Our first activity was a virtue photo shoot. We did this about a month and half before. We had a brother in our ward, Ron Aguilar, who was so kind to bring his equipment to do a professional shoot. We dressed the girls virtuously and in biblical attire. They turned out super cute! The girls didn't know what they pictures were going to be used for yet, but they suspected it would be for the upcoming excellence night. Here are a few of their more casual virtue shots:
Then we had an activity a few weeks later where we read and learned about 12 different women of virtue in the scriptures. After, we put the names in a jar and the girls randomly selected a women for them to study. They were given the assignment to list all her virtuous qualities and then relate themselves to this women. Each of the girls wrote a short paragraph on this and sent it to me. It was fun to read all that they learned and how they saw themselves in comparison to the women in the scriptures.
Finally, the night arrived this week. My fabulous presidency decorated the chapel beautifully between the dessert table and the display table! The display table where the girls put their personal progress projects and goals was decorated all things gold~ the color of virtue. We framed their virtue pictures to add to their display and put candles surrounding the table. Then the room was darkened so that all you could see was their virtuous works on the display table.
We had a great program with almost all the Young Women participating. Two of the young women gave talks on what virtue means to them. Then we showed the video presentation - Young Women of Virtue. (I had prepared a slide show of the girl and the women they choose to study~ Young Women of Virtue). Afterwards I gave a talk on how our young women are virtuous. Following my talk, the Bishop closed with his thoughts on virtue. The spirit was definitely felt many times throughout the evening. It was great! So glad it all came together.
What topped off the evening for me was coming home to a clean house (which I had neglected all day to prepare for this night) ~ thanks to Dave and my girls. Also, before I had left, Dave gave the blessing over dinner and had specifically asked that the evening would be perfect. When I came home afterwards, Autumn and Joy asked how it went. I responded saying "Perfect!" not even remembering that Dave had prayed for that. Joy responded excitedly "That's EXACTLY what Daddy prayed for!" So grateful to have such a wonderful supporting family, a great YW Presidency, and virtuous young women!
