End of the 365 Day Challenge. Hallelujah!

Christmas & Boxing Day

I am totally exhausted from all the parties, celebrations, Christmas services, and family get-togethers we have attended. It has been very nice, people have been phenomenal and overly kind to us, and we have been constantly fed. Christmas is a huge deal here and they have many public as well as private gatherings.

First was the rebroadcast of the First Presidency Christmas Devotional on the 13th which we really enjoyed even though it always makes us homesick to see the sights and sounds of Salt Lake City. It was a beautiful way to start the season for us.

On Friday, the 18th Luc Rasmussen invited us and the two sets of Cardiff missionaries, Elders Gerber & Wang and Elders D'Ottavio and Richter, to Student House where he served us a fabulous traditional Christmas dinner he had prepared for us and the students still here. It was so nice and so good of him to do this for us. We had a really fun time there. Now they will all leave for the holidays and we will miss them.

Cardiff Stake held a Carol Service Sunday evening, the 20th. You cannot believe the difference carol singing is here as compared to home. The people of Wales, who seem to naturally have really good voices, really sing with all their hearts. It makes you want to sing the same way. Because of the power of their singing, with the strength of the organ, I felt like they would actually raise the roof. I will miss hearing the singing of hymns like this when we go home. Gillie Grant also prepared a wonderful traditional Christmas dinner for us. She is always overly generous toward us.

It snowed on the 21st, a rare occurrence in December here, but it made everything more Christmasy. Also on the 21st we went to Roger and Margaret Wilson's for a lovely Christmas lunch. Elder Cable has especially bonded with Brother Wilson. They are a sweet couple and very loving.

The England Birmingham Mission party was held on Wednesday, the 23rd from noon until 6:30. PMG Jeopardy is always a favorite game and the talent show is unpredictable and amusing. We had a very nice Christmas dinner and an especially nice program at the end commemorating the birth of our Savior in narration done touchingly by Elder Ezard and in song. Elder Cable and Elders Clark, Halaufia, Gerber and Wang sang, "O Come, O Come Immanuel". Nicely done.

New Years Eve was spent at the home of Peter and Lisa Hammond, with more wonderful food. They always sing Christmas carols and have the story, "The Three Trees" read. It was a nice evening, partly because Elders Clark and Halaufia came with us. They are good and fun Elders.

Christmas morning at 9:30 am we went to the Stake Christmas Service. It was not heavily attended, but it was my very favorite part of Christmas. They had a program read by various people in the ward, mostly the Parry family, telling the story of the birth of the Christ child from the point of view of others around him. And of course there was a lot of singing of Christmas carols interspersed. The script was written by sisters serving at the London Temple and it is brilliant.

We came home and opened our few Christmas gifts and that was very nice.

Then it was a wonderful Christmas dinner at Alex and Jo Winters' home in Taffs Well. They live in an old (200 years) stone house that is so very charming. And Alex and Jo have two small children who are very well behaved and charming. Alex is a star on children's television, CBBC, and we had a wonderful time with them and Elders Clark & Halaufia. It was the perfect Christmas day. They bought us all gifts to remind us of our time in Wales. I got a red scarf with the symbols of Wales embroidered in it, the daffodil, leeks, the Prince of Wales ostrich feathers, the dragon, and the flag of Wales. We are spoiled.

Christmas evening we went to Colin & Sue Winters to enjoy the gathering of all the Winters clan. The families of Colin & Sue, Helen & Rob Kay, Claire & Jamie Holcombe, Alex & Jo Winters and Gareth Winters and his girlfriend, and others. Of course there was an abundance of food and beauty all around. Elder Clark called his family from the Winters home. We then came to our flat and Elder Halaufia called his family from here. We had a delightful talk with Elder Clark about the scriptures and the gospel. We love our Elders. They loved calling home, but it does make it harder for them to be away.

We were not finished yet. Saturday the 26th was Boxing Day, a day for more celebration. We were invited to join Derek and Sue Parry and their family. We spent Christmas with them last year, but Jo invited us to their home in October, so Parry's invited us for Boxing Day. It worked out super for us. We ate another big traditional Christmas dinner, watched the family open gifts and enjoyed the teenagers in the family. Parrys are always so very good to us. In the evening we went back over to Colin & Sue Winters' home and another feast was spread. All of their family came again and after eating all we could, we all played Articulation, a word game, women against the men. It was a fun and raucous game.

Sunday was Church and then dinner at Gillie's again. But it was quiet, restful and very enjoyable. I can't believe how good people are to us and I am quite embarrassed by all they do for us. We certainly don't deserve it.

We miss our family so very much, especially during the holidays. We wish we could be with them, enjoy our family traditions and listen to them tell what is going on in their lives. They are so very precious to us.

We are so thankful and increasingly aware of the great blessing of our Savior, Jesus Christ. His condescension, humility and willingness to help the one, no matter the status or comeliness of the one, is such a gift for us. He has given us everything. We will strive to come closer to following his example in the coming year. We love our Institute students and the missionaries and feel so blessed to be able to associate with them. We pray continually that we will be able to make a difference. We know that Jesus Christ is the literal son of the Eternal Father and the way, the truth, and the light. We know the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. We know the Book of Mormon is the word of God for us in this time and it will change your life if you prayerfully and sincerely read it and embrace the principles it contains. We know by personal experience that these things are true.

Elder Cable's Birthday

I'm sad to say that I caught the flu this week which made it impossible for us to go to Chorley (by Preston) as planned for S&I Training and a session at the temple. We were very disappointed. We always enjoy meeting with the other senior missionaries and the S&I training is always motivating and inspirational.

We feel deeply grateful for the generosity of Gillie Grant in taking Elder Cable, Lynne and me to tea for his birthday. It was celebrated at a beautiful, authentic Welsh pub in a 400-year-old stone building, the Maenllwyd. The atmosphere was delightfully quaint and the food was perfectly and beautifully prepared. We had such a nice time.

Friday we were cooked a wonderful Christmas dinner by Luc Rasmussen at Student House. The two sets of Elders in Cardiff were also invited and we had a really fun time. Tomorrow the few students left in Cardiff will be going home. We will miss them during this break. Luc is amazing, so generous and willing to help others. The hospitality he extended was unexpected but deeply appreciated. The dinner was plentiful and delicious.

OUR MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU

1) At a District Meeting; 2) My Beloved Sheep; 3) At an Institute Activity; 4) Raglan Castle; 5) At Castle Coch; 6) Cardiff Castle; 7) Forest of Bluebells in Wales; 8) Stratford-on-Avon; 9) Tintern Abbey

Christmas Parties, Zone Conference & Baptisms

Thursday we saw so much beauty at Cardiff City Hall that we had no idea existed. It has wonderful marble statues, paintings and stained glass windows. It was good that we went there. We ran into Laura Slater, one of our YSA, and she invited us to a concert she was performing in that evening in City Hall, so we went. Luc also came and we were able to sit with him.

We went to a baptism on Friday in Pontypridd and one again on Saturday in Rhiwbina. The Spirit that is felt at these baptisms is beautiful as these tender, new converts accept the gospel and take this step with full faith in Jesus Christ. Baptisms at Christmas time seem to be especially appropriate.

Winter & the Christmas Season are Upon Us

We are so excited to have Elders Clark and Halaufia in our Ward. They were asked to bear their testimonies Sunday. Elder Halaufia was born in Tonga but raised in Florida, even playing football for the University of Florida (or was it Florida University). He said, "I prayed and prayed to know if the Book of Mormon was true. I never got an answer. I prayed to know if I should go on a mission. When I went to Church the Bishop asked me if I would like to go on a mission. That was my answer. I now know the Book of Mormon is true. There is power in that book." Elder Clark, from Idaho, said, "I know that the Book of Mormon is a tangible piece of Heavenly Father's love. Being on a mission brings me happiness, the greatest happiness I have ever known."

I have newly discovered this quote by Sir Winston Churchill, and I love it. It applies so perfectly to missionary work: "Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." When I see the missionaries doing this very thing, my heart is filled with love for them as they continue with full faith and an optimistic spirit in their efforts to find, teach and encourage others to accept Christ and remain faithful to His church. It isn't easy, but they actually do it.

I was amazed at the ambitious plan Kaylee Hillier and Jess Witts had to have our students build a nativity scene in one activity after Institute last week, but they did it. I love that we now have an Institute Nativity and I think it is very cute. Nice job Cardiff YSA!

As we inspected missionary flats it was evident that the Christmas spirit has touched our missionaries. Two flats had Christmas trees and the other had adorable Christmas decorations. It was hard for me to see one missionary receive many, many Christmas packages and the companion receive nothing. I am hopeful that all will receive something before Christmas. I know if they don't their companion will share. Christmas is joyful, but can be hard for some missionaries. Notes or other remembrances from home mean so much to them.

The Institute Choir sounded wonderful at the Saturday night session of Stake Conference. I am so impressed that they will sacrifice so much to be at every meeting they are asked to attend. Besides all the demands of university and work, they devote an amazing amount of time to the Church, many of them holding positions of great responsibility in their wards. They inspire me.

Transfers & Thanksgiving

Sister Russell has departed for home and Sister Strein was sent to Leicester (for you Americans, that's said "Lester"). Now we have Elders in our ward instead, and Elder Clark was so excited when he heard he was being transferred to our ward he could hardly contain himself. We are just as excited to have him come, and his companion, Elder Halaufia, is great too. We hope they have great success and love the work here.

It's always exciting when we have investigators come to Family Home Evening and Institute. You really think about what you are teaching and how you teach it. The members of our classes are all on such different levels, but somehow it all works out. Best of all, some who have been fairly inactive have been coming regularly and even volunteering to do extra things to make the gospel come alive for all of us.

We had such a great time with the senior missionary couples in our mission at the home of President and Sister Ogden. The food was unbelievably good and such a great touch of home. As long as we couldn't be with our dear families, this was a good alternative. It is wonderful to talk to other missionary couples and compare their activities to ours. Elder & Sister Karren are amazing S&I missionaries serving in Birmingham. It is so fun to talk to them.

We have so much to be thankful for at this time of year. We are blessed with wonderful families and with a marvelous heritage from our ancestors. Our daughters are so precious and so helpful and caring for one another. Our grandchildren are delightful and bring us joy beyond anything we ever expected. The opportunities we have had to associate closely with the wonderful young adults here in Wales and to learn from and be inspired by them is a high privilege, one that we will sorely miss when our mission is over. The time we spend with the young missionaries is rich and rewarding. We do treasure every opportunity we have to be with them, and especially the times we can teach with them. It is at those times we are shown the operations of the Holy Ghost and how great things are brought to pass through small and simple means. We love and admire them. We are thankful for our Savior and have learned, more than ever before, to appreciate his atonement and the incomparable love manifest by the Father and the Son in providing this gift for us. We find great joy in knowing that Joseph Smith truly saw the Father and the Son and did all that was required of him to bring about the restoration of truth upon the earth. Our gratitude is deep for all we have been given.

Things Will Never Be the Same

The Stake President made a lot of leadership changes in the Rhiwbina Ward this week.

We learned that there will be no more CES missionaries here after we leave.

They are "whitewashing" our area by taking the Sisters out and replacing them with Elders.

Someone once told me change is good. I hope so.

Elder Cable still feels very poorly, but it has been so good to get a little more back into our regular routine. We miss our Institute students when we don't get to see them. And we love every minute we get to spend with the missionaries.

Not Everything Was Good

President Uchtdorf's CES Fireside talk was exceptional. He said exactly what the YSA need to hear with an unbelievable delivery. He was charming, friendly, fun and yet powerful. He gave so much good advice and challenged us in such a way that I want to live better and be better. This was a choice opportunity, and we can even watch it again on lds.org, which we have done a couple of times.

President/Dr. Dearden has been so caring of Wayne during this illness. He is very much appreciated. We appreciate all everyone has done for him and hope he will now get better, become stronger, and that we will be able to resume our missionary duties. I had some very interesting chats with the various taxi drivers as I went back and forth to the Heath Hospital. One wasn't sure whether there was a God or not (I told him there was and that He loved him), another was mad that the English newspapers don't report the big Welsh rugby match scores, and another thought George W. Bush should have dropped a nuclear bomb after 911. Go figure.

The weather has been miserable with driving rain and 68 mph winds so when Sisters Russell and Strein dropped by just before their mealtime on Saturday, even though they have a car, they were sopping wet and very cold. So I fixed them some piping hot tomato soup and toast while they warmed themselves by the space heater. They were gladdened and soon went on their way. They have a new appreciation for the Elders who are on bikes in this weather.

Good Friends and Beautiful Autumn Weather

We were so pleased that Luc invited us over to Student House 42 for dinner on Sunday. It was so good and made us feel all warm and cozy on this cool autumn day because he made a delicious Acorn Squash Soup. Chen Chen was here and that is always a great bonus. We miss him. His parents came by and as usual it was great to visit with them.

Lynne Pearce invited us to dinner Wednesday. She is a great cook and she made her amazing fresh blackberry and apple crumble. I always eat too much of that. Friday night Elder Gerber and Elder Wang fixed an American dinner with Chinese dishes added for the Chinese new member and her investigator friend they are teaching. They invited us to join them and I was so excited because Elder Gerber made Stove Top Stuffing. Such a wonderful taste of home. They had several other very good dishes, but I was happiest with the Stove Top.

Guy Fawkes Day or sometimes known as Bonfire Night is an interesting British holiday. In 1605 some men who thought the government was persecuting Catholics decided to get rid of the government by blowing up Parliament on its opening day when the King and the Prince of Wales would be present. In the nick of time the plot was discovered and Guy Fawkes was discovered in the basement of Parliament where barrels of explosives were hidden, ready to be lighted. Guy was captured, tortured and hung at the age of 35. Since then children make an effigy of Guy Fawkes, carry them around town asking for "a penny for the Guy" then they take the money to buy fireworks. They then have a big bonfire and burn Guy Fawkes in effigy. This has been going on for 400 years. We have heard fireworks for several nights. Our YSA had a big bonfire in their back garden, with effigy and all.

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...

Zone Conference & Achievements

Elder Cable is so happy that he finally has his British driver's license. With the 163.00 pounds for the application fees, the 30.00 for a computer learning program and 148.00 for driving lessons, it cost 341.00 pounds stirling or about $575.00 to get his license to be able to drive for the next seven months, but he did it on the first try. Most need to take the tests more than once, paying for fees again each time. We are thrilled.

Zone Conference was excellent this time. Elder Rapana spoke on Our Purpose - "To invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, . . ." He used the example of the brother of Jared who had such faith he saw the finger of the Lord, and his faith was so strong, Jesus Christ revealed himself to the brother of Jared as he would be when he came to the earth to bring salvation to all who would believe. So it is with us. As we develop our faith, God will reveal himself to us.

We have lost 10 companionships or 20 missionaries in the past year. President Ogden said Gideon's army was drastically reduced so they would clearly know that it was God's hand that gave them success. By the end of the year we will be down three more companionships, or six more missionaries. We have zero Americans coming to our mission this next transfer. In our Zone Conference of the Cardiff, Cheltenham and Merthyr Tydfil Zones we have missionaries from Germany, Italy, the United States, Scotland, Finland, Sweden, South Africa, Tonga, New Zealand, Switzerland, England and Canada.

Elder Bohn was one of the missionaries who shared his departing testimony as he will go home next transfer. He said, "When I was preparing to go on a mission, my Stake President asked why I wanted to go on a mission. I said, as an 18-year-old, 'Because it will make me a better person.' Now I know the real reason. We are sharing the greatest message ever given to man."

Sister Russell said, among other things, "There have been so many people who have tried to get me to deny the gospel. I will not do it. I cannot do it. I love the Book of Mormon. I don't want to go home. I didn't want this day to come."

President Ogden had Elder Gerber come to the front, then related the experience he had when he had Elder Gerber transferred back to Cardiff. It was clear that this is where the Lord wanted him even though logic, policy and past experiences would preclude it. But it was certain that the Lord wanted him back in Cardiff so he is here. Much of it had to do with Peter, his prayers for direction and prayers that the Lord would intervene in his life now that his wife has died. President Ogden said Elder Gerber is that intervention.

It is so great to have Elder Gerber back in Cardiff. We always have great spiritual experiences every time we teach with him and his companion. Elder Wang is such an asset and a happy, pleasant person. It was really nice to go teach these Chinese women with them. We went to Fang Lin's baptism in April, and now they are teaching her friend. They taught everything in Chinese and when they had us bear testimony, Elder Wang would interpret what we said. It was an unusual, but rewarding experience.

Students, Missionaries & Nursery Rhymes

You may argue with us, but truly, we have the best mission there could possibly be. Our Institute students are amazing and more are coming all the time. Even Ark, who was baptized Saturday, is strong, knowledgeable, and anxious to share the Gospel. The opportunity to teach the doctrine of Christ, to explain the creation, fall and atonement, let alone the words of Isaiah is a daunting challenge yet it stretches us and somehow the Book of Mormon comes alive for all of us. We see the hand of the Lord every day.

It was such a privilege to be with Elders Gerber and Wang when they went to teach Peter. We talked about eternal families, a very tender subject for Peter. As his wife recently died, he wanted to know about temple work and had many questions. He is full of faith and gains strength from his steady, quiet reliance on the Savior.

Elder Wang, who is from mainland China, is a "miracle conversion". His best friend introduced him to the gospel, then his friend's mother flew with him to Hong Kong where he met with the missionaries and was taught all the lessons in one day and was baptized the next. Obviously he was truly converted as he is now serving a mission. His is not an isolated case. A few years ago there were a few hundred native Chinese in mainland China who were members, now there are thousands, many of whom are "miracle conversions" taught in one day.

One of our Institute students, Lisa Morgan, who lives in our mission, was just called as a missionary to serve in our mission, the England Birmingham Mission. This is the first time I have ever heard of that happening. She was surprised, but is anxious to serve.

We inspected flats in the Coventry Zone today. It was fun to see the missionaries we knew from when they were in Wales, it was great to see how clean some of the flats were, and it was really fun in Banbury to see Banbury Cross. They are celebrating it's 150th birthday this coming Sunday. Apparently there was an older cross in Banbury, but this one replaced it 150 years ago. And as an added bonus, we also saw the beautiful statue commemorating: "Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross to see a fine lady upon a white horse. Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, she shall have music wherever she goes." And indeed, she did have rings on her fingers and bells on her toes.

Transfers & Lost Sheep

We taught Institute Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It is great to hear the comments and the testimonies of these young people. I have gained such a burning testimony of the love of God and of His Son Jesus Christ as we have studied the Book of Mormon. To teach of the creation, the fall and the atonement to these young people is a privilege indeed. The depth of gratitude I feel for Heavenly Father that he was willing to allow his beloved Son to suffer and die so we could find our way back to Him and for the love of the Savior for his Father and for us that he willing suffered as He did when he could have stopped the suffering at any point overwhelms me. "I Stand All Amazed."

Transfers brought us great joy. We keep nearly all the missionaries in our District and we have Elder Gerber back. What a bright light he is. He is training a companion straight from China. I think Elder Gerber was the only Chinese speaking Elder left in the mission but this transfer brought two natives of China. It took a long time to get their visas.

Elder Gerber, with Elders Sessions and Wood, taught Peter and Elder Gerber baptized him. Peter's wife passed away a couple of months ago and he had to go home. We were worried we would lose him. But he is back and with Elder Gerber here too, it is a very good thing. Elder Gerber, his companion and we are going to teach Peter tonight. I am excited.

We attended Ark's baptism in Pontypridd Saturday. He is a very intelligent, spiritual person who has studied hard and was so ready for baptism. He brought two non-member friends to the baptism. He was introduced to the Church by his friend girl, or girlfriend, I'm not sure which she is, but she is beautiful and has been a member since she was eight. Ark is reading the Book of Mormon diligently and he and Tracy have been attending our Institute class in Pontypridd. It is a privilege to associate with them.

Elders Kennett and Clark are doing a great work in Pontypridd. At the baptism I sat by Bill, a Chinese university student there whom they baptized four weeks ago. He is solid. Two weeks after they started teaching him he went out and bought a suit so he would be able to attend Church appropriately dressed. I love his humility and cheerful spirit.

Paul, who was baptized in September, had not been to Church for three weeks. We were very worried that we had lost him. We could not reach him by telephone, nor could the Sisters reach him at his home even when leaving notes, or at his work. We were very concerned. He was at Church today. He had been very ill and had spent five days in the hospital without a charger for his mobile phone. He is much improved and received the priesthood today.

General Conference and More

General Conference was once again a marvelous time of spiritual joy. I especially enjoyed the talks by President Uchtdorf and Elder Holland, as well as many others. The Choir's rendition of "O Divine Redeemer" was especially beautiful. Then we were able to share our impressions and experiences with each other at Family Home Evening and gained additional insights and inspiration by doing so. What a great blessing it is for us to be associated with these young adults.

In addition, Tom and Julie, our daughter and her husband, were able to meet Luc who was in Salt Lake for General Conference. That means a lot to us as it is great to share some of the experiences of our mission with our family while we are away.

It's the Little Things

Often it is not the big things that make a mission so memorable and meaningful. It is the many little things. One of them was the testimony of Ben Edwards, one of our Institute students who was baptized in February. I would like to share a few things he said Sunday in Testimony Meeting: "I'm not the greatest reader. But any time I am driving or walking around I turn on my iPod and listen to some Conference talks. My mother asked me this morning if I thought I had done the right thing [in joining the Church]. I said, 'Definitely. I know it is the right thing or I wouldn't be going.' I am thankful for the Cables and that they are teaching Institute. Last week in Institute when someone [Paul Pratt] read the Introduction to the Book of Mormon it reminded me of the first time I read the Introduction. I had such a wonderful feeling that filled me. When I heard him read it at Institute, I felt that feeling again. It filled me. I must confess I didn't listen to much else. I just wanted to keep that feeling." That's what it's all about.

President Dearden spoke at the Stake Temple Fireside, encouraging the people to use the temple, to attend often. He said, "There are so many beautiful churches in Wales. They are a testament of the people of that time. So very many of these churches have been converted into low price goods stores, houses for derelicts, art and craft stores, homes and even garages. That is a testament of our time." Are our temples being used as they should and as much as they should?

Simon Hayes taught our Family Home Evening lesson about the history of the Church in Britain. In 1837 Joseph Smith asked Heber C. Kimball to go to England and start the work there. At the ordination of Elder Kimball, Orson Hyde was present and right then volunteered to serve also. They landed in Liverpool on July 20, 1837, and baptized their first converts on July 30, 1837 in the River Ribble. Within months there were hundreds baptized in England. Heber C. Kimball baptized 1,500 converts.

Dan Jones served two missions to Wales, the first in northern Wales and he baptized one person in a year of working there. His second mission was to southern Wales where he baptized 3,200 in one year. Most of his success was in Merthyr Tydfil. The Osmond family has roots in Merthyr Tydfil. Simon Hayes, our FHE teacher this night, is a 6th generation member of the Church. That is rare here as most of the early converts immigrated to Utah.

It was different teaching Institute this week in three different places with three very different classes, but each one was rewarding in their own way. It is an amazing privilege to discuss the principles of the Book of Mormon with thoughtful, responsive young adults.

As all of you know, General Conference was fabulous, but that is a story for another week.

Institute Begins Anew - Book of Mormon!

We had 46 come out to our opening Institute. That is about 16 more than normal. I'm sure we won't always have that many because so many came over from Swansea and won't be able to do that every week, but it was fabulous for our opening class. We have several new university students who have moved in and several YSA who have just become old enough to attend. It was a great night and Jess had some fun get-acquainted activities ready.

Friday was filled with really bad news from various friends and family. It made me so very sad. There are times when it is so frustrating to not be able to "be there" for someone so dear to you. I guess I will just have to count on being strengthened and refined through adversity.

Week of History & Wonder

What a great week! Our Institute students are coming back and it is wonderful to greet them again. We love them so much and stand in awe at their spiritual depth, capacity to love, and ability to make anything fun as long as they are together. What a privilege to be a small part of their lives! In addition to our class on Tuesdays in Cardiff, we hope to have an impact on the students in Pontypridd as we teach there on Wednesdays and in Merthyr Tydfil when we teach there every other Thursday. How fun it will be to teach the Book of Mormon on several different levels of understanding.

We have diligently studied the Book of Mormon all summer and have gained an increased love for the Savior, an added depth of understanding, and an overpowering gratitude that the Book of Mormon was written, preserved, translated, and made available to us by the hand of God through the work and sacrifice of so many choice individuals through a long and turbulent history. Our students may learn nothing, but we have. It is true. It has power to save.

Zone Conference

Our Zone Conference was with half the mission, Birmingham, Cardiff, Cheltenham and Merthyr Tydfil Zones. We visited some of the historical sites with great meaning for the Church in England and indeed for the Church as a whole. From these beginnings a solid foundation was laid for the establishment and expansion of the Church in Nauvoo and later in Salt Lake City.

Summer is Winding to a Close

We are so excited that our Institute students are coming back and we are working feverishly to make sure the coming year will be a good one for them. Pontypridd Ward wants us to hold an Institute class there for their newly baptized YSA's. We will try it for awhile and try to slowly integrate them with the Cardiff Institute. It's where they belong, but they are insecure about joining us. We will also be teaching in Merthyr Tydfil every other Thursday. So with FHE on Monday, Cardiff Institute Tuesday, Pontypridd Wednesday, Merthyr on Thursday, Friday Forum every other month, training meetings with David Beale, lesson preparation, missionary flat inspections, District Meetings, Zone Conferences, CES Firesides every other month on Sundays, and the likelihood of teaching the marriage class in the Rhiwbina Ward on Sundays, our life is filling up again. Oh yes, we have also been asked to do some Home Teaching as a couple. And in our spare time we teach with the young missionaries, a special treat.