Charter Day

This weekend, I attended the Charter Day ceremony commemorating the 318^th anniversary of the signing of the charter by William III and his wife Mary II. Held in the William & Mary Hall, the formal celebration was very impressive. We started with the Pledge of Allegiance and then heard the school's choir sing the William & Mary Hymn. Parts of the royal charter were read, identifying its original intent to raise up students of high spiritual, academic, and social caliber. Several people were then honored with nickels and one with a New Jersey quarter by exemplifying the characteristics of former students of W&M and Presidents of the United States, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, respectively. All of this while two beautiful, silver maces sit on green velvet in front of the podium to represent (1) the College in general, and (2) the Scottish academies where the school’s first president was schooled.

The key note speaker was Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia. He’s quite a unique man. Cantor got his J.D. from William & Mary years ago and has since pursued his career in politics. He is currently the House Majority Leader—the first W&M graduate, and the first Jew to hold this post.

I was very surprised at how political his speech was. Though I agreed with basically all that he said, his tone and rhetoric seemed inappropriate for the setting. It felt like watching a Tide commercial at a commencement address. But again, I completely agree with his vision for America: small government, accountability, and a laissez-faire economy that inspires entrepreneurship. He pointed out that our fertile land for entrepreneurs is what has made us the greatest nation in the world. Without it, we would not have cars, television, the internet, and the amazing medical treatments available for so many.

This was one of the first speeches I’ve ever heard in person from a politician. It was interesting to be reminded that they are human too. They still jumble words here and there and they get nervous. But what impressed me was how much Rep. Cantor believed in what he was saying. There is an X-factor that you can only get when seeing someone in person; it’s the fire in their eyes, the level of belief in what they are saying. Cantor had it! Standing among many high-profile, left-aisle academics, he had the courage to speak what he felt we needed to hear. I respect him for that.

A few take aways from the event: I’m so honored to be attending W&M, politicians are very human, and Rep. Eric Cantor has the correct vision of the United States of America.

Christmas in Williamsburg

Christmas in Williamsburg is so wonderful. Colonial Williamsburg seems to really light up during the season. Handel’s Messiah is performed at a nearby, colonial church. Dozens of Christmas concerts and choral recitals dot the small town during December. White snow dusts the red brick throughout the old city. In short, it's a one-of-a-kind Christmas season.

I had the pleasure of going to a very unique concert at the Kimball Theatre. Dean Shostak is a world-renowned musician who specializes in 18^th century instruments. He is one of only a hand full of performers who plays the crystal harmonica (see below), which was invented by Benjamin Franklin. The instrument is made up of dozens of crystal bowls with tapered circumferences that are lined-up back to back and spun through the same method as old sewing machines. The music is produced as the musician applies wet fingers to the spinning bowls. The sound is amazing! It’s not like anything I’ve ever heard. He also played hand bells, the hurdy-gurdy, and the world’s only crystal violin (see below). I’ll admit, the crystal harmonica sounds much better than the crystal violin, but the see-through violin was quite a sight to see. The sound was just very stiff and almost metallic sounding. Overall, the show was wonderful and I’m so grateful I got to go.

I went to a beautiful Christmas concert at one of the local churches. The chorus of only 20 or so people sounded like 100. It was incredible! They are a traveling group based in Virginia. Toward the end of the performance they sang one of my favorite choral pieces: Ave Maria. It was the one I was able to sing while in Men’s Chorus at BYU. The version has eight parts and two choral groups. It’s one of the most dynamic and haunting pieces you’ll ever hear. When we performed it, we had 160 or so men singing. They did it just as well with only eight. Wow, what a special time for me. It was like hot chocolate for my ears (pardon the expression).

The culminating event in Williamsburg is Grand Illumination. In the evening, in early December, the entire small town gathers to see one of the largest firework displays. Glowing-hot embers are elevated in metal mesh baskets throughout the area to keep the crowds warm while they wait for the festive display. The show is duplicated exactly and simultaneously in three locations in Colonial Williamsburg. My friends and I chose to be closest to the Governor’s Palace show, which is quite the sight (see above). Each window in the mile long colonial town glows with the quiet candle lights displayed for the season. Each door holds an exquisite wreath made of materials and in the fashion customary of the time period. Some were made of fruits, nuts and leafs. Others were made of antlers, deer fur and even clam shells. People come from all around to see these beautiful wreaths (see below).

The Founding

I think each place on earth holds a spirit, forged through actions of the past. Some places bring us fear, others courage. Some strengthen us, others weaken. Some inspire, and others simply do not. Then there are those special places that seem to command our reverence. They seem to pluck the negative parts of us and paint our souls with rejuvenation.

Of course the temple is such a place. Having been set apart from the world on a particular date, they are holy places. Indeed, these are plots of heaven on earth. I can honestly say that President Hinckley’s claim that we always leave the temple better than when we arrive is true.

Though nothing can truly top the power of the temple, some places seem to clearly take the prize for runner up. The quiet grounds of the birthplace of Joseph Smith have a very special spirit about them. I spent days and days there through various meetings as a missionary. I always felt my spirit recharge after spending time among the maple trees of South Royalton, VT. Every single time.My trip to Israel this past summer exposed me to a myriad of special places. The ancient temple in Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Garden Tomb all seemed to inspire, heal, and witness of the beauties of reality. I would never expect to have a similar experience in a place of secular significance. But the night I committed myself to visiting several historical sites in our nation’s capital, I was pleasantly proven wrong.

One evening, while on the same trip in Washington D.C. as the post before this, I took a walk by myself along the Mall. I started by heading toward Capitol Hill, passing all of the museums of the Smithsonian and vowing to scour as many of them as possible before leaving Virginia. The Capitol Building is magnificent! I was practically alone as I walked around the beautiful reflection pool to get a better look at the symbol of our democracy. It was a great experience for me. Fighting the snappy cold of December, I walked briskly back toward the Washington Monument. Wow, up close the obelisk really is massive. It is an engineering feat! Then, I walked around the WWII memorial, which is spectacular at night. The fountains, the delicate lights, and the resolute and simple stars representing casualties of the sacrificed soldiers produce a very powerful experience. And of course President Lincoln’s monument beams majestically behind the memorial. It’s beautiful. God bless America :)

I quickly discovered the truth about the layout of D.C., the key structures creating a cross formation. The Mall, with the Lincoln Memorial on one end and the Capitol Building on the other create one cross section. The White House and the Jefferson Memorial make the second cross section. The two sections cross at the Washington Monument. Symbolically, this country was founded upon the principles of Jesus Christ. I looked over at the Whitehouse and got pretty excited. Then I decided to complete my checklist of the points that make up the cross and I ventured along the Potomac over to the Jefferson Memorial.

This monument quickly became one of my top favorites of D.C. As I walked up the marble steps, through the columns, a solemn feeling washed over me. It sounds crazy, especial being in a monument of just one person, but it was a special experience for me. I’ve always respect Jefferson very much but I didn’t expect the feeling I got. Of course he was a great writer, orator, architect, attorney, and promoter of small government; not to mention he was the drafter of the Declaration and the third President. He was only a man though so why this feeling? I quickly discovered what may be the source of this solemnity.

Several faith-filled quotes from Jefferson jumped out at me from all four directions. The black lettering against the white marble in the structure is a very appropriate stage to ring out his unapologetically firm convictions about our Maker and about right and wrong. “God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?” That’s the beginning of just one panel. Think if everyone in our country were to visit this monument. Jefferson is just one of the Founders, but he is one of my favorites. We call them the Founders for a reason. When anyone tries to bend, dice, and splice the foundation of our nation, it bleeds. It just makes you want to uphold the Constitution any way I can.

My night walk in D.C. deeply touched me, especially Jefferson’s monument. I walked home that night inspired, uplifted, and closer to my country and to my Savior. I hope everyone has a similar chance to walk along the cross and be reminded of the Great Founder of our nation, Jesus Christ.

CPA Trek to D.C.

Call me naive but after taking my trip to D.C. I am optimistic about our country. My MAcc program took us to Washington D.C. for the week to visit several regulatory bodies. Wow, what a week! We stayed at the Harrington Hotel, just a block from the IRS, Justice Department, FBI, and the Mall in general. Fantastic location…less than stellar hotel--we weren’t even able to bring our computers for fear or getting them stolen. I would totally stay there as a guy but I would never take a family there.

We first visited the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). In the very room where the five Commissioners meet, we met and spoke with several members of the organization. My favorite speaker was Jason Flemmons who is in the Enforcement Function (Forensics) with the SEC; basically, he catches the fraudsters and brings them to justice. I was very encouraged by the sophistication of the forensic accountants at the Capital.

Then we had a (literally) once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit in the boardroom for the Board of Governors in the Federal Reserve. This is the room that Ben Bernanke and the rest of the Board meet and dictate the monetary policy for our country, directly or indirectly affecting the entire world. This room is arguably the most powerful room (in a secular sense) on earth. We had a former professor at William & Mary, who works at the Fed, present to us in the room. Right before the presentation, I actually saw Bernanke walk by in the hallway. Many people don’t like him right now. That must be why there is so much security getting into the building—it took us over an hour to get through the doors and we were the only people visiting. Being in that room was an experience I’ll never forget as a business geek. Wow! Since we couldn't take any pictures inside, below is a photo of it with no other than the Bernanke himself.

One of the takeaways from my visit to the Fed was the realization that we are in the most capable hands when it comes to monetary policy. The lowly employee, Seth Carpenter, who presented to us is one of over 200 PHD economists who work there. Carpenter is a Princeton-bred genius who knows what he is talking about. Hearing him speak and enjoying his grasp on the economy was enriching and faith-building. Again, he is just “one of the guys” at the Fed. My point is, I feel that the Board of Governors are doing the best they know how to fix our economy. I truly feel that way. I didn’t before this trip. I may not agree with this “monetary easing”, but neither I nor 99 percent of the people who bicker about the economy really can offer any better solution to the problem.

On the other hand, many informed individuals acknowledge that no one person or group of people are to blame for the Great Recession we are trying to climb out of. The root of the economic uppercut was lack of self regulation on all levels. It wasn’t just the Congress' pressure on banks to ease up on loan applicants, it wasn’t just the greedy financial markets or those who selfishly insured them. It was everyone combined. I could go on about this in a whole separate post, but I’ll spare you the bore this time.

The next day we got to meet with leaders from the Government Accountancy Office (GAO). I know that sounds like something you’d read about to cure insomnia but hearing them was so fascinating! These are the auditors for the Federal government. They make sure D.C. is running an honest ship. Jeanette Franzel, Managing Director of Financial Management and Assurance, was very impressive. She boosted my confidence in the future economics of our country by her competence and vision. With bailouts in many industries (auto, banking) and overhauls in others (healthcare and education), many especially including me are worried the direction our country is going. Is there any check on our government? Are this major transactions honest? Well, for four years, the GAO didn’t give the IRS or the SEC an unqualified opinion, and the Department of Defense isn’t even auditable. But, she explained that each audited agency in the government has now received an unqualified opinion. She regularly meets with agencies to hold them accountable for budgets. Her insights, determination, and clear independence bring me great confidence in our future. And she brought to light the fact that the government is not only taking its stake out of the banking and auto industry (and soon AIG), it has made a multi-billion dollar return on our tax dollars. Well, they did something right J

We aren't a perfect country but there is great hope in the future of our nation. We need to pray for and actively seek out good, honest leaders. We need to be self regulated and encourage others to do the same. Can we forget God's sweet assurance in his repeated words: "inasmuch as ye keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land." Has He ever broken His promises?

A Taste of Williamsburg!

One Saturday, I decided to take a drive down the Colonial Parkway. This road has quickly become my designated "ponder road". It is one of those roads that help you really relax, clear your mind, and reconnect with the beauties of reality. The road up Provo Canyon is my equivalent in Utah and Foothill Road in Ventura is my favorite in California. Look at how beautiful our country is:

God truly is the Great Artist. How can you see this world and not have your faith strengthened?

Back In The Field

My time as a missionary in New England was paramount in my life. Serving my Savior every moment, representing Him, was the most special, invigorating, and humbling experience of my life. I literally gave my mission all of my heart. Oh, what a special time in my life! Now I also absolutely loved my time at Brigham Young University. I wouldn’t change my time there for the world.

Even so, I am amazed to find that I’m growing in ways never thought possible by being back in the mission field. A year ago I would have laughed at anyone who told me I would be in Williamsburg, Virginia right now. But around Thanksgiving 2009, I felt like I should apply to the College of William & Mary, not even knowing which state the school resides in. To my continual amazement, I find a reason almost daily of why I am supposed to be here.

One major blessing of being here is the opportunities for missionary work. We’ve had a baptism in our little branch of 30 or 40 every few weeks. It’s amazing! I want to share the story of just one of them.

Walter Finley is one of the sweetest young men I know. He has a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a chronic illness that continuously reduces his muscle power, lending him helpless without his electronic wheelchair. As illustrated in the picture below, he never ceases to smile. He comes from a rough home background, he has limitations in his future options, and he will never live a normal life on this earth. Yet, he smiles. He smiles every time I see him. What a powerful lesson.

The first night I met Walter, I was at a branch dance. A member of our congregation had brought Walter. I was so intrigued by his beaming smile juxtaposed to his virtually-immobile body. I gave him a quick tour of our building, something I used to absolutely love to do as a full-time missionary. The Spirit was so strong as we looked at and talked about various pictures on the walls. He gave me some great insights as we viewed the paintings.

While inside the dance, I watched as sweet young women would in turn walk up to Walter during the beginning of each slow song, rest their hand on his shoulder, grab his left hand to hold it up and dance with him. Watching that does something to you. It almost brings me to tears just thinking about it.

In the following weeks, Walter quickly felt like he was a part of something. He felt loved. He felt his true self worth. Most importantly, he felt the Spirit as he read from the Book of Mormon, attended church, and prayed. To our delight, he chose to be baptized!

It took three of us to baptize Walter. I'll never forget the experience of watching him come up out of the water! I am so blessed to know Walter.

Last Sunday he was able to pass the sacrament. Barely able to lift up his hand to grasp the tray, Walter reverently guided his chair through his assignment and performed his duty with great dignity. I was deeply touched by this special moment. I believe Walter has a special knowledge of what the sacrament means. He has great faith! We can all learn much from our brother Walter Finley.

Back In The "Swing" of Things

When I was about 13, my older brother Jaron taught me about the basics of swing dancing. I would watch in amazement as he lifted, twirled, spun, and whirled a young woman while miraculously earning a smile on her face. I decided that I wanted to become good at dancing someday. I don’t pretend that ballroom dancing has been my greatest passion in life but it has been one of my favorite hobbies when time permits.

This year at school I joined the ballroom dance club and have absolutely loved getting back into the “swing” of things. It’s a great break from the studies for me. I’ve been able to meet some of the kindest, driven, down-to-earth folks through the club.

This last month we had our first competition. It was held at the University of Maryland, just above D.C. I had a partner for Standard and for Rhythm. I was very humbled at the competition : ) Waltz, Cha Cha, and Swing (all of which I’ve known and performed for years) didn’t yield callbacks. Haha. But, somehow we got fourth place in both Rumba and Mambo and got callbacks in Quickstep, all of which I had just learned this year. Lesson: performance is often best when you have an I-have-nothing-to-lose attitude and just do your best.

What a fun time!