Stories of conference: Mormons gather in Salt Lake City from around the world
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Church News coverage of the 180th Semiannual General Conference
Overseas connection
Though deployed overseas with the U.S. Army in Musul, Iraq, Bryant Marchant was able to attend general conference sessions with his wife, Jenny, and their eight children via Skype voice-call connection on the Internet.
While watching the conference sessions, the family had their father present with them via laptop computer.
"I am in an area where the Internet connection is fast enough to allow us to Skype, but not fast enough to watch the streaming conference broadcast on the Internet," Brother Marchant explained in an e-mail to the Church News. "Throughout my deployment using Skype has allowed us to stay connected as a family regularly with family prayer, scripture study and weekly family home evenings. We are so grateful for the technology that exists today that allows us to communicate and stay connected in this way." — R. Scott Lloyd
'More like Nigeria'
Alexander and Dhelesa Odume, the president and matron of the Aba Nigeria Temple, have been to general conference every year since 2004, when he was sustained as an Area Seventy, but never for October conference.
"We are experiencing a different kind of weather; this is more like Nigeria," President Odume said with a chuckle, alluding to the often-inclement conditions that attend April conference.
The Odumes found the Church in 1986, ironically at a time when they had been displaced from their apartment and were looking for somewhere else to live. "We met two young, well-dressed missionaries. Of course, I had been hearing of missionaries, but this was my first time seeing young men under the age of 22 being called elders.
"They talked about a young man who was confused about religion, and such was my own experience, having gone from one denomination to another. The Book of Mormon was given to us to read and, having gone through the book over some days, I came across in the book of Moroni that promise (Moroni 10:4-5). And that was the beginning of the things that happened to us."
Regarding the conference proceedings, President Odume said, "It's been wonderful having the prophet and apostles speak to us. It gives us hope. — R. Scott Lloyd
Thankful for small things
Two Mongolian Latter-day Saint students attending BYU in Provo, Senguun Dashdorj and Purevsuren Sukhbaatar, brought their friend, Ihzaya Baya, another Mongolian student who attends nearby Utah Valley University in Orem, to the Sunday sessions of general conference.
"I liked Thomas S. Monson's address, and I think he's a very good speaker; I learned a lot about gratitude," said Ihzaya, who is not a member of the Church but is acquainted with it. "I hoped to see Elder (Jeffrey R.)Holland today, because he is my favorite speaker. Maybe next time."
Purevsuren agreed with her friend's assessment of President Monson's talk. "Sometimes, we take things for granted. We have many blessings, but sometimes we forget to appreciate what we have. Even small things we need to be thankful for: our parents, nature."
The three students agreed the Provo-Orem area is a good locale for getting an education because of its solitude and the beauty of the natural surroundings. "The climate is similar to our climate in Mongolia. We have four seasons and we are surrounded by mountains," Purevsuren said. — R. Scott Lloyd
'I can remember why I'm here'
Antonio and Yolanda Robles, uncle and niece originally from Mexico but who now attend the Canyon 14th Ward, Provo Utah Stake, were enjoying the unseasonably warm sunshine Sunday, Oct. 3, on the Conference Center grounds between general conference sessions.
"The spirit we can feel in the conference is beautiful," said Yolanda, 18. "I like to listen to the prophet because that way I can remember why I'm here and what I have to do."
A student, she is attending school that teaches English as a second language. Her uncle said she dreams of studying music and one day, perhaps, singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
The conference this time was "amazing, as usual," said Brother Robles, who came to Utah almost 14 years ago and has attended conference sessions live a number of times. "We love to hear the voice of the prophets." — R. Scott Lloyd
'Remember the feeling'
Even though Nate Schow and his family didn't have to travel for many hours to get to the Conference Center and Temple Square, their quick pace towards the Conference Center and wide grins on their faces showed the excitement they felt in anticipation of seeing the prophet and hearing general conference in person.
"We are lucky," said Brother Schow, of the Clinton 25th Ward, West Point Utah Lakeside Stake. "People traveled for miles and miles years ago to hear the prophet and now I can hear him in my own home. But, there is something different about hearing him and being there in person. You remember the things where you go and do something."
For Chantell Schow, bringing her son, Misha, and his friend Brock Wilson, to conference is something she hopes they will remember for years to come.
"How much easier it would be to stay home in my pajamas," she said. "But, as I show [my son] it means something to us, it will hopefully mean something to him."
Both Misha and Brock said they were excited to see the prophet, President Thomas S. Monson.
"I've only seen him on TV, so I am excited to see him in real life," said Brock.
More importantly, Brother and Sister Schow recognize that the boys may not remember every word they heard while attending conference, but hope they will remember the Spirit they feel for years to come.
"You don't always remember the things that are a part of your daily routine," Brother Schow said. "They will remember people and experiences more than they will remember things. They will remember the feeling." —Marianne Holman
'I saw the power of the priesthood'
Eyes followed Francisca Monkurai and her family as they walked out of the Conference Center after the Sunday morning session of general conference. Her bright colored headpiece and vibrant outfit stood out as crowds of conference goers gathered for conference.
"Everyone keeps stopping us," Ebi W. Monkurai, Francisca's husband said. "There is so much love in Salt Lake City among the members, so much love. It has been so nice for us to be here and see people from all over the world — Brazil, New Zealand, Chile — here together."
Brother and Sister Monkurai have been members of the Church for nineteen years, and although they look forward to watching conference every few months from their home in Warri, Nigeria, Africa, it was a great experience for them to come to Utah to see conference live, and in person.
For Sister Monkurai, being in the same room and seeing the prophet will definitely be a highlight from her visit.
"As I look into his eyes, I saw the power of the priesthood," she said. "It is my first visit, so it makes it double exciting."
Brother Monkurai, who serves as first counselor in the Warri Nigeria District and Sister Monkurai, who serves as Young Women president, said that they will take back to the members of their district stronger testimonies of the gospel and a greater sense of unity.
"It shows that we are one and we have a single belief," Brother Monkurai said. "One doctrine, under one umbrella of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is lovely."
Not only was it Brother and Sister Monkurai's first time in the Conference Center, it was a memorable trip to Utah because they were able to meet their daughter-in-law and granddaughter for the first time. —Marianne Holman
'So wonderful to be there in person'
"It is a magnetic feeling," said Judith Ndagire, of her visit to Utah for general conference. "It is different from seeing it at home than here, in the Conference Center. Even if you are on the balcony, it is so wonderful to be there in person."
Judith, who lives in Washington D.C. but is originally from Uganda, Africa, first attended a session of conference last April with one of her mission companions, Karly Peterson. She enjoyed attending so much in April that she decided to attend again.
"It is really cool to think that we were in Uganda together and now we are in Salt Lake City together," Karly said. "It is the greatest blessing."
It is the feeling of unity with other Church members and the opportunity of seeing the prophet in person that strengthens her testimony, Judith said.
"I come back because I love being close to the prophet," Judith said. "I like how when President Monson walks in, everyone goes silent. People stop coughing and all of those things because he's here. Sometimes you can't see and you don't even know he is coming in, and then you hear the silence and know that he is there." —Marianne Holman
