Joseph

Ephraim is a superstar!

I went shopping today and saw him on TV at two different places.

I know it's not hard to get recognized on this small island, but I'm so proud of Ephraim.

Why?

Our stake ambitiously set out to do The Savior of the World for the annual Christmas program. It's a production shown at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City involving professional singers, actors, crew, and orchestra. Although our stake director Tagi Schwenke faced obstacles at every turn with limited time, talent, and resources, she perservered trusting that her faith and effort would be blessed.

Ephraim played Joseph. He had lots of lines to memorize and several solos to polish. The cast spent HOURS practicing--for the last few weeks they basically lived at the church.

The play was finally ready...let's say "scheduled"... on December 4 and 5. All the wards pitched in to create the right mood with scenes of the Savior's life staged along the entrance: the stable, Jesus teaching the in temple, and learning in a carpenter's shop.

Our local TV station filmed the first performance, which was great for me because Isaac and I spent some frustrating time out in the hall during Ephraim's key parts. Some of our friends came to watch, which was the main goal of the production. The second night went well too, although nasty weather discouraged some folks from attending.

I felt proud of Ephraim for many reasons. First, I knew he really didn't want to be doing the play at all. When Tagi first approached him about the part he was convinced he'd be out of town, sick, or both. But as he humbled himself and thought about the good he could do, he conceded, and worked really hard improving his own part and helping the other (knuckleheads) get their parts too.

I was also proud because it was out of his comfort zone to try to act. You who know him well know he's NOT an actor. I had to chuckle at some of his lines and strained smiles--he's cute for even trying!

And finally I was proud because he sang beautifully. (If I can, I'll post some video.) He's really a talented singer thanks to Temple family training. I only wished that Ma Temple were there to watch and hear him. She would've loved it. Our bishop said to me, "So, was it the voice that did it for you? 'Cause I was falling in love with him out there!"

In a lot of ways Ephraim is like Joseph. Facial hair, rough hands, and a big nose... just kidding. I mean he's kind, humble, and obedient to the Lord. And married to a woman most fair above all other women--.

You know, when Ephraim first came off his mission in 1998, after he gave his homecoming talk in church Pa Temple commented that he was "good PR for the Temple family". Good things happen to Ephraim Temple, and I always feel that I'm just lucky to be along for the ride.