Tears of Frustration, Tears of Peace

Today, I wanted to cry. In fact, I did cry! In our Primary Congregation, we have nearly 200 kids. They are divided up into to groups: Junior and Senior Primary. Like the other choristers around the world, I had this beautiful plan in place to read a quote by my uncle, Elder L. Tom Perry, about singing a song from the top of our lungs. I finished up our regular song practice with our younger kids and pulled out pictures of a man many recognized, Elder Perry. Regardless of how I tried, the talking would not stop. There were kids climbing over kids, kids playing with their neighbor, kids practicing dance moves.... none of us adults could get them to calm down! Over 50 kids ages 3-6 and they were.... exhausting!! I was working hard to make the moment special, to tell them from a personal point of view how it felt to know this man on a personal level, and nothing worked. Teachers were practically sitting on their students to get them to settle down. We had done everything up to this point, including wiggle songs, whispering, talking loudly, having them stand to sing... 

NOTHING. WORKED. Trying to get through my assigned time, I hastily finished my lesson, telling the next teacher (a member of our bishopric, or a clergyman), "Good luck,"collected my teaching items, then returned to my seat. Things did not go much better for him, as all of the children (who usually are very well behaved) decided that today was the day they would be, well.... kids! (What are they thinking?!) >wink<

While the room was switching to the older kids (ages 7-11), I stood at the piano, my back turned to everyone, and closed my eyes. As I fought tears of frustration, I offered up a prayer that went something like this: Oh Uncle Tom, I am so sorry! This was supposed to be a special tribute for you, and it turned into a hot mess. I have let you down. I am so very sorry. 

As soon as I thought those words, I felt his response of laughing. Laughing! Of all the nerve, why would he laugh at me when I was trying so hard to do something for him?! I felt a whisper from heaven tell me: Young Lady, >laugh< they are kids! Enjoy them! 

Well! I'll tell you what I did! I.... sighed. He was right. They were little kids and probably busting at the seams with the break of rainy weather and beautiful sun shining. I would be too! 

As I turned to welcome the older kids with a song, they immediately settled in their chairs, becoming reverent. All of us leaders were ever so grateful. one of them quickly commented that they were a breath of fresh air. When it was time to pay tribute, these children listened wholeheartedly as I shared stories of my relationship with someone incredibly special. I bore witness that as we sang, the Holy Ghost would let them know if the message of the song held eternal truths, as my uncle taught. It was beautiful and moving as they did indeed sing "from the top of their lungs with enthusiasm." How I rejoiced in that moment in knowing that he could hear us from heaven.

I did not video these students of mine, but other choristers around the world recorded their primaries. One local Portuguese Branch song leader sent me a video of his children singing in their native language. I was moved to tears as these children paid tribute to such a revered man. What a kind service! How grateful I am to be part of such an organization that teaches truths such as "Families can be together forever." How grateful I am for this message being my uncle's legacy. 

Singing with enthusiasm, 

Mama Dragon

Living a Superhero Legacy

Often, people will ask: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Instead of focusing on the legacy we will leave, what if we concentrate on just living that legacy right now? It has been a ray of light in this world to see one such group doing that. The Legacy Initiative is a community enrichment organization that was founded by a group of nine friends that wanted to make a difference in the world not just one day, but here and now.

Travis Hysell heads up the group, overseeing the areas that have been created branch by branch. He jumps in feet first everyday, not just supervising but leading others into this great community effort. In asking how Legacy got started, he shared, "We began as a community enrichment group and have tried to maintain that direction. Our first work was in providing food for less fortunate people. From there, it was a natural progression into homeless outreach, then crime prevention, the (community) garden, and then the Causeplay Team [which is a costume team that focuses on superheroes and princesses, bringing joy to children effected by homelessness and/or life-threatening illnesses." Their goal is (in his words) "to empower and motivate the people of our communities to participate in making positive changes. We have narrowed in on poverty and hunger as our primary causes because they have so much impact on our society."

The first Saturday of each month, a group of volunteers involved in this non-profit organization get together at a local restaurant and make hundreds of bean burritos. The food is all donated by local citizens and companies. The night before, Travis spends hours at home soaking and prepping the beans. On Saturday morning, the beans are cooked and the burritos are made.

The food is then taken to the meeting point in downtown SLC where other food items, such as cookies, oranges, and water bottles, are divided up between street teams, with all ages included.

The teams then head out all over downtown Salt Lake. You can see the team here, along with a homeless community member that has just received the gift of food. (front left)

Come rain, snow, or shine, the teams keep their commitments. 

Each team has a leader and is assigned a walking area in the downtown district, where the homeless spread out throughout the day. These members of the community are treated with the utmost respect as they are approached by our teams and kindly asked if they would like something to eat or drink. Most of the time, they are in need and they are ever so grateful for the kindness extended to them. I have personally walked the streets with these fine people, offering food and clothing to the folks of Salt Lake City. It is incredibly humbling to see the gratitude from the recipients and the compassion on the face of friends and strangers who have come together to reach out and lift others in need. 

What began as a small group of friends wanting to make a difference in this world has now turned into an extended group of 600 community volunteers. The members of the Legacy Initiative are changing the world, one kindness at a time.   

If you are along the Wasatch Front and would like to get involved, please check out their Facebook Page. For those of you outside the Wasatch Front who wish to join efforts in your own communities, there is always someone who needs you. [Photos are of the Legacy Initiative Group and used with permission.]

Joyfully Serving-
Mama Dragon