WASHINGTON D.C. SOUTH MISSION: April 2010

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

MISSION HOME FIRESIDE- JESSICA

This fireside was so spiritual. Our guest speaker, Jessica Wildermuth, was outstanding. She told an incredible story of her journey to joining the church. She understood the gospel so well and you could feel her testimony and such a spirit when she spoke.

She graduated from College, got a job here, and moved here by herself. She found it difficult to get to know people in a new city. She rode the bus each day and an LDS girl, Breanna, would say hello everyday and visit with her. She told her about the church and invited her to come. She politely declined. They continued to be friends on the bus.

Jessica became very ill and had to be hospitalized. She went through a tough time. Breanna came to the hospital to see her and Jessica realized what an true Christian she was. When she got better she accepted the invitation to come to church. She enjoyed it and let the missionaries start to teach her.

But reading the Book of Mormon was the thing that coverted her. She loved it.

Jessica

Sis. Lau leading the singing (Last time before she goes home)

Elder Sackett and Sis. singing a duet.

President Ward giving a talk, He is ALWAYS great.

A musical number by elders Knechtel, Taufoo, and Sackett.

Treats

Elders Caresia, Robbins, and Bates

Sisters Burns and Lau with friends.

Sis. Lofgran, Bennett and Bagley with Jessica. (the sisters that taught her)

Sisters Lau and LeSueur

Elders Caresia and Sackett with Tom

Sister Burns

Elders Knechtel and Markestein

Elders Butcher and Lee

Sisters Spencer and Johnson with all their friends they brought

Elder Fukui with his recent convert

Sisters Aulava and LeSueur

THE BOTANICAL GARDENS

The Botanical Gardens are located just down from the Capitol Building. They have plants from all over the world and lots of signs explaining all the varieties. It is a fascinating place to visit. Very beautiful. Made me want to do some yard work.

It is amazing all the things you can see, do, and learn about for free in DC. Lucky schools here.

You can see the end of the Botanical Building to the right with the Capitol in the back.

The Botanical Gardens

Looking out the back of the gardens.

Stephanie Smith Fireside

Last Sunday evening we were privileged to attend a fireside in the mission. It was held at a beautiful old chapel in McLean. One of the pictures shows the inside of the chapel and the wood beams on the very steep-pitched ceiling of the room. The gym is under the chapel in the basement. I have never seen a floorplan like this one. Very unique. This fireside hosted Sister Stephanie Smith. Her story was in the Ensign sometime in the last year. She has a remarkable conversion story. She has held very high government positions and at one time was 5th in command at the CIA. She said something at the first of her talk that I wrote down: she said, "I've been on some remarkable adventures. But no adventure in my lifetime has been as extraordinary and life-changing as my path to conversion and baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. She then told about her introduction to the church. She was at a time in her life with tremendous worldly success achieved after clawing her way to the top without any regard for others, and she felt her life was shattering into a million pieces. At this time she turned to a colleague she admired who was a member of the church. He told her two things. That her Heavenly Father knew her by name and loved her and that Heavenly Father had a plan for her success. The next day he sent her a map to the temple visitor center. She told how when the missionary sisters came to her door, she didn't think she could relate to these young women. The first thing they did was ask if they could sing to her. They sang,"I am a Child of God." That was the beginning of her conversion, a long a beautiful story. You can read it on the web at Meridian Magazine. Her testimony was a real inspiration to me. There were over 350 people there and she does a great missionary work speaking to investigators. What a blessing to have heard her and felt her spirit.

Chelsea Our recent Convert

We have met the sweetest young sister. Chelsea is amazing. She joined the church during the last year and has an incredible testimony also. She never misses any missionary function and we were able to take her with us to the Stephanie Smith Fireside. She also came to the mission home a few weeks ago and we had family night. She gave the lesson and is was unbelievable. She is hoping to go on a mission next year. What a great young woman. This is a picture of her with Elders Ganaway and Gifford.