Departures and Grand Experiences

Our YSA wanted to have another Family Home Evening Monday and we jumped at the chance to do so. Our numbers are very small but that did not prevent us from having a really good FHE. Luc taught, starting with the Miracle of Forgiveness and continued with a discussion on overcoming the natural man. I really liked the quote he shared on the importance of never giving up on ourselves by Michael Jordan: "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I've been trusted to throw the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life, and that's why I succeed."

We will miss President and Sister Moffat ever so much but know we will be happy to have President and Sister Ogden come to lead us. It will be interesting to watch what changes will be made. The Ogdens are very lucky to have two great AP's, Elder Bearnson and Elder Brower, help them get a good start. President Moffat will be teaching an Institute class when he returns home which will make him very happy. Sister Moffat will be pulling her family back together, assuring them that they really don't love the missionaries more than them, which their probably believe, considering how much the Moffats love the England Birmingham Mission missionaries.

On Tuesday David Beale asked us to meet with him at Chepstow Castle. What a joy that turned out to be. David wants us to assimilate as much Welsh and English culture as we can while we are here. He is always looking for new places for us to visit and ways to do so. We had a good meeting with him and then toured the Castle which was fascinating. Most of the castles in Wales were built in the 1200's while the Anasazi were building or vacating their dwellings in the southwest part of the United States. The weather was perfect all day and we loved our lunch on the patio of the Afon Gwy pub overlooking the Wye River.

We then drove about seven miles to Tintern Abbey and went through the ruins there. It is surprisingly intact and grand, but missing the roof which allows the grass to grow inside, everywhere. It was beautiful and almost overwhelming. It was very large and much more intricate than I would have thought. Truly a lovely place to visit and a perfect day to sit outside and eat an ice cream cone.

James Snookes led the discussion of Henry B. Eyring's talk on Adversity at Institute in Roath Park Tuesday. He really brought out some thought-provoking ideas leading us to the conclusion that adversity in our lives can be a blessing if we respond to it well for it will refine and sanctify us we if respond to it properly. It will help us become what God wants us to be. James concluded, "This principle really strengthens my love for Heavenly Father."

While James was teaching, some rough, young guys walked by and started mocking James, and all of us. Without missing a beat James said, only loud enough for us to hear, "Ahh, the great and spacious building. Anyone want to join them?" We love James. Jess even came from Reading to be with us. Simon left for Seattle to coach football (soccer) this summer. He will certainly be missed.

Because Elder and Sister Owen are finishing their mission this week and they will not be replaced, we will now be inspecting nine additional flats for a total of 18 missionary flats from Swindon, England to Aberystwyth, Wales. We are now the only senior missionaries in all of South Wales.