When we moved to Boise in 1988, I was blessed with a great group of friends in our church congregation. We had kids of similar ages and shared many of the same interests. These women had gone to BYU Education Week for many years and they invited me to join them. I'm not sure how many times I've gone since then, but I am guessing about 25.
Education Week is held on the BYU campus during the week between summer classes and the beginning of fall orientation. From the website "At Education Week you can choose from hundreds of classes on a variety of subjects, including education, religion, marriage and family, finance, health, personal development, family history, communication, and much more. Come enjoy dynamic presenters, evening entertainment, and the Spirit you’ll feel on campus with friends and family." This year marked the 100th year of this unique program. I'm not sure there is anything quite like it in the world.
The theme this year was
100 Years of Instruction and Learning
Of Things Both in Heaven and in the Earth
This year the attendance was abut 16,000 people which is close to pre-pandemic levels. Prior to the Covid pandemic, the total attendance was closer to 18,000; in 2020 the event wasn't held and last year the attendance was 13,000. 900 classes are held. 53% of the attendees were in the over 63 age group so we felt right at home. Our group stayed in the dorms but I know people who stay with friends, or rent houses, or stay in hotels.
I'm lucky to have gone with a group of women I've known since 1988. Even though we don't see each other often like we once did, our friendships pick right back up. We are instant besties! I truly love these women. They make living the gospel of Jesus Christ easier.
Here we are about to listen to the devotional in the Marriott Center. Notice my dress. Now take a look at the dress that the soloist is wearing.
Yep, same dress! The really funny part is that at least 5 women stopped me to say, "Hey you are wearing the same dress as the soloist. I have it too." From then on I noticed this dress or others in the same style but with different fabric every where I looked. Way to market Old Navy! It was inexpensive, cute, modest and comfortable and even has pockets. Perfect for summertime!
I attended 38 different classes on a range of subjects from marriage to family history to prayer to church history. The classes start at 8:30 in the morning and go until 9:25 at night. I did take a dinner break each day but other than that, I sat through class after class.
Wednesday night we attended an top rate performance entitled
'Timeless: The Golden Age of Broadway'. The two excellent vocalist entertained us with some of my favorite songs from the old Broadway shows. Some Enchanted Evening, Sunrise - Sunset, Edelweiss, To Dream the Impossible Dream, I Could Have Danced All Night .....ending with one of the most beautiful songs ever - Bring Him Home from Les Miserables. A wonderful evening!
A side benefit of going to Education Week is that I get to see friends from Portland. Ron and Linda Mathews were driving through on their way home and stopped for dinner.
I just love them and miss them so much.
Friends plus learning plus feeling the Spirit.
New goals set! Feeling renewed and refreshed!
It is a life changing week.
I hope I get to go many more times.
