We come into this young mans life, just before his nineteenth birthday. His name is Jeremy Benson, he's from Logan Utah, and he has just received his appointment with the bishop. To discuss his up coming mission there are certain ethical questions that the Bishop is going to be asking about his recent living. He's just now getting ready for an interview, putting on some slacks, tie, and a white shirt, the only shirt he will be wearing for the next two years of his life. The spirit is not going to work unless Jeremy is honest and, except for some minor infractions, he is the all-American boy we think he is.
He is a very nice young man, about four-feet eleven-inches tall and a little on the thin side, but then most LDS run toward the thin side. He has white blond hair and crystal blue eyes. He can only be described as just adorable with his little pug nose. His facial feature's look like they belong to a twelve-year-old instead of the nineteen-year-old he is. He has little to no shoulders to speak of - he's just as square as a "T". His white blond hair flops over to the side and looks like he never combs it. He lets it fall where it may, but it parts more or less toward the middle. So, he looks very much like an Amish boy.
He had just received his mission papers and would soon be receiving a letter telling him where he would be serving his mission. Excited, he goes to the A&W to get his favorite chocolate shake. While waiting, a friend of the family comes over to talk to the young future missionary and pays for Jeremy's shake, telling the waitress that Jeremy's money is no good there. He says to Jeremy,
"I'll pay the bill. Why don't you get a hamburger why you're at it?"
"Ah, sure, Mr. Jenson thanks. What's this all for any way?" Jeremy said.
"Well son, you're going on your mission and I thought I'd give you a going away present, that's all."
"Oh, ok thanks Mr. Jenson. So how is the dairy business nowadays?"
"Well, the price supports are weaker than I like and Cache Valley Processing is not paying enough to suit me, so I've been selling to Grace Farms out in Logan. Well, I have to go son but tell your Mom and Dad hello for me. Okay?"
"Yes sir," said Jeremy
As our future Elder finished munching down on his hamburger and slurping on his shake, he was thinking about his future. He's just beginning to take in how his life would change. There would be no more dating, but then there hasn't much to begin with anyway. This would be the last time he'd be alone for the next two years, he would always have a companion by his side in the near future. Well, it's going to be different that's for sure, just thinking to himself.
Munching down that last fry, he swallows his last bit of shake. It's been a few days now since he heard anything. Returning home, he anxiously checks with his mother.
"I was hoping something came for me in the mail today Mom?"
"No not today son," said his mother.
"Okay, well I'm going over to Jimmy's. See you later."
"Hey! Don't you have a kiss for your mother?"
"Ah mom, why do you have to be so mushy?"
"Because you’re my baby and your going away soon, and I won't be able to see you again that's why!"
"It's just two years Mom. Okay, here see yea later." Jeremy gives his Mom a big hug and turns leave
"That's fine, but don’t come home too late now, you hear," she said.
"Yes, mom."
Later, with his friend Jimmy, Jeremy confides, "Man my mom is going to pieces fast. I wish that letter was already here so I'd know where I'm going."
"Yeah, so do I," said Jimmy.
"When is your letter coming?" asked Jeremy.
"Any day now," said Jimmy.
"So Jimmy, where do you want to go, on your mission?" asked Jeremy.
"Any place but Texas. I can't stand Texans. They’re pretty ornery. How about you Jeremy?"
"Well, I'd like to serve a state side mission - I don't what to catch any of those foreign diseases. I’m happy to serve my church. I just don't want to get any skinnier than I am now," said Jeremy.
"Yeah Jeremy a good wind would blow you down the road real quick."
"Hey don't rub it in."
"Sorry Jeremy, but man you will be among the shortest state side missionaries in the field. If you went to South America you wouldn't blend in, but you are about the right height."
"Yeah that's true. Well, I have to get back for dinner, it's almost ready now," said Jeremy.
"Yeah, sure it's all good. See you later."
"Not if I see you first," said Jeremy.
"Get out of here already! " hollered Jimmy.
"Okay, see ya," said Jeremy.
Back on the home front, Jimmy enters the house and asks, "How's dinner?"
"It's really pretty good. Didn't think you'd make it back in time. Well sit and say grace," said Jeremy's dad.
"Yes, Dad," said Jeremy.
"Son, we've got that north forty that needs the fence line checked tomorrow. Take the truck and the tools you need and get it walked off by supper tomorrow."
"Okay, Dad."
"And remember to go thank Mr. Ferguson for letting you have those extra hours you needed to save up for your mission."
"I already did. I gave him my two weeks notice yesterday," responded Jeremy.
"That's good son, but remember you are coming home in two years and you'll need a job again, so it never pays to burn your bridges."
"Yes, Dad."
"So are you ready for your mission?"
"Well I think so, but I won't really know until I get out of the Mission Training Center," said Jeremy.
"Well, did you read the book of Mormon all the way through like I told you to?"
"Yes, Dad, I surely did. I won't be know J. Golden Kimball thinking that epistles are wives of the apostles," said Jeremy.
"That's good son, but I wouldn't go around quoting him on your mission. He may be beloved by us farmers, but he may not quite cut it down there in MTC. Oh they love him, but it may not go over well."
"Yes, Dad."
Finally, the letter arrives. Jeremy and his mother look down at it while she questions, "Well aren't you going to open it?"
"No Mom, I'm going to wait 'til Dad gets home. Then I'll open it," said Jeremy.
"Sounds good to me Jeremy, wait 'til your father gets home," said his Mom.
Later, after his father had returned home, he asked about the letter. "So son what does it say?" said Jeremy's Dad.
"It says I'm going to California. To the Arcadia Mission. It's in the San Gabriel Valley," said Jeremy.
"Where's that?" said Mom. To Dad she said, "Get the Atlas."
Holding the Atlas, Jeremy points to a spot in California and says, "Here it is! It's in Southern California - near Los Angeles, about twenty seven miles from it," he said.
"It’s a state side mission just like you wanted," said Mom.
"Yes it is, and I'm happy about that. It has good weather, and the field is ready to harvest. I sort of thought they'd put me at Temple Square in Salt Lake City because of my size," said Jeremy.
"Jeremy, don't you pay no never mind to what people say about your height. You're just a late bloomer, it will happen sooner or later," said Dad.
"If you say so Dad, but sooner would be better than later," said Jeremy.
Taking out their endowment at the temple is among the most important things that happen to a Latter Day Saint. Most members understand that it is a very special day - a day when one makes many leaps of faith that are required of a missionary, and of all members. The first step on a mission is to see your bishop. There, the missionary or member makes a recent confession of all their faults of recent living because the spirit is not going to work unless they do this. Then the missionary receives a call telling them where they’re going and what their mission will be. At this time, the Missionary also receives a new name.
Latter Day Saints go to the temple to receive their endowment. These are blessing to remind them of the vows they will make this day and to honor them. On this day they receive a washing, are anointed, and receive several blessings. They will also visit the three different levels of the temple today. It's about dying to one way of living and being reborn to a larger way of living. In Corinthians it says, "When I was a child I spoke as a child, when I became a man I put away childish things." The Temple is about an act of charity, and it is about receiving that act of charity. In this church there are two wills, "there the will to receive and the will to impart", and when you get down to it, that 's what it's all about. As a missionary you are receiving blessing this day, but in the field you are giving that blessing to others. Jeremy Benson became Elder Benson after visited the temple, few days later after going to the temple.
"Jeremy are you ready? Your Mom wants to know," said Dad.
"Yes, Dad, I think so. Let me double check it again. Tooth paste, two suits, ten pairs of garments, ten pairs of socks, sheets - one set, alarm clock, and two large suitcases. Yeah it all checks off my list," said Jeremy.
"Son, did you pack anything for Preparation, or P day," said Dad.
"No, I forgot," said Jeremy.
"You might want to take some shorts and tennis shoes to play in. Did you see the sun rise coming over Bear Lake this morning? Did you see the red hues coming off the lake?" said Dad.
"Yes Dad, I thought I saw a man on a white horse named faithful too," said Jeremy smiling.
"It's cold, grab your coat. We have long drive ahead of us so let's get going. We're burning daylight!"
"Coming Dad."
Jeremy takes a measure of it and he looks around one last time. He gets a lump in his throat that he can't seem to clear just yet. The baseball caps, the Jazz poster on the wall, his mud cover hiking boots from the dairy, but there's no more time. This has been his whole life up to this moment - this room, the farm and the church. Now he's off to serve the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Coming down the mountain to the Salt Lake valley below it is just couple hours drive for Elder Benson and his Dad.
"Son take care of yourself," said Dad.
"Yes Dad. So this is the MTC?" said Jeremy.
"Yes, it's totally changed since I was here last. It's not new, but I don't remember any of these buildings. You'll be okay from here on, remember what I told you about the food - eat lots salad or use that Beano I gave you," said Dad.
"Is that for real, Dad?" said Jeremy.
"To be honest, it's been so long since I've been here, it may no longer be true. Why don't we linger a little longer and watch the sun go down one last time," said Dad.
"Sure." Said Jeremy
MTC is a big dormitory for Elders. Here, everyone is wearing the mission uniform of a white shirt, tie, dark slacks and mission badges. They put on a new uniform and become a total different animal. Here, they die to one-way of living and are reborn to another. They are no longer their Mother's child, but their Father's son. The Director gives Elder Benson the layout of his new home.
"Elder Benson you will be sleeping in the D dorm room 213 since you're English speaking you'll only be here three weeks," said the Director.
"Yes director where's that?" said Elder Benson.
"Down the hall and to the left. If you go past the gang showers you've gone too far. Your companion will be Elder Jenson. He should be down there already waiting for you to team up. Get settled in and we will see you in the morning," said the Director.
"Gang showers, what's that?" asked Elder Benson nervously.
"You'll learn," said the Director.
Dear Mom and Dad,
My day at the MTC - up at about 6:30 to get ready for the day. Between 7 and 9 we ate breakfast. We went to class until lunch. After lunch we went to class, until dinner. After dinner we went to class until about nine. One hour of that day was spent in the gym. The day ends with a return to our room where you get ready for bed and go to sleep at about 10:30 p.m. Some missionaries can't take it. Prescribed days are driving them stir crazy. It is rather like a military academy sort of situation. It is, however, much like an intense religious school. The days are spent with one thing in mind - learning the discussions and understanding the spirit. Well mom it's been three weeks. Tomorrow I'm out.
My first assignment is in the Arcadia mission. I have met my new companion - his name is Elder Stone and he is my trainer. I met up with Elder Stone in Hacienda Heights Ca. at Brother Freeze's home. This is also where I am staying so write down the address. Elder Stone is my trainer he is going to finish my education. You see, the MTC teaches you the discussions and tries to teach you how to be a missionary. But in the field things are very different from the classroom.
Love you Elder Benson
Elder Benson, despite his desires to save the world, is having a little trouble getting up in the morning. Elder Stone decides to motivate him by giving him a squirt with a water gun to help chase the cobwebs away.
"Hey what are you doing?" Elder Benson moans.
"Get up. We've got to get going and take a shower and get some breakfast," Elder Stone said sternly.
"Uh, okay. In ten minutes," responded Elder Benson.
Elder Stone said, "No you're going get up now and get going."
"Ok I'm up," says Elder Benson as he makes his way to the couch and takes another ten minutes nap. After Elder Stone finished his shower he went back to his room to get dressed and, looking for his new companion, found him on the couch, sleeping again. Elder Stone got the spray bottle, and let Elder Benson have it good.
"Okay okay! I'm all up already," Moaned Elder Benson.
"You're not standing yet Elder Benson, now come on and get up," Elder Stone said firmly.
Elder Benson finally got up and went to the kitchen to get some cereal for breakfast. He's not dressed yet, but he's up and moving. Dressed now and ready to face the world, a little nervous, but his companion will get him going in the right direction.
"Let's get organized. We are going to see investigator Garcia first. She is our ten a.m. appointment and her address is 1132rd North Nephi 1824 South. Investigator Munoz is at eleven a.m., his address is Matthew lane 2237. Then we'll get lunch. We'll meet with the other Elder's at Taco Bell to discuss any referrals we have for them. There you'll meet Elder Chang & Elder Webb. Then I thought this afternoon we'd go tracking to break you in," said Elder Stone.
"Uh, sure," said Elder Benson.
After about three weeks of fits and start, Elder Benson is shaping up to be an adequate missionary. Brother Freeze even talked to Elder Stone about Elder Stone's training techniques with Elder Benson. Brother Freeze decided not to interfere, but asked Elder Stone to keep his training techniques on the humane side of things. Then again, Elder Benson fell asleep in the tub, and it was filled with water at the time. Brother Freeze got to know more about Elder Benson then he ever wanted to know. So he let Elder Stone in to wake him up again.
Frank Munoz agreed to get baptism next week. It's Elder Benson first baptism. God finally lit a fire under Elder Benson. Now days he raring to go first thing in the morning. Elder Benson does not know that is companion and trainer is going home soon. Elder Stone does not what him to know either, but thing have a way coming out. So one night Elder Benson finds out is companion is going home.
"I love you Elder Stone. You're my dad and I'll miss you," said Elder Benson.
"Uh, okay, well lock the bikes up. That's good, let's get inside and get to bed. We're late," said Elder Stone as, with a rattle of chains, they locked up the bikes.
"Yeah ok," responded Elder Benson.
"So Elder, how long have you been in love with your companion?" said Brother Freeze.
"Hey you were listening in on us!" said the Elders with surprise as they both turned red.
"No, my window was open. Get to bed, you're late. See you in the morning… but I understand," said Brother Freeze.
"Good night," said the Elders.
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thought I would tell you about my mission so far. Well, I just had my first my baptism the other day. His name is Frank Munoz, it was greatest thing - he caught the spirit. I had to dunk him three times to get it right. We had been told that he was not a golden investigator. I prayed for him and the sprit told me he was ready. We kept dropping in on him whenever we were nearby. Then it happened, he said "Yes", it was just the greatest! I have this overwhelming feeling that I can't explain. I wish I had the words but I don't. Let me tell you about my new companion his name is Elder Stone. He is a sandy blond, about five-feet ten-inches tall, about 150 pounds. He has a thin build like me, quite frankly he's a taller version of me. When the Assistant to the President or the AP was driving me over, the AP and his companion were talking about how he was the picture perfect missionary. Well they didn't miss the mark by much. They kept saying he was the prettiest missionary in the field, not handsome, well they're pretty close to the mark. He always wears a double Windsor knot. He taught me how to tie one too. He always wears long-sleeve shirts, no matter how hot it is. He says it looks better. His suits, although they're old, look immaculate. He taught me how to wear my tie so that the triangle hangs just over my belt.. Got to admit he helped me clean up my act pretty good. If I had a big brother he'd be just like him. I'm eleven inches shorter and to be honest, I'm hoping no one will notice that we look alike. He has one suit he never wears but to baptisms. He says he wears it when he goes home.
Well I'm in Hacienda Heights, California at Brother Freeze's house. He is sometimes given to heavy Irish monologues, but he sounds so cool. He likes us to call if we are going to be late. He keeps ABC rootbeer in the fridge for us but he doesn't drink it himself. The house is white with blue carpet on the inside. It's a California bungalow. It's long and only has three bedrooms. It's the shape of a half of hexagon in three pieces. The kitchen in the middle and the bedroom are on the ends. It only has walls heaters but they are warm enough. The weather is great here. It's warm all the time so I rarely wear my coat here.
Well love ya all.
Miss you all very much,
Elder Benson
Elder Benson has had a few problems. One day he got separated from his companion at church.
"So young man what are you doing in the corridor," said the Member who found him.
"I'm Elder Benson."
"Uh, young man you're not a missionary yet. Now why don't you go catch up with the Deacon Quorum," said the Member.
"I'm Elder Benson."
"Okay, enough of that young man. Why don't you come with me," said the Member grabbing him by the shirt collar.
"Hey!" shrieked Elder Benson.
"Hello Brother Chase," said the Member to a man who had just entered the corridor.
"I found one of your deacons lost in the hall," said the Member.
"Oh, okay grab a seat young man," said Brother Chase.
"But I'm an elder," said Elder Benson with less vigor.
Elder Benson sits, waiting to get rescued as Elder Stone, not quite sure where he went, goes looking in various side rooms for his companion. He almost didn't see him sitting in with the deacons.
"Elder Benson we're supposed to stay together," said Elder Stone.
"I was trying to, but they put me in here," said Elder Benson.
"Who put you in here?" said Elder Stone.
"A member. My sweater covered up my name badge and he didn’t believe me!" said Elder Benson.
"Oh!" Elder Stone said, smiling and trying not to laugh. "It's okay. Sorry, let's try and stay together and if you are told to go somewhere just go along with them as long you don't leave the building, then I'll come look for you," said Elder Stone.
"Thank you," said Elder Benson.
Although Elder Benson has suffered the indignity of being mistaking for a deacon more than a few times now on his mission, there is an up side to being the littlest missionary in the field. He rarely gets blamed for anything, and he can catch a nap almost anywhere. Some other Elders are grumbling that he sleeps spread out in the back seat of a minivan, while they can only catch a nap sitting up. No one forgets him once they know him. They like having him around because when you're different folks are intrigued.
People are always curious about who he is and want to talk to him. Half the ladies who talk to him want to take him home. Another Elder overheard a group of grandmothers at the Public library where Elder Benson was involved in a community service project say, "I'd pay to have a grandson that nice". Though he is very aware of his lack of height, he has the gift of a larger than life persona. As any Elder can confirm, being a missionary is sometimes is like wearing a force field. You can clear a room just by walking into it. So having the ability to get people to talk to you is as good as gold in the mission field.
Elder Stone is going home today and Elder Benson is sad to be losing his first real companion; his trainer; his father, all in one day. It's all a bit much for Elder Benson. Though Elder Stone is his same quiet and meticulousness self, he's packing for the last time in his mission. He's going to the mission house to stay a few days before departing for home and, as he packs, he is giving little lessons on how to be a good missionary.
"Always brush your teeth last. It makes no sense to brush first then eat breakfast. Oh, always leave about one bowl of cereal in the box if you're staying in someone's home so they get the last bowl. Never be alone with a sister. Always make sure if you have appointment with a sister that you have a sister missionary to go along, or visit her when her family will be there. Keep some jerky in your pocket just in case you get hungry or you need to give it to a dog."
"Thank you Elder Stone," whispers a sad Elder Benson.
Elder Stone is thinking to him self, "I feel as if I'm done with this part of my life. I'm not in a hurry to go, but I don't feel an urgency to stay either. I feel as if I have finished what I came to do. I feel sad to leave the people I have met and had friendships with, but I've almost gone full circle now, and I can see the better of it."
Jesus makes the points succinctly, "Whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." As spoken by Joseph Campbell," The meaning is very clear; it is the meaning of all religious practice. The individual, through prolonged psychological disciplines, gives up completely all attachment to his personal limitations, idiosyncrasies, hopes and fears, no longer resists the self-annihilation that is prerequisite to rebirth in the realization of truth, and so becomes ripe, at last, for the great atonement. His personal ambitions being totally dissolved, he no longer tries to live but willingly relaxes to whatever may come to pass in him; he become, that is to say, anonymity. The law lives in him with unreserved consent."
"Well I have to go, my ride is his here. You do some good now, you hear," said Elder Stone.
"Yes," said Elder Benson.
"Elder Benson, I love you too. Well, the AP is coming to the door. Can you help get my stuff out to the car?" said Elder Stone.
"Ditto," said Elder Benson.
As they give each other a hug, the AP knocks on the door. Pulling apart, they pretend they were combing their hair. The AP and Elder Jenson are the same person.
"Hello. Are you ready?" asked the AP.
"I think so," said Elder Stone.
"Can you help get Elder Burr unloaded?" asked the AP.
"Sure," said the Elders in unison.
"Good," said the AP turning to introduce a man standing at his side.
"This is Elder Burr," said the AP. "Elder Burr, this is Elder Benson and Elder Stone. They all exchange good, firm hand shakes.
"Elder Benson how is it going?" asked the AP.
"Great now, Elder Jenson," said Elder Benson.
"That's good to hear. Well this is your new companion Elder Burr, he will be finishing your training," said the AP.
"Sure. Elder Jenson, sounds good to me," said Elder Benson.
"Elder Burr, are you unloaded?" asked the AP.
"Yes," said Elder Burr.
"Elder Stone, is your stuff loaded up?" said Elder Jenson.
"Let me take one last look around," said Elder Stone.
"Okay, make one last check to be sure," said Elder Jenson.
Elder Stone makes one last round, checking closets and the bedroom just to be sure he hasn't left anything behind.
"Okay I’m ready," said Elder Stone.
Dear Diary,
Elder Burr and I have been together six months now. I can't believe that I been out a year already. I have done five Baptisms, and though the work is hard, my trainer got me off to a good start. Elder Burr made a great finishing school teacher. We get along great. He always has a laugh and has a smile that won't quit. My bike has worked out pretty good no one asks to ride it because it's so small. But for me it's great, I can keep up with them because of my continental inverted mountain bike tires. They allow me to role up to fifteen-mph to nineteen-mph miles an hour. This is way better than the thirteen mph most mountain bikes get on those knobby tires that most elders ride. I'm so glad I decided to keep this journal. Well, got to go see you next time.
Grrrr. There's a growl and Elder Burr jumps on his bike to try and get away from the dog. When Elder Burr stops and looks around for Elder Benson, he does not see his companion and he gets a dreadful feeling. He has to go back and look for Elder Benson. He crawls back up the hill to look around, but no Elder Benson and no snarling dog either, so he continues to the top of the hill. When he rounds the corner of the driveway where the dog was, he sees Elder Benson's legs under the dog but he can't see whether or not Elder Benson is alright.
"Elder Benson are you all right," shouts Elder Burr.
"Yes, but this dog's on top of me and won't stop licking me," said Elder Benson.
Elder Burr, reconnecting with his heart thinks, "How am I going to explain this one to the AP?"
"So do you need my help Elder Benson?" asked Elder Burr.
"Well the dog likes me, but he might turn on you. Just stay there and wait till I get up and get going, okay?" said Elder Benson.
"Okay," said Elder Burr.
"Young man are you all right?" asked the homeowner.
"Well, I'm kind of busy at the moment, but I'm all right," said Elder Benson.
"Retreat!" shouted the homeowner and, going back to his owner, the dog heeled by his right side. "Son, why don't you and your friend come over here and let me examine you? My name is Doctor Brown."
"Sure" said the Elders, making their way over to the Doctor. Doctor Brown looked over Elder Benson and found not a mark on him.
"So the Dog didn't bite you?" asked Doctor Brown.
"No Sir. Dogs like me sometimes too much," said Elder Benson.
"We thought you were in trouble," said Doctor Brown. "Well why are you here then?"
"Well sir we are from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and we'd like to give you a message about the Gospel today if you have the time?" said Elder Benson.
"Well seeing how you're alright and I can't figure why my dog didn't eat you up, I guess God must be on your side, so we can sit a spell and listen," said Doctor Brown as the Elders smiled.
"Well Doctor Brown we all believe in a Supreme Being, what do you believe in? asked Elder Benson.
"Yes, I believe in God - very much so. My family was from the south, from a very small town. We went to church every Sunday as a boy, then I went to Medical School and my practice brought me to Hacienda Heights. Now I live on my Mountain, or Monticello as I call it, and I love it up here. Truth is, I never wanted for much - even as a kid. We did go without someetimes, but my dad had a good job as a water engineer with the TVA. I have found that there is something missing in my life. I guess that 's what brings us together."
"Good thing that we came along then?" says Elder Burr.
"For you," says Doctor Brown.
"Well, about good for the both of us then," said Elder Benson, smiling.
"Hmm… well elders, I've got to think about this, you see. I've got to take my time and think this through; look at it from all the angles and really consider what I'm getting myself into. So can you come back again? I hadn't planned on running into you today and have to go meet my wife right now.
"How about next week Thursday Six p.m.? Would that be good for you? asked Elder Burr.
"Yes that's fine," said Doctor Brown.
"So, Elder Benson, where did you ever learn to handle a dog like that?" asked Elder Burr.
"Like I said, I've always been good with animals. After all, I live on a farm. You know, a dog has never bitten me yet," said Elder Benson thinking to himself, "I don't need to tell him about that beef jerky I was saving for later. Elder Stone's advice has come in handy."
The Elders get home and a message is waiting for Elder Benson.
"Elder Benson, your transfer came through and you'll be going to Eagle Rock, so you 'de better get ready. Brother Wolf will be here to take you over there," shouted Elder Burr.
"Man it feels like I've been here forever, but I'm ready to go," thinks Elder Benson, "I better get packed right away, he'll be here this afternoon." Elder Benson gets to work packing and washing his clothes, "No reason to take dirty clothes over there," he thinks, "And I don't know if they have free access to a washer and dryer."
"Well how's it going?" shouts Elder Burr.
"It's coming," said Elder Benson, breaking his concentration as he cleans up his area and does some quick cleaning; stripping his bed and tossing the sheets in the washer. In a couple hours he's all set to go and carries his suitcases outside to wait in front. He sets his suitcases down and sits on them.
Elder Benson arrives at his new place. His first assignment is to help prepare a talk as a rebuttal against a local Minster. The Minster has been making it very hard for them to get any work done. He gets right to work with Elder Rudolph, who will be giving the talk. He is a very charismatic young man who clocks in at six-foot eight-inches tall with blond hair and a medium to large build. Elder Rudolph looks very impressive in person and has a way of casting a spell on his listener. Elder Benson is assigned to help Elder Rudolph prepare for his debate with the opposing minister.
"So when's the talk?" asked Elder Benson.
"It's at eight o'clock tonight at the Crystal Cathedral," responded Elder Rudolph.
They arrive at the Crystal Cathedral and, although it's not usually terribly cold in southern California, today it's colder than normal. They can see there are some black spots on the pavement in the parking lot that appears to be runoff from the irrigation system. The Crystal Cathedral is an all glass building and quite beautiful. The Elders wait in their car for the Fireside to start in about fifteen minutes. As they're walking, Elder Rudolph slips and falls down, knocking himself out cold. Stunned, Elder Benson just stands over him for a moment before running inside to get help.
"Hello, can you call an ambulance? My companion has taken a horrible spill outside," said Elder Benson.
"Oh, we'll call first-aid right away! Where is he at?" responded the Security Guard. Then, under his breath, "Dam that black ice!"
"Just around side of the building," said Elder Benson, as the other pairs of Elders ran in to see what was going on.
"Elder Rudolph is out cold and they want one of us to go on in his place," said Elder Webb.
"You have to do it Elder Benson you know the speech." Said Elder Webb
"But I never have spoken to such a large group before," responded Elder Benson.
"Elder Benson you have to do it! There's no choice, I have to go with Elder Rudolph," orders Elder Webb. "Elder Rick will stay here with you and be your companion. I have to go to the hospital with Elder Rudolph."
Elder Benson sat waiting for about an hour while the minister giving his talk went on about heaven and hell. "If anyone in this congregation follows this man," he says pointing at Elder Benson, "they will go straight to Hell!" Finally, it was Elder Benson's turn to take the microphone. At first he couldn't remember the speech, then once he got out the first couple of paragraph it hit him that it was not working, and he fell back on what he knew best; quoting J Golden Kimball.
"Well, I only have one more thing to say. I'd rather be a Mormon going to hell, then not be a Mormon not knowing where the Hell I'm going"
With that, he made his closing comments to thundering applause and closed the meeting.
Dear Diary,
I can't believe what happened. It was great and scary at the same time. I got to give a speech that was supposed to given by Elder Rudolph. He took a fall but will be okay, although they would not let him sleep for a few days at the hospital. He's back with me now. Someone in that mission office has the strangest sense of humor. Who ever paired us up must be laughing himself silly. Could you ever imagine a funnier odd couple? He's six-foot eight-inches tall and I'm four-foot eleven. I have to run and I still can't keep up with him. He learned to walk slower, but I'm still running. He doesn't like bikes either because he doesn't fit on any of them. It's funny, we’re so different and yet we're so alike. He can't find clothes to fit either - or shoes. At least I can find clothes, even if they are from the boy's department at JC Penny. We were there the other day and asked to see some slacks that would fit us. The salesman said, "Hell, so would I!"
He's really very kind to me and really looks out for me. I always feel safe with him. The other day we were making a house call when a pit bull came around the corner. The next thing I know, he had scooped me up in one arm and cleared the fence with me in tow. He was a logger from northern California and he's like Samson. He told me about a job he was doing in the mountains there where he was carrying twelve twenty-foot, two by sixes. In three-feet of snow climbing up a ladder two stories.
No matter where we go, man do we get looks. People can't help laughing and I can't blame them - we laugh too! We never seem to stop giggling when we wake up in the morning. I try not to laugh first but I can't explain it, it's just so funny that we are together. To get his attention I usually have to pull on his pants pockets. I'd grab his hands but he talks with them. He doesn't hear me and I don't hear him either. It’s working for us - people are coming up to talk to us because they're curious about why we're together. We've gotten a few discussions out of it.
The other day I was getting out of the shower and I was half dressed when he rounded the corner and ran right over me! He knocked me out cold! The next thing I remember was waking up on the couch and him looking scared to death. He said he didn't see me. I said i'm not that short. We both laugh.I guess I was out for a while. The other elders came over and brought some smelling salt to wake me up. We took it easy that day and went to see the Doctor, but I'm ok. Well got to go see you next time.
Elder Benson signing off
Dear Diary,
I have packed and unpacked more time then I care to count. It has been 23 months and two weeks. I had eight companions total and fifteen baptisms. I didn't convert them they converted themselves. I only shared the gospel with them. This Gospel is about losing yourself to God and I have tried to do that. I have walked the earth for almost two years now and have done as Christ has done. He has been my teacher and my constant companion and I try to treat all as he would have treated them. He has been my measuring stick that I try to live by. I may have short-sheeted one too many beds. They short-sheeted mine and I didn't even notice. Oh well, didn't grow an inch on my mission and lost two pounds. It has been the greatest experience of my life. This mission has been the refinery fire for me. If there is anything that builds your testimony it's a mission. You have to defend, no I mean fight, for your belief's - it's fighting for them that makes them strong. If you can't fight for them, you'll never stand the test of time. I lost myself to the father and the father saved me in return.
"Elder Benson, are you ready to go on over to the mission house?" asked Brother Smith.
"Yes, I'm ready," said Elder Benson. Putting is Journal away
As they're riding over to the mission house he takes in one last time all that he done. How much he has grown and hasn't grown. The next thing he knows he's at Ontario airport getting on a plane to Salt Lake City, Utah. It's pretty cold and all he's got on is a suit coat because he put his overcoat in his suitcase. As he walks down the ramp he sees his family waiting for him at the gate. Passersby congratulate him on a job well down and for the first time in two years he's is not a missionary. He is being officially released honorable this Sunday but as of this moment he no longer a missionary.
"So how have you been son?" asked his dad as the family gathered around him.
"Pretty good Dad. You never looked better," responded Elder Benson joyfully.
"Well, let's go home. We're burning daylight," Says his dad.
Elder Benson sleeps all the way home. It's a sleep that last a thousand years, like he never slept before. After a few days he' finally starts getting back to normal.
"So Jeremy, what are you doing today?" asked Dad.
"I just got up and I'm washing my sheets," said Jeremy with a grimace and a twitch.
"Oh, welcome home son," said Dad with a knowing look.
"So Dad, where did Jimmy serve his mission?" said Jeremy.
"Dallas, Texas," said Dad.
"God works in mysterious ways," said Jeremy.
The End
Author Gerald Guerrero ©