Darrel L. Hammon
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| The LDS Conference Center |
There is something about attending General Conference in person.
Despite the crowds, both on the grounds of the Conference Center and on the
sidewalks, a sense of anticipation creeps upon you. A sense of awe and immense
happiness permeate the entire place. Today was no different.
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| Los Hammon y Los Hernández |
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| The Conference Center from the outside |
Once inside, we encountered
a mass of people, all there for the same reason: to listen to prophets, seers,
and revelators teach us about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Since this was Easter
Sunday, we also knew we would hear much about Christ's Atonement and how important it
is in our lives and in the lives of the people around us.
Each person had a
ticket with a section number written on it. We headed in that direction. I had
to stop at a different door and check in my camera case. Numerous volunteers were
standing as sentinels—everywhere—ready to answer any question you might have.
They were kind and gracious and always pointed us in the right direction.
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| Inside view of the Conference Center |
Soon we were moving
with the flow, up the elevator to Terrace Section. Our seats were on the far
wall, stage left. No matter how many times I enter the Conference Center, I am
awed with the structure and the construction and just the immenseness of the place. Over 21,000 people can enter and
be comfortable. The acoustics are phenomenal.
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| The Mormon Tabernacle Choir |
At 9:30 a.m.
sharp, the “Spoken Word” began with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing. No
other choir in the world is like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Their sound is
unique because they sing with power and authority. Each of them has been called
to the Choir. This is their calling, and they sing beautifully, especially our
favorite “Consider the Lilies”—so melodious and incredible. We could listen to
it over and over again.
At 9:57 a.m., the
crowd hushed and stood. We watched our dearly beloved Prophet, Thomas S.
Monson, enter the hallowed Conference Center. The humble silence hung from the
ceiling and lingered long and reverent. Then, he took his seat, and the entire 21,000+ people
took their seats. Within a few minutes, the conference began with the Mormon
Tabernacle Choir filling the Conference Center with their awesomeness.
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| The Mackenson Noël Family from Haiti |
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| English Daisies |
Soon, the morning
session was over. We cried, we laughed, we leaped for joy, and we felt the
spirit as we listened to President Monson, Sister Rosemary Wixom, Elder José A.
Teixeira, Bishop Gérald Caussé, Elder Brent H. Nielson, Elder Jeffrey R.
Holland, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. All talks were enlightening; Elder
Nielson spoke about his sister who had left the church and then returned after
15 years of being gone. His parallel life with the “Prodigal Son” was
comforting to us.
Outside, the
people were milling about, standing and visiting about what had just gone
on, and some just observing the release
of the thousands of Saints who had come today to listen to their beloved
Prophet and other General Authorities.
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| Garden near the Conference Center |
We bid farewell to
los Hernández and headed to the parking garage. We stopped and stood on the
lawn that overlooked the temple. Literally hundreds of people were there:
taking pictures, admiring the temple scene, smelling flowers, and just basking
in the quiet reverence they had recently felt. They wanted to keep it close for
a few minutes longer.
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| The Salt Lake Temple |
Yes, Conference
time is an incredible time. We were so blessed to have spent it in the
Conference Center and soaking up the unwavering spirit that lingers there
always. It’s almost palpable. Joanne and I know the Savior lives and atoned for
our sins. We love Him and our Heavenly Father. We know that to love Them means
that we obey their commandments. And we will continue trying to do so.
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| Gorgeous tulips |
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