New Calling

Last September I was called to be the chorister in senior primary (a calling that the former Primary secretary is sure was prep for my new calling. A chance for me to get to know the kids). We were on vacation in Oregon and so Jon missed Bishopric meeting and any insights into the genesis of this call. Though the call itself was shocking, terrifying and exciting all at the same time, I got to know and love the kids in senior primary pretty well because of it and eventually learned to love it too. I was in for about seven months, finally feeling a little more comfortable and really enjoying it when Bishop McKenzie texted me asking if Jon and I could come in and meet with him the following day.  This was just before Easter (which happened to also be Stake Conference) and extended the call to serve as Primary President. Ahhh!!!!  I cannot even begin to tell you how overwhelming and terrifying the thought of serving as Primary President was. Initially. It still is, but much less so. I was told to let the shock wash over me, and then to take some time to think about who I'd like to call as my counselors. When I was called I couldn't have been more surprised. I definitely didn't see it coming, but Bishop's confidence that this was what needed to happen has been incredibly comforting since then.

On my runs I'd think about who I'd work well with and who felt like a good fit, and then I'd pray about it. I sent a list of those names to Bishop and got his thoughts. Then I submitted my request, and Bishop let me know that each of them accepted the call to serve.

After our first meeting as a presidency I felt very reassured that we'll work well together. Julie, Amy and Heidi are all amazing women and women I look up to because they're such wonderful moms. I think our Primary is so blessed to have them in there with them.

Our former Primary President (Holly) told us a story in her final testimony to the kids. She had been in the Primary presidency before she was called to serve as Primary President. When she was called she knew immediately who one of her counselors was supposed to be and told us about coming to know who else she was to serve with. A few weeks ago she knew that her time as President was coming to an end. Bishop called her in. They talked for a bit. He asked her how she was doing and they discovered that both of them felt like it was time for a change. When she walked in to Primary that day and saw me leading the music, she said that she knew it was me who would be called as the next Primary President. In fact, the whole presidency felt the same way. I didn't feel those impressions beforehand, but it was kind of nice to hear that from them. In fact, the first counselor (Dori) pulled Jon aside and told him that I was going to be the next Primary President. She told him not to tell me because it'd freak me out, but her vote of confidence that I'll serve well here has been comforting. Our ward is so nice! Lots of ward members have reached to tell me how excited they are for me.

May 7th we were sustained, set apart and experienced our first Sunday in Primary together. For the most part things went really well. There was no table when we walked in and despite our efforts to have music time covered (everyone was out of town) we still, thanks to Heidi, ended up pulling one of the Relief Society sisters out of RS to lead the music for the older kids. Julie's lesson was awesome. She did a great job! And Amy sat with one of the teachers who was on his own with a bunch of excited (and rather noisy) boys. These women are doers and I love that! There was also a convert baptism that night. Lorelai is amazing! She's 11 and it's been so fun to get to know her since I was called into Primary. Her parents and brother were all there today at church. Such a wonderful family.

When I was set apart I was reminded to trust in Heavenly Father. He knows me. I was told to love the kids. He is in charge of His church and mindful of His children. I was told to put my family first, and that as I did, and as I got on my knees each day and served my best in this calling, everything would work out. It was wonderful to be in there with these incredible ladies, and hear the blessings the Lord has for each of us.

We'll meet for the fourth time tomorrow and discuss callings, kids and our leaders. Some of them have been in for quite a long time. Our first baptism is coming up next month (he'll be the first this year) and so we'll figure out what needs to be done in preparation for that. We've been out on one visit and plan to go out again this week. Amy and I visited Jill on Monday. She's Sophie's teacher and has been through a lot. I felt very strongly that she needed to know of The Lord's love for her so we brought her a note, treat and a picture of the Savior (something Amy had been wanting to give her since just after Christmas but hadn't yet) and just checked in to see how she was doing. I just want to do what the Lord would have me do, and really am excited to be in Primary!!