July 9, 2017

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!

What a great time and place to celebrate our nation's birthday here in Washington D.C.  We were able to watch a fun firework show over the Patuxent River with friends from our White Plains ward on July 1st, then go to Washington D.C. with Stacie and David to see the firework show there from the grounds of the White House on the Fourth!  What a celebration it was, and how fun to feel a part of the excitement there - and to see the faces of Liam and Isla as the fireworks went off!

David, Stacie, Liam & Isla

Marta and myself by the White House

The White House at night

View from lawn of the White House

The week before we said "Good-bye" to Elder Rowley with a farewell dinner at the Labtic's place, yummy!  Then the following day we were able to go to the temple with the elders who were leaving the next day for home, after serving so faithfully for 2 years here in the Washington D.C. North mission.  What a special group of Elders!  I have really enjoyed getting to know Elder Rowley and working with him.

Dinner with Elders at the Labtics

At the temple with departing Elders

 After a busy week of visiting and looking for many sisters in our two areas (White Plains and Calvert), we were blessed to meet up with a dear friend and daughter who were visiting here from Utah, Susan and Whisper Saltzman.  We were able to go to dinner and a concert of the Washington D.C. Mormon Orchestra playing at the Visitor's center on the temple grounds.  Such a treat!

At Visitor's Center with Susan and Whisper

With view of temple

Whisper was one of my students way back in 2nd grade about 10 years ago, now has graduated with many awards and scholarships to get her through college - a very talented girl, and her sweet mother has been such a good friend for many years!  So fun to see them here!  And the temple is always so beautiful, but the sunset view of it is especially nice!

 I feel so blessed to be able to serve my Father in Heaven here at this time and in this place! Remember the Savior loves you, and I do too, and have a great week!