A Great Ward

Just a few pics from our journey in Washington:) 

Definition of an LDS ward: ward is the larger of two types of local congregations (the smaller being a branch). Wikipedia 

I have lived in many wards. Burbank first ward and Carpinteria ward in CA, Desert view, Mountain Shadows, San Destin, and a few more in Las Vegas, Kamiah first ward in Idaho, Parkland ward in Tacoma, Wa, Lecanto, Lake city, Jacksonville, Williston in Florida, a Provo student ward in Utah, and a handful of student wards in Rexburg, Idaho. 

I have seen a lot. Each ward had their own flavor and great gifts to share. I want to take a moment and talk about the last ward I lived in, the Salmon Creek ward in Vancouver, Washington. 

The very first Sunday in September that we came, I immediately saw that this ward was quick to laugh. There was a sweetness and kind feeling that was felt in the sacrament meeting. I loved it. Here's why being quick to laugh is so great; your heart is more open. Not so closed up and wrapped in your own stuff. More quick to embrace and love others. It is such a great trait. I saw our family be embraced and loved instantly. I'm forever grateful. 

Gospel Doctrine class: 

This class was amazing. Nothing short of a CES fireside, meaning extremely rich in content, teaching and participation. Hardly an open seat, and I always wanted to sit in front row. Took notes like a mad woman. Everyone talked! Wonderful thoughts were shared. More laughter. I could tell that people had lived in this ward for a long time, so classes at times were more like a family reunion with jokes and such shared directly at times with others. I loved watching it happen. I hung on to every moment of my last gospel doctrine class there, knowing that my next ward might not be the same as this. 

Relief Society, women's gospel doctrine class: 

Relief Society was a riot. When you get a bunch of ladies together and everyone's laughing, it's a great sound. One time we all sang the opening song. Hardly any of us knew it, and it didn't come out sounding the prettiest. Our relief society president made a funny face and said 'yea, we're done'. The whole room erupted in laughter. So great. Everyone there had their unique gifts to share, their touch of kindness, and beautiful testimonies to impart. I gained so much from them. 

Ward choir:

The first time I went to choir, they immediately made me feel welcome and a part of the gang. It was held in the choir director's home, with beautiful windows that showed the forest of trees outside. I kept getting distracted gazing out the window while we rehearsed. 

The first time the choir opened their mouths to sing, I was blown away. I thought, 'Holy crap! This is not a ward choir. Mini mormon tabernacle choir.' They loved music, blended beautifully, and captured emotion. They are very, very good.

The choir director was so familiar to me, because there is a Las Vegas version of him directing my stake's choir right now with the same passion for music and same darling sense of humor. Because of his love for music, he helped the choir soar musically. Such a blessing to sing with them. 

Ward email chat:

I'm sure other wards have something like this, or I hope they do. This chat was a great tool to help unify the ward through many opportunities, mostly service. Sometimes, it's hard for us to serve. We're not sure what we can do, scared to get out of our comfort zone, whatever. This chat gave many opportunities to serve and get to know each other. One time a mom was locked out of her home and needed help with the garage. She wrote for help on the chat. I saw about 30 minutes later she got help. Pretty neat. The ward chat was great. 

My family and I were so lucky to live in this ward and experience it's sweetness. I will never forget the smiles and love of those members. I try to carry it with me.

Now, I've had the unique opportunity of moving back into a ward we lived in 5 years ago. It's not every day when people are delighted that you move into their ward and your one of the topics at ward council. That was nice. It's a small ward, with tiny boundaries, almost feeling like a branch.

My first Sunday back, I thought 'Well, it's not the magnitude of Salmon Creek,,but it's ok. Now, what kind of good can I do here?'. Since then, I've been put to work with my music. It's been wonderful to see old friends who have never moved out of the ward, and make new friends. There are some great people in this ward. I love meeting good people everywhere. 

To the dear Salmon Creek folk who are reading, thank you so much for loving us, and for sharing your testimonies, love of music, and kindness with me. Please go to Lewisville park for me and have John Denver moments in the river, soaking up the beauty. I've traded tall trees and moisture for magnificent skies and breathtaking desert sunsets in Vegas, but I now hold a special place in my heart for Vancouver:)