Let me introduce myself a little better and introduce where this project came from. The first thing that people usually find out about me is that I'm from Idaho, grew up on a small farm, and I love it. In our house we had a few motto's and principles, the first is found in Doctrine and Covenants 123:17: "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." I try to make this scripture the motto of everyday, it can be hard to be cheerful all the time, but I know that as I am I will be blessed. The phrase I grew up on was "Your attitude determines your altitude." This makes more sense when you understand that we're big backpackers, a backpacking trip goes much faster if you're not whining. I am a firm believer that the better your attitude, the better the outcome will be. This principle is especially true with a project like this one, this is something I want to do, I'm interested and dedicated to it.
That is just a little about me, it might be nice to know that I served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2005-2007 in Buenos Aires Argentina and it has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I also believe that this experience helps qualify me for the project; I know the language and the people. I also recently graduated form BYU-Idaho in advertising and marketing with an emphasis in video production. This is just some of who I am, but I hope it helps.
So, where did this project come from? While I was serving in Buenos Aires I had the wonderful opportunity to meet my grandmothers three remaining sisters; Herminia, Nelida, and Amanda. These women are all in their 80's, but they have a passion for life and family, and they have more energy then I can ever hope to have (even though their health is starting to decline). When I first met these women I had only been in the country for a few weeks and my Spanish was minimal. There was so much I wanted to ask them, they knew my grandparents in a way that I didn't but I couldn't communicate what I wanted and being a missionary, I couldn't dedicate the time I needed to get the information. Since I returned from Argentina more then three and a half years ago I have wanted to go back and ask all of those unanswered questions. Unfortunately I haven't had the time or the opportunity to go back, I was in school and working. I have come to see this as a blessing though. If I would have gone back immediately I wouldn't have received the training and experience that school gave me. With my video productions back round that I have now, I can go back and really document what my aunts (tias) have to say and share. I have also learned the importance of doing research, which opens many doors on what to ask and gives me more people to contact and interview.
Samuel and Clara on thier wedding day
This desire to learn about my grandparents isn't the only thing that drives this project. I was at a family reunion this summer and I realized that my cousins, my aunts, uncle, and father don't know a lot about Grandma and Grandpa's life in Argentina. There is so much that needs to be told and shared. My grandparent's story has always inspired me; how they left everything, family, friends, work, and moved to the United States so they could be sealed in the temple and give their children a proper education. And if we continue looking at their lives we see two people dedicated to building the Lords Kingdom through life-long, selfless service. It was as I thought of this service and sacrifice that I decided that this story needed to be shared with the world. I decided that I would film a documentary about two people who have touched countless lives. The trip to Argentina is only the beginning of the long process, I have interviews to do with missionaries who served with Grandma and Grandpa, the men and women they associated with in Arizona (that was home base here in the States), general authorities of the Church, my relatives in the United States, and others they touched.
This project is huge, but I am excited to do it. I will learn a lot, but I know that the final product is something that my family will be proud of, the Church will embrace, and that will touch peoples lives.
Wow Michael--how grown up you are! This is an awesome project to undergo, and I hope you will have success and be blessed for your efforts.
ReplyDeleteI remember hearing your grandma and grandpa speak at church, and I too was interested in the things they taught and said. The small glimpse into these incredible peoples lives was inspiring.
May you be blessed to accomplish this noble goal!