Unexpected opportunities

Elder John K. Carmack, speaking to the Senior Missionaries and Temple presidency.
Potluck dinner we all shared together, Doug is in the back in the left hand corner.
Doug and President Searle, He is an exceptional leader and friend.
Sister Frost, temple matron listening to Dr. Karen Hyer, Pres. Frost behind the Dr.

We were blessed with an invitation to a potluck dinner at the chapel that shares the temple building. Elder John K Carmack was the guest speaker. He is the general Authority that was in charge of putting together the Perpetual Education Fund Program, and is the managing director of it. President Hinkley had the inspiration and gave Elder Carmack the assignment. It was wonderful to be in his presence and and be taught by him.

We had the grand opportunity of sitting at the table with the other two featured guests: Sister Karen Hyer, Ph.D., and Brother and Sister Neeleman, the CEO of Jet Blue's, parents, along with President and sister Frost, (Temple President). The two first mentioned were in town with Elder Carmack for a "Side event" of the United Nations that was discussing "A Unique financing model to fund education for disadvantaged women." (The church's Perpetual Education Fund) It is to be a panel discussion. Did you know that 51 percent of the individuals that have benefited from the PEF are women? 20% of those are return missionaries of third world countries, and the other 49 percent, the men benefiting, 80% of them are return missionaries of third world countries. About 30,000 individuals have been educated with this program. It is all funded by the generous donations of church members. So keep up the great work! Your donations are blessing the lives of thousands.

Elder Carmack shared many of his experiences while rubbing shoulders with prophets, seers and revelators. We are so grateful for this wonderful opportunity that was ours. FYI, Elder Carmack remembered Doug from about 6 years ago at Camp Helaman when Doug was the Stake Young Men's president and with his presidency put together President Reber's Inspiration for the Camp. Elder Carmack was asked to come speak about the PEF so the young men would know who the service project of cutting, splitting, stacking and pre-selling 20 cord of would benefit.

We also survived the hour long subway ride while packing our "funeral potatoes" to the dinner and then back again. The walk home was great as it was still about 50 degrees.