Institute Speed Dating

 Here are a few candid shots from an activity at the Institute last Friday night.  It was a "potato bar" followed by "speed dating."  The girls sat on one side of the the tables, the guys on the other.  They had about 4 minutes to get to know their partner across the table; then at the signal, the guys moved over a seat, and they all had new partners to get to know.  It was a joy to see them conversing, sharing, and laughing.

The YSA's really enjoyed "speed dating" and begged to continue longer than we had planned.  Afterwards they folded up the tables and had a dance.  The whole evening was planned and executed by the YSA's:  from baking the potatoes to arranging the clean up.  We were definitely in the background, but really appreciated the opportunity to spend an evening with these great "kids." 

These three young men are all recently returned from missions.  They add a great strength to our group of YSA's.  Among our 18 to 30-year-olds we have a wide range; some have just barely graduated from high school while others have completed their schooling and are established in their careers. Surprisingly, the young men typically outnumber the young women at our activities.


We are thrilled to host activities such as these at the Institute, though they are not our primary purpose.  We want our YSA's to know this as a safe place where they can find happy associations; then, hopefully, they will feel comfortable and seek to increase the influence of the Spirit in their lives as they attend firesides and classes here as well.

We feel so blessed to have this assignment to associate with these young people at such a critical period in their lives.  They want so much to find happiness and peace in this crazy world ; they can if they keep choosing to build their lives on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ.  Our mission is to love them and to testify to them of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What a privilege to be involved in this great work!

We are constantly humbled by the goodness of these young members who stay faithful in spite of their many personal challenges.  Very few come from "easy" home situations.  Many have had to make their own way, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. 

These YSA's were part of our "clean up crew" and were the last to leave the party.  They seemed to want to linger in the wholesome and happy spirit of the evening.

Regional Dances

 Friday night we enjoyed attending a regional YSA Valentine Dance held in a church building in south Anchorage.  The DJ, Abbi, on the left, is one of our Institute favorites.  She does a great job selecting appropriate and fun music.

Alaska is a huge state two and a half times the size of Texas, but with a population of just 750,000.  Outside of  the Anchorage area, Juneau, Fairbanks, and Wasilla, most communities are small and remote.  Alaska is covered by seven stakes.  This dance was attended by YSAs from the three stakes of the "Anchorage Bowl": Chugach Stake, Anchorage Stake, and Anchorage North Stake; as well as YSAs from the Wasilla Stake, Fairbanks Stake, and Soldatna Stake. (The Fairbanks YSAs had to travel 7 hours each way on icy roads.) 

The seventh stake, Juneau Stake, was just too far away, and transportation in and out is only by sea or air. The YSAs in the outlying areas often feel isolated and appreciate the opportunity to get together with other young Church members.  They all look forward to summer when Alaska's YSA numbers swell with students returning from universities in "the Lower 48" and others coming for seasonal tourism employment.

UAA BAsketball and Waffle Night

 The other night we attended a men's basketball game at UAA because one of our YSAs plays on the team. Here is Teancum; he is a super player and put on a great show helping his team squeak by their opponents that night.  We appreciate him for the great spirit he adds to our Institute lessons.

 Most Friday nights we are at the Institute Building putting on "Waffle Night" from 7 to 10:30 pm.  The YSAs come to find their friends, play board games, shoot pool, do puzzles, play ping pong, or just hang out and relax at the end of the week.  Sometimes we show movie or have a dance. We make all-you-can-eat waffles in the kitchen until everyone is full.  The favorites are baked in the shape of Mickey Mouse.  It is a great way to introduce YSAs to the Institute Building and to offer them a place to find good friends doing good things.  These photos show a few of our regulars.