On Saturday evening, Jeff and Kara invited us to go to dinner with a couple that is living in Michigan but contemplating a move to Utah. Dinner was at Bambara---so we jumped at the chance. After dinner, Jeff suggested a walking tour of Salt Lake (I am not kidding here---although the dress was "casual" I was in a pair of red heels so the walking would not have been my first thought---) So, off we went---up Main Street and second south, (check out the construction of City Center through the glass observation window), through the Main Street Plaza, left on North Temple to the North Temple entrance to Temple Square, through Temple Square (with a stop in the Tabernacle), out the South Temple entrance, down to Fourth West and Gateway---through Gateway, back to second south and back to Main Street. At the end, by feet were killing me. However---there was a wonderful highlight---when we got to the South Temple exit, we saw Elder and Sister Dalin Oaks. They are neighbors of Edwards and we could tell that Jeff wanted to introduce our visitors to the Oaks. However, the Oaks were otherwise occupied. Elder Oaks was bent over in conversation with a man in a wheel chair. This man was disheveled, unshaven---quite the contrast from our Michigan guests. As we stood waiting for Elder Oaks to finish (and Kara conversed with Sister Oaks), we could hear the man explaining that though he lived in SLC, he hadn't been to the square before and had some serious questions and concerns about the reality of a God and religion, etc. Elder Oaks listened respectfully. Then he pulled out his wallet and handed the man his card. He told the man that he was an official of the Church and would be happy to talk to him about his concerns and questions at any time. He then continued his conversation in a warm and friendly manner. It became apparent that he was not going to end his discussion with his new friend, so Jeff gave up and we continued on. I was so touched at the kindness and humility with which Elder Oaks dealt with this man. What an example to me!!! At the end of the evening, my feet were killing me---blisters were the least of it all---but I really was grateful for being a witness to the way that a true disciple of Christ treats those who are so spiritually and temporally needy! It was worth the walk!
The Camping Tent:
