Sunday, February 16, 2014

All in One Glorious Day

This was an unusual P-day for us. We started the day with an early morning training given by Brother Lusvardi from SLC. He is the director over all the visitor centers. He is an outstanding teacher and presenter. President and Sister Jenkins both gave wonderful messages. The sisters sang two beautiful songs and we were all spiritually edified. I was assigned  to pick up some bread from Kneaders and we had bread and jam for our break. We took this quick picture and not everyone got in it.

Some new sisters arrived just as our meeting was ending. We usually miss this excitement because it is our P-day.  I wanted to take a few pictures. They are so excited to be here and start their journey in Mesa!

The Elders were in a deep discussion with President and Sister Jenkins. They look so young and eager! What a great spirit these Sisters and Elders brought to the center.

Next was a trip to the Gilbert Open House. Took this picture to show the lines of people. I should have taken pictures of the parking lots! We heard they are averaging 2,000 people per hour. It was so organized and went very smoothly, as we watched a wonderful film and took a silent tour. 

The temple is beautiful inside and out. I can't even describe the beauty inside, the light, glass work, chandeliers, tiles, it's just so wonderful. Can't wait to go back after dedication!

A corner view.
Just me trying not to squint. Richard took of his coat as we trekked back to the car to get my phone, so he didn't want to get in the picture. It is February and in the high 80's this week, unbelievable for us. This was a full glorious day.

Other things we have done lately without photos:

FHE with the Mesa missionaries
Stake Conference
Fun FHE with games in our Club House - six couples
Asked to speak at a singles FHE - topic Enduring Well
Sizzler with friends - best salmon ever
Had missionaries for lunch & dinner - different missionaries, different days
Meeting people daily that have traveled to the Gilbert Temple Open House from all over this state and many other states
Meeting Snow Birds from Canada, Wisconsin, and other cold places for warmth (did I mention the great weather here)
Several returned missionaries have come in this last week that used to serve in the visitors center and brought their families. One was here 20 years ago, others more recent
Talk with people from Utah and find a connection through locations or people that they know that we know
Richard and I are still together after transfers (haha)
We have the opportunity to teach and testify of Jesus Christ daily and talk about the gospel - nothing is better than that
Richard has many opportunities to counsel (the Bishoping is always with him) and gives blessings
We are now watching the stage preparations being done for the pageant in April
Got our green tickets to attend the Gilbert Dedication on March 2nd
Valentines to all the grandkids and lots of distant loves and kisses, thanks for the Valentines I received too
Richard and I had a Valentines breakfast of waffles at Mimis' Cafe - yummy - we worked that evening shift and some people even came
We bought one box of Girl Scout mint cookies - yes only one box!
Invited the Camerons (our new directors) for dinner and games, fun!





Friends are Great!

It is great when friends stop by! Little Nicci all grown up and a mom of teenagers, hard to believe. I still remember her as a little girl,  playing soccer with my Angela, and hanging out. She came down to see her mom & dad (Keith & Pat Dagley), and enjoy a little sun!

We are going to go to Keith's art show in a few weeks. That will be awesome.