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Carole Mikita ReportingWhen Olene Walker's term as Governor ended, she planned to relax, spend time with her grandchildren, and play a lot of golf. Not, yet. She and her husband are about to become missionaries with a very unique assignment.
Olene Walker, Former Utah Governor: "Quite frankly, I thought I'd have lots of time. I thought I would really improve my golf game, it just hasn't happened."
Life in the fast lane works for the Walkers. After decades in public service, the former Governor and First Gentleman face yet another adventure as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their destination: New York City. Their assignment: diplomacy.
Olene Walker: "They want us to focus on making friends with some of the UN ambassadors where the church is having trouble with visas, or a country that does not allow the LDS missionaries to come in."
Other couples have gone before them-- LaVell and Patti Edwards opened community doors as missionaries, Ralph and Sharon Larson organized an open house for the Manhattan temple. As the First Couple of Utah, the Walkers often encountered the need for diplomacy. Each one believes the other is their mutual key to success.
Myron Walker: "I pass through a crowd and Olene's still back at the beginning. She does well in these situations with new people."
Olene Walker: "Don't sell my partner here short because he's great, people love Myron. And he has a very sensitive personality that people trust.”
The Walkers have one more commitment before they leave for New York City. This weekend, they travel to China, a good place, they say, to practice that diplomacy.
The Walkers will enter the Missionary Training Center in Provo May 30th, and leave for New York City in June.
