I need to document the beauty of reuniting with mission companions and returning to my mission in the Washington DC Temple Visitor’s Center.
The best part was being able to spend time with Becky, Rebecca, Julie, Shanna, Esmerelda and Sherri along with the 10 other sisters that served after I returned home but who are just as dear to me now for this shared experience.
We were able to reconnect with Patty McGinley and I marveled at the influence and love she has shared with so many sisters. She will always be an inspiration and blessing in all of our lives.
As we went to the temple open house and talked about our lives since we last saw each other. It became clear that despite very heartbreaking and humbling experiences since our missions, we have all been blessed with increased faith in Jesus Christ and the hope and strength to carry on because of our time serving as missionaries.
We were able to see the changes that have been made to the Visitors Center, including the addition of a theatre downstairs and models of the temple. We visited with four members of the Quorum of the Seventy who were there to consider how to help improve the experience for all who attend the open houses for new or renovated temple that will soon be completed throughout the world.
I marveled again at the statue of the resurrected Christ that so beautifully captures our faith. It was the central focus of each day during our missions as we learned and taught of Christ and how he is central to our experiences and covenants made in the temple.
Mostly I felt this trip was a reminder to me about why I believe in Jesus Christ and my hopes and dreams for myself and my children to be surrounded by friends and family with love and joy now and forever!
