Driving the Hinkley's

28 October 2009

At about 6:00PM we went downstairs and met Elder and Sister Hinkley and drove them over to the institute to meet with the youth there. I had asked him on Monday and he was so kind to make time tonight. He and his wife both were very tired yet they were willing to do that for the youth. There were no classes at the school today so we were concerned that there might not be many youth present tonight. There were about 70 or 80 youth that came which was wonderful. Many had come in their Sunday best. Elder and Sister Hinkley were given a tour by Bro. Amparo, the institute director and then he spoke for a few minutes and answered questions. One question touched us. One student asked what it was like growing up the son of a prophet. Elder Hinkley’s response was so insightful. He said that he believes his life was no different than any other young man who grew up in a home where the parents loved each other and lived the gospel. What hope that gave to the youth. He spoke to them about using institute to find eternal companions and shared a story of their oldest son who graduated from the University of Utah unmarried and then went to Arizona to school. He was in the institute there and was seated across from a young woman who he said is now Sister Hinkley. He also encouraged them to stay faithful and strong attending their Sacrament meetings and having strong families. He commented on the need of the church for sister missionaries and said all are welcome. They are not expected to serve but if they feel a need to serve, they should talk to their bishop. He asked how many had served missions and there was about a quarter of the group who had. He then asked how many planned to go and another large number of hands went up. He then asked how many planned to serve with their spouses later in life and most raised their hands. He asked Sherrie and I to stand and encouraged them to serve as senior couples like us. Elder Amparo was the translator and did a wonderful job. It was hard getting back to the car. The youth wanted to have pictures with them and shake his hand. The traffic was heavy on the way home so we had a chance to visit. I asked about the missionary committee that Elder Hinkley is part of which oversees all of the missionary work. He said Elder Perry is the member of the quorum of the 12 to whom he reports and has a hard time responding to all of his emails. He had one come to him while he was on the car on his Blackberry that he had to respond to. With divine intervention, we returned home without incident. It was such a special experience to have that time with them.