WASHINGTON D.C. SOUTH MISSION: AMERICAS BIRTHDAY--JULY 4, 2010

Thursday, August 5, 2010

AMERICAS BIRTHDAY--JULY 4, 2010

Well, it's America Birthday and here we are in the nations' capital. So after church we went into DC to watch the celebrations. I wanted to be able to say I had done so, since we are living here. We had a nice time and seeing the incredible number of people descending on the National Mall was something. There were large tents and displays and activities all up and down the mall. The problem was it was so incredibly hot that most people were trying to go into the museums to get out of the heat or staying under trees to get out of the sun as much as possible. Finally at around 7:30, it started to get a little cooler. We had taken lawn chairs with us and found a place on the grass in front of the Washington Monument. We visited with lots of nice people sitting around us. The fireworks started at 9:00 and lasted about 20 minutes. They were beautiful and looked spectacular lighting up the monuments. I love the 4th of July and love the feel of patriotism. I love America and I am so grateful I was blessed to live in this great land.

However, I think stadium of Fire, in Provo, beats it hands down. (45 mins of fireworks music, and a program). Glad I came once, but will opt to watch it on TV next time.

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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.