September 18, 2017

Signs of Fall in Maryland

I am feeling Fall in the air, and love watching these beautiful trees as their leaves change color!  What a wonderful season of the year, and with so many trees here in Southern Maryland, there are various shades and colors to enjoy!  I love watching it as we travel throughout the area!

A highlight of our mission was this past weekend when Gladys Knight performed at our stake center with her Saints Unified Voices.  The building was filled clear to the stage with many people of different faiths and races,  clapping their hands to the beat, many shouting out "Hallelujah" and "Amen, Brother" as they sang!  It was quite an experience (not typical for an LDS chapel!)  Many there were touched by the spirit and testimony Gladys Knight bore of the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in her life.

Gladys Knight performance

Lines of people for concert

The Bayside sisters had a brunch last week that was so fun to attend and get to know the sisters better. Toys for the little ones made it fun for the young mothers and of course, all of us loved visiting!  But a highlight for me was meeting this sweet sister who had just returned from her mission to Spain, and more exciting, it was my grandson (Cade's) mission and she had met him there in Madrid!  I got teary-eyed thinking she had seen him just a couple of weeks before!  Small world!

Bayside Relief Society Brunch

This week we were asked to visit in another ward in our stake, the Anacostia Ward - a new and challenging experience, right near Washington D.C.  It is about 20 miles north of where we live, and we are excited to meet the new sisters in this area.  During Relief Society, as newcomers introduced ourselves, one new sister stood up and said her name, then said "...and Sister Perkins was my second grade teacher."  What a surprise - I ran up and gave Madison (Fielding) Webster a big hug right there!  They are here for a few months while her husband is doing an internship here in Washington D.C. for Chris Stewart (Congressman from Utah).  We had a great time visiting and catching up on her conversion and baptism into the church, her wedding, etc. as we ate the pot luck luncheon they were having there that day.  I can't get over what a small world this is!

With Madison Fielding Webster

We had a great opportunity a week ago to serve at an "Interfaith Picnic" on the grounds of the National Cathedral.  It was a fun experience meeting people of many different faiths and serving there as missionaries for our church.  While we were asked many questions, we also learned about and got to know people from many different faiths.  It was wonderful to be a part of this.

Morgans and Vogels - Senior couples

Singers at Interfaith picnic

Singer with Sister Brown

National Cathedral

Earlier in the day, since we were in D.C., we decided to make the most of seeing some of the places we hadn't been to yet - such as the Capitol Building and the Library of Congress.  What great buildings these are, and since the summer tourists are gone, we were able to get right in on the tours.

In front of the Capitol Building

U.S. Capitol Building

Yes, we have had some great experiences the past couple of weeks as we continue meeting sisters, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and serving the Lord in whatever way we can.  Sometimes it comes in the form of sight-seeing, wearing our missionary badges, and having the opportunity to talk with people where ever we go - they always notice our badges, and we try to represent the Lord well.  I feel so blessed to be able to serve this mission - I have had many wonderful experiences, and most of all, I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is way to find happiness in this life and in the next!  Have a terrific week and remember the Savior loves you, and I do as well!

Statuatory Hall - Brigham Young

Library of Congress

Supreme Court Building

September 4, 2017

                   It has been a special Labor Day weekend in the life of this missionary, getting to spend some time with my son and his wife and their 4 beautiful children.  I met them at the Visitor's Center of the Washington D.C. temple Friday afternoon (after their long 7 hour drive), and after seeing around there and the temple, we went to D.C. to see some of the sites there, such as the Lincoln and Washington Memorials.  Saturday Sister Brown and I met them in Baltimore to see Fort McHenry and learn with them the special meaning of the flag.  I have been there twice before, but each time learn something new and significant about our country's flag.  It was great to see these grandchildren learning about it as well!

I got to spend a morning with Stacie and her sweet children a couple of weeks ago at Watkins Park, which has a "Wizard of Oz" theme throughout it.  It was fun to see them having such a good time on all the activities there - very amazing and fun-filled things.

               

 At Zone Conference last week we were able to help the young missionaries learn about car maintenance.  That will surprise my kids - Mom?  car maintenance!!  Well, okay!  I learned some things as well, but what a great training and experience for all of us!  I love Zone Conferences, seeing all the young sisters and elders and feeling their enthusiasm and energy!  One of the best parts is after lunch when we all stand and sing "Called to Serve" - the Spirit is so strong and powerful!
       

We have had some experiences this week that reaffirm to me how the Lord is truly watching over us.  As we took our normal route over to Calvert County to visit sisters for the day, we found the bridge was completely blocked off.  The heavy rain that day had caused a driver to hydroplane on the bridge hitting head on into an oncoming car.  We realized that if we hadn't taken the time to stop and see a sister who has cancer, we might have been right on the bridge at that time!  Turning around and going the northern route to our areas (an extra hour in driving) was much better than being on the bridge that day!

         It is amazing to us our timing as we find sisters home just at the right time to be able to visit with them.  Another sister we have visited quite a bit came home from the hospital sooner than we had expected, but she said she was praying we would come to visit.  It feels good to know we are maybe able to comfort or help them in some way in their trials, or help them feel the Savior's love for them.

        Both the wards we are visiting had Labor Day picnics Monday, so they were timed far enough apart that we could go to both of them.  It made for a fun holiday and a good way to get to know more sisters in each of these wards, visiting with them in a casual, friendly atmosphere.  One sister was glad to be able to tell of her upcoming knee surgery, so we are glad to be aware of situations like this where we can be of some help and encouragement.  They say we are "Visiting Teachers on Steroids" and I guess that's true, spending most of our days visiting those who are sick or in need!  But it is a wonderful feeling to be of service and feel we are doing the Lord's work. 

                                     

I love being able to serve the Lord in this beautiful place and among such wonderful people.  I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and I love being able to share it with others through word and action in the service we are able to do.  I am so thankful for this opportunity!  Stay true to the faith and remain strong through the challenges and trials of life.  It is worth it all!