From Sister Heather Van Gieson - President, Sanford Ward Young Women Auxiliary
“The Young Women Conference was a wonderful experience for everyone who came. I think what struck me the most was the love Sister Dalton radiated to the girls. During her address she spoke about the blessing she received when she was set apart that she would have a Christ like love for these girls. We were all blessed to feel that love and for a moment better understand the love the Savior has for our girls. One of my girls told her grandmother after the conference that she could feel how much Sister Dalton loved them. What I took away from this conference is that I need to help my girls remember the feelings they experienced and continue to give them opportunities to feel the Savior's love for them. I know that when they truly understand how much the Savior loves them they will strive to become the women He knows they can be. I am grateful I was able to go to the conference and be inspired right along side my girls.”
From Sister Krista Day – President, Methuen Ward Young Women Auxiliary
Sister Day's YW Conference Top 5:
“1. Four Laurels from the Exeter Stake helped continually with the First Aid Kit Service Project. They saw a need and stepped in and happily helped out. This was the pure love of Christ, Charity, at work. I felt the spirit from these Young Women. It shown bright and they truly showed how to "Arise and Shine Forth" through their example.
2. A Young Woman from one of the Maine Stake saw a need to jump in and help with the service project in a different area. She stayed glued to the spot and refilled items non-stop for a half hour until it quieted down some. I didn't know her at all but it touched my heart that we have young women across the world OBSERVING when help is needed and then doing what needs to be done to help.
3. When you get a group of people together with one heart, one mind, and one purpose, they accomplish a lot!
4. I will always, always remember the tangible spirit in the chapel when we were prepping for Sister Dalton and Elder Eyring's arrival. It was empowering and it helped me reset my priorities. I was so very filled with the spirit that I was consumed with it. Actually I felt the description in 2 Nephi 4:21, "He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh."
I'm so very proud of our young women! They are truly the chosen generation. I hope and pray they will identify with the divinity within each of them so that they may be strong and consistent in living the standards and principles of the gospel so that one day, they will enter the holy house of the Lord, the temple, to serve missions, to be married eternally, and to become all they are to become.”
From Sister Jen Alves – Secretary, Exeter Stake Young Women Presidency
“This summer has been so full of spiritual activities and I have loved it! What could be more fun than
Hanging out with the youth of Zion and the leaders that lead them? I can honestly say this has been the best summer of my life! Really! It has also been the busiest and fastest summer of my life!
In retrospect, I cannot decide which I loved more; having Sister Dalton visit our Stake, going on Trek, or being part of Girls Camp? They were all exciting for me and I'm glad I got to be part of each one!
From Girls Camp I mostly remember the Kingdom of God cake that we managed to build among all the other jobs that had to be done. It was symbolic of life itself. We have so many jobs to do and we build the Kingdom at the same time. It cannot be done by one person alone. It takes many hands. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it! I also totally loved the edible gold dust, the pink frosting, and the princess puff cake balls! Now that was fu-un!
Trek! What's not to love? In my house we say, "I'd rather be Trekking!" Being surrounded by Saints for three days straight is a dream come true! With Brother Perkes as our guide we learned faith building lessons every step of the way. The fresh air and exercise were the icing on my cake (hehe)! We can and will do hard things and we'll be much better off for them. The women's pull really rocked (no pun intended?) my world and I hope and pray I get to do that again!
Having Sister Elaine S. Dalton, our general Y.W President, visit and speak with us was such a thrill! What a great way to cap off the summer! It's too bad we had to let her go back home. My favorite quote from her was, "One virtuous young woman led by the spirit can change the world…… and I know you will."
I feel so blessed to have been part of all these wonderful events. I have met some of the best people on earth including our youth who are the next generation of leaders in building the kingdom of God here on earth and in the eternities to come. I love you guys!”
From Sister Sandra Reyes – 2nd Counselor, Exeter Stake Young Women Presidency
“This summer was filled with blessings and manifestations of the spirit. We were able to prepare and organize these activities with the feeling of approval from Heavenly Father. That is why the answer to "Why do we do this?" is very clear to me. We do these things because every member in the Exeter Stake is willing to serve without reservation. They are obedient to the promptings of the spirit and act accordingly. Therefore we see blessings pouring from the sky as we hear our young women testify of the gospel with certainty that is true, no doubts. We see them as leaders ready to serve at any given time and set goals to get married in the Temple because they understand the importance of an eternal family. They know they are Daughters of our Heavenly Father and have divine qualities. I am grateful I had the opportunity to serve and be blessed to have been a witness to all the summer Stake activities and the miracles that took place. I know that my Redeemer lives and that he loves the youth of this true church. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Sister Renee Kelly – 1st Counselor, Exeter Stake Young Women Presidency
As I reflect on this past summer I am filled with a gratitude so deep I feel it is impossible to express with words. I am first and foremost grateful to my Savior who has blessed me beyond measure by placing me here at this time and in this place to work within such a wonderful organization
Our summer has overflowed with the spirit and in no small measure that was due to each individual who participated in camp, trek and young womens conference. Whether your involvement was behind the scenes or front and center the addition of YOUR drop of oil helped to magnify the spirit for us all.
President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "It is not enough to give alms to those in need. For as important as that is, a gift without the giver has no meaning; the person who gives of himself with what he has to offer feeds three---'Himself, his hungering neighbor and me [the Savior]"
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for so freely giving of your time, your talents and yourselves to bless us all.
From Sister Shannon Gish – Exeter Stake Young Women President
The idea of being Zion continues to resonate in my heart as I reflect on our summer full of spiritual growth. I have learned in profound ways that, truly, “In the strength of the Lord, we can do all things” even hard things. Without Christ as the center of our lives, we are powerless.
My dearest Sisters, I hope you know of our deep and abiding love for each of you – of my deep and abiding love for each of you. I feel so incredibly blessed and grateful beyond words that I am yoked with you – together - with our Savior in this great work. You are tremendous Women doing extraordinary things and bringing down miracles from heaven into the lives of our beautiful young women and their families. May you feel of our Father in Heaven’s pure love increased within you, your families and in the organizations over which you preside. May we be One; “knit together in unity and love, determined in one mind and in one heart” to build up Zion in preparation for the coming of Christ.
Photos courtesy of Sister Heather Van Gieson, Sister Jen Alves, Sister Brittany Soucy and Sister Jen Perkes
Trek photos can be downloaded for free at this site: http://jenperkes.zenfolio.com/p1017292499/h40252716#h40252716
