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