Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Emotions manifesting in BIG tears poured out when I walked into the Historic Tabernacle to watch the Music and the Spoken Word Sunday. Looking at my husband sobbing I said "I don't think I can do this", he just smiled. 10 months ago we signed up to go on the Midwest Tour with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir,today was Orientation & turn in our major suitcase. My crumpled tissues are proof, and I have packed more than enough for the 13 day tour...???

The Historic Tabernacle newly restored is a must see when visiting Utah. The choir will sing In the Conference building this summer as it has air conditioning and holds the summer crowds. The childrens choir from Texas were guest singers and they shook hands with the Prophet afterward.80% of the visitors have never been there before and they came from all over the world.

I love this beautiful building, my great great grandfather George Reynolds was Secretary to Brigham Young and the two prophets after him, so I always think of him sitting there and his family in the congregation. The gardens at Temple square are magnificent,soothing to take a garden tour. Loyd Newell writes the talk given each week. Everyone works volunteer, its so amazing they share their talents for so many years. The joy they must receive. If I am not wrong, the theme of this tour is JOY.

Our trip itinerary was 28 typed pages! Havent comprehended it yet. I'm still overwhelmed by the fact of traveling with this magnificent choir, symphony and getting my clothes and shop ready to leave. (shop will remain opened).

The highlight was to have the Prophet, Pres.Monson speak to us, and of all the things he said or could of said there were some things that spoke out to me: He told of being in the Navy and a sailor knew he held the Priesthood and had asked for a blessing, which he gave. He told us that we needed to ask for a Priesthood blessing on this trip if we find we are in need of it. He also suggested a journal to write our feelings for our posterity. Time will tell of why he said the things he was inspired to say.
The spirit was so strong in this building I could hardly speak, Lonnie said if I thought this was strong just wait for the experiences on this trip as I hadn't seen anything yet...oh dear, must grab my vintage hankies now!

Isn't that interesting that I shopped for reading material the other day and the ONLY thing I could find was this pink journal "trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." It too spoke my name. We were told by a dr. to not shake hands frequently...try to bump elbows! Wash our hands like 15 times a day with this flu going around.

Our choir member friend is Lonnie Winterton, and we are so thankful to be his guest and to be with him,this tender musically talented man who shares his love of being a music missionary with the world all at his own time and expense. He adores it.

A few statistics...3 airplanes, 11 buses, 569 people, 2 motels, plus loads that went ahead of us(like concert outfits for 7 concerts for the choir), drs. nurses, bus drivers, rest stops, all planned to a science. Nearly everything volunteer. Oh, and no pants for women, none. I sure did have to shop...so nice!

Must go to work now...not traveling quite yet. I have decided to blog about this trip when I get home. I will have plenty of time to write and boo hoo, oh please don't let me boo hoo ALL of the time! I do look forward to sharing this experience with you.