Here is how it went down :)
Since I am the only child of my parents who lives close, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend this amazing event. Also in attendance were, Lori and Rich Woodland (friends), Tony and Jessica (niece/"daughter" and husband), and AmyJo (former student/friend/"daughter").
Something that was kind of cool and weird at the same time was the security at the church office buildings. I wasn't surprised at all by how serious the security is there, but to be a part of it was interesting. They had my parents name on a list so that we could park in "Elder Bednar's peoples spot." It was very official hahaha.
Tender Mercies
As we were waiting in the waiting area, my dad saw a man who recognized him, and gave him a hug and a big pat on the back. Dad told us that it was Elder Nash of the Seventy and he had spoken at a devotional at BYU Idaho and they had met there and really had a great connection.
After a little while of waiting, they were ready for us and we were escorted down the hall and to the elevator. We were greeted by Elder Bednar's secretary who showed us to a conference room, and said he would be with us shortly. As we were waiting, we were also told that Elder Nash would be the one assisting Elder Bednar in the setting apart. The secretary told my dad that when Elder Nash had come up, he was so excited and said that he had seen my dad in the waiting room and gave him a big hug. He said he felt blessed to be a part of this special occasion for my parents. It is just so cool to see the Lords hand in the small details of our life.
Another really amazing thing that happened was when Elder Bedanr looked across the table and saw Lori. Lori had been the women's basketball coach at BYU Idaho (Ricks) when Elder Bednar was the president of the school. They were both there when the competitive sports program was taken away, and replaced with sports only as activities. I remember when that change was made, I wasn't living in Rexburg at the time, but it made a huge splash even in California, and people were not happy about it. Lori had said she was a little nervous to see Elder Bednar in person after so long and wasn't sure if he would remember her. As soon as he saw her, his face lit up with a smile. He was surprised to see her there, but was so happy she was. They reminisced about their time at the school, and he thanked her for her support during the rough time when sports had been taken away. He had said that after the announcement was made, he and his wife would sit alone at sporting events, and no one would talk to them because they were so upset about the change. He thanked Lori for being a supportive faculty member and friend. It may not seem like a lot, but the spirit was so strong, everyone was emotional, and it was an incredible moment for Lori.
Blessings From An Apostle of the Lord
Being in the room with an apostle and a general authority was truly an amazing feeling. My parents were able to ask some questions, and Elder Bednar asked them some questions as well. Elder Nash spoke about loving the people. He said the most important thing my parents can do is love the people of Ecuador, and love the missionaries that are serving them. Elder Bednar addressed my mom's concern about leaving her family. He said some things that were surprising to me, but comforting at the same time.
This is paraphrasing what he said:
"There are too many good couples, who decline calls, or who choose not to serve, because they don't want to miss the basketball games, the soccer games, the plays, and the recitals. You are serving the Lord and his people. You are dedicating 3 years of you life to the Lords work. Your family will be blessed and taken care of. And when it comes time for your grandsons to serve missions, they will have their grandparents as an example. Those grandparents who don't serve, will be responsible for their grandchildren who don't serve. Don't worry about your family. They are proud of you, and the Lord is watching over them."
I am so grateful for the example that my parents are setting for everyone who knows them. They were called by the Lord to serve, and they accepted his call, as difficult as it might be at some times.
Elder Bednar set apart my dad as mission president. And Elder Nash set apart my mom as my dads companion. The blessings were special, and the spirit was the strongest I have ever felt. It was amazing how the words flowed so smoothly from their mouths. They are so in tune with the spirit, and close with the Lord, that they didn't even have to think about what to say. It was pretty amazing.
Elder Bednar...He's a pretty cool guy :)
He took the time to go around the table and ask everyone who was there who they were and what they did. He shook all of our hands and was more than happy to let us take a picture with him.
I think he gets a lot of grief for being so strict and to the point when he speaks, but he is a gentle, loving, normal guy who loves the Lord and Loves the gospel.
Extras
On our way out of the conference room, I literally ran into Elder Nelson, who was with Elder Oaks. We got to say hi to them and shake their hands, which was pretty cool. And on the way out to the hall, Sister Burton, General Relief Society President, was coming into the room. She didn't know who my parents were, but she gave them big hugs. My dad told her he was the newest mission president in the church :) She congratulated him, and gave ALL of us hugs and told us how much she loved and appreciated us.
It was a pretty special day.
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