Chapter 1 - Identity and Legacy of Faith in the Life of the Bangerter Family

Part One: Identity and Legacy of Faith

Jacob 6:4

  • Quote: "How merciful is our God unto us, for he remembereth the house of Israel, both roots and branches, and he stretches forth his hands unto them all the day long."

Family Background

  • Parents: William Grant and Geraldine Hamblin Bangerter

  • Family Activities:

    • Enjoyed camping, horse riding, fishing, and farming.

    • Hosted backyard campfire gatherings, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.

    • Engaged in hard physical labor, such as mending fences and caring for animals.

  • Mother's gardening approach:

    • Preferentially used a pickaxe over a hoe for better soil impact and exercise.

  • Father's craftsmanship:

    • Built homes with hands-on tasks including cutting wood and working with cement.

Refinement and the Joy of Learning

  • Cultural Appreciation:

    • Hosted elegant dinner parties and admired art and beauty.

    • Fascinated by geography and history.

  • Scriptural Engagement:

    • Both parents were knowledgeable in scriptures and avid teachers of the gospel.

    • Message from the author: Summary of the legacy of faith and a joyful approach to keeping covenants.

  • Teaching Methods:

    • Mother utilized daily living opportunities for teaching.

    • Conversations while cooking or driving were filled with inspired questions and stories.

    • Father read novels and shared captivating biblical stories during family chores, creating an engaging environment.

Family Motto and the Mission Experience

  • Motto: "Enjoy it"

  • Call to Serve in Brazil:

    • In 1958, parents were asked by President Stephen L. Richards to preside over the Brazilian mission.

    • At this time, family was well-established in Utah with close ties to relatives and a successful construction business.

    • Mother was pregnant with the seventh child; this presented challenges to leaving a familiar environment.

  • Leaving the Familiar Behind:

    • Family had to disassemble their orderly lives, selling their home and storing belongings.

    • Farewell parties celebrated their new journey.

Adapting to Life in Brazil

  • Arrival:

    • Landed in São Paulo, the day before Thanksgiving, after a long flight.

    • Children quickly engaged with new cultural experiences.

  • Challenges in Living Conditions:

    • Faced inconveniences such as rainy season, lack of washing facilities, and plumbing issues.

    • Children suffered from skin infections due to bug bites and there was a struggle with basic household management due to language barriers.

  • Personal Struggles:

    • Mother's moment of despair amidst the difficulties led to pivotal supportive moments from her husband.

    • Husband's Wisdom:

    • Encouraged her to see beauty in their environment despite hardships and to embrace the learning curve of a new culture.

    • Highlighted that these experiences would one day be shared as stories of growth rather than mere challenges.

Philosophy of Enjoyment

  • Mental Shift:

    • From despair to embracing the adventure, the parents adopted a joyful mindset towards challenges.

    • Their approach influenced not only family dynamics but also the mission community, turning difficulties into laughter.

  • Return to the United States:

    • In 1963, upon returning from Brazil, the family expanded to nine, followed by the tenth child.

    • Parents started anew with a focus on their dedication to serving the Lord and re-establishing financially.

Keeping Covenants

  • Covenant Family Allegory (Jacob 5):

    • The allegory discusses the care and nurturing of covenant families, compared to the master of the vineyard refining olive trees.

    • Emphasis on covenant keeping as vital for personal and collective growth.

  • President Russell M. Nelson's Counsel:

    • Goal: Be endowed with power, sealed as families, and remain faithful to temple covenants, culminating in eternal life.

    • Encouraged to stay committed to the covenant path for spiritual blessings.

  • Gathering Israel:

    • Writing from June 2018 highlights each individual's responsibility in helping others make covenants with God.

    • Parents exhibited joy through their covenant commitment, impacting their children positively.

Identity and Purpose

  • Lessons Learned:

    • Understanding personal identity as a daughter of God and the significance of active participation in divine covenants.

    • Parents emphasized resilience through life's challenges and encouraged cultivating faith.

  • Ongoing Support:

    • Lifelong counsel from parents to enjoy life experiences, reflecting a foundational teaching of looking at life optimistically.

Gift of Perspective

  • Mother’s Gift:

    • During a pivotal moment in the author's life as Relief Society president, mother gifted a sign that simply read: "enjoy it"

    • Symbolized the enduring influence of parental guidance and the importance of maintaining a joyful outlook despite life’s challenges.