finding virtue

Clockwise from me: Rachel, Heidi, Chelsea, Stacey, Megan, Kelsey, Jenny

"Young women, in a world ever growing in moral pollution, tolerance of evil, exploitation of women, and distortion of roles, you must stand guard of yourself, your family, and all those with whom you associate. You must be guardians of virtue."
- Sister Elaine S. Dalton, "Guardians of Virtue," 2011 General Young Women Meeting

I am unsure of how I can start this one...my head and heart are swimming with thoughts and things. My strides in the streets of Jerusalem are shortening, my time here steadily creeps to an end. This experience has changed me - completely - but why, I've been wondering.

Thought leads to thought, memory follows memory, and I draw the conclusion for my change at this: I have further discovered virtue, and in the process I have found more of me. 

Virtue is naturally an abstract thing, I think. Initially it's hard to grasp and see and create. But as I have been around my friends here, especially my JC girls, virtue has become clear, emulative, and real. During these last months I have seen these women around me consistently act in accordance with commandments - especially the simple ones of service, prayer, and study - and watched the Holy Ghost dictate their lives. These girls are letting the Lord make them into masterpieces; it is seen in their bright eyes, optimistic faith, and high goals. I have been more than influenced by their love, more than impressed by their purity. Sister Dalton's most recent request for virtue's defense can and will be met with these true, beautiful women. Having stood among them and been taught daily by their lives, I find myself forever changed, perpetually blessed, and ever committed to virtue.