New Church

"And now, behold this the testimony which is in me." (Alma 7:13) Shortly after joining the LDS Church I started attending a small local private college and then transferred to a teacher's college further up the Shenandoah Valley. My folks didn't have the money for me to continue my schooling, but I worked hard, got some scholarships, and borrowed the rest. I continued to enjoy the opportunity to learn and I had decided to become a teacher. I did not enjoy dorm life, so I spent as much time away from the dorm as possible. That was easy, because when I wasn't attending class or studying I spent every moment involved in some sort of Church activity and sharing my testimony with anyone who would listen. I accepted every calling or position I was asked to do and fulfilled multiple ones to the best of my ability. I taught classes and held leadership positions in some organizations. I faithfully did the required hometeaching each month, plus I participated in whatever Priesthood ordinances I was asked to perform. I invited fellow students at college to Church every week. Most of them were girls. I had a girlfriend. She had been my friend in high school and at the Presbyterian Church. She also had converted to the Mormon Church, but in another town. We became sort of unofficially engaged, but we broke off the engagement and I prepared in earnest to serve a full time mission. Interestingly enough I met the girl I was to marry much later shortly after the broken engagement. I met her in the former funeral parlor that our branch met in. She was not a member of the Church, but had been invited by a young couple. I was smitten by her right away, and felt sure we were meant to be together. Sister missionaries taught her the discussions. I met Sarah in January and she joined the LDS Church in March. Things were up and down with school, but I now had someone to talk to about my hopes and dreams. The Mormon Church continued to help me in my spiritual growth.