An Emotional Roller Coaster

This is a picture of all of the grandchildren of my father and mother. Our four daughters are the four furthest to the left in the photo: Kim and Chantel on the back row and Cherie and Julie in the middle row. I absolutely love all these magnificent people and every single one of them have been through the temple except the 18-year-old; 12 of them have served missions and one is a bishop.

Words are inadequate to express the love and appreciation I feel for our daughters for all they have done to help Mom in my absence and to represent us at the funeral of Dad. Each of them have done all they could under their individual circumstances. Cherie felt it was a blessing to be able to visit Dad so often over the past five months that he has been so ill and to stop by daily over the past weeks. Chantel and Kim both have brought their families to see Dad in the last little while. And Julie has done all she could and has also represented me at the funeral by giving my talk with her words and spirit added. The four of them sang, "How Great Thou Art" even though it was emotional for them.

It was nice that all 22 of Mom & Dad's grandchildren were present at the funeral, some coming from New York, Virginia, Arizona and other distant places. Friends and family filled the church back to the middle of the cultural hall. What a great tribute to a great man. He was always so dignified and so handsome, as Elder Cable said, a beacon on the hill.

Dad's life theme was service and that was the theme of the funeral. If we can put into practice what Dad exemplified, we will all be better people - and happier people.

We appreciate all the expressions of love and support. The kindness of friends has given us strength and filled us with gratitude.

Best of Times & Worst of Times

It has been so rewarding to be able to go teach with the missionaries. It has been a special joy to teach Paul Pace with Sister Russell and Sister Stillman. Paul is unusual in his enthusiasm to hear more of the gospel, his anticipation of being baptized, his thoughtfulness and diligence in reading, and his acceptance of the principles being taught. And he is fun.

Visiting the flats of the missionaries has been interesting, fun, and inspirational. They are so good to us and they really are trying to do everything they should. We have had the opportunity this month of inspecting 16 flats, 8 in England an 8 in Wales. This has allowed us to see some beautiful places, and even to visit Stratford-on-Avon again. We love it there and feel fortunate that it is in our mission. Elder Riggs is so nice, it will be hard to see him leave in a couple of weeks.

The gospel makes the passing of my father easier for us to accept. It is a good thing for people who have lived an exceptionally good life to be able to leave mortality when their bodies are worn out. The plan of salvation helps us understand that wonderful things await him as he moves to the next stage and the joyous reunion he is having with his parents, siblings, friends and others.

I think it was President Hinckley who said, "The pain of death is swallowed up in the peace of eternal life. Whenever the cold hand of death strikes, there shines through the gloom and the darkness of that hour the triumphant figure of the Lord Jesus Christ. He, the Son of God, by whom his matchless and eternal power overcame death. He is our comfort, our only true comfort when the dark shroud of earthly night closes about us when the spirit departs the human form."

Missionaries, Amazing Missionaries

Even though we miss the missionaries who have been transferred, we still find great joy in the missionaries we have here. It has been especially lovely to be able to go to England for flat inspections and get acquainted with a few more missionaries. It is so gratifying to see cheerful missionaries, even when the work is hard, the expenses are high, the people won't listen, the weather is soggy. But the missionaries are happy and accomplish amazing things. Sometimes it takes patience. Sometimes it takes extra faith. But they are obedient, believing, creative, and just plain deep down good.

I love the scripture Elder Rawlings shared at our last District Meeting: Doctrine & Covenants 123:17: Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. We have seen the promise in the scripture fulfilled in the work of the missionaries here.

Wales and Welshmen

Going to Ledbury, Gadfield Elm and Hill Farm on Saturday was such a treat for us. The trip up there was exceptionally beautiful, so we hope to drive through that area again. In particular, we would like to visit Abergavenny while we are not programmed as heavily as usual. It has been a great opportunity to see more of Wales. Luc's family, the Rasmussen's, have certainly facilitated that. They invited us to their home where they fed us and entertained us. Zoe is a gifted musician and played the harp for us after a delightful lunch prepared by Luc's Mom and sister, Cami. Luc's father is the Bishop in Swansea and his mother teaches Institute there. Then we all went to the Gower and walked the Worm's Head. The day was very windy, cool and overcast but it was still delightful and felt so good to walk along the Gower and listen to the sea. I loved the geese, cows and sheep we saw as we drove through the countryside. The Rasmussen's were so nice to us and we appreciate the time they took to show us more of Wales. That evening we went to Family Home Evening at the Swansea Chapel with the YSA in that area. It was nice to meet with them and several are our regulars in Cardiff during the school year.

Zone Conference was enjoyable and a great way to spend my birthday on a mission. We love seeing the other missionaries and learn what they are doing and feeling. We always learn something to make our mission better at Zone Conference. But we really miss being able to see Elder Bearnson now that he is out being a regular teaching missionary which he loves.

It is nice that one of our YSA is getting married. Sam Gould and Caroline Elston will be married, I think in October. Their engagement party at the Park House was lovely and it was so fun to see the other YSA, especially Chen Chen who will be here for a few more weeks.

Great Opportunities

Can you believe, Elder and Sister Green prepared Dutch oven potatoes which were delicious and a wonderful lunch at Gadfield Elm. He had his Dutch ovens shipped over here at great expense, but he loves cooking with them for parties. And he even did it in a pouring rainstorm, covering the brikettes with a garbage can lid to get them started. It was great to get to know the other senior couples in our mission and learn of their assignments and activities. They are amazing, capable people.