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.

Good Things Happening

It was such a joy to see Paul baptized on the 5th. He is a good person who wants to feel closer to God and has studied much. He is a delightful personality and will be such an asset to the Rhiwbina Ward. That and Elder Cable passing the first part of his driver's test, then being able to go to West Wales and see the beauty there were all good things.

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.