I'm so impressed with St. Louis. What a terrific experience I've had here. It began with a Sunday visit to the Frontenac Ward on the west side of town, where I was pleasantly surprised with the friendliness of ward members. I was greeted by six people before sacrament meeting started--a wonderful example of friendliness. Some of that came from missionaries, including the wonderful mission president, President Turley and his wife, but the regular ward members were very friendly also. The simple act of greeting strangers can make such a difference. Many thanks to the Frontenac Ward for setting a good example. The meeting was also terrific, with solid, scripture-based talks and a terrific musical performance by two of the young women graduating from seminary. Very promising young people!

Kindness to strangers is a hallmark of St. Louis. A local LDS leader and history buff and super friend pointed out that St. Louis was friendly to the Latter-day Saints and did not give in to the hateful directives of the infamous Extermination Order from Governor Lilburn Boggs. I really appreciate that!

What a beautiful city this is. Tonight after busy meetings, I participated in a family home evening with some of the greatest people on earth. We went to the grounds of Forest Park (by the stunning Art Museum) where we had pizza, a beautiful reading from scripture, then a pleasant evening walk in that amazing park where I got to try out my new Nikon camera.

Then we went to Missouri's most famous attraction, where the longest lines and the thickest crowds in the state gather before this modern wonder of the world, a monument of hope that stands as a beacon to weary travelers and as an inspiration to the souls of many. I refer, of course, to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Not kidding--this seems to be a bigger draw than the famous Arch. But it was worth the wait to try the thick custard (tart cherry for me!), which I understand was the inspiration for Blizzards and related thick ice cream products nowadays. Yes, local Missourians bought me frozen custard--another example of the true friendliness you find down here.

Thank you, Missouri! And thanks to my dear friends for making this such a great (and inexpensive) business trip.
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