Above: family photo with Dallin H. Oaks and his wife Kirsten. They came to Hanoi to have government meetings and to speak to our congregation! Elder Oaks is one of the twelve apostles for our church. Yes, I mean an apostle just like the kind of apostles, or disciples that Jesus had when he lived on earth. We believe that God still speaks to his children (meaning, you and I). He had a good system in place with his previous prophets: Abraham, Moses, etc. why would he operate in a different way? So to continue this pattern, he restored his church to a man named Joseph Smith (see more on lds.org) restoring priesthood power and temple ordinances, just like in the days of the ancient prophets. As in times of old, we have a living prophet and twelve apostles who stand at his side to testify of Jesus Christ. That is their main job, they are called as special witnesses of Jesus Christ. It was indeed, very special to have Apostle, Elder Oaks here.
A photo with many of the members of our congregation and Elder and Sister Oaks along with Elder and Sister Pratt in the front.
Xander playing catch with Elder Oaks. Sister Oaks had given the children "testimony gloves" and that is what they are throwing back and forth to each other. Xander commented that Elder Oaks has a "loud voice," when really he has a deep resonant voice that carries well. When he speaks, people listen. His voice is solid and sure.
He was accompanied by Elder and Sister Pratt from Hong Kong, and President and Sister Smedley, the mission president from Cambodia. Christian got to help arrange Elder Oak's meetings, attend a meeting and go to lunch with him and the delegation. Jennie got to take Sister Oaks and her delegation around Hanoi to see some sites, do lunch and do some shopping. Above is a group of Vietnamese children attending the French School in Hanoi.
A favorite memory of Jennie's was walking around with Sister Oaks on our way to see something and her saying "We're making a memory" with a big smile on her face - and she genuinely was making a memory and enjoying herself in the moment, taking in the journey along the way. She stopped at every opportunity to talk with people and appreciated hearing their stories and connecting with them. You could tell that she has a deep appreciation and love for people. The people in this photo had bright yellow t-shirts on that said "Sweet Family." She was impressed and said - that's what it's all about having a sweet family! Below she is talking to a group of girls at The Temple of Literature who had just graduated from school.
It was a such a privilege to welcome Elder and Sister Oaks to Hanoi! This was an event our family will remember for many years to come.
