I think
today my thoughts are going to be a bit of a ramble. Many different ideas keep swirling
around in my head.
First
thought of randomness; while we were at
Avebury last week in the museum there were some reconstructed dog skeletons. The
reader board beside them said that these were evidence that the English ‘love affair’
with dogs started thousands of years ago. I couldn't help thinking about that this
morning during my morning walk through the Downs. There are always so many dogs
and their owners enjoying the beauty of the morning. There really is kind of a
sweet relationship between man/woman and pet here, you can feel it. I cannot
help but smile when I watch. The animals are for the most part very well
behaved and obedient, and most of all they know they are important. Pip the
little long hair Chihuahua across the street has endeared me to him. Milo our
resident YSA dog (he actually belongs to Lorna and Nathan) would be missed if
he did not show up. Bill used to say that if there was reincarnation he would love to come back as a pet
dog in England! Now I understand the sentiment and am actually impressed by
what I have witnessed!
Next random
thought! I feel to rejoice in the conversion process! A very special person has
decided to be baptized after a very long year of serious study and reflection.
I read somewhere recently that Eliza R Snow took 4 years from the first time
she heard the truth until she was baptized. Brigham Young took 2 years. Timing
in converting and embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ is in the Lords time. I
am so thankful for that knowledge. I am thankful that He is mindful of each of
us and our own unique journey here in this mortal life.
Last random
of the day: as Senior Missionaries we wear many hats! As I describe our past
week I think this will be apparent!
Last
Thursday evening we had a very fun activity at the beach in Weston-super-Mare. We
met at the chapel and then walked over to the shore. It was pretty dark but a
little Frisbee tossing and then a nice stroll. The company was great and we
ended up the evening eating ice cream on the promenade. There was a nice turn
out, the weather was just balmy and a new member of YSA and an investigator
joined in the fun! We actually were out of uniform that evening. Walking in the
sand seemed better wearing something other than Sunday best. The evening called
for our “associate with others” and “enjoy friendships hats.” Love this role!
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| James' sandcastle |
Friday
morning I went to the hair dresser. As soon as I got back we put on our “taxi
cab/ambulance driver” hat and drove to Southmead hospital to pick Lorna up. She
had a surgical procedure that was hopefully going to relieve some of the pain
caused by some pretty serious back problems. Love that girl, hope she gets
better soon.
Friday
evening we got to put on our “party animal” hats and meet the gang at TGI
Fridays for Narraser’s Birthday party. We had a ball! Carly and Beth were
teaching us how to take ‘selfies. We enjoyed a great conversation with Ben and
Helen. Dinner was great even though we ate quite late!
Saturday
Bill invited Adrian Evans to go to the football game to watch Bristol City play.
They had a great time! The “friendship” hat! I got to stay home and had a very
long conversation on SKYPE with Lindsey and the kids. I always wear the “mom
& grandma” hat.
Sunday is “every day missionary” hat day. We get to associate with the kind people of the Bristol 2nd Ward (Southmead). Stake speaker’s Sunday. Brother Clarkson and his two sons spoke. His son Chris has his mission call to Russia and leaves in Nov. He did a great job, good practice for his coming mission. They all spoke about Love. They brought a sweet feeling. Our Southmead Elders had a new investigator there. She is YSA age. This always makes the meeting even better.
Sunday
evening FHE lesson was taught by our newest return missionary Fife McKenny. He
did a great job teaching us about the Sacrament. The Apples to Apples game that
we played after was hilarity as usual. Sunday FHE we wear our “YSA Missionary”
hat.
Monday we
were both feeling a little off so we rested most of the day. Made a Costco trip
in the afternoon. “Domestic” hat
Tuesday we
ran errands and did some transporting again using the “taxi” hat. We have
decided to call our silver Meriva the Bristol Flyer. It was a lovely day.
Wednesday is
the day for missionary responsibilities. We gave the Southmead Elders a ride to
district meeting. We love this hat, we love to be included as a member of the
district. Afterward Bill gave a priesthood blessing to one of the sisters. They
have been struggling because of an ankle injury. The hat of “comfort” and “priesthood
power” are the sweetest we are called upon to wear.
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| Elders Baron, Brinkerhoff and Sis. Erasmus learning how to relieve tension after district meeting |
“YSA” hat again Wednesday evening at the YSA meal. Brenda fixed two delicious homemade quiches and we visited and laughed a lot all evening.
The mission
office called this morning to tell us that the flat for the new area in Downend
is going through. Now along with the “real-estate, flat finding hat” we get to
wear the “interior decorator” hat and fit up the whole apartment before the new
missionaries move in on Oct. 8!
I have to
smile as I think of all of the great experiences we get to have! Speaking of
great experiences. Wed afternoon as we returned home from dropping the elders
back to their flat, I saw that my son Michael had called on Face Time. He does
not usually call during his day time hours so I was concerned and immediately called
back. To my surprise he answered the phone standing in the front of his
Seminary class! He teaches time release Seminary at Lone Peak High School in
Highland UT. They were discussing the 4th section of the Doctrine
& Covenants. So we got to talk to a class full of 15 and 16 year old
students and answer some questions about being a missionary and bear our testimonies!
Today we get to talk to another one of his classes. I am blown away by the
technological developments that make such interaction across the world
possible!
Whew, hope
you are all still with me! Every day brings time to contemplate the many many
blessings this mission has offered us. We love the gospel! We love the Savior
and his infinite Atonement! What a thrill it is to watch it at work in the
lives of these young people. I am ever grateful to the support of friends and
family which allows me from time to time to witness the ‘mighty change’ that conversion to eternal
truths brings into the lives of others!
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| had to share 7 year old granddaughter Olivia's testimony, she had to write it down before she would say it |
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