Today was the first day I can recall being visited by two Elders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. That’s the Mormon Church for those not up on their religion. Needless to say I was quite excited to open the door and extend a welcome to them. Hard to believe it has been some 23 years since I have been to Utah and the BYU campus in Provo. Thankfully I have many fond memories and seeing these two young faces brought many memories back.

I made it known quite early I would not be a convert to the Church. I talked about the hours I spent listening to the lessons that missionaries teach those who want to listen and learn. Being at BYU, it was really difficult to NOT see missionaries, even on campus, some of whom were my dorm mates at one time. I ended sitting through their lessons about 7 times in a 2.5 year period. For me, it was more of a learning experience, since I did not grow up with any form of religion, nor was I asked or forced to go to church, even on “special” occasions.

Thankfully I was raised in a good environment with loving parents who taught me right from wrong and raised me well. Maybe that is why it wasn’t a real culture shock when I applied and got accepted to BYU as a non-LDS student. I recanted some of my stories that are vivid in my mind about my experience at BYU, with the Mormons and why I chose that school over any others.

I extended an open door to the two young men, one from Wyoming, the other from New Caledonia. I figured it’s the least I could do. I would welcome them into my home and talk with them, feed them if needed. To me, if felt like the right thing to do. Maybe  it’s one of those “good deeds” or maybe it was “destiny” but why? I don’t know.

Regardless of why they rang my doorbell I am glad they did because the LDS were a big part of my life for 2.5 years while in college. Many of the people I met, experiences I had were good ones, even though I never finished out my education at that institution. Hopefully the Elders return for a future visit.