Thursday, October 21, 2010

The DC BEACON-September Issue

Each month we publish a newsletter in the mission called THE DC BEACON.
We thought our readers would enjoy reading these and so we will be posting them on the blog monthly. Our weekly newsletter is the KEYSTONE and will also be posted. In order to enlarge and be able to read the print, just double click on the page to increase the size. Enjoy!!! Thank you to Elder Brunstad who was able to figure out how to do this. He's amazing.







Tuesday, October 12, 2010

DEPARTING FIRESIDE 10-10-10

We had our Departing Fireside on Sunday, October 10, 2010. Wonderful spirit. Elders Knechtel, Wasden, Barnes, Cameron Bullock, Averett and Rusk bore beautiful testimonies
Lots of people came to wish them farewell and show how much they loved them. One great surprise was Elder Newton showed up for a visit. He departed at the first part of the year. It was fun to see him and his parents.

Elder Rusk
Elder Wasden (which is my maiden name) His mother did the research and found we are related. Which is a great thing, because Elder Wasden is one of the most spiritual young men I have ever met.

Getting up for their final exit during the closing song. Very emotional.

Elder Robbins accompanied. He is a great musician
Elder Newton and Elder Williams

Elders Ditty and Knechtel
Elder Bullock

Elders Coleman, Averett, Knechtel and Bullock





Elder West

A VISIT TO THE TEMPLE WITH THE DEPARTING ELDERS

On Wed, October 6, 2010 we visited the temple with the departing group of Elders. This is a small group of 5. But all wonderful and diligent missionaries. They will be missed.
From left: Elders Wasden, Knechtel, Bullock, Pres and Sis Albright and Elders Averett and Barnes, Assistants: Elders Williams and Lee.
The departing group with Vern and Barbara Albright.
Elder Wasden (my maiden name and yes, a distant relative).
Elder Cameron Bullock
Elder Knechtel
Elder Barnes
Elder Averett
Assistants: Elders Lee and WilliamsElder Lee (above) and Williams (below)

BLESSED WITH A VISIT FROM MOM & DAD

We had a wonderful visit from President Albright's parents, Vern and Barbara Albright, from Las Vegas, Nevada. They came on the 4th of Oct and stayed with us until the 9th. It was a great 6 days and I loved every minute. They are some of our heros. They have been great examples to us. They have served the Lord and dedicated their lives to the Gospel. They served as the mission president and companion in the Tampa/Orlando mission from 1988-1991. We had the opportunity to visit them at that time. Vern now serves as the Stake Patriarch in Las Vegas.President Albright, Barbara and Vern Albright, Sis Albright in the mission home.
The Pentagon memorial
The Lincoln memorial
A view of the National Mall and Washington Monument from the Licoln.
Lincoln Monument. This monument is so much larger than a person ever expects. It is beautiful, majestic and has a special spirit.
The Korean Memorial. This is one of my favorites. There are 19 statutes of soldiers as thought frozen in time as they sneak through the jungles in Korea. The looks on their faces are so compelling. They appear anxious and afraid and so young. It is really amazing.
Vern and Barbara came to the office staff meeting with us. Sisters Barrero and Sis Larsen sang a Spanish hymn for us. It was beautiful. Thanks Sisters
Dulles Air and Space museum continues to impress me every time I go there. Vern was a pilot in the airforce and we knew he would love it.
The Challenger
President Mark Albright with his father, President Vern Albright.
At Glen and Carolyn Davis' home. We went there for dinner one evening. This was a very special occasion. Many years ago, Bro Glen Davis was in Las Vegas on business and needed an attorney. He went to Vern's office. A couple of weeks later, Glen asked Vern "What do you have that I don't have. You have something different that I want" Vern told him about the Book of Mormon and gave him one to read. Glen returned to the east. He read the book and joined the church. Now 40 years later. Glen is Pres. Albright's executive Secretary in the mission. He still has that Book of Mormon.
Viviting IwoJima. This is always so much larger than expected also. it stands 83 feet at the top of the flag pole. The figures are 30 feet.
This is some of the equipment at George Washingtons Grist Mill at Mt Vernon. He was quite the businessman.
The Distillary at Mt Vernon
The back of Mt Vernon that overlooks the Potomac River. Vern and Barbara with me

President Albright with his parentsMt Vernon in the back ground.
George Washingtons tomb.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

LITTLE RIVER FIRESIDE-"GO ON MISSIONS"

Elders Stewart and Staples and Sisters Nichols and Barrero are missionaries in the Little River Spanish Ward. They arranged to have a Young Men and Women activity at the Mission Home. There were about 25 people who attended. The missionaries did a great job. The fireside was to help encourage them to go on missions. All 4 of them plus the Assistants spoke and told about a mission miracle and why they should go on missions. They each did a beautiful job. I was very touched by their words. The youth were pretty shy, but were attentive and I think they felt the spirit. Afterwards they had a tour of the home and refreshments. It was a great evening. Good job Elders and Sisters.