Visit From an Apostle

On Tuesday the entire England Birmingham Mission met to listen to counsel and encouragement from an Apostle, M. Russell Ballard.  We also heard from his dear wife and Elder Oaks, our Area President, and Sister Oaks.  As usual, it was wonderful to see President and Sister Moffat and to hear their testimonies.  Elder Ballard's main message was that we are all to "Become Master Teachers." In addition he taught us such principles as, "Try to lock into your thinking that every soul is precious."  "You must internalize Chapter Three of Preach My Gospel.  Then you will have a sense of confidence that makes you a different missionary."  "If you talk to more people you will baptize more people."  "Build great affection for the Savior Jesus Christ.  Give thanks for Him and that you have this opportunity to serve him."   It was a great privilege to hear him and to listen to him answer questions from the missionaries.

I was overwhelmed by the power of the Spirit present and the goodness and greatness of the missionaries serving in our mission.  Our visiting authorities had the highest praise for them and for the amazing leadership of President and Sister Moffat.  We are truly blessed.

By the way, we inspected the flat of Elder Ballard's grandson this week.  It was nice and clean. He is our Zone Leader, something we didn't know until his grandfather's visit.    

Another Varied Week

Usk Outing

The cute little village of Usk, Wales

Some little black lambs at the castle.

These geese are beautiful, but they are also mean.

One attacked me, caught my skirt and would not let go or back off.

I certainly backed off and finally the goose let loose.

Cherie warned me that they are mean, but no - I didn't listen.

Usk Castle

Magnolias and Ruins

Wood Carved Geese by a Young Man at the Castle.

We talked with him and he told us about his carvings. 

He was wonderful, talented, handsome and very nice.

We ate lunch at a wonderful authentic British pub,

the Nag's Head Inn, and it was good.

Elder Cable had sausage, potatoes and steamed veggies.

I was going to have salmon, but instead had a toasted cheese sandwich. 

I know, I am boring.

Some of my favorite things to see are the sheep and lambs of Wales.

Gill Grant wanted us to meet her sister, Joy, and both of them wanted us to see more of the Wales they love so on Saturday the 11th of April they took us to Usk and then to the Brecon Beacons. Joy and Gillie are delightful and very kind and generous. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, there were a lot of people in the Beacons because it was Easter weekend, and it was so refreshing to be out in the pure air and the glorious sunshine.  

An Amazing Week in April

Out Like a Lamb - Spring Arrives

Remember to click on the photos if you want to actually see them and to be able to read the words.  

In spite of the fact that it was a very stressful week due to the ill health of my father and the struggles my mother is having because of it, it was a very spiritually fulfilling week.  It is soul satisfying to see my daughters and others take over and help Mom and Dad when they are needed, even going beyond what is necessary.  I think they have strengthened family bonds that may not have been solidified had we been home. Working on presentations on the life of the Savior, studying PMG and the scriptures, and especially General Conference have inspired and humbled us.  I am amazed daily at the "tender mercies" that are given to us as we try to serve on our mission.  Our Institute students bring us joy that is hard to explain and they are always willing to help in our efforts.  In addition, their insights and testimonies strengthen ours.  You might say we learn together and all are edified.  What a privilege! 

A Walk Around Roath Lake

Everything is in bloom.

Just Us and the Hyacinths that Feed the Soul

Stepping Out

Hyacinths and the Lighthouse commemorating a Welsh seaman.

The seagulls all a-flutter, circling over the lake.

I loved the beauty of this swan.

A cute little Welsh girl with naturally curly golden hair.

THE END