So, the Tulsi-tour in Utah comes to an end — and it was pretty much all highs, both spiritual and mountainous!



On Saturday morning Tulsi did a tour of LDS Welfare Square — a much visited destination by previous candidates and Presidents. Whatever your religious or spiritual persuasion, the work they do there is undeniably inspiring and transformational in the lives of both their followers and millions of others around the world. We went into what looked like a regular grocery store (but with the brands being Deseret rather than Heinz!) There, shoppers who are suffering economic hardship are allowed to shop for free and buy essentials (and some goodies!) for their families. The store had a tranquil quality and was obviously a real lifeline for people going through a difficult time, and it is absolutely a model all religions should consider. Children going hungry is one of the biggest fears for parents, and the fact that the LDS Church shields its followers from that fate in an enormous credit to them.



The tour then took us to the mechanics behind the operation and Tulsi was shown the dairy, the bakery, and warehouse that supplies essentials to all kinds of organizations of many denominations. Finally, we got to try some of the spoils including the amazing LDS Church chocolate milk and cheese — something Tulsi being vegan was unable to partake in — though she did love their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!



Sunday was a church visit — this time the Rose Park Samoan Ward LDS Church in Salt Lake City. Though much of the service was in Samoan, a language few on the campaign speaks fluently, the emotion and spirituality of the morning transcended linguistics. We were privileged to watch new clergy being appointed, and they all made impassioned speeches in a mixture of English and Samoan. It was genuinely moving to watch how moved both the new leaders and the congregation were, and the tears and laughter flowed. It was also lovely to witness the dedication of the young men handing out the sacraments in such a serious fashion (and not one peek at a mobile phone throughout their service!)



On a spiritual high, the campaign then pursued an altitude high for a trip up the beautiful (and very busy!) Snowbird for some more snowboarding and skiing, where everyone blew off steam in what almost felt like Spring-weather!



It was agreed by all, and Tulsi in particular that the hospitality and spiritual grace of the people of Utah, made the trip thoroughly enjoyable and memorable. It is always a real privilege to be let into people’s places of worship, and the campaign would like to again extend its thanks to the generosity of all our hosts.



It won’t be long until Tulsi visits Utah again!

Chloe Combi, Writer @StandwithTulsi