Chaplain Spouse Luncheon and VIP Tour

I love this view from the front as we were waiting for everyone to filter in. Talk about a gathering of incredible women. It's always such a treat to see familiar faces, and new ones, too. This is in the Relief Society building, and the feeling in here is like a little piece of heaven. I love the pics of past Relief Society Presidents on the wall.



They tried something a little different this year, and after we were all seated, they had us stand around the room and then had all the chaplain candidate spouses fill in the middle section...so we could surround them with our love. Isn't that a cool idea? We have a record number of applicants right now, and it was fabulous to contrast with years past.



Then we were called to fill in the other sections, one branch at a time. Here are some of my Air Force sisters. Lookin' good, ladies. Our Navy section was looking pretty strong, I must say. But I was too busy humming "Anchors Aweigh" to think to get a pic.



The luncheon was the usual chicken salad in a half of a V-cut cantaloupe, rolls, pink punch and a fruit-topped cookie for dessert. This year, I was OFF the speaking docket, so I enjoyed it much more than last year. Amy did a fantastic job with her talk, and so did Sheri Dew. I was so excited to see her again.

Right after lunch, we had to head off to perform our escort duties for our guest of honor. The Navy Chief of Chaplains did such a great job with his message earlier this morning. He has come to Okinawa a couple of times when he was the deputy, and we just really enjoyed getting to know him. His Aide was just as fabulous. We felt very lucky to have the opportunity to tag along on the VIP Salt Lake City tour with them.

We took them to see welfare square, including in depth looks at the Bishop's Storehouse, Deseret Industries, the cannery, dairy, Church Employment, and the Humanitarian Operations. Then we headed over to the Family History Center for a tour of that facility, even getting to learn about some of our guests' family history. Then we crossed the street to Temple Square. It was sprinkling by then, but we didn't mind.



We started at the Visitor Center, where these Sister Missionaries took great care of us and answered our questions. It was so fantastic just to sit here and look at the Christus. It was hard to want to leave.



Sitting in the Tabernacle was great, too. I hadn't been in here since I was a kid. Even with the impressive Conference Center, this Tabernacle is still amazing.




Intently listening to our tour guides...



Here's some more Tabernacle photos:










The Assembly Hall



I love this statue. One of the General Authorities on the tour did a fabulous job briefly telling the story of the handcart companies. He got very emotional, so naturally, I followed suit.



We finished our dinner with an incredible lamb dinner at the Joseph Smith Building. It's been years since I've been inside, and it was more breathtaking than I remember.



I'm so glad someone suggested we get this picture. I think it will be one of my favorites.

Unfortunately, we have to take them back to the airport tomorrow. It all went by way too quickly. SO grateful to have had the opportunity, though.