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.