General Conference

When we first received our calling and were told that we would be working with the interpreters who interpreted events for the Church, we really could only think about General Conference twice a year.  We have since learned that there are around 300 events a year that require interpreters!

But General Conference is the biggest one, with over 90 languages both from Salt Lake City and also in many countries throughout the world.   We had over 250 interpreters during the two day event

The picture shows the booth numbers with the names of the languages on the left.

The interpreters have been receiving extra training a number of Saturdays to help them practice reading with feeling and speaking clearly, Here is a link to a wonderful ABC interview that they had during the Conference which talks about how it all comes together. 

Some of the Japanese team members

On Saturday morning, as they started to come in, it was so special to know the languages that they represent.  The Arabs chose to come in their robes and keffiyehs or headdresses, and they were pretty noisy.  They were placed in a booth right by the Apaches who are very quiet, and that wasn't a good mix - not again

The Russian sisters- both Natalias!

The Asians were prompt and focused whereas the Samoans and Tongans were pretty laid back.   The Russians are very serious, and so diligent.

And the Russian brothers

One of the things that thrilled Jill was talking to the Farsi interpreters since she lived in Iran when she was in Junior High School.  She remembered some words, so was able to greet them and share where she went while she was there.  Such dear folks!

Our sweet Cebuano sisters

All of these volunteers work very hard these two days, but they also enjoy themselves a lot.  And we, of course, enjoyed just being with them. 

These are the booth signs for some of the languages that we support and are here at the Conference Center interpreting.  Our other languages are tieline, doing it from their own country.