As I sure everyone has been doing with his recent passing, I've been thinking a lot about President Hinckley and the impact he has had on my life as the Lord's prophet and thought I would share a few things.One experience comes to mind over and over. While on my mission in Ecuador the Guayaquil temple was dedicated. President Hinckley, President Faust, and Elder Nelson came down for the dedication. I attended the first dedicatory session with my companion and 4 other missionaries. When we were led in the usher told us that the prophet had invited us into the Celestial Room for the dedication. Amazed, we walked into the room where perhaps 100 other people, mostly church authorities, were seated. One of the missionaries with us was from Bolivia. It took a minute to register with her that we would be in the same room with President Hinckley when he dedicated the temple. When she did figure it out, the look of amazement, gratitude, and excitement on her face was one that I will never forget. Being from Bolivia I don't think she ever imagined she would be in the same room as a prophet. It was a reminder to me what a special man President Hinckley, and all the prophets and apostles, really are. And how lucky we are to have a living prophet on the earth, and that so many of us have an opportunity to listen to them in person or through the general conference broadcasts.
I am saddened by his death but comforted to know that he will be with his dear wife again. It was obvious that he has missed her so much. I am also comforted to know that next week a new prophet and president of the church will be called who has been specially prepared to lead the church onto this next phase. I know that President Hinckley was a great man, a prophet of the Lord, and I will forever be grateful for his example and teachings.
