That "Other" Book of Mormon Musical

Over the weekend, I had the chance to go and see the Book of Mormon musical.

No, not The Book of Mormon Musical, but rather Nephi & the Sword of Laban, which is based on (the horror!) a story from the pages of the actual Book of Mormon.

Covering 1 Nephi and 2 Nephi while also omitting the Isaiah chapters of the latter book, this production was a noble effort to tell the faith-promoting spiritual and physical journey of Nephi and his family from Jerusalem to the New World. Admittedly, there were moments that reminded me of both the cheesiness of Saturday's Warrior as well as the purposefully cheesy Waiting for Guffman.

Nevertheless, the story flowed well, the songs were composed and performed with heart, and the cast put on an admirable performance. It was way better than that "other" musical.

But you haven't even seen that "other" musical, you say.

No, I haven't seen it. I don't want to, and I don't need to to know that it's pure garbage. I know from the other productions of the show's "creative" team that I don't like their humor in the least. I don't find "anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy" about the show (Articles of Faith 1:13). Quite frankly, I'm baffled by those of my faith who think it's all that and a bag of chips.

Well, to each his own.

Naturally, Nephi & the Sword of Laban was also way better than Cats.

Ton of Bricks

Life moves pretty fast sometimes—and not always in positive, Ferris Bueller kinds of ways.

Six months ago, I met up at the local Village Inn with one of my troupe's fans. Over breakfast, as he had outlined in his phone call to me the day before, he excitedly elaborated on his plans to propose marriage to his girlfriend. Their first date had been attending one of our shows a few months previously, and he wanted to bring things full circle by moving ahead with his plan at that week's performance. We were more than willing to help him out, and we devised a scheme that everyone in the troupe was in on.

The plan—as much as you can plan something in improv, anyway—went off without a hitch. He asked, and she said yes. The audience stood up and cheered for what seemed like five straight minutes. It was a beautiful moment that I will not soon forget.

I wish that their story ended here.

However, just a few days ago, this young man's life was cut short in an instant. The life that this couple had started to build together had been brought to an abrupt halt almost as quickly as it had begun.

I don't understand it.

I've learned, and I'm learning, that there are many things that occur in this life that make absolutely no sense whatsoever. They are not fair. They are not right. At times, they seem cruel and pitiless. Nevertheless, they occur, and there is nothing any of us can do about them.

I still do not have the appropriate words for when a friend is grieving. I do not think I ever will. I do not pretend to make sense of horrific pieces of news like the one about this friend's unexpected passing. I will not try to do so tonight.

I will say, though, that a crucial part of faith—of my own faith, at least—is trust in our Heavenly Father's plan. Part of that trust includes trust in the fact that these inexplicable things will happen, and we won't know the reasons during the here and the now. Nevertheless, my faith is that they will given someday.

Another crucial part of that trust is that all will be made right in the end, and that He will wipe away all of our tears. Further, He will restore to us beyond our comprehension our losses and heartaches suffered in this mortal coil and will reward us according to the desires of our hearts.

I know it. Even when there's so much I don't know.

Peru's Independence Day

Out of pure luck, I ran into an old friend at lunch the other day. I hadn't seen Wenceslao in about 15 years.

The occasion? I went to grab a Peruvian lunch for Peru's independence day, which is July 28. I was unable to go on the 28th, though, and instead I went for lunch on the next day. It's a good thing that happened, because I was able to catch up with my old friend, who just happened to be there at the same time, too. We served together in the Peru Lima Central Mission.

Sometimes, timing (or delayed timing) is everything.

July Family Dinner

Another Sunday, and another fantastic family dinner following church meetings today. Dave's and Jessica's clan included some sick kids recuperating at home, so unfortunately we missed seeing them, but everyone else gathered for a good meal and good company.

Biz's and Jeff's little bundle Kate is now nearly four months old and is slowly growing up before our eyes. Seventeen-year-old Kylee and Kate, my oldest and youngest nieces, respectively, posed for the above picture as we waited for the meal to begin.

Llama Burger

During my two years' time in Peru, I saw llamas frequently, as you might imagine. I also have clothing made from llama fur. The other night, I finally tasted llama meat.

The Burger Bar up in Roy always has an interesting variety of exotic meats in addition to such greasy spoon favorites as fries, shakes, etc., and llama meat was certainly no disappointment. Does it taste like chicken?

No. I would say it tastes rather like . . . well, beef. If you'd have served me llama meat and told me it was a hamburger, I'd have believed you.

"Minions"

Earlier tonight, Dave, Luke, Kira, Jake, and I went to see the new movie Minions at the Centerville Megaplex. My friend Allison Olsen gave us free tickets for a work promotion, which was a nice gesture in and of itself; and the gravy on top of that was me winning, in addition, a $10 gift card to spend on treats.

As for the film, the humor was much the same as that of the Despicable Me franchise. We enjoyed a fun evening out together.

Christian's Second Birthday Party

Ben's and Adi's little boy Christian celebrated his second birthday yesterday, for which much of the family gathered at their home in Centerville for a Curious George-themed party. Banana splits were served to the guests, and the birthday boy was showered with an enormity of presents.

Grandma Plowman and Christian's three-month-old cousin Kate were among the many attendees.



 At the close of the festivities, the birthday boy insisted on going swimming in his birthday suit. 'Cause it was his party.