WHAT A UNIQUELY WONDERFUL MISSION

This is a very unique mission. It is located entirely in Northern Virginia, but is named the Washington DC South mission. This is because our mission includes a large portion of the metropolitan areas where people who work in DC live and call home. Millions of people live within our mission boundaries with many of them commuting each day to DC.

There is no large major city located within the boundaries. There are literally 100's of smaller cities. In fact many of our stakes and wards are named after the town or city in which they are located. Some of these include: Mt Vernon (population 30,000), McLean (population 40,000),Oakton, Alexandria, Annandale, Fairfax (population 25,000), Burke, Aquia, Arlington, Bristow, Cotactin, Centreville (53,000), Chantilly, Warrenton, Crystal City, Pentagon City, Culpepper, Falls Church, Franconia, Fredericksberg, Leesburg (40,000), King George, Manassas, Piedmont, Quantico. There are also many small beautiful little towns like Clifton, Bull Run and Occoquan which are full of rich histories going clear back to the Revolution and the Civil wars. In fact, the whole mission is steeped in history and the people here are proud of their great heritage. Town museums can be found in almost every town.

All these smaller and medium size cities run together into one very large metropolis. They are connected by very "interesting" roads, scenic byways, and freeways. These roads have been here "forever". In fact what we are told is, "they just paved and widened the trails the cows and horses followed in earlier times." And so even the biggest streets wander in every direction. Trying to get your "bearings" is quite impossible. With the combination of winding streets and tall trees lining the roads, finding your way with landmarks is not possible. And so I am incredibly grateful for "Rand McNally" and GPS.

The lay of the land and the roadways actually make it a very beautiful and scenic place.

People here are blessed with so many things. They can visit all these historical sites and learn it firsthand. They can be involved in the political process. The education system is a real priority. They can visit dozens of tourist attractions for free. They can visit dozens of Smithsonian museums for free. And you could spend a month in each. There are cultural-music and art venues everywhere. The Kennedy Center has free performances every night at 6:00 on one of the smaller stages-symphonies, ballets, bands, etc. There are people from all over the world living here and you get the opportunity to become friends with people of all kinds.

I have grown to really love the whole area. I love the people, the history, the political environment, the culture, the diversity, the members, and of course the missionaries. If you haven't visited this part of the country, I encourage you to put it on your bucket list.