Choices & Consequences

A thought from President Hinckley's Stand a Little Taller (May 20th)

I read this on Monday or Tuesday after dad and mom left for Japan. It reads:

"Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you." Moses 6:33

Pres. Hinckley then adds: "Have you ever looked at a great farm gate that opens and closes? If you look at the hinge, it moves ever so little. Just a little movement of that hinge creates tremendous consequences out on the perimeter. That is the way it is with our lives. It is the little decisions that make the great differences in our lives."

As I read this, I felt that this was a tender mercy of the Lord to me. I had felt impressed to share at home evening on Sunday before you left, Alma 37:6-7 about how the Lord accomplishes great things through small and simple means. This was a confirmation to me of that prompting and the importance of our everyday decisions and choices (usually the small and simple ones like a prompting to share a testimony or go visit someone or to smile at someone and speak in broken Japanese :) or to speak kindly to your spouse when you are frustrated or tired).

Mom & Dad, as a family, we are so proud of your willingness to choose to serve the Lord this day and every day for the next 18 months. When times are difficult, think of the farm gate swinging on the far end; it may seem like you are not moving much, but the gate at the other end is moving a lot. We are praying for your success and know the Lord will bless you as He knows what is expedient for you.

Love,

Eric

Elder & Sister Hansen - MTC

"Oh How Lovely was the morning!" The MTC was a marvelous experience and here are a few pictures that share a few of our experiences.

We spent some time in the referral center taking calls. Mom got two referrals! I only got a lady who's accent was so heavy that I couldn't understand. We didn't have the camera with us so I went back and took a picture of some young Elders. When the phone rings you put on your head set, answer the phone, thank them for calling, listen to their needs, share your testimony, and arrange for a visit from the local missionaries.

There were 5 sets of missionaries going to various offices - California, Missouri, Ukrane, and Japan. We spent the second week together and became well acquainted.

The two weeks were filled with giving investigator discussions, great devotionals, language training, Sunday meetings, MTC food, wonderful instructors, and lots of new friends.

Now, unlike Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball who stood in the back of the wagon when they were almost too sick to stand, we too are ready to depart early tomorrow morning.

At present our floor is covered with filled suitcases awaiting a last minute check and then like Brigham and Heber, we shout "Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah for Israel," and then be off for a 15-hour journey to Sendai. We won't get into our apartment until the evening of May 30, so we're not sure what our communications will be for the coming few days.

We love you and are greatful for this exciting opportunity.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Viewer Discretion Advised

As many of you know, Ashley had quite an adventure while Janny and I were in Indiana. She tried a triple back-flip off the monkey bars and didn't quite stick the landing. We thought you might want to see the pictures. Ash was very tough and brave! She was told that all the boys come into the office bawling when they break their arms. Ash was smiling!

View at your own risk (especially pic #3).

#1 - Ashley after getting cast

#2 Ashley's x-ray

#3 Ashley's arm right after the accident