From the Heart of Elder Danielson's Journal - 9-16-07

I feel that I have just had the most incredible two days of my life! We served at the Tabernacle yesterday from 3-9pm. (Speaking of the 12-14th). It was as pretty a day as one could ask for. The evening was even more beautiful.

The Spirit on Temple Square was so strong, that I felt it from everyone I came in contact with.

It is especially good to serve at the Tabernacle on Thursday's, because the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practices on this night, and they invite the public to attend from 8-9:30pm. We love to invite people during the day, and help them plan their time as they decide to stay and take advantage of the opportunity to hear the choir.

We had a group of 30 or so Veterans, and their wives and friends that had served on the USS O'Brian during World War II. They were a wonderful group, and were so interested and impressed with Temple Square. Craig Jessup, the Choir Conductor, did a great job introducing them during the rehearsal. He had them stand, and when they did, the rest of the audience applauded, and soon everyone of the over 3,000 in attendance were standing, and they all turned and looked up into the balcony where the Veteran's were all sitting. The tears were running down the cheeks of the Veterans and their group. It was very touching.

Later in the evening, the choir sang "The Battle Hymn of the Republic", in honor of the Veterans. Bro. Jessup had the audience stand and sing the last verse of it with the choir. The Spirit by that point, was just overwhelming.

A children's choir from China was also there practicing with the Tab. Choir. What a remarkable young group of people they were. I am amazed at the talent and ability of these choirs , that can blend together with such little practice. The Children's Choir will sing with the Tab. Choir on Sunday, the 17th. Hope each of you had the opportunity to catch their performance on T.V.

It is a once in a lifetime experience to feel the love and joy of the guests from all over the world, as they exit the Tabernacle, after the performance. I was standing in the back, when they sang "Champion of Champions", written for the choir to sing in the opening exercises of the 2002 Winter Olympics. When they ended, a man in front of me in the back row, let out a gasp that could be heard throughout the building, he was so overcome. People thank us afterwards, as missionaries, as if we had anything to do with it!

Friday's are our "P" Day. This means a day off. But Friday a.m. was a meeting where the Sisters on the Square get their "Outbound Assignments" for 3 months or so, as well as a Sister's Choir Practice, so we couldn't resist going. At the end of each 6 week transfer, we all meet at 7:30 am on the Friday prior to the following Wed., which is transfer day. First the mission President calls out the Sisters to go to Outbound assignments. There were 22 this transfer. Half way through their 18 month assignment, they go to some other mission in the U.S. for 12 weeks, then return to Temple Square. This is so they can have another experience and a break from the Square. What Excitement!! They let it all out there. I know of no other place where so much love and excitement is shown.

Each 6 weeks about 30 Sisters are called to sing in a Sisters Choir. At the end on the transfer, they perform on a Sunday evening in the Assembly Hall. They are Amazing. They bear strong unforgettable testimonies of the Gospel through song and sweet testimonies. I wish everyone I know, or whom I have ever know, or met could be there!

When I got home this morning, I could have rung water out of my handkerchief. I was so touched that even though I wanted to take a nap, I could not help but to write this experience for each of you instead.

I want you to know that I Love our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with all my heart. My testimony that they live, and love each and every one of us grows stronger every day.

I have grown to love and respect the very unfortunate people that come to Temple Square looking for spiritual strength and peace in their troubled lives. I know that God loves them as much as he loves each of us.

We love serving at Welfare Square and serving with the sweet mentally and physically handicapped Brothers and Sisters. I am overwhelmed at the Welfare and Humanitarian service and aids that this church provides throughout the world.
I have somewhat known as an involved member, but until we came here and have been somewhat directly involved, I really had no perspective of the greatness of it all.

We see and learn of new things each day, and I know we will for the rest of our mission, and still will not fully understand what all has taken place in the past, or will in the future, as far as this awesome humanitarian work goes.

I apologize for the length of my feelings today. Thanks for letting me share with you.

Love you all
Elder Danielson