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

Training, Temple and Touring

We are having so much fun with the video our Institute students are making and I am totally amazed with the quality of the production. The opening credits alone knocked my socks off. James Snookes has done a magnificent job of shooting and editing the video, we have costumes thanks to Terri-Ann and others. And our students are cooperative and enthused. The choreography by Nancy and Laura is fun and it is going well. Jess and Simon are adorable as lead dancers and everyone else is super. Too bad we weren't able to show it to a wider audience, but it is still worth the effort if for no other reason than it was so fun to do. These young men and women have surprised me with their ability once again. You would think I would get used to it.

At Family Home Evening a non-member friend of one of our regulars came even though our member, their friend, had to work and did not attend. Not only that, she brought another non-member with her. I love that they feel this is a good place to be and they want to associate with LDS students.

We also had at least one investigator at Institute and several new students. I would love to see more coming and bringing their friends. Ben, our new convert, said in answer to a question in class, "You have to sacrifice to develop spirituality." We asked, "Like what?" He said, "Like cricket on Sunday." (He is on a professional or semi-professional cricket team.) We asked, is it worth it? He quickly responded, "The joy of cricket lasts a day and blessings are forever." 

Wednesday morning early we left for Preston, England for CES training for two days and what a rich, rewarding experience that was. We were taught by such capable, fun CES leaders as well as the Temple President, President Jones and his wife; President Clegg, the MTC President, and we learned so much and felt even more. President Clegg said that Europe will lose about 25% of their missionaries as the new missionaries are being assigned to more productive areas rather than replacing those in Britain and Europe.  Right now there are only 24 missionaries at the Preston MTC, and sometimes there are as few as 14. 

We were able to attend an endowment session at the Preston Temple where Elder Cable and I were the witness couple.  Attending the temple was an unexpected and special treat. We were also asked to act as investigators at the MTC for some Elders who have only been on their missions four days. That was amazing. You can really tell the difference between a missionary who has prepared before his mission and one who has waited until his mission. 

One of the couples, the Magelsens, serving all of Ireland, were in the MTC with us. The Perrys are from Prescott and know my brother, Dick and Carole, his wife. That was fun. It is fascinating to me to learn that each of us serving CES missions in the United Kingdom are doing such different things. I like our mission the very best. Some don't have any interaction with the young missionaries, some sit in a YSA Center from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm every single day, some spend an amazing amount of money and time on feeding the YSA, some have missions that cost them $6,000.00 a month, some do not teach at all, some spend the majority of their time preparing reports, some feed the YSA dinner every day and breakfast often as well. We spend most of our time studying the Gospel, preparing lessons and best of all, loving the students and as an added bonus, we get to teach with the young missionaries. Sonny Donaldson, Mike Dockrill and David Beale are such inspirations to us and are trying so hard to make us all we can be.  We love them too.

Friday was the Institute Friday Forum in Cardiff which is for the Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfill, Bristol and Cheltenham Stakes. Unfortunately, Northampton, England was having a big YSA Convention so only a few from Bristol came here, none from Merthyr or Cheltenham. Such a huge disappointment as we were prepared for the choir to sing but realized that we wouldn't be singing to anyone. The group attending was the choir. We hope to be able to sing at Institute Graduation in May. And because we were gone for two days prior to Friday, Luc ended up doing everything. He is such a great leader.  

Saturday the Senior Missionaries from the England Birmingham Mission had an outing here in Cardiff. President and Sister Moffat joined us and that was a special treat. We started at Castle Coch and fully enjoyed the visit there, then went to St. Fagans where we ate lunch. The Moffats came and sat by us and we loved talked with them. I used to think it would be so neat to be a Mission President, but when I watch them I see how terribly difficult it would be. I truly don't know how they do everything they have to do or how they deal with all the problems they have to handle. Every day it is something new. 

Being able to walk around in the beautiful spring day at St. Fagans was renewing. The weather actually was very nice after a light sprinkle when we arrived. Then the sun came out and everything was beautiful. I love the daffodils and the lambs which are both real symbols of Wales. They were abundant. 

It sounds like all we do is play, but I promise we do teach. I will be teaching Sunday School, Family Home Evening and Institute next week - three days in a row. We are looking forward to General Conference so much, as I always have. It sustains me. 

We love the Gospel, it is a privilege to represent the Savior in this land, and our love for Him has deepened and grown. There are hymns about Him I can't even sing now because I am so overcome with emotion at the thought of what He has done for us. 

Spring is Finally Here

It was a different week. One day was spent getting rid of the rubbish in the flat in Newport that had accumulated through the transfers of many sets of missionaries and one day was spent purchasing and delivering new mattresses for the Sisters, then disposing of the old ones. We spend a lot of time preparing lessons for Institute and Sunday School as well as studying Preach My Gospel and the scriptures in connection with that. I think studying PMG is my favorite thing to do other than being with our Institute students.  We have also spent a lot of time studying the "Teaching Emphasis" and TIP, both on how to improve our teaching. 

Our Institute students are making a video of the a scene from the Book of Mormon about the interaction of Ammon and the two King Lamonis as seen through the eyes of an unlikely investigator. They have gone to a lot of work, preparing the script, getting costumes and props and learning a Bollywood dance scene to end the video. I admire their abilities and their hard work.  

We have had an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Spring that has finally arrived. The sun has been shining all week and the daffodils are blooming everywhere. You see them in the lawns of the commons, covering the center of roundabouts, in the park by the castle, along fence lines at the schools, in flower boxes in the city and even on our dining room table. They bring joy. 

We learned that the new Family Search is available here in the London Temple area. I was excited and tried to use it, but was not allowed to do so.  I'm not a part of this temple district because my membership is still in Bountiful. This new avenue of research and name submission is not yet available in Bountiful, and if I understand correctly, it is not available in Utah yet so as all around me are enjoying it, we can't.  

David Beale came and brought us an English treat: Marmite. He absolutely loves it. I will never understand why. It is foul smelling and disgusting to eat. He grew up with it and I cannot fathom why people eat it. You spread it on buttered bread. Mostly it is made of yeast. The only good thing about it is the cute bottle it comes in. David laughed and laughed as he had us eat some.  Perhaps it is an acquired taste.  

We have discovered one thing wonderful food-wise. Marks & Spencer. Their food is delicious. It costs a little more but everything is top quality and really very good and best of all, they have a lot of pre-made items you just pop in the microwave or oven. I like their clothing as well and when I am rich and famous I will buy some. 

Week of March 8th through 14th

From St. David's Day to Missionary Delights

Our FHE had 19 in attendance and several were either investigators, non-member friends, or newly baptized. Many were new so Paul had everyone introduce themselves by giving their name, where they were from and their favorite sleeping position. That broke the ice! Thanks to our grandchildren, I now have ideas for activities for weeks to come if they ask me again. The Institute choir Elder Cable has started is doing very well.  We had 28 stay for practice last week after class.  They really sound great.  The video they are making should be very amusing. They are depicting the scene from Alma 20 between Ammon, and the two King Lamonis as seen through the eyes of a hoodlum - very dramatic.  

It was a good and busy week.  Luc and Jamie called us Thursday to let us know Jamie got his mission call to the Scotland Edinburgh Mission.  They are so excited and pleased with the call and I was very happy that they cared enough to let us know as soon as the call was opened.  In fact they invited us to Swansea to be there when he opened the call, but we had a teaching appointment with the Elders to go to Peter's.  

As I've said before, teaching Peter is a very unusual and humbling experience. Elders Gerber and Wood taught on tithing and asked us to each bear our testimonies of this principle and we were happy to do so.  I gave the example of our Thanksgiving dinner in San Antonio, Texas to which we had invited company when we were first married and were very poor. When it came time to shop for the dinner we realized we did not have enough money to buy anything if we paid our tithing. We did contemplate not paying then and try to make it up later.  We knew the Lord would understand, and we did have GI's to think about. We did not want to ruin their Thanksgiving. But we went ahead and paid our tithing, not knowing what we would do.  A few days later Colonel Cowley and his wife invited us to Thanksgiving dinner and when I explained that we had already invited some soldiers at the base to eat with us, they said, "Please bring them too." What a great relief!  We had a wonderful time. Wayne talked about tithing not being about the money, but it is a sign of our obedience.  He also told of the time while he was a student at BYU earning $0.75/hour, he had no money, no food, but decided to pay his tithing but wondered what would happen to him.  The next day he got a letter in the mail with no return address.  Inside was $10 and he does not know to this day where it came from.  Elder Wood testified about when he had a date for the Jr. Prom but the only money he had was his tithing money. It was a hard test, but he paid his tithing then prayed that Heavenly Father would help him solve his problems. The next day his tax refund came and he had a wonderful time at the prom. Elder Gerber told about his grandpa whose advice was, "You can't afford not to pay tithing." Peter listened to all this then he turned to Malachai 3:11-12, all on his own, read it to us then said, "I know the devourer will be rebuked. That is why I pay tithing. I have paid tithing, 10% for 15 years." He already lives this law and knows it is a commandment. When Elder Wood tried to explain what tithing is used for in our Church, Peter said he doesn't need to know. "It is God's money." He has such faith and there is always a sweet spirit when we are with him.

We saw Ben at the baptism tonight and he was excited to tell us that he will get the priesthood Sunday and will be made a Priest.  Isn't it amazing that he was not even a member two weeks ago and tomorrow he will have the authority to baptize others.  He is very happy about that.  I asked him if there was anything we could do for him and his reply was, "Just stay in my presence as long as possible."  He is very fun.  

Probably one of the more meaningful parts of the week for me was the time spent with David Beale Wednesday and Friday. He is a master teacher and has such a fun personality. He told us that because we are converting so many from Africa, we need to teach about the history of the priesthood as it related to Blacks and it should be done early on rather than have them be surprised after they are baptized by our former practices. He has a great article on this that I need to get. He also told us the Parable of the Happy Islanders he made up to explain foreordination.  I keep thinking about what he told us about how to teach:  Teach less. Talk less. Testify less. Have the students: Teach more. Talk more. Testify more. When preparing a lesson, don't focus on what you are going to teach, but focus on what your students will be doing. You are not teaching lessons, you are teaching students.  Don't worry as much about covering the material, instead worry about having the students teaching, talking and testifying to each other. It is a new paradigm and hard to implement after years of teaching differently. 

Last Week in February

Once again, so many things happen in  week.  There have been happy times, disappointments, joyful discoveries, concerns, spiritual strengthenings, responsibilities added, opportunities not taken, and tender touches of the Spirit.  It is hard to do all the things we feel we ought to be doing, but each day is a new day and we can strive anew.  I want so much to be worthy of the scripture we chose as ours for this mission, "And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work." (Alma 26:3) Each day we have the opportunity to try harder to make that happen. 

Week of February 15th through 21st

It was a great week, in many respects busier than some of the others. We have more fun at Family Home Evening than any other time. We feel we are making some kind of contribution at Institute each Tuesday and we truly love every minute we can spend with our students. They are brilliant, fun, strong, and they teach us more than we teach them. We love them. 

We took the Sisters to District Meeting as Sister Mitte has injured her back and couldn't drive. Elder Bearnson was there and it was wonderful to see him again. He is amazing and it makes us so happy to see him. The meeting was very good and Elder Wood did a great job of conducting it and presenting better ways for us to succeed.  

Teaching investigators with the Elders and the Sisters is a privilege I can't begin to explain. It touches me deep within my soul to watch investigators learn of and accept truths of the Gospel. I feel the love of the Savior for these investigators as they commit to do His will. 

Flat inspections are fun and it strengthens me to see the strength of these dedicated missionaries.  

We went with Elders Wood and Gerber again this week to teach Peter and Peter was as remarkable as ever. He can hardly wait until he can be baptized. He is such a special person and he was so happy when I gave him the picture I took of him and Elders Session and Gerber. He thought abstaining from alcohol and tobacco was good and had no problem with that. But when they mentioned tea and coffee, he said, "Tea and coffee?" The missionaries said, "Yes. We do not drink tea and coffee. Will you live the Word of Wisdom and not drink tea and coffee?" He looked up and simply said, "Yes. It is a commandment." That's the way he is about everything. 

But of course the highlight of the week was Saturday night when Kurosh and Ben were baptized. Luc, our wonderful Luc, baptized Ben and Ben was deeply touched by the experience. He will be a great member of the Church. His parents and both Nanns (grandmothers) came. Kurosh, on the other hand is all alone in the world. He has no family, he is here as an assylum seeker, he is very shy and withdrawn. He now has people in the Church who will care for him. Elder Gerber spent a lot of time learning the baptismal prayer in Persian.  When he baptized Kurosh he said the prayer first in Persian and then in English, then he baptized him. It was very impressive. Right after the baptism the Zone Leaders took Kurosh with them to teach an investigator. He was so happy to be able to do that. 

Second Week of February 2009

It is amazing how many things can happen in a week. In addition to Ben, we learned that Kurosh wants to be baptized and it looks like that will happen on the 21st also.  Elders Session and Gerber stopped Kurosh on the street and talked to him about the Church. He had only been in Wales a few days, he listened to the Elders, and has accepted the Gospel. It appears to be true, the future of the Church in Great Britain and Europe is with the 18-30 year olds. It is an amazing privilege to be able to work with them.  

We have spent a tremendous amount of time this week studying the Gospel, part of the time preparing our Institute lessons, part of the time preparing a lesson for Relief Society, and a lot of time reading Preach My Gospel and reading and marking the scriptures referenced in PMG. I also finished the Book of Mormon for the second time since we started our mission. I only mention this to encourage my grandchildren and children to read, read, read the Book of Mormon.  I have gained an even stronger testimony of its truth and power. 

We had transfers this week and lost Sister Morris and Elder Sessions.  We will definitely miss both of them.  

I especially liked Institute this week as the students responded to the lesson and volunteered many, many comments regarding the Holy Ghost as a teacher of truth powerful enough to confound the mighty.  It was thrilling to me to see and hear them open up.  Their insights are deep and spiritually powerful.  

I gave a pass-along card to a Jewish Israeli at a stand in the mall in Cardiff. He said he hoped it wouldn't hurt his sale to me of products from the Dead Sea, but, "I am an atheist." I told him that it wouldn't. (I bought things I don't need.) We talked for a few minutes, I told him to look us up on mormon.org and he said he would. He said I could come back and talk to him any time and added, "And you don't have to buy anything." I told him I would like that. When we left he said, "God bless."  Interesting comment from an atheist!

Any time we can go with the Elders to teach Peter is a highlight. He is thoughtful, bright, serene, confident, studious and has such a simple and direct testimony of the truth.  I am continually amazed at how powerful the Spirit testifies when the Elders are teaching him and I believe it is because Peter has such strong faith and is so receptive to the teachings of Christ.  I hope and pray that his wife in Sierra Leone will receive the missionaries and join the Church too.  Peter is scheduled to be baptized soon and we are all looking forward to that. He could be such a powerful strength to the Church back in Sierra Leone, or anyplace else for that matter. 

Ben Edwards

Great News!

Ben Edwards has decided to be baptized on the 21st of February.  He has been coming to Family Home Evening and Institute for quite some time. He participates in all the YSA activities and has even gone on the Stake Temple trip to the London Temple the last two excursions. He waits on the grounds or in the visitors center while his friends do sessions and then talks with them between times and just enjoys being there. When he came to Church Sunday morning he showed me his new scriptures, a quad, that he bought while at the temple on Saturday and he was so excited to have them. He has been taught by Sisters Morris and Martinec and we are all thrilled at his decision. So is he.  As soon as he made the commitment, he sent text messages to all of his YSA friends.  He has asked Luc Rasmussen to baptize him. 

First week in February

Baptisms, Missionaries & Institute Students

Raymond Shepherd and Elder Cable

Elder Cable and Norland Kapler Mohoukou

Elders Toolson, Burtenshaw, Gerber and Sessions

Elders Gerber and Toolson, Elder and Sister Cable, Sisters Morris and Martinec, Elders Sessions and Burtenshaw

Elders Sessions and Gerber are our District Leaders.

Sisters Morris and Martinec are in our ward.

Elders Burtenshaw and Toolson are our Zone Leaders.

Dai Hole, Terri-Ann McKenny, Jess Witts, Luc Rasmussen

Ben Edwards and Elder Burtenshaw

What a great experience. Elder Cable was able to baptize Raymond Shepherd, a sweet man who is very sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit. He told me that when he was baptized, "The Spirit was so strong. I could feel it all around me. When I came up out of the water, tears came to my eyes." And they did. Raymond was tracted out by Sisters Morris and Martinec. He has been a Jehovah Witness for 22 years and the break was very, very difficult for him, but he knew this is what the Lord wanted him to do and that he had to do it. Missionaries had tried to teach him years ago but he would not listen. When the Sisters knocked on his door he thought, "I need to let them in. I think God has brought them to me again." 

Norland Kapler is a student who was befriended by Syr Mambou, a recent convert. Syr talked to him about the Gospel and got him to listen to the missionaries. It has been an incredible experience to go with the Sister missionaries when they teach Norland. If he didn't quite understand a concept, Syr would often explain it to him in French or any one of a number of African languages. Norland was very accepting of the doctrines and principles and so determined to have a better life which he believes the Gospel can give him. And it can. Syr and Norland are now friends and will be a great help to each other. Norland came to Family Home Evening last week and he absolutely loved it. Syr and Norland come to Institute whenever possible (transportation is a problem) and they have both told us how much they have enjoyed the experience. Syr said, "I love the Apostle Paul, so I really enjoyed your lesson." They have so many challenges and trials to overcome and I pray for them daily. 

Our missionaries are great. You hear so much about goof-off missionaries, after all they are still very young. But I don't see it with the missionaries serving in our area. They are dedicated, obedient, humble, spiritual, hard-working missionaries. It is a blessing beyond measure and really unexplainable to be able to accompany them when they teach investigators. We have had some of our most spiritual experiences at these times. They have a way of bringing the Holy Ghost into the center of the discussions and it permeates the lessons. It is a privilege to know them. 

These are some of our favorite Institute Students. It is amazing how much we love them after such a short time. They surprise me daily with their goodness. For instance, Luc bore his testimony at the baptism (after apologizing for his scruffy appearance due to his impossible schedule) and said, "I was having a very hard week at Uni. I was just walking around listening [on his iPod] to a talk on the Fruits of the Spirit. As I did so someone's name came to my mind. I felt I should visit this person, so I did. I found that they were having a hard week also. We were able to share and when I left we both felt better. I know I was guided by the Spirit." I love that. First, how many university students walk around listening to talks by Church leaders on their iPod instead of music? Second, when he was prompted, Luc went straight-away and did as he was prompted. That's the way they are. Dai misses his mission so badly that he still wears his name tag on the inside pocket of his suit where others cannot see it, but it is still close to his heart. He shows it to me once in awhile, but adds, "But it has lost its power." But Dai is still powerful. He baptized Norland and was happy to do so and has taught incredible FHE lessons. Terry is the sweet and enthusiastic girl who talked about how Institute had "saved" her and was such a blessing in her life. Jess is very capable, talented, smart and spiritual. She came up to me a few weeks ago with a sparkle in her eyes and told me with excitement that she is going to General Conference in Salt Lake in April. It is a dream come true for her and she is just the type of person who should have the privilege. What a blessing and joy each of the young adults are in our lives. 

And another hope and blessing is Ben Edwards, a non-member who has decided to listen to the missionaries again. Ben has been very active in Institute and Family Home Evening for quite some time and we are very hopeful that he will actually join the Church. His comment after the baptism was, "There was a very warm feeling in my heart tonight." Dai said, "That's the Holy Ghost, Ben. Listen."