Month of July 2014

The 4th of July in Washington D.C. is quite an experience. This is one of the holidays that the Temple is closed. So we had the day off.

We started off with a Breakfast at President and Sister Pratt’s home. He is the First Counselor in the Temple Presidency and Sister Pratt is Assistant to the Matron.

We had a flag ceremony,

sang some patriotic songs,

were served a great breakfast,

and wrapped up with playing games.

Then that evening we had a “Building Cookout”.

And after that we went down to the “Mall” and watched the fireworks.

On July 7th we went up in the Washington Monument.

Wow, what a view.

On July 14th we went to Monticello. That’s where Thomas Jefferson lived.

We actually went on the 13th and stayed over night and that made it a nice get away.

On the way back we drove through the worst rain storm we have ever seen.

The wipers could not keep the rain off the windshield at all. It was like driving under water.

On the 21st we had a July 24th Celebration at our apartment.

We sang songs accompanied by home made instruments,

had a great meal (home made scones),

and enjoyed the company of all the missionaries.

July 23rd – Wednesday there was a youth conference for 50 youth who came to the Visitors’ Center and spent an hour and a half at the temple then had a program that night.  It was Sandra Turley who sang in Les Misérables in New York and also abroad in some country.  She was really great.  As a member of the church, she inspired us with gospel truths as well.  It was a great program.

July 26th – We went to a pioneer program at the Visitors’ Center put on by the Oakton Virginia Stake. They had a lot of music numbers etc. It was really great.  Not real professional, but a good mix and cute costumes.

July 28th we went to the Ford Theatre and the American Art Museum. That’s where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

And all through the month we have had wonderful, spiritual experiences in the Temple. The more we learn there the more we understand. We just love working there!!