Whenever I hear the song of a bird...

“One of the strange things about living in the world is that it is only now and then one is quite sure one is going to live forever and ever and ever. One knows it sometime when one gets up at the tender solemn dawn-time and goes out and stands alone and throws one’s head far back and looks up and up and watches the pale sky slowly changing and flushing and marvelous unknown things happening until the East almost makes one cry out and one’s heart stand still at the strange unchanging majesty of the rising of the sun—which has been happening every morning for thousands and thousands and thousands of years. One knows it then for a moment or so.  And one knows it sometimes when one stands by oneself in a wood at sunset and the mysterious deep gold stillness slanting through and under the branches seems to be saying slowly again and again something one cannot quite hear, however much one tries. Then sometimes the immense quiet of the dark blue at night with millions of stars waiting and watching makes one sure; and sometimes a sound of far-off music makes it true; and sometimes a look in some one’s eyes.”

                      The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Spring so far is absolutely delightful! I know part of the reason that I am enjoying it so much is because we are emerging from a very wet, often cloudy winter. I also know it is because in Arizona we do not have the same kind of slow, gradual awakening of the earth like it is here. The flower parade with hyacinths and daffodils followed by tulips; then blossoms and faint green spreading almost before your eyes into new leaves and new shade! I have to admit I am almost intoxicated by it all!!!

OK on to missionary work, I have to admit that I think the beauties of nature can assist our effort, so many people out, being happy, families walking, children squealing. It is half term right now too so everyone seems in a holiday mood.

Last week we spent most of Tuesday scheduling appointments for the remainder of the week. As is usually the case many of those were canceled but that doesn't mean we will stop trying. District meeting was last Wed and YSA meal in the evening. Thursday we drove to Bath for flat inspection and then came home and took Narraser, one of the YSA women from Downend ward, to lunch. We had a jovial drive downtown with a few missed turns and going up the down etc. Then Wednesday evening YSA Meal.

Thursday evening the activity at Wells road consisted of working on preparations for the Bristol Convention that is coming up the first week in May. I should take a moment and clarify. Every year the YSA here in Bristol puts on a 4 day convention that draws nationwide attendance. It is quite a production. This will be our first experience with it. I am looking forward to the event and anticipate that it will be a wonderful occasion for the Young Single Adults here in the UK; the chance for them to associate all together with other young people who have some of the same challenges and too often feel outnumbered in their day to day world.

Friday we spent the day with two other senior missionary couples who serve in this mission. They both work in Oxford: the Mechams and Tanners. Mechams are MLS missionaries and Tanners work with YSA same as us. They wanted to come spend a day in Bristol so we got to be tour guides. Luckily the weather cooperated and we were able to have a very nice day. It is good to get to know them better. We do kind of all keep in our own section of the vineyard and have few opportunities to get better acquainted and share experiences. I really am glad that they came.

Sis Mecham and me on Bristol Suspension bridge 

View from the bridge

On the bow of the S. S. Great Britain 

Saturday we were out to Weston and Taunton for more flat inspections and came back for a teach with the Elders and visits on SKYPE from home!

Sunday Church, another enjoyable visit with the missionaries and Francine and then FHE with the YSA that evening. Monday P-day chore day and our own little FHE since no missionary one was scheduled. Tues errands and teaching an investigator with the missionaries. We met with the same lady as Saturday. She is from Belgium working here in the UK and is quite interested in the church.

Today District meeting again and of course we had to take pictures because we know there will be moves this coming week during transfers. It is always a little sad to say goodbye because we do not really know when we will meet again. Our lives are so enriched by these young people who come and go in our District. They are from all over the world. They have many different personalities and back grounds but are all so fervent in their desire to bring others to Christ. It is quite humbling!

Sisters Nenadovic and Moangare, us Elders Davies,Lamb,Moore,Johnson and Wheatley

We love you all! We do not really want to be home, but it would be nice to have an afternoon with our little grand kids. We would love to take them ALL for a romp on the Downs. Oh well, only in my dreams.

I just want to leave you with my firm conviction of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as this lovely weather makes our hearts beat true and fills our lungs with clean fresh air, so does the gospel bring new life to the lives of those who embrace it. I know there is much talk, and many Facebook posts about the trials and struggles of mortality, but I personally feel we need to spend more time posting about the beauty of life and joy that the Savior brought into the world. Happy happy Easter! Glorious is the good news of the Resurrection!

This little lane is across the street from our flat and I just barely crossed over to read it. Who knew?
We live on the Roman road to Bath!!