Here are pictures of all the people I met on Sunday. Quite a variety!

So today I finally made it to the convention. I have been sick since Wednesday night but was up to going for the morning session today. I met tons of people from Japan and some from Germany. I have a picture of the gifts I got just from today and combined with my other stuff. The Japanese by far do the best gifts. I got an address book, hair clip, lots of nicely decorated chop sticks, a book cover that looks hand sewn, and tons of book marks and little origami. The session was great with an attendance of 15,602.

Branch & Assembly Hall Tour

We went to the Branch first. I sat by Nichole from Georgia. We hung out together and you will see her in a picture with me in the Assembly Hall. The brothers and sisters go all out with the hospitality. There was a brother playing piano for us and sisters greeted us at every turn inside the building. We got post cards and cookies and you will see pictures of me with some of the sisters. They left the doors open to the bethelites bedrooms and everyone left a card or gift by the entry. The Assembly Hall was absolutely beautiful. As soon as we walked to the entry we were greeted by brothers singing and playing guitars. There were three sisters doing a hula dance. Inside we learned the history of the construction of the Assembly Hall and of the truth reaching Hawaii. It was really interesting. Then the most touching part of the tour was at the end. There were a group of young brothers and sisters singing and playing "Life without end at Last". Then they asked us to join in. It was hard to fight back the tears. I'm overwhelmed by the love and all that the friends did to make us feel welcome. Oh, one other cool thing. The sisters were showing us how they hand make purses, hats and other things with the leaves from the palms. It was awesome!

Last night we went to Germaines Luau on the beach. I was with a group of sisters from Virginia. The picture is of me and Ana and Brigitte. The other picture is of me and a sister from Mississippi. There is also a picture of the cards I have collected so far for the first two days. I have met so many people. Heading to breakfast with my roommate. Today we tour the branch.

Day 2 has been a blast so far. My roommate Lisa (from Georgia) got up around 5:30. We have a free breakfast buffet every morning. You will see a picture of my table. The people on the left are from Wisconsin. I spent the day with them. The picture of me and one other sister is my roommate. We went to the Aquarium today and walked along Waikiki Beach. It was beautiful. We met so many witnesses along the way. They loved my little book marker gift! Notice the picture with the families holding them up doing a thumbs up :) Tonight I am going to a Luau with two sisters that were in a picture I posted in the first blog. Their names are Ana and Brigitte. They are from D.C. Tomorrow we go tour the Branch and Assembly Hall. Oh, one pic is for Morgan. Yes there are Starbucks everywhere! But wouldnt it be cool to work at this one at Waikiki Beach??

Had a smooth flight yesterday. Arrived here to be greeted immediately by the friends. The tour group had it all together. A sister popped out of no where and instructed us where to meet after we got our luggage. I have a picture of one of the sisters with me at the bus. It is such a spiritual paradise to be with our brothers and sisters. You feel like a celebrity walking around. Everyone hugs and kisses you (ok not everyone but the sisters do)! So I have met people from Atlanta, Ohio, Canada, Texas, Arizona, California, New York, Japan, Mississipi, Washington, and Oregon! I have a picture of the cards I got the first day. Nothing too exciting went on except for finding out that Macy's parking lot is attached to our hotel!! Yes, its great. So I had to shop. Got a new swim suit and a dress to wear to a Luau tonight! Sorry Kasey I havent found the coconut shells yet. Will keep looking.....