A Battalion

Merriam-Webster defines the word battalion as a large organized group of people that act together.

During Mrs. Bluth's mission in San Diego, she told the story of the Mormon Battalion while she was a part of a battalion. A battalion of over 20 sisters.

At the historic site, they were not separated by companionships, but rather they were united and all worked and acted together.

The relationships from those 18 months are eternal and the battalion sisters are family.

Mrs. Bluth would have no problem preaching to you about her mission, but instead will only highlight one aspect today.

The battalion sisters learned to sacrifice and in just one short summer they showed that they still could sacrifice and came to see us in Chicago.

Sister Sherman (Lindsay) and her new husband were driving across country (sound familiar?) to Connecticut where Blake got an incredible job. They endured all the traffic and came into the city to see us. We only had one night to walk around and show them a few things, but they did stay the night so many more laughs were shared before we went to bed. One small side note is that we live in a loft apartment so it was more of like one big slumbie party!

Sister Monarrez (Vanessa) is from a suburb outside of Chicago and her husband is from the same area, but they managed to take a detour from all of their family and friends and head into the city for some Pinkberry and a few hours with us! This was exciting because Vanessa LOVES Pinkberry and being her companion meant a few discussions on the goodness of that frozen yogurt.

To end the summer we got a visit from Sister Livingston (Jessie) and her mom and little sister. They drove from Virginia to Utah and once again scheduled a long stop in Chicago. We walked around and saw things, but the best part was just talking. Little Emily is probably one of the coolest almost 12 year old girls that we know and she even went swimming in Lake Michigan. We are very excited for Jessie to become Mrs. Brown in a few weeks and can't wait for the Mr. and Mrs. to come visit us!

One could say that we have been spoiled this summer with visitors and it is true. But the Battalion sisters worked together, sacrificed together, grew together and our relationships were developed while striving to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and now nothing can tear us apart.

We would love some more visitors!