A thought regarding the apostacy

I have been spending a lot of time with the missionaries these days. This has given me plenty of opportunities to particpate in the lessons they teach. It has been very rewarding. Recent changes in the lesson/discussion structure has included the apostacy and restoration as some of the first principles that people are taught. The first lesson, as taught by local elders, is longer and discusses more complex ideas then I was accustomed to teaching while an elder.
It was during one of these recent first lessons, or discussions or whatever they are called these days, that I was struck with a thought. Not a thought that would in anyway shake my testimony, but a thought that raised an issue that I don't feel has really been addressed. I am hoping that some of the occassional and silent watchers of this page- namely Bell and Gar- will help me with this.
We were at the point in the lesson where the apostacy and restoration were brought up. The elders were discussing what comprised a dispensation and what it meant to be in a state of apostacy. The next few minutes were spent teaching about the rejection of the early apostles and the darkness created by the apostacy. I got to thinking. According to our calculations and understanding of time, we have inhabited this earth for something like six or seven thousand years. (Gar correct me if I'm wrong) Why would the lord allow for such a long apostacy when that period of roughly 1,700 years would account for something like 25% of our existence on earth? That equals millions of people who never even had the blessings of the church and priesthood in their lifetimes.
It seems hard for me to think that a perfectly executed plan would include such a long period of time where there was little eternal progress. I realize that the millenium and temple work will help all of these people out. I also realize that, compared to the answers provided by mainstream religion, this one makes much more sense. This thought doesn't really shake my faith, it's just something I want to better understand.

Public Places

I have been spending alot of time at the Phoenix library lately as I complete work on a current project. I find that I work better in an environment that is different and doesn't have the comfortable distractions of home.

Besides improved productivity I have been able to observe the general populace that goes to the library. The most prominent groups of people I see are high school kids avoiding school -strange place to play hookey-, groups of young school children, mothers with children, and homeless people. The homeless, as can be expected, are among the largest group. I guess if I were in their shoes this would be a preferred location, there aren't many spots where they are truly welecomed. At first I have been nervous, anticipating that every encounter will end in a solicitation for money. While that has happened, I have observed some thing different. They are among the most active people at the library. They seem no less smart then anyone else and are looking into topics that one would assume would belong to more educated folk.

The library has helped me humanize a portion of the population that is conviently turned into aliens. As I've become friends with a couple of people I've realized that, outside of a few bad breaks or choices, they are no different than anyone else. It's sad that I have prejudices but I'm grateful that the library is helping overcome one of them.

Spring respite

I don't know what it is. Despite my best efforts of keeping a record of my life it always seems like theres a drop in my output in the early spring. I'm not sure if it is because this time of year is busy, or it has something to do with the spring soltice, or if there is just so much more to do outside. Nevertheless, I have failed to account for several weeks of memorable events, I will try to do better.

More to come....man, the weather is just too nice.