (from Praise to the Man, opening hymn)

Elder Dallin Oaks – Quorum of the Twelve – this assignment is a first for him to have 4 Seventies with him.  Always has at least 1, has had 2 many times, once or twice had 3, but never 4.  D&C 28:8 – “sent out to establish the Church.”  By teaching conversion; by teaching retention; by teaching re-activation.  You are FT missionaries.  General Authorities are FT for the term of their call.  Once President Packer told the Apostles, “Your calling is to grow old and die on stage.”  FT for life.  Few people in the Church are full-time in their callings.   It is a choice time to be a FT servant of the Lord.  Update on Pres. Monson – looked terrible for the week after Sister Monson passed away; great concern for him felt. The next week he looked perfectly normal, even energized.  Confirmed Elder Clayton’s quote, “It is an offense to a sacred ordinance to baptize someone who has not repented.”  Challenge – can you find a scripture that talks about baptism that does not have repentance related to it.  You should never think of baptism without repentance.  RE: repentance – so often tied to remorse, sorrow.  But true repentance means CHANGE!  Even by degrees it is change. Repentance accompanied by confession to those we have wronged.  Repentance precedes baptism. Repentance precedes taking the sacrament.  The Spirit of the Lord will not dwell in unclean tabernacle.  We each must repent. . . “that they may always have His Spirit to be with them.”  D&C 20: 77

My scripture reading program – I don’t find a lot of spiritual nourishment reading the census of the Twelve Tribes in the Old Testament.  Reads the other three Standard Works in rotation, with the O.T. every 4-5 years.  Also studies scriptures by topic.

“Establish My gospel . . .” before the Church was organized.  “Establish my Church . . .” after the Church was organized.  It is an ongoing process.  “Establishing my gospel” is centered on Christ’s Atonement.  “Establishing my Church” is centered on the Lord’s prophet, and the keys he holds for all the ordinances and the blessings that flow from them.  Missionaries are doing both.

Letter from missionary grandson about 4 years ago, never felt to share it, but does today.  Re: How to start a conversation with local residents.  Would you like to know why I am here?  (principle – how do you get people interested to listen to you?)  “We are here because we know families are meant to be eternal.  We know that Christ’s Church was lost from the earth.  It has now be brought back.  May we tell you more about why we are here.?”

P-day is a missionary day too.  Do GA’s have a P-day?  Yes.  Usually Monday.  After returning from assignment we don’t go into our office on Monday.  “get our hair cut” haha. 

Influence of leaders in our lives (Elder Nielson’s reference to Coach Edwards).  My stake president as a graduate student at U of Chicago, John K. Edmonds.  People’s lives are touched one on one.  Every servant will touch someone. Be worthy.  Be willing.  Be anxiously engaged, and the Lord will use you. 

Story of meeting Olsen Amu, patriarch in Los Angeles area, Chinese ancestry, but grew up in American Samoa.  His family gave the land for the Samoan Temple.  Where did your name come from?  Did not know.  Father died as a baby and mother died when he was two.  He was raised by other family members.  No one ever told him why he was named Olsen.  He was told he was named for a great teacher that was beloved by the people.  Elder Oaks asked about his parents, what year would they have lived in Apia and gone to school there.  Did some quick calculations, then said, “I will tell you who you are named for.  My great grandfather was called to serve as a teacher at the Church school during the time that Bro. Amu’s parents would have been attending.  They loved the teacher and named their son for him.

You are called to teach by the power of the Holy Spirit. Conduct your life so you can.

Today for you it is missionary work.

For your lifetime it covenants.  Make them!  Keep them!

Special Guests

 

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert

Father Mike, Teresa, Elder and Sis. Skinner

 

Teresa, Archbishop Listecki, and Father Mike

Father Mike...Thank You's

On Tue, Jun 18, 2013

 

Father Mike,

Again, we thank you for accompanying us to the concert last night.  It was a joy for us to be in your company.  Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences.  We are growing to love this area more each day.  Having new friends like you and Teresa makes our growing attachment even greater. 

Thank you for being instrumental in inviting Teresa to join us.  That extra ticket was obviously meant for her!  We really enjoyed getting to know her.

The pictures are attached.  Hope you enjoy them.  You're going to have some surprised friends!

Our best,

 

Charles & Vicki Skinner

 

 

Charles and Vicki

What a wonderful evening and a delight to be with you and so many of your co-believers who are courteous to the core. Thanks also for the pictures. Surely the debt is all mine, even for the delicious butter pecan cone!

 

Fr. Mike

 

June 18, 2013

Teresa,

Thank you again for accepting Father Mike's invite to accompany us to the concert.  You were meant to be there!  It was for you!

We have attached the pictures we took.  Enjoy!

Charles & Vicki Skinner 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Charles,

Thank you so much for a most enjoyable evening with you, your wife Vicki and Fr. Mike.  It was great meeting you both!

We had a staff meeting this morning and I shared with everyone about  how Archbishop Listecki  got to conduct the Mormon Tabernacle Choir  last night!

Thanks for sending the pictures!  

I hope to see you on Sunday, June 30^th at 8:50am for our 9:00am Mass!  

Have a great day!

 Theresa J

The Hand Of The Lord...

 

18 June 2013

The Hand of the Lord is always in His work.  Yesterday proved again that this is true.  What a blessing it is to see Heavenly Father’s hand in His work, as we surely did!

More than a month ago I attended the annual stake high priest quorum meeting.  Branch president, David Calderwood, invited me to accompany him on Sunday evening.  We road in his sports car to Hall’s Corner, (Milwaukee suburb) where the Milwaukee South Stake Center is located.  President Bruner, the stake president, spoke at length about the Tabernacle Choir coming to Milwaukee.  He emphasized that the purpose of their coming was to increase missionary work.  He told us that we should buy tickets, then, pray to know the right persons to invite.  He said, “If you don’t have the money to buy tickets, then, pray to know how to have the money.”  I was touched by his bold counsel.    

When I came home I shared with Vicki what the stake president had counseled. We agreed that we should be obedient.  I went on line and ordered 4 tickets.  They were about $45 each.  For us, this was a significant amount.  Following this, we began praying to know who we should invite to accompany us.  After a week or more had passed, we decided to invite hermana Cecilia Roman, a recent baptism in the branch.  She has a non-member friend that we asked her to invite to accompany us.  After a week or so Cecilia said her friend would be out of the state at the time of the concert.  So we began praying for direction on who else to invite.  We finally settled on inviting Father Mike Newman, a fellow volunteer at the Shalom Food Pantry whom we have become acquainted with.  Fr. Mike is a retired Catholic priest who lives at St. Marks rectory in Kenosha. 

Fr. Mike accepted our invitation.  Neither he nor Cecilia knew much about the Choir.  We e-mailed a link to Fr. Mike from the Choir’s website regarding the 2003 Midwest Tour.  It has samples of their performances, and people sharing their experiences in attending previous tour concerts.  Fr. Mike became more excited about going.  We gave Cecilia a CD of the Choir.  She also became more excited. 

Sunday, June 16, the day before the concert, Cecilia reluctantly told us she did not think she would be able to go.  Her daughter would likely have to work on Monday evening, making it necessary for Cecilia to take care of the two grandchildren.  We asked her to let us know if she couldn’t go, so we could try to find someone else to use the ticket.  Cecilia texted about 8:30 Sunday night, saying she would not be going with us, and apologized. 

Vicki and I immediately began thinking of who we might invite in Cecilia’s place.  We made a list and decided to ask Heavenly Father what we should do.  We slept on the dilemma.  In the morning we had thought of Barb, the director of the Shalom Food Pantry, where we volunteer.  Then the thought came to call Fr. Mike and explain to him what had happened, asking him who we should invite.  We did so.  One of his first suggestions was Barb.  Vicki and I went to the Pantry to see Barb.  It was about 10 AM.  We told her about the concert and explained that Fr. Mike was going with us.  She became very excited about the Choir and the opportunity to hear them in person.  But then she explained that she had a meeting scheduled Monday evening that she could not miss.  How she wished she could go. 

At that point, we called Fr. Mike back and explained to him that since he knew so many more people than we did, we would like to put it in his hands to invite someone to use the extra ticket.  He agreed to do it, and to let us know how things progressed.  We continued to pray that Fr. Mike would be guided to someone who would be blessed by going with us. 

A couple of hours later he called to say that he had talked to several people.  He related that each one he had talked to spoke very enthusiastically about being able to hear the Choir, but they all had previous commitments Monday night.  He said he had talked to John, a close friend who is now in his eighties, and who has had a funeral home business for decades in Kenosha.  John very definitely wanted to go, but was up north at his cottage, but thought he could be back by 5 pm.  Our plan was to be on the road by 6 pm.  So we said John would be great, and let it go at that.  At about 4:30 pm Fr.Mike called again to say that John would not be back in time to accompany us.  He explained that a lady named Teresa Setter, who was the director of music at St. Mary’s Parrish, and a friend of his had come to his mind.  He had invited Teresa and she excitedly accepted.  She was very familiar with the Choir, loved their music, and could not believe she would actually be having the opportunity to hear it in person.  Vicki and I felt good that we finally had two guests to accompany us. 

We went by to pick up Fr. Mike just before 6 pm.  Teresa was waiting to meet us at St. Mary’s church when we arrived.  Finally, we were off to Milwaukee for the concert.  Both our guests are long-time residents of Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee.  They knew much of the history of the area and delighted us with accounts of happenings and landmarks that we knew nothing of before.  Our 45 minute drive was very pleasant and without incident.  I had gone to Mapquest for driving directions to the Milwaukee Theater. We had them examine them and they said they could navigate us there much more directly, and they did. 

We arrived at the Theater in downtown Milwaukee before 7 pm, and parked in the structure behind the Theater.  We made our way into the Theater with the multitude of excited people who had also come to enjoy the Choir.  Our seats were in the balcony, just off center and perhaps 6 rows up.  It was a perfect place from which to enjoy the performance.  The Choir and Orchestra were already in their places on stage.  The entire stage was filled with people. 

At the appointed moment, Mack Wilberg, Choir director, walked on stage, took the director’s podium.  The concert was underway.  The Choir performed two beautiful Welsh hymns.  At the conclusion of the second one, Teresa said, “I think I am in heaven!”  As the program continued through the evening, both of our guests were filled with joy at listening to the Choir live.  Repeatedly they expressed their wonder and appreciation for being present.  The program came to a close with the Choir singing “Come, Come, Ye Saints,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”  Then came a standing ovation.  The director returned to the stage for the encore, “God Bless America.”  Then came the second encore.  The announcer explained that it was a tradition for the Choir to invite a local, well-known and loved person to direct the final encore.  As he introduced the guest conductor, Archbishop Jerome Listecki, he came on stage, baton in hand, stopped before going on the podium and crossed himself.  A huge smile came to his face as he stepped up and began to direct, “This Land is Your Land.”  It was obvious that the Archbishop was enjoying himself.  He was dressed in his formal habit, with his little red cap on his head.  Several times he had to grab the hat to keep it from slipping off as he conducted.  He conducted the Choir and Orchestra with great enthusiasm.

When the Archbishop was announced, Fr. Mike and Teresa were stunned.  Their mouths dropped open and they gasped, “Archbishop Listecki here?  To direct the Mormon Tabernacle Choir?”  Then they seemed to relax and thoroughly enjoy it.  At the conclusion of the number the Archbishop stepped off the podium, grinning, knelt on one knee and crossed himself again.  Obviously his prayer had been answered.  Our guests, over and over, expressed their wonder at what they had just seen. 

As we descended to the lobby we found the Archbishop there greeting people.  It was apparent that he was still enjoying himself.  Both Fr. Mike and Teresa knew the Archbishop personally.  We had them pose together and took their picture.  Fr. Mike was so excited.  He said, “Wait until I show that picture to my colleagues.”  What a marvelous, unexpected conclusion to an amazing evening with the wonderful Choir.

Kyle Vincent, son of our dear friends from Parowan, is a member of the Choir.  We had e-mailed with the Vincents and they with Kyle to try to arrange for us to meet him in front of the Theater after the concert.  So we waited there for nearly 20 minutes without seeing any of the Choir members appear.  What we didn’t realize was that the Choir members were all changing into their street clothes and preparing to board the 11 buses that would take them to their hotel.  Finally we decided that we would not be able to meet Kyle.  We began to go to the parking structure behind the theater.  As we turned the corner of the theater and walked down the sidewalk, the choir members were coming from the back of the theater out to the front where their buses were awaiting them.  All wore nametags.  We watched for Kyle but did not see him. 

About half way through the block I observed a couple walking with the Choir members, and said to myself, “that is my cousin.”  As we met, he recognized me as well and we shook hands and embraced.  It was Elder & Sister Craig Cardon of the Seventy.  I am afraid my, “Well, hello my cousin,” was probably not the appropriate greeting to be used with a member of the Seventy.  But it was what it was.  They explained that they were on assignment from the Brethren to accompany the Choir on this tour.  We introduced them to our guests and visited for a few minutes before going our separate ways.  It was a sweet “family moment” for me.   In retrospect, I am a bit embarrassed that I was not more formal in greeting them.  They were very warm and kind and acted like all was as it should be.  However, I feel I owe him an apology for being too familiar in that setting. 

As we were leaving downtown Milwaukee, Teresa insisted we stop at Leon’s, a long time Milwaukee tradition.  Their frozen custard is always in high demand.  We each enjoyed the butter pecan cones and visited as we started the drive home.

As we drove back to Kenosha, the opportunity presented itself for me to explain many things regarding the LDS Church.  A Restoration discussion was shared with our friends.  After explaining what the Book of Mormon is and its role in the Church, I offered to give a copy to Fr. Mike.  He did not respond, so I said I certainly did not want to in any way jeopardize his position at the rectory where he lives.  Teresa just laughed.  We all did.  Teresa told us that her choir is going to be singing “Battle Hymn of the Republic” on Sunday, June 30^th for the 9:00 am mass.  She invited Vicki and me to attend with her.  We accepted her invite.  It has been a while since we attended mass.

While we arrived home very late Monday evening and were both very tired, we rejoiced in the fact that Heavenly Father had answered our prayers.  It was His hand that was in the process of inviting the right people to the concert.  Truly these two were supposed to be there. 

How grateful we are to be His servants.