Alan Lake -- 1972 Israel Semester Abroad

1972 Israel Semester Abroad – Alan Lake

Upon returning from the Semester Abroad, Lawrence Benson and I shared an apartment. The following year I graduated and accepted a temporary job at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington D.C. Although JoAnna Harris was living in Provo, her parents allowed me to stay in the basement of their Vienna, Virginia home. After about six months, I returned to Utah and lived with Lawrence and some other friends in Meservey’s basement. Lore, my spouse, and I married the following May. It doesn’t seem like we have been married for nearly 33 years. However, we have been blessed with three daughters and three sons. Three are married and have provided five grandchildren with two on the way. The three unmarried children have significant others…so we may have several weddings in the next year or two. We have appreciated the opportunity to serve in a variety of assignments in our local ward and stake. I have worked in field of human resource management throughout my career. I have worked for the federal government, for small, medium, and large organizations. I am currently the Human Resource Director for the Utah State Department of Correction. I was recently assigned to this job, from my previous job at the Department of Transportation. As the Executive Director of the Department of Transportation commented when he learned that I had been reassigned, he said most people just get fired from a job, Alan has been sent to prison. We appreciate the opportunity to be alive, to associate with family and friends and to rely on great memories, such as our time together in 1972.

Significant Memories from the Semester Abroad

There were too many significant experiences to list just one. When I told my parents of my plans to go to the mid-east, my father told me it was a waste of money. Now 35 years later, it has proven to be one of the best expenditures I made in terms of learning and enrichment.

Some of most significant memories are focused on studying the scriptures together at sacred and historical spots and testimony meeting in places like the Garden Tomb and the Mount of Olives. I also remember food poisoning at the Youth Hostel near the Sea of Galilee, Hitch hiking in the Israeli countryside, climbing Mount Sinai, swimming in every body of water in Israel and elsewhere, and many other experiences. Even after all this time, and after not seeing fellow travelers for decades; I feel a strong bond of love and friendship for every person on the Semester Abroad. It was an incredible, once in a life time experience.

As a student, I appreciated the time, teaching, and leadership that Brother Barrett and Brother Meservy provided. To be away from your wives and family members for so many months is truly remarkable. Thank you for your sacrifice in our behalf. My understandings of the world, of other people, and my testimony of the gospel have been strengthened from the experience we shared together so many years ago.

Alan Lake February 2007