July 23, 2017

 

Birthday flowers & cards

We have been very busy with the work here, meeting so many new sisters and finding out how we can best serve them.  We were able to show one sister how to listen to the scriptures and conference talks on her tablet, which helps her keep her mind on something besides her cancer!  The sister we visit in Calvert Ward who has Alzheimers seems to remember us each week as we visit her and now feels comfortable sitting with us in Relief Society.  I think her husband enjoys the visits more than she does as he tells us their many stories and recalls the good times!  Life presents so many challenges!

We met with Sister Smith this week, the new Stake Relief Society president, and she asked us to focus mostly on the Calvert and Bayside Wards, which are both on the peninsula to the east of where we live (30 to 40 mile drive), but we love it.  We have already met some wonderful sisters over there and are enthused about helping out where we can.  Five new families have just moved into the Calvert Ward, brings new excitement to the area!  We help with a few sisters in White Plains, but hope the Relief Society sisters there will continue to fellowship and work with those we have been working to activate.

Kennedy Center

So last weekend I had a wonderful time celebrating my birthday with two of my daughters (Stacie and Cori) and my companion, Sister Brown.  We went to dinner, then to see "The Sound of Music" at the beautiful Kennedy Center.  It was so great to see and enjoy - all the music we love so much.  Then I was able to go to Stacie's to celebrate with her cute children and Cori before Cori had to fly back to her own family in Colorado.                 

Birthday Dinner and celebration

Such a special time!  This is one of the great things about being on a mission as a Senior - being able to see family when the opportunity arises!  These are wonderful memories for me to have while serving here!

Opening presents with Isla and Liam

With Isla on boat

Esme - so happy!

Liam on boat

Birthday celebration with Cori and Stacie (and Esme)

 Our White Plains Ward had a Relief Society social at Sister Topper's house this week, a Pool Party.  It was fun to see the sisters getting to know each other better since the two wards merged into one a few weeks ago.

Pool Party at Sis. Topper's house

    

And we love seeing so many interesting things in our travels each day - the beautiful flowers and animals everywhere (deer, squirrels and turtles!)

Crepe myrtle

Save the Turtles!

Yes, we have seen turtles crossing the road, along with ducks and all their baby ducklings!

The Lord has blessed me in so many ways while on this mission - I recognize His hand in so many things each day, answers to prayers for the sisters we are praying for, as well as for my family.  I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve here in the Washington D.C. North Mission, for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the blessing of sharing it with others each day!  Have a great week!