MIRACLES --- 20 August 2013

MIRACLE      #2

We arrived in the Dominican Republic on September 17, 2012 at about midnight.  We slept at the Mission Presidents home,  in his "general authorities" room.  No we didn't feel like a general authority.  The very next day, we went into the office where we would be spending the majority of our time the next 18 months.  We met Marcos Breton, the Institute Director.  We introduced ourselves and began to get to know each other.  The semester for the Young Adults had just begun, and so he asked if I wanted to teach that day, September 18, the course would be:  La Historia de la Iglesia, or The History of the Church.  I jokingly said, "Sure."  (this was a course starting with Joseph Smith until today)

He reached behind his desk, grabbed a manual and gave it to me and said,  "Good you start today at 5:00 in room number 101."  I looked at my good wife, dropped my jaw to the floor and said, "I guess I better get started studying." I had not spoken, read, conversed, taught in Spanish for about 40 years, and I was going to teach a class of students.  It was scary, yet exciting.  I did it.

This next week, I will finish that manual, after three semesters, forty nine chapters, 717 pages and almost one year.   I have made many beloved student friends, learned more than I can say, and even "brushed" up on my Spanish a bit.  I have been directed by the Holy Ghost what to teach, how to teach it, and how to make history come alive in their lives. We have all learned many lessons of adversity, afflictions, gaining experience, and respect for the early day saints.  This was truly a miracle.

And let me say just a word about that...

For the past year I  have sat in this wonderful Church History class and marveled at Elder Partridge's teaching skills.  This class in particular has been a wonderful example of helping students discover through studying our history, the Gospel principles that can bless their lives today.  And believe me, he has done more than "brush up" on his Spanish.  It's been amazing to witness first hand where he began a year ago and where he is today.  His Spanish came back like riding a bike, but understanding this "version" of Spanish was very challenging (and still is for me!)  He needed them to slow down and repeat their responses and often just had to smile and say "gracias."  Today, the students love to share what they think and feel; he responds to all of them and they have very lively discussions.  I just smile and listen and watch in amazement.  It's a joy to behold!