One of the great events held at the Washington DC TempleVisitor's Center each year is the Festival of Lights. The kickoff to this month long event was held on November 30 and December 1.
On the first night, "Ambassador's Night", Elder L. Tom Perry and the Ambassador from Brazil spoke to the gathered group of 150 ambassadors and dignitaries. At the appointed time, they flipped the switch that turned on the more than half million lights that decorate the grounds.
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| Elder and Sister Perry join members of the Brazilian delegation and Brother and Sister Marriott. |
"Diplomats Night" is held the following night. This time nearly 600 diplomats with their families come to enjoy the lights, view the creche exhibit and join in singing with the Washington Mormon choir.
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| This is just a small sampling of the many creches that are displayed through December. |
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| The auditorium is filled for the second night. |
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| President and Sister Matsumori and Sister and Elder Olsen. |
The sisters have assigned stations throughout the visitor's center where they help check people's coats, provide refreshments and give directions.
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| Left to right: Sister Chan, Sister Ertelt, Sister Marcy, Sister Hazen, Sister Avelar. |
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| Sister Bechaver demos counting with the clicker. |
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| Sisters DeAgostini and Sister Wong |
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| Sister Jones and Sister Welch |
And the elders also participate as they direct the parking. Although it is December, we were fortunate to still have relatively warm weather.
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| Elder Opeda demonstrates the use of his "light saber". |
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| Elder Pierucci enforces strict parking policies - even with President Matsumori. |
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| Elder Salazar and Elder Clapier control traffic into the Visitor's Center parking area. |
All of the effort by the volunteers who have worked since August are well worth it.
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| At the close of the evening Elder Perry gathered some sisters together and told them: "Sisters are called to this very special place because they radiate happiness and joy. You can see it in your smiles, your bright countenances and the light in your eyes." |
