Tuesday, April 26, 2016

May 2016 Departures

Elders Gaudette, Hall, Madsen, President, Elders Liang, De la Cruz and Richmond
Sisters Gordon and Kohler with me


Dr and Sister Smith with Elders De la Cruz, Gaudette, and Hall

Same as above with Elders Richmond and Liang on the right with Sister Schroer

Adding Elder Schroer


Sister Kohler and Gordon with our daughters Carolyn and Elizabeth
and Elder Madsen


Coin presentations
Sister Kohler

Elder Madsen

Sister Gordon

Elder Liang




Farewell dear Elders Gaudette, Richmond, Hall and Liang
and Sisters Kohler ad Gordon



Saturday, April 16, 2016

Cherry Blossom Parade Participation

                                                      
Our missionaries were invited to participate in the annual
 Cherry Blossom Festival Parade 
 in downtown D.C along Constitution Avenue 
on Saturday, April 16th, 2016.


50 of us were balloon carriers,
arriving before dawn to help inflate balloons 
and to learn how to handle them on the parade route.

The other 100 of us were ushers,
doing everything from helping ticket-holders find their seats, 
to controlling the crowds within restricted areas,
handing out programs and fans, etc,
answering questions, giving directions,
even carrying a few banners down Constitution Avenue.


Wearing our badges over our volunteer shirts,
we found endless opportunities to tell people who we are, 
show people what we're like,
demonstrate a work ethic and maturity we're told is seldom found in volunteers, 
and spread the good name of Mormons and our interest in community service.


For example, Elder Tanner and Sister Brimhall found themselves literally preaching to an entire bleacher-full of spectators who were waiting for the parade to begin and asking the missionary/ushers in front of them questions about Mormonism as they waited.  
Someone from the top row of the bleachers called out for them to speak up so everyone could hear.  
A rare opportunity to preach to a totally captive audience who were asking for more information!












































































































































We received countless compliments and positive remarks,
including invitations to come back 
and service the parade next year.

Some people even wondered if the Mormon Church was sponsoring the event because our missionaries were such a strong and respected presence.


We definitely did the Church proud!!