Week 4: So many children...

06/05/2016: Last Sunday, I got to see Becky Briscoe and her family! They used to live in my home ward (congregation), and she was one of my Young Women leaders. Seeing a familiar face was exactly what I needed at the moment to give me a boost and keep me going. 

This week, Mark Lusvardi is here. He has a lot of roles, but he is also one of the writers of Preach My Gospel (and basically has it all memorized by page number). Tuesday, he spoke to us Young Performing Missionaries. He spoke a lot on the power of the Spirit and the ability we have through music to help others feel the Spirit and the importance of following the guidance of the Spirit, especially while serving here as missionaries. Super cool experience! 

Wednesday, we had our preparation morning. Sister Grounds (a band sister) and I stayed in town and had a lot of fun exploring Mulholland (the main road). There is a picture of me with a handcart that is out there. Thursday, stage and tech got to have our first of our weekly temple trips. It was such a wonderful experience to gather in the Nauvoo Temple as missionaries.

Friday, I had the opportunity to be a company captain for the Trail of Hope, the road the saints walked down as they left Nauvoo to go to the West. There were a lot of children in the group who wanted to only touch my lantern from the moment I told them the flames were all real and not to touch. As we progressed down the trail, I noticed they calmed more at each stop and increased in focus on the actors portraying those who walked the trail through journal entries and published words. All the children who come to visit here are the best, and I have loved every moment with them. As I was told I would be, I have been blessed to remember the names of all I meet despite there being so many and names not really being my thing.

Yesterday, two of the elders got mission calls for 2 year missions. It was an experience that was wonderful beyond description to gather in the 70s Hall (the original missionary training center), sing Called to Serve with the band playing it, hear from our mission president, and watch Elders Smith and Johnson open their calls. They are going to Houston, TX Spanish and Charlotte, NC.

For the second half of the week, the techs had companion exchanges until 1:30 each day. I did Anna Amanda with Sister Harmer while Sisters Young and Robinson worked on the Outdoor Stage sound system. It was a lot of fun to be able to work with both casts and Sister Harmer. 

I read a great quote this week from David O. McKay: "True Christianity is love in action. There is no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for your fellow men."  I love this quote because it is an eternal truth but can be difficult to remember at times. Reading it was a good reminder of how important all are in the eyes of God.

Pictures:  (1) me with a handcart, (2) Elder Smith opening his call, and (3) the Temple at night.

- Sister Sylvestre