My Memories of the Oak Hill 8th Ward

In an effort to follow the Stake Presidency’s directive and collect a ward history, here are some of my memories, thoughts, and feelings of the Oak Hills 8^th Ward. I’ve been in the ward for nearly 4 years now, and I have had a lot of wonderful experiences and have met great people.

I first came to the ward when the bishop was Bishop McLean. What I remember most about the McLeans was their focus on preparedness and becoming self-reliant. We had more than one lesson on emergency preparedness, and I still remember Sister McLean demonstrating how nylons could be used in a pinch to grow radishes, beans, and other greens. Bishop McLean was always encouraging and taught me how to focus on the positive aspects of life’s trials.

One of the annual events held in the 8^th Ward is the Service Auction where members of the ward donate various foods, service, etc., to be auctioned off to ward members. I remember that one year there were certain “items” that garnered so many bidders that the donors decided to double their donation to members of the ward. It was heartening to see so many people donating their time and efforts to help members of the ward and to see so much money collected for charity.

Another aspect of the ward that I’ve been involved in is Book Club. My home teacher, Brent Lybbert, saw the wall of books in my parents’ home and mistakenly thought that I was a prolific reader and a perfect fit to lead the Book Club. How could I say no? (Though I thought that the cat would be let out of the bag quickly, they still haven’t kicked me out—yet). We’ve read wonderful books, difficult books, short stories and even had a nice performance of a Shakespearean prologue (thank you, Brooke Wilkins). We read The Alchemist, Left to Tell, Tuesdays With Morrie, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. One of my personal favorites was The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis which really gave me perspective on life, and on the right and wrong way to live it. I met some great people including Elicia Hansen and Michael Fritchen who were our stalwarts in the club. It was a great way to spend time—talking about the themes and ideas from our books and applying them to the Gospel.

The recent fireside by Diona Lewis also sticks out in my mind. Listening to her share her story and experiences, I was amazed and inspired by her continual faith in our Heavenly Father and her willingness to accept whatever life handed to her.

One of my favorite memories of the 8^th Ward is the Orem Relief Society and the friends that I made there. I remember my amazing visiting teaching companion, Alisa Berryhill, who was always so positive and encouraged all around her. I remember a card night with my visiting teachers where we ate and laughed as we played cards (and I learned that Tara Fitzgerald is very good at any game). I remember visits from the Relief Society Presidency (Heather Porter, Mindy Johnson, Kerri Banister, and Alisa Berryhill) where we talked and laughed and just enjoyed each other’s company for a couple of hours (sorry, I am a talker). I remember great teachers, lots of laughter (thank you, Mikelle Ostler), and a great deal of kindness and compassion as we came together as a relief society. I remember sisters feeling comfortable asking real questions and sharing difficult experiences. Sisters shared their testimony of a loving Heavenly Father and how Jesus Christ and the Atonement had shaped their lives. The Spirit was always so strong as we listened to in-tune and well prepared teachers and leaders who genuinely cared about the sisters, and who the sisters genuinely loved. As Adrienne Woolley was fond of saying, it was like walking into Zion every Sunday.

It has been a great privilege to walk among such great people and spiritual giants in this ward. I am continually amazed at the insight and spiritual understanding of the brothers and sisters in this ward. We have all had wonderful spiritual experiences here, and I am grateful for my time in this ward.

Kirsten Shumway