As most of you who have been reading about our US adventures would know, we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A huge factor in our trip to the US was timing our travel to attend our church's General Conference in April. The leaders of our church hold a special conference every 6 months. There are beautiful and inspiring talks and music. It is held in Church Headquarters in a gorgeous conference centre in Salt Lake City. It has been a lifelong dream to attend one of these sessions live, not just via satellite broadcast at home in Australia.
Any trip to the USA had to be timed so we could attend and also spend some time catching up with our many friends who live in Utah.
Pete and I spent 3 months in Provo, Utah at the Missionary Training Centre (MTC) when we were missionaries but unfortunately, apart from one day trip into Salt Lake City, missionaries do not get the opportunity to see any of the surroundings beyond the MTC. You are seriously that focused and flat out learning for 3 months there isn't time for it.
We were very lucky to again have lovely friends who opened their homes to us. We spent the first few days in Utah in Spanish Fork with my friend Danniey and her hubby Tyler and their adorable children Calvin and Linus. What a fun and lively family they are. Calvin was VERY excited to see us and kept us on our toes and entertained. Danniey and I met on my first day in the MTC. She approached me and asked to share her testimony (statement of personal beliefs about our church) in Japanese. I was very happy to oblige and felt such a strong spirit of truth when she spoke. I will never forget thinking then that this Sister Missionary was a powerful force for good and we instantly connected as friends from that first meeting. I am so grateful for her example and friendship.
Here's trouble - Elder Daniels and Elder Watt. It was lovely that Jon and Pete got on like a house on fire. You would never have known they hadn't seen each other in about 8 years! Tina and I could tell that they'd had a lot of fun serving together in Japan.
One of my most anticipated catch ups was with one of my most favourite companions from my mission - sister Bethany Landon (Bethany Coffin now). We had so much fun serving together. You should see the photos from the time we worked together! I remember mum and dad commenting in a letter that we looked like we were having a blast and that we seemed like Sisters. This girl is amazingly talented and I looked up to her so much. Although we haven't been great at keeping in contact the love is still there. I was actually a little nervous about meeting her. We arranged to meet her and her family at Temple Square and go from there to lunch together. Pete was laughing at me when we were walking to the meeting place and commented how nervous I seemed. I kept saying "It's been 8 years, and I'm just really emotional!"
The moment I saw her my eyes welled up with tears and we embraced in a huge bear hug. Beth isn't a huge crier but I think I set her off a little bit too. I can't tell you how happy I was to see her again. After I had my little teary and lots of hugs we had a photo together.
I was so grateful that she had driven all the way from Pocatello, Idaho to see me. It's like a 5 hour drive and they had lunch with us and then turned around and drove all the way home. She is one of those true friends that remind me of the saying "The road to a friend's home is never long." We had wanted to visit Idaho but just couldn't squeeze it in this time. There were a few people we tried to catch up with who just couldn't get themselves organised and/or timing didn't gel but Beth just made it happen. Seeing her was really important to me. She is good for the soul that girl! We had an amazing lunch at the cheesecake factory (so so good) and enjoyed reminiscing about our missions and talking about our families. She has 3 kids and they are balls of energy and fun just like their mumma.
One morning we went with Sim to Temple Square and did a little tour with a couple of Sister Missionaries. We loved being at the Christus statue in the visitors centre and enjoyed walking around the grounds. Spring was bursting with gorgeous flowers and it was a nice atmosphere that day. Sim and I had an emotional moment when talking about eternal families as we'd received bad news about Dad's cancer on our trip and were worried about him. This trip really strengthened my resolve to be a better wife, mother. daughter and sister. Family is the most important thing!
Silly Matt had recently injured himself and was recovering from surgery. His family were also getting ready for a big move back to Japan. I must admit I was a little jealous as I'd love to move to Japan with my boys.
On Saturday and Sunday Pete and I got to attend General Conference. We went to the Saturday afternoon session and had pretty good seats. When the prophet enters the room there is this incredible feeling of greatness and warmth. Everyone stands as he enters and then sits down once he is seated. There is a reverence and respect that I've only felt in the MTC and here at conference. It's such an amazing experience. He is indeed a representative for our Saviour and I feel privileged that I could be there in the same room to hear him speak. It was so nice to be there with Pete and have a little spiritual reflection time without a toddler around :-)
After the session, Pete had arranged to catch up briefly with his Mission President, Henry J Eyring (son of President Henry B Eyring of the First Presidency of the church). Simeon had meanwhile been dropped off with Will and after a fair bit of mucking around he had the job of getting our car from the place we'd parked it and would meet us a bit later. We really didn't have things worked out very well so I felt awful that Simeon had to do so much mucking around.
We were waiting awhile and I said to Pete that we should call him to see what was happening. I don't know whether he'd forgotten or not but he said to meet him at his dad's office. We were pretty stoked to think that we'd get to be in President Eyring's office but didn't think the chances of him actually being there were great. Well, as we entered the room it was packed with all of the Eyring family and who should be sitting eating his dinner at his desk but President Eyring. I almost did a double take and remember being a bit awe struck as he stood up to shake our hands and talk with us. In between sessions he was catching up with family who were visiting from Idaho so I felt kinda bad to be encroaching on family time but we were welcomed warmly and even offered dinner and cookies. We ate some cookies happily - especially Will. Another guy from Pete's mission had also come up to the office to catch up. We spent the next 30 mins chatting to President Eyring (snr) about our missions and he was talking to us about the new guidelines and asking for our ideas and thoughts about it all. That was pretty awesome!! As much as it was incredible to be there the time flew by before they all had to go to the next session of conference. It definitely wasn't like the relaxed catch-up we'd enjoyed with my Mission President. However, we are glad that despite these people having really busy schedules, they made a bit of time for us. Pete got to have a photo with these very special people.
L-R Elder Garrett Hyde, Sister and President Henry B Eyring, President Henry J Eyring and Pete :-)
After leaving Pete behind to go to the Priesthood session of conference Simeon, Will and I walked back to the car. It was pretty awful to be honest as there were lots of protesters out and the atmosphere was hostile. It made Simeon really angry and it put me on edge also. It definitely wasn't the most pleasant car ride that's for sure. We were both glad to get out of the city and hang out with Tiffany, Bubba and Charlie who helped to pick up our spirits in no time. I would like to come back to Utah to see what it's like when there isn't so much on in Temple Square.
Sunday was different though. There were hardly any protesters out and it was a lot more pleasant. We got there really early and enjoyed strolling along Temple Square and then being able to hear the Spoken Word by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We were sitting a lot further back this time but it was still amazing to be there.
I wish Simeon had experienced Salt Lake City today rather than yesterday. A very different experience that's for sure. The Salt Lake Temple is stunning and I wish we'd had time to actually visit. Definitely next time!
We left Monday morning and whilst I was sad to say goodbye to the Bollingers I was getting tired after all of our jet-setting across the country. I think all of us were feeling like we were ready to go home but we had 3 days to spend in California yet...it turned out to be incredible and was the perfect way to end our trip..but more on that in the final installment of my travelogues...
Any trip to the USA had to be timed so we could attend and also spend some time catching up with our many friends who live in Utah.
Pete and I spent 3 months in Provo, Utah at the Missionary Training Centre (MTC) when we were missionaries but unfortunately, apart from one day trip into Salt Lake City, missionaries do not get the opportunity to see any of the surroundings beyond the MTC. You are seriously that focused and flat out learning for 3 months there isn't time for it.
We were very lucky to again have lovely friends who opened their homes to us. We spent the first few days in Utah in Spanish Fork with my friend Danniey and her hubby Tyler and their adorable children Calvin and Linus. What a fun and lively family they are. Calvin was VERY excited to see us and kept us on our toes and entertained. Danniey and I met on my first day in the MTC. She approached me and asked to share her testimony (statement of personal beliefs about our church) in Japanese. I was very happy to oblige and felt such a strong spirit of truth when she spoke. I will never forget thinking then that this Sister Missionary was a powerful force for good and we instantly connected as friends from that first meeting. I am so grateful for her example and friendship.
The Watt and Wright families
Sister Brenley Charles, (Danniey and I - centre) and Sister Katherine Hurd, at the famous world map in the MTC. August 2004 I think.
It was pretty chilly in Utah but the snow on the mountains looked beautiful. We really wish we had longer than 6 days in Utah as there was sooo much we could have done. I'd definitely visit when it's warmer and hike in the gorgeous canyons and national parks. It wasn't very practical given we were travelling with a toddler anyhow.
As a last minute thing, Simeon decided to head to Las Vegas for 2 days while we stayed with the Wright family. I'm glad he had some downtime just for himself and although he came back flat broke and exhausted he said it was very worth it :-) Will really missed him and was very excited when he came back.
We were really happy to meet up with one of Peter's mission companions, Jon Daniels and his wife Tina. They were such sweethearts and made us all feel so at ease in their home. I was really quite surprised when meeting their son Max as they came right out and told us that they had adopted him. I wouldn't have even known. The fair skin and super blonde hair hadn't registered as unusual next to Tina and Jon's dark hair and olive complexions. They were so open about their trials with the adoption process and why they had to go down that road. I am so pleased that Max has joined their family. They are amazing parents and love their little man so much. We all thought he was adorable too - especially Will! He just loves babies...
Here's trouble - Elder Daniels and Elder Watt. It was lovely that Jon and Pete got on like a house on fire. You would never have known they hadn't seen each other in about 8 years! Tina and I could tell that they'd had a lot of fun serving together in Japan.
Using the trusty timer on our point and shoot.
We would have loved to spend more time with them but had so much to do and people to see in Utah it was quite crazy. Thanks for the yummy dinner and great company guys! Please come visit us in Australia sometime. x
One of my most anticipated catch ups was with one of my most favourite companions from my mission - sister Bethany Landon (Bethany Coffin now). We had so much fun serving together. You should see the photos from the time we worked together! I remember mum and dad commenting in a letter that we looked like we were having a blast and that we seemed like Sisters. This girl is amazingly talented and I looked up to her so much. Although we haven't been great at keeping in contact the love is still there. I was actually a little nervous about meeting her. We arranged to meet her and her family at Temple Square and go from there to lunch together. Pete was laughing at me when we were walking to the meeting place and commented how nervous I seemed. I kept saying "It's been 8 years, and I'm just really emotional!"
The moment I saw her my eyes welled up with tears and we embraced in a huge bear hug. Beth isn't a huge crier but I think I set her off a little bit too. I can't tell you how happy I was to see her again. After I had my little teary and lots of hugs we had a photo together.
This was the only 'nice' and 'normal photo of the 2 of us as companions. I have spent the last 10 mins cracking up looking at all the crazy photos. I could do a blog post just on that! ha ha
This is in Ube, Japan between Nov-Dec 2004.
I was so grateful that she had driven all the way from Pocatello, Idaho to see me. It's like a 5 hour drive and they had lunch with us and then turned around and drove all the way home. She is one of those true friends that remind me of the saying "The road to a friend's home is never long." We had wanted to visit Idaho but just couldn't squeeze it in this time. There were a few people we tried to catch up with who just couldn't get themselves organised and/or timing didn't gel but Beth just made it happen. Seeing her was really important to me. She is good for the soul that girl! We had an amazing lunch at the cheesecake factory (so so good) and enjoyed reminiscing about our missions and talking about our families. She has 3 kids and they are balls of energy and fun just like their mumma.
We had lots more hugs before we had to say goodbye.
I nicked this photo from Beth's Facebook page - The Watt and Coffin families.
Libby cracks me up here. She really didn't want her photo taken. My preggy belly was really showing at this point (16 weeks along) and I remember Beth posted a pic of us that I thought would send the rumor mill going before I made the announcement. I told all our friends in the US but they kept it under wraps until we got home and made it official.
Later that evening we got to catch up with my Mission President, President Banks for ice-cream. I was so sad not to see his lovely wife Melanie but she was too unwell. She has long battled with her health and I know she was devastated not to see us. All the more reason we have to get back to Utah again someday. I have so much love and respect for this couple. They truly were like surrogate parents to me when I was a Missionary. It was so great for us to talk about what we've been up to since our missions and it was just uplifting to be around this great man again. The time was short but I'm so grateful that we could see each other and to have Peter meet someone I spoke so much about. Will was his cheeky and adorable self and was very happy with the ice-cream :-)
Simeon arrived back in Utah on Friday. By this point we had left my friends in Spanish Fork as we'd arranged to have our last 3 days with the Bollinger family. Tiffany is an awesome friend I also met in the MTC. She served her misson in Hong Kong. She was actually a lifesaver for me. You see, for some reason there was a big mix up with my arrival date at the MTC. I rocked up on a Monday but wasn't due to be there until Tuesday. So they were unprepared for my arrival and I had no companion for a whole day (very strange for a missionary who is always paired with at least 1 other person). I was jet-lagged and nervous and Sister Tiffany Messick (as she was back then) and her companion Sister Ward, took me under their wings and I spent a bit of time with them that first day. I even joined in on their PE time and played Beach Volleyball. It was just what I needed. Just like with Metta, I have kept in better contact with Tiffany than most of my companions. She is a legend and we absolutely loved staying with her family. Her hubby, Bubba is a crack-up and a big talker. We loved him to bits. And their son Charlie is the cutest thing in the world...next to my boys of course. x
I am so blessed to have made so many beautiful friends on my mission. Tiffany is a legend and has such a great sense of humor and is so easy to talk to. On the last night of our stay, Simeon, Pete and I had a great D&M with her and Bubba. We talked about so many things and I wish we'd had more time to just hang out with them like that. I felt bad a lot of the time as we went back and forth to sessions of conference and other catch-ups. I wish we had just stayed put a little more as I just love these guys!
Here we are at the MTC back in July 2004. Jeepers I look fat there!
The gang - Bubba, Tiff and Charlie, Sim, Mel Will and Pete
I love this one of Will and his daddy!
One morning we went with Sim to Temple Square and did a little tour with a couple of Sister Missionaries. We loved being at the Christus statue in the visitors centre and enjoyed walking around the grounds. Spring was bursting with gorgeous flowers and it was a nice atmosphere that day. Sim and I had an emotional moment when talking about eternal families as we'd received bad news about Dad's cancer on our trip and were worried about him. This trip really strengthened my resolve to be a better wife, mother. daughter and sister. Family is the most important thing!
I can't remember what day it was but we ventured way out into the suburbs to visit my friend Matt Mikhail. He and I served together in the Matsue Zone of our mission. My parents and I actually stayed with him and his then fiance when I returned to Japan a year after finishing my mission. So it hadn't been quite as long since seeing him as most of my other friends. He has a growing family of gorgeous boys but they were pretty scarce when we visited :-)
Will was happy to help himself to some of their toys though.
Silly Matt had recently injured himself and was recovering from surgery. His family were also getting ready for a big move back to Japan. I must admit I was a little jealous as I'd love to move to Japan with my boys.
Matt's a bit hairier than I remember him but still the same awesome guy!
On Saturday and Sunday Pete and I got to attend General Conference. We went to the Saturday afternoon session and had pretty good seats. When the prophet enters the room there is this incredible feeling of greatness and warmth. Everyone stands as he enters and then sits down once he is seated. There is a reverence and respect that I've only felt in the MTC and here at conference. It's such an amazing experience. He is indeed a representative for our Saviour and I feel privileged that I could be there in the same room to hear him speak. It was so nice to be there with Pete and have a little spiritual reflection time without a toddler around :-)
After the session, Pete had arranged to catch up briefly with his Mission President, Henry J Eyring (son of President Henry B Eyring of the First Presidency of the church). Simeon had meanwhile been dropped off with Will and after a fair bit of mucking around he had the job of getting our car from the place we'd parked it and would meet us a bit later. We really didn't have things worked out very well so I felt awful that Simeon had to do so much mucking around.
We were waiting awhile and I said to Pete that we should call him to see what was happening. I don't know whether he'd forgotten or not but he said to meet him at his dad's office. We were pretty stoked to think that we'd get to be in President Eyring's office but didn't think the chances of him actually being there were great. Well, as we entered the room it was packed with all of the Eyring family and who should be sitting eating his dinner at his desk but President Eyring. I almost did a double take and remember being a bit awe struck as he stood up to shake our hands and talk with us. In between sessions he was catching up with family who were visiting from Idaho so I felt kinda bad to be encroaching on family time but we were welcomed warmly and even offered dinner and cookies. We ate some cookies happily - especially Will. Another guy from Pete's mission had also come up to the office to catch up. We spent the next 30 mins chatting to President Eyring (snr) about our missions and he was talking to us about the new guidelines and asking for our ideas and thoughts about it all. That was pretty awesome!! As much as it was incredible to be there the time flew by before they all had to go to the next session of conference. It definitely wasn't like the relaxed catch-up we'd enjoyed with my Mission President. However, we are glad that despite these people having really busy schedules, they made a bit of time for us. Pete got to have a photo with these very special people.
L-R Elder Garrett Hyde, Sister and President Henry B Eyring, President Henry J Eyring and Pete :-)
After leaving Pete behind to go to the Priesthood session of conference Simeon, Will and I walked back to the car. It was pretty awful to be honest as there were lots of protesters out and the atmosphere was hostile. It made Simeon really angry and it put me on edge also. It definitely wasn't the most pleasant car ride that's for sure. We were both glad to get out of the city and hang out with Tiffany, Bubba and Charlie who helped to pick up our spirits in no time. I would like to come back to Utah to see what it's like when there isn't so much on in Temple Square.
Sunday was different though. There were hardly any protesters out and it was a lot more pleasant. We got there really early and enjoyed strolling along Temple Square and then being able to hear the Spoken Word by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We were sitting a lot further back this time but it was still amazing to be there.
It's quite something to get there and see the place gradually fill up. I think it seats about 11,000 people.
After the conference session it was nice to just stroll around Temple Square and take some photos. We were loving our Sunday date together!
I wish Simeon had experienced Salt Lake City today rather than yesterday. A very different experience that's for sure. The Salt Lake Temple is stunning and I wish we'd had time to actually visit. Definitely next time!
Utah
is a funny place. I have pretty mixed emotions about it but really
loved seeing all our beautiful friends and being able to attend
conference was very special.
We left Monday morning and whilst I was sad to say goodbye to the Bollingers I was getting tired after all of our jet-setting across the country. I think all of us were feeling like we were ready to go home but we had 3 days to spend in California yet...it turned out to be incredible and was the perfect way to end our trip..but more on that in the final installment of my travelogues...
