On April 26, 27 and 28, 2026, the MSIA community in Washington, DC welcomed John Morton and Leigh Taylor-Young Morton to our city for a few joyful days of learning, connecting and exploring. Here are some highlights.
Sunday: Ministers Meeting and Workshop
On Sunday, April 26, we gathered at a hotel near the White House to participate in the MSIA Global Ministers Meeting (via livestream) and a PTS workshop called 1,000 Ways to Happiness (in person). These two events reminded me of why I am so grateful to be part of MSIA. I enjoy gathering with others on this spiritual path as we call ourselves forward into God’s Light. It brings me calm and peace — and helps me get a higher perspective on this world. In the workshop, I realized that it’s my choice to create happiness inside of me and to share it with others. If I wait for everything to be perfect before I can find happiness, I will probably have to wait a very long time.
And one of the workshop participants, Julie Allgood, had these special thoughts to share:
“The workshop was wonderful — with many insights including seeing the ‘Soul as the source of happiness.’ That helped me shift from the idea of ego/personality happiness to a deeper, more spiritual place of seeing my life and choosing happiness. It is my choice to choose happiness — accept, love, do happy things, and forgive. And I can take my happiness to others.”
Angel Harper and Vincent Dupont demonstrate happiness as they help pack up the many pieces of sound and video equipment from the workshop.
Monday: Free Time for All, including a Traveler, a King and a President
On Monday, April 27, no formal activities were planned so those who traveled from out of town, including John, Leigh and several others, could explore the city on their own.
In a moment of synchronicity, this was the day that King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived for an official state visit, which began with a welcoming ceremony and afternoon tea at the White House.
Although King Charles did not attend our happiness workshop the day before, I observed how he used humor to bring people together. (One key presented in the happiness workshop is called “Find the Humor.”) For example, in his speech to the United States Congress, everyone seemed to laugh when the king poked a little fun at America being only 250 years old. As he was acknowledging our Founding Fathers for declaring independence 250 years ago, he added “or as we say in the United Kingdom, just the other day.”
River Cruise to Mount Vernon
On Tuesday, April 28, our group of 20, including John, Leigh and three MSIA staff members, took a leisurely cruise down the Potomac River to visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. The estate is located in Virginia about 15 miles south of Washington, DC. Both the boat and the estate were not crowded, possibly because it was a chilly, cloudy Tuesday. I had previously visited on a sunny Saturday and there were crowds and lines everywhere.
We basically had the boat to ourselves, so it was like a private cruise. The boat, called The Spirit of Baltimore, left from the DC waterfront and took about 1 ½ hours to get to Mount Vernon. I found it to be a peaceful way to travel. We could look out the windows, socialize with each other, purchase food and drink, go to the top deck to get panoramic views of DC, Maryland and Virginia, take a nap, or be on our various electronic devices. I observed us doing all of these activities.
Our transportation for the day.
Vincent Dupont and Jsu Garcia enjoying the moment.
US Capitol Building in the distance.
Cruising Along at a peaceful pace.
Kerry and Keith Mounts enjoying the upper deck.
Once we arrived at the Mount Vernon dock, we were joined by two more members of our MSIA family, and we all began to walk up a steep hill to reach the mansion.
The grounds are extensive and, in George Washington’s time, this was a fully functioning estate filled with many gardens, animals and various shops and buildings. Some of the sights we passed on our way were a 300-year-old tree with massive roots, animals enjoying a quiet day, and Washington’s Tomb, located in a brick vault he specifically requested be built for this purpose. In the photos, George Washington’s tomb is on the right, and Martha Washington’s is on the left.
300-year-old tree.
Farm animals enjoying a quiet day.
The brick vault requested by George Washington for his burial.
George’s tomb is on the right, Martha’s on the left.
At the top of the hill is the mansion, which was visited by many influential people in Washington’s time and millions of tourists since then. (One estimate I read said that over 85 million people have visited.) The mansion has been undergoing restoration to repair its deteriorating structure and foundation. The work is expected to be completed for the July 4th festivities this year celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary.
We enjoyed walking on the mansion’s porch which has pleasant views of the Potomac River, as well as through the mansion’s rooms including the kitchen, the family dining room (painted with a very expensive dark green paint chosen by Martha), a bedroom where the Marquis de Lafayette stayed, and Washington’s bedroom, where he passed away rather suddenly from a severe throat infection in 1799 at age 67. The bed frame in this room is original.
The mansion is one of the most visited historic buildings in the country.
Jsu Garcia enjoying the front porch of the mansion.
Angel Harper and Vincent Dupont.
With the Traveler on the front porch of the mansion.
Family Dining Room painted with green paint chosen by Martha.
Bedroom where the Marquis de Lafayette supposedly slept.
The Washingtons’ bedroom with original bedframe. George Washington passed away here in 1799 surrounded by family and friends.
The kitchen where all meals were prepared.
Some members of our MSIA group in front of the mansion.
The rest of the day saw us breaking up into smaller groups to explore the outbuildings, museum and orientation center. There is so much to see and learn in all these exhibits. You almost have to choose what you are most interested in. One unique item on display is Washington’s office chair from his two terms as president. He called it the “Uncommon Chair” because it swiveled, a very unusual feature in those days.
There is also a clay bust of Washington sculpted by French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon, who stayed at Mount Vernon for two weeks in 1785 to create it. According to the Mount Vernon website, it is considered to be the most accurate likeness to exist of George Washington. The website notes that Houdon left the clay bust with Washington, who then placed it over one of the doors in his Study.
The museum includes a quote from Washington’s first inaugural address in New York in 1789 which reads: “I was summoned by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love…” A display in the museum noted that his mother lived long enough to see him become the country’s first president.
George Washington’s office chair, which swiveled—an uncommon feature back then.
Leigh admiring a painting in the museum.
Clay bust of Washington sculpted by French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon.
From Washington’s first inaugural address in 1789.
Washington’s First Inauguration took place in New York.
Stained glass window in the Orientation Center depicting some highlights of Washington’s life.
George and Martha Washington and the grandchildren they helped raise welcome visitors to the orientation center.
Sue Dolan, Rosemary Swade and Jan Rovecamp enjoy a moment with George and Martha Washington and their grandchildren.
Along the way, John was able to offer a Moment of Peace near George Washington’s tomb. Let’s continue to send Light to Washington, DC and all our elected leaders, and to our entire planet for the highest good of all concerned.
Our visit to Mount Vernon ended as we gathered together at the boat dock for our cruise back to DC. I noticed a lot of smiles among our group as we concluded our adventure. Maybe the smiles were because our walk was downhill this time, or maybe because we were able to leisurely explore some history (or maybe both). I left with an appreciation for all that was achieved 250 years ago, but also grateful for all the modern conveniences we have today. How did they survive back then without cell phones?
Very Nice TY!
thank you
very good article