I’m a little slow posting this, but wanted to summarize highlights of the conference I attended Oct 23-25.  I was on the organizing committee and received the assignment to design the website (www.kirtlandsaconference.org) and handle registration.  It’s been very time-consuming, but rewarding.  We had 230 people in attendance – I believe the ratio was about 3 women for every man, which was good for us guys – not so good for the girls.

We had some minor glitches with registration, but no major problems.  I was fearing that we’d have a hundred people show up that were unregistered, but we only had about 15.  It looks like we made just enough money to cover all expenses so we’re happy about that.

I was fearing the dances since I don’t know how to, but somehow it was fine.   A few women wanted to dance with me and didn’t seem to care that I didn’t know what I was doing.  The most notable women I met were Jean from Stow, Ohio, Klixi from somewhere in Michigan, and Cheryl who lives close to Palmyra, NY.  I ended up spending the most time with her, and she was a lot of fun.  She talked me into skipping out on the final portion of the conference – a panel discussion, which I kind of regret.

We had some excellent speakers and workshop presenters.  The highlight was the Sunday morning service in the Kirtland Temple.  The weather was perfect – lots of sunshine which helped since there are no lights in the temple – just lots of windows.  It was quite different than being in any other temple or any regular chapel for that matter, because of all the sunshine pouring in.  I got to help pass the Sacrament.  I had stories (from my children) about the hard seats at the Temple, but they weren’t that bad.  They have cushions, actually, although the backs are straight and hard.  I sat with Cheryl after passing the Sacrament.  We were together all day actually, up until the time to go home about 4 PM or so.  She’s really nice, and fun, but not sure if I should pursue the relationship further at this point.

Here’s what I placed on the home page of the website a week or two after the conference:

We wish to thank all those who were able to attend the 2009 conference, held October 23-25.  We had 231 participants from 20 states and Canada.  Forty-seven donated blood as part of a service project.  We wrote 54 cards/letters to missionaries, and 58 cards to servicemen and women, as part of another service project.  We had 4 main speakers, 12 workshops, 2 dances, and 5 meals.  And let’s not forget the many volunteers – both single and married – who gave their time to make it all happen.  We thank you all!

The highlight of the weekend was the Sunday morning sacrament service & testimony meeting at the Kirtland Temple where we had 80 choir members and dozens bearing their testimony.

The numbers don’t tell the real story, however, of how lives were touched and testimonies strengthened.  If you were there, we hope you had a special experience.

Here are a few comments by our participants:

“A big THANK YOU to all  who worked so hard on the conference. It was really great; just the right mix of spiritual activities and fun. The speakers were all fantastic. The food was really good and the sack lunches were more than ample. Again, thank you.” Joyce

“Thanks for a fantasic conference. I hope to attend the 2010 conference. It was very uplifting and lots of fun meeting new people.” Marlene

“Thank you so much for everything. I really appreciate everything you did to make the conference so wonderful. Thanks again and blessings from above.” Gretchen

“You all did such a great job and I thank you for the experience.   This was my first conference and I enjoyed it immensely.  All three days were oustanding and the sacrament meeting at the temple was more than I could have ever imagined.  This was my first trip to the temple in or out and I was just overwhelmed with the presence of the spirit. I am praying for and looking forward to a working temple in Northern Ohio…Kirtland being my choice of where.  Thanks again.” Caroleanne

“THANK YOU for a great conference.  We were ALL so pleased, and so spiritually fed.  And it was FUN, too!” Pamla

“THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART — IT WAS THE BEST USE OF TIME AND MONEY SPENT ON MY PART IN A VERY LONG TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!” Gloria