….don‘t let them pass you by.

I am so enjoying the very long daylight hours! I keep forgetting it is night time because the sun is out till after 10. The dilemma however is to keep from being caught up in “Spring/Summer fever”! The past week was not quite as busy as the one before but there were still a lot of opportunities to serve, learn and love!

Wednesday last week was YSA meal as usual. Of course added to that event is all the World Cup watching; enjoyable and sometimes it makes for lively discussions. The evening was also laced with a Priesthood blessing and joy over a recently received Patriarchal blessing.

Thursday I needed to finish typing last week’s blog and prepare for Institute. It was actually the first day for a breather, and much needed. Evening was Institute which had to end early because a certain football game (England) started in the middle of it.

Friday we had to get up early and drive to Staines for a YSA Senior Couple training session. It was a long journey but well worth the effort. One of the councilors in the mission presidency, President Judd conducted the session. He and his family are moving to Japan with a new business assignment. They are Americans who have been living here for about 14 – 15 years. He had been the Stake President of the Staines Stake previously. He did a great job, so enthusiastic and insightful, he will be missed.

There were some very good ideas and instruction given to us and shared with us from all present. Pres. Judd presented to us what the main concerns the Stake Presidents in our mission have about their YSA. We discussed and addressed each issue. We then spent some time on the concerns we as missionaries have concerning our callings. We feel like we received some very good direction and already are trying to implement some of them. How great is this church?!

Friday evening after a long drive back to Bristol we got to attend Bernie’s baptism! He was so excited and it was a very sweet occasion. I still marvel at the wonder of the conversion journey! Welcome to the “fold of God”. (Mosiah 18: 8-10) How precious to now be able to partake of the fruits of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you Sian and Bernie for letting us be a part of your experience!

On Monday we decided to take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy some of the great sights and history of the "Mother Country". We drove to Blenheim Palace which is near Oxford. This grand palace is the birth place of Winston Churchill though he did not spend a lot of time there as he was growing up. It was a lovely day. The grounds and palace are magnificent! 

We learned a lot about the history of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. They were awarded the land and allowed to build the palace because the first Duke, John Churchill, defeated the French at the battle of Blenheim. The French had not been defeated in 50 years so it was a big deal. So much history, so many generations and stories! It is the only non-royal and not ecclesiastic building in England to hold the title of ‘Palace’.

Tuesday was a busy day of planning, making appointments and organizing our week. In the morning we went to visit the Costume Scenic Art Theatre Design Exhibition at the Royal West of England Academy put on by the students to graduate from the production departments at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Our dear YSA friend Francine is featured in the display. It was just magnificent! Janet you would just be so impressed. Uncle Dan you would have loved the scenery design display! Thank you Fran for letting us enjoy such talent!

After we left the exhibit, since we were down town having come on the bus, we decided to eat lunch at Bill’s cafe. The last time we were at this establishment was with Adrian and Brenda Evans following our tour of the SS Great Britain. That was the day before Brenda ended up in the hospital 4 weeks ago. 

It has been quite a ride for them. We decided to go visit Brenda and felt blessed that we got there just as she received the news that she was being moved to the BRI and was scheduled to have her triple by-pass surgery. Today is the surgery and though it is a serious and very long road ahead, we are all so thankful that the wait was any longer and that she is getting the treatment she needs to put her on the road to recovery and back with us as soon as possible! We love you Brenda, as Elder Preece always says you truly are a treasure!

Wednesday District meeting. Good company, good training and wise leadership! Last week we were admonished to rededicate ourselves to this work. This challenge was timely with the senior missionary training session we had during the week.

I have been trying hard to understand the best use of my time and effort. So many of our charges are gone for the summer and with the challenge of health among the Stake YSA advisers we really have an opportunity to step up and support, encourage and lead. In institute last week Brother Balloch talked about how we as Latter-day-Saints need to be always in the depth of spiritual self-awareness. Sometimes that can be best achieved by being quiet inside, we need to do that by trying to turn off the noise in our mind. That is such great advice for me!

I hope you are all enjoying your summer! Please enjoy those precious little ones that you have been blessed with, they grow up so fast. Anna we will call you on Saturday to share your special baptismal day with you!

Keep up the good work and remember to take the time to be happy!