WASHINGTON D.C. SOUTH MISSION: Historical Fairfax

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Historical Fairfax

We visited the very picturesque, historical section of Fairfax on Saturday afternoon for just a couple of hours on our Prep day. (In the MTC I was told to be sure I made Pres Albright take a few hours every P-day if possible to just relax.) We had a great time. Although it was quite funny that one or the other of us was on the phone during most of our time. (Don't you just hate when you see people in a restaurant and they are both on a cell phone.) At least we were together. Seems there were lots of medical calls and things that afternoon. But we had a delightful time anyway and got some good laughs.

I love anything historical and Pres. and I both love history and museums. This whole mission is perfect for that since so much early American history took place right here on these streets. We visited the Fairfax Museum shown in the first 3 pictures and learned some amazing things about this little town. The building that houses the museum was built in 1873 as the 1st elementary school for the city. But it has wonderful displays and tells about the area. The last picture is of the oldest home in Fairfax.

Old Town Fairfax covers only 6 sq. blocks. But it's history represents more than 200 years. The first engagement of the civil war took place here on June 1,1861. And 7 weeks later in July, Washingtonians came on train in picnic attire (dressed up) to view the Battle of First Manassas, also known as Bull Run. Little did they realize what was about to take place in America's history. The 2nd battle of Manassa, at Bull Run was amongst the most gruesome of fights in the civil war. Fairfax Station Railroad museum celebrates the efforts of Clara Barton, who became "the angel of the battlefield' when she nursed soldiers there. She went on to found the Red Cross. There are Civil War Trail Markers all over the county showing historic tidbits. Because of Fairfax County's location to Wash DC it was of enormous strategic importance during the Civil War. It is interesting to see all the historical names that are found on many buildings and street signs. The people here have a special respect for the history of their area and are proud of the role it played in America.

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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.