Religion in the Restrooms

(from early letters transcribed later)

Dear Family,

In the MTC, the potty is the only private place one can go to be completely and totally alone. The rest of the time I am companioned (and quite nicely I assure you). Yet, there are times when a conversation alone with the Lord happens in the restroom--which is why it is a room of rest.

FromThe Gift of Prayer by Richard G. Scott: Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer

Prayer is a supernal gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul. Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father. Actually, because He knows how desperately we need His guidance, He commands, 'Thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private.' D&C 19:28

It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer."

Everything in the sister's residence hall, by law, (I'm still looking for it in the white handbook,) is sparkly cute, clean, efficient and adorable. The signs in the bathroom that tell you to pick up your stuff are dye-cuts from patterned paper, the cleaning check sheets are filled out in pink gel pen, the vacuums are named Shirley, Sandy, Susan and Yolanda. No kidding, there are names taped to the back of the vacuums--probably so you can know which to avoid when she spits up laahp-saahp (trash) all over your floor!

Poor segue Mom, but tell your temple teacher, Luke 24:49. At the temple yesterday, the Provo Temple President says it's all about the temple! And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

While I am executing bad segues, we also have Ugandan Elders, (we call them huge, because they are at least 6'3" and over 250 lbs for sure,) who are leaving next week. We are terrified of them, even though they are really nice. We tread lightly through their district hall.

Anyway, anyway, back to the topic of prayer. I am learning like Abraham Lincoln, who was driven to his knees by his overwhelming conviction that he had nowhere else to go, that man's desperation teaches him (in my case her) humility for the Lord.

And I am convinced that the MTC keeps their restroom floors pristine clean for just this reason.