May 1, 2017,

Eternal Light Peace Memorial at Gettysburg

Lincoln - Gettysburg address

Another week has gone by so fast and here we are into May already!  Keeping busy sure makes the days and weeks fly by!  I wish I had pictures of the wonderful sisters we have visited this week, but it's hard to take pictures when you are listening to all their challenges and problems.  We have had some great experiences both in St. Charles and Calvert Counties, but it looks like we won't be working much in the White Plains area anymore, as the Stake Relief Society president has asked us to help in the Bayside Ward now, along with the Calvert Ward, even being a part of their meetings on Sundays.  I will miss the sisters we have grown close to here and gotten to know pretty well, as we will be driving every day to St. Leonard, Prince Frederick, Huntingtown and further north to the Bayside Ward area to meet and work with the sisters there.  I guess this is a little how elders and young sisters feel when they are transferred and have to leave their contacts and investigators behind - with a few mixed emotions, but excited for new opportunities and challenges!
        Some of the sisters have really opened up to us, sharing their problems, anxieties, as well as their testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Some are so glad to know someone cares about them, others just glad to have a visitor - many are so lonely.  We visit sisters in care centers, beautiful homes right on the Chesapeake Bay, and others in small apartments, hard to even get in them!  It is wonderful to feel of their spirit, or try to help them come closer to Christ.  The sweet sister who just found out she has cancer was able to have a blessing last weekend before her surgery this week.  Her husband and daughter, who are not members of the church, were there and we heard that there were many tears shed, as a great deal of Faith was felt by all.  We are praying for her this week!
         We had a wonderful experience in the temple this week, meeting with members of the Suitland Stake in the large Priesthood room on the 7th floor of the temple.  The stake president spoke, then the temple president and his wife with very special messages for all who were there.  We were so grateful we could be in attendance for this sacred experience, followed by a temple session with so many we have gotten to know these past few months. 

Senior missionaries and tour guide  

Civil War cannon at Gettysburg

Cemetary at Gettysburg

                                                       Saturday we traveled about 120 miles to be with the other Senior Missionaries from our mission and tour Gettysburg by bus.  We had a tremendous guide there to show us all of the important spots in this battle of the Civil War that took the lives of about 50,000 soldiers.  It is quite humbling to think of what has been done in our great country to preserve the freedoms we have today and to keep our country together.  I feel so fortunate to be able to see these historical spots while serving a mission - what a great opportunity!

Lunch at Captain Pickett's

         I am very grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who is aware of our needs and desires, and blesses us every day.  I have seen His blessings for me and for so many others in these few months I have been able to serve on a mission.  What a wonderful experience it is!  Thanks to all of you for your love and support!