Moved In, 28 May 2014

Bedroom

Dad out front of the Lodge

We hit the morning early and got the rest of our stuff moved over to the lodge.  We began putting things away and getting the bed made and making sure we could find what we needed to be to our shift this afternoon.

Our back yard!

I am waving out our living room window, third from right on top.
The kitchen window is in the middle and bedroom window on right.

Living Room

Kitchen.  The sink is behind the door on the left.  All the rooms have doors on them, including the living room.

Bathroom

Pantry, office, catch-all, or whatever else you want to call this room.

View outside the front door.

Besides the rooms you see, there is a closet for the vacuum, ironing board, mop & bucket, and other cleaning supplies.  There is a room with an upright freezer and a washer and dryer.  We are living the good life!  Now, to get the Internet in our flat will really be the good life!

Abraham was here when we arrived on the 16th, and he left today, going back to his home in Africa.  He is a returned missionary and came for a period of time to be in the temple.  He has been there every day and then goes with us to church on Sunday.

Some of us gathered to wish him well on his journey home and to remember us.  

Standing:Dad & Mom, The Coopers, Sister Rose, The Wades, The Bulls, Sister Pemberton
Sitting: Abraham, The Masihs.

A table full of delicious treats!

Working The Afternoon Schedule, 27 May 2014

Day 2 of continuous drizzling rain; it continued through the night as well.  This is our first day on the afternoon schedule.  We reported to the temple at 2 p.m. where Bob was the officiator and I was the follower for the 2:30 p.m. session.  There were 17 patrons in the session.  The remainder of the day and evening went well with getting home about 8:15 p.m.

Temple Cafeteria Table Talk:

English sister #1:  “Sister American, your dress is lovely.”

American sister (Me):  “Thank you!  Sister Matthews is wearing the same dress today.”

English sister #1:  “Oh, it is lovely and so flowing.  Yes, several sisters have

                              dresses alike.”  

American sister:  “I have even seen Sister Crossland with the same

                             dress on.  It must be a good choice.  It is very ”comfy.”

Welsh sister:  “All flowie is so lovely.  Just like Elizabeth Bennett in Pride

                       And Prejudice.  (Using swaying hand movements)  She moves

                       along so gracefully with her long skirts and petticoats.  But I          

                       don’t want to live during that time (has a frownie face)

                       and wear all those skirts!  No!”

English sister #2:  “Now, Calamity Jane, she is the one to be like!”

(Everyone starts smiling and chuckling in recognition of the movie.)

American sister:  “You know Calamity Jane?”

English sister #2:  “Yes I do.  She comes back across the stream with that

                               lovely yellow dress on and falls flat in the muck!  What

                               a sight!”

English sister #1:  “I have that movie and watch it often.”

Welsh sister:  “Ah, yes, Doris Day is lovely, very lovely.  She is the one to be          

                       Like.”

American sister:  “If you know Calamity Jane, she was in the movie, Glass

                             Bottom Boat. . . . “ 

(Everyone started talking and naming other Doris Day movies and telling their favorite sceens.)

American sister:  “Well, I don’t feel so ‘foreign’ anymore with all of you movie watchers like me!”

Brother Davis drove the Coopers and us to East Grinstead this morning to apply for an account at Barclays bank.  The drive and the walk in the rain were safe.  Mev helped set up our account and we exchanged US dollars to sterling to deposit.  We finished up and walked back to the minibus.

We have been trying to buy isopropyl alcohol since being here and have not been able to find it in any of the stores we have been in.  It was suggested we go to a pharmacy.  We went to Boots Pharmacy and Bob inquired with the pharmacist.  She said you are not allowed to buy it except in very small amounts and then you have to go to a chemist to purchase it.  He asked if it was a controlled substance and she said it was not, just not easily purchased.  She said the best way is to purchase it through amazon.com and have it shipped to you.  She said you have to fill out a bunch of paperwork and explain what you are going to use it for.  She knows this procedure since her husband orders it for working on his car.

When we all got back to the minibus, the Coopers said they were unable to get their account established.  They were randomly selected for "terrorist activity."  She said the agent kept trying to enter their information and it would come up blank.  He was in training and did not know what to do. He finally got his supervisor and he immediately recognized what was happening.   They will get their account number, etc. in the mail in three days.  Needless to say, they were disappointed.

We received a phone call this morning that we have been assigned a flat in the lodge.  As soon as we come to the temple and pick up the keys, we can move in.  Well, that started us to thinking and planning how we would make the move.  When we got home from the bank we went to the temple and collected up the keys and instructions for flat 13.  We took a look at it and began the move in process.  With having to work the afternoon and evening, our time was limited.  We started packing up the suitcases and Dad started taking them over.

Bank Holiday, 26 May 2014

I should have posted this on our first wakeup in England post, but didn't think of it at the time.  So here goes:

The first morning we were here, about 7:30 a.m., I was making toast for breakfast and it got a little dark with smoke and burned smell coming out of the toaster.  I took it out to put butter on it and the smoke alarm went off.  We started fanning it with a towel to get it to stop.  That didn't work so we started fanning the door as it continued to blare loudly.  I was for sure we were waking up the whole accommodations centre. 

 People started pouring out of their rooms in all stages of sleep and getting ready for the morning.  We felt bad because we did not know how to turn it off.  Well, we discovered it was the actual fire alarm and everyone was told to exit the building!  All I could think of, was: “Hello England!” 

What the blue circle says.

Dad was busy out on the lawn being Mr. Congeniality, smiling and warmly greeting and saying good morning to the evacuees as we grouped around in conversations, hoping the wait to go back in would not be very long.  I felt bad for the parents holding sleeping babies and listening to questioning children as they tried to make sense of their abrupt wakeup.  

The security officer arrived and made it very clear we could not enter until he gave us the go ahead.  He explained that there was no fire and these situations happen occasionally and in an effort to avoid embarrassment, he would not disclose who set off the alarm.  The Parkinsons thought it was them as they had multiple appliances plugged in using adapters and she was sure they had blown up the place.  (Remember the movie "Leap Year?")  We both commented on what an impression we had made at the temple!  

The security officer said we could all go back to our flats and the tenants slowly made their way back in.  Since we were not talked to by the security officer, or the Parkinsons, we agreed that neither one of us were guilty.  That was the best part – it was NOT us!!!!!!!  When we came back into the building and were walking down another hallway, we smelled a very strong aroma of burnt toast!

They are very cautious about fire.  There are instructions as to what to do in the event of a fire in the rooms and extinguishers are posted all up and down the halls.

 

The door to our hallway.  We are down three doors on the right.  Vacuum cleaners sit out in the hallways for tenant's use.

Today is a bank holiday in England.  That means the banks are closed, the buses do not run, some businesses are closed, and the ones that are open have limited hours.  When we got up we made breakfast and cleaned the flat.  Dad thought we should stand out on the road to see if a bus would come by and we could get to Crawley.  It was an overcast day with rain drizzling down and a temp of 61º.  

So, Dad donned his rain coat from his army days he brought with him and I had my umbrella in hand.  We went out to the road and began our wait.  There were cars going by and the first one stopped just ahead of us.  We looked at it trying to figure out why they stopped.  Dad said it was our ride.  Cars behind them had to wait for the oncoming traffic to pass before they could go around it.

Shortly a woman got out of the car and started walking toward us.  It was Sister Johnson (Temple Matron) and she was inquiring as to where we were going.  Dad explained we were waiting for a bus and she said we would be waiting a very long time for one today because it is a bank holiday.  She said they were headed to Sainsbury's in Crawley and we were welcome to jump in if we wanted to.  We took her up on the offer and off we went.

We had a very lovely time with she and President Johnson as we visited back and forth about their family, his service in the church (he is a former general authority), where they live, and some of the customs here in England.  A bank holiday is definitely a holiday: schools are out and families take a holiday to the beach.  The forecast along the east coast was sunny and warm.

This Sainsbury's was larger than the one in East Grinstead.  We found more selections of items and even found a blow dryer and a curling iron.  Happy day, I can do my hair now!  We found Paul Newman salad dressing, baking powder, and corn starch, which is corn flour here.  Aluminum foil is just called foil and comes in a yellow box.  I had overlooked it at the other stores.  We pick up a different kind of biscuit (cookie) each time we shop so we can determine what our favorites may be.  So, we are getting the kitchen supplies collected and organized but that just means more to move when we move in another week or two.  Argggggh!  We have to look at the bright side; more room will be better.

We were busy throughout the day with this and that.   Elder and Sister Christensen were ready and picked us up at 2:30 p.m. for a trip to Costco.  We were hoping to find more "American items," and we did.  We had a lovely rainy drive with them to Croydon, about a half hour away.

Croydon skyline indicates it is a much larger city than little Lingfield, East Grinstead, or even Crawley.  The roads were busy with high traffic volume due to the size of the city and it being a holiday.

              We found a couple of friendly faces!

We got home in time to put things away and catch the minibus for dinner.  There was a group of 9 of us and we headed to Crawley, to the Harvester pub.  We were seated and then went to the bar to place our order.  They had a salad bar that came with the meal and you could go back to it as often as you liked.  I had a grilled chicken sandwich with chips (french fries) and Dad had a hamburger.  They were both very good and it was nice to eat and visit at the same time.  One person had a stake and the rest had ribs.

                      Happy shoppers at Tesco.

2nd Sunday, 25 May 2014

We were off to Crawley Ward in the minibus.  There are so many missionaries that they take two buses.  (A minibus is a van in America.)  It was Fast Sunday since next week will be stake conference.  For those unfamiliar with the term "Fast Sunday," it is held once a month and the members of the ward/branch have an opportunity to bear their personal testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ during Sacrament Meeting.  It is also a day of fasting from food and drink for a period of 24 hours.  The money one would spend on the meals skipped is given to the church fast offering fund to help with those in need.  This is the Lord's way to provide for the needy.

The testimonies born were rich in missionary work; either going on a mission, or the blessings of having served one, either for the individual or for others.  There was a great emphasis on how serving a mission will bless the lives of others as well as one's family.

At home we prepared a favorite Sunday meal of meatloaf, baked potatoes, and steamed carrots.

Notice our not quite 2x2 foot table.  It fits nicely in this little nook in the kitchen.

This evening we attended the "hi and bye" social they have when missionaries arrive and when they go home.  No one went home so it was only the "hi" portion of the program.  Everyone brings finger foods, we sing, pray, and eat.  Then the newbies have 5-7 min each to tell about themselves.  The Parkinson's and us were the program.  Afterward, President Johnson, temple president, said a few words and welcomed us.

Tonight they added a fireside afterward of a powerpoint program that featured the construction and remodel of the temple by Brother Carter.  He was one of the engineers on the remodel and gave an outstanding  presentation.  Because he was there and a part of it, he was interesting to listen to.  Not to mention his British sense of humor!  Like anywhere a temple is built, the local saints are dedicated and willing to be a part of the process.  There were 1,500 present for the original dedication and 54,000 for the  remodel dedication in 1992.  Non-members numbered 3 to 1 with members.  There were those who had been to the original dedication had returned for the second one.

People Look-A-Likes?
Have you ever seen someone and you are sure they are really someone else?  It seems the older we get the more this happens; like we can see features and characteristics of people we know in someone we do not know.  I know we are all unique children of Heavenly Father, but then I think there are only so many molds for creating bodies!

One brother here says I look just like his sister and if he were to meet me on the street without having known me here, he would for sure think I was her.

Today we were sure we saw:
1. Lorna Thompson
2. Donna Freridge
3. Kia Farar  (Long hair and all, including the smile!)

Some have asked about the temperature:  Last week when they had their heat wave, it got up to 78º F.  Today it got up to 61º and it is supposed to be 48º tonight.  I was happy to wear my heavy sweater to church today.  They turned on the heater in Relief Society.

Saturday Is Different, 24 May 2014

We were to the temple at 8:10 a.m., dressed and ready for preparation meeting.  Today is a different schedule than a weekday.  This is the day when the temple has its most activity with families able to come and not miss school and work.  Many of them stay in the Accommodations Centre, having come in Friday night.  Both the "A" shift and the "B" shift overlap as we work in the temple.  I discovered there are a lot of "Day" workers.  These saints come for one day a week, Saturday being the heaviest influx of them.  We also have workers that come and work for two weeks on and then go home for eight weeks, then back for two weeks, etc.  There is always someone new to meet, work with, and get to know.

Today I met Sister Wilcox as I assisted her with ordinances.  As we smiled at one another at our first meeting, I felt at home.  I tried to figure if I had already met her, but soon decided this was our first meeting.   At one point, she was waiting on the bench and I was finished.  When I walked out and saw her sitting there, she looked at me and we both felt a sense of recognition.  I sat down beside her and extended a warm greeting.  I told her she seemed familiar and she asked:
"Where do you live or work, Deary?"
I answered:  "Fresh from America, one week out."
She said:  "I don't know, but you are familiar also."
I then suggested:  "I think we were kindred spirits in heaven and we have now just met on earth.  We have always been sisters!"
We were both comfortable with that thought and happy we had met.

The highlight of the day was being a part of Gabe's baptism.  We know it is not always easy to get electronics to work, but Katie was on top of it and we were able to see him be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We set up the iPad and attended via Face Time in the Ordinance Worker's Lounge.

To you, Gabe, we are thrilled at your decision to be baptized.  It is not always easy to follow what Heavenly Father would want us to do, but when we do follow and are obedient, He is ALWAYS there for us.  He loves us because we belong to Him and we will always matter to Him.  We hope you will use your journal we gave you to record the times you feel the Holy Ghost and listen to his counsel and direction.  He will never lead you astray.

The view out the window in the Ordinance Worker's Lounge in the Accommodations Centre.

A bright smile and happy Hello, from a special grandson!

After the baptism, we returned to our flat and cooked and ate dinner.  We then went on a walk to return items to different people and ended up in the dining room for the last half of the movie, "Follow Me Boys," with Fred McMurray.  They do movie night the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.

Families are Forever, 23 May 2014

Our day began earlier and it was full as we participated in various assignments and helped and assisted where needed.  It was not unusual to be pulled from one area to another as the needs changed based on the patron attendance.  At one point, we both recognized that these faithful saints were bringing their own family names to the temple!  One particular session had more family name cards than temple name cards.  One of our assignments is to participate in sealings, and again most of the names had been brought by family and they were there participating in the ordinance.

It had rained while we were in the temple but when we came out, it was gone.  We took a rest, went to reception to collect some needed items, and then prepared to walk to dinner.  Clouds still filled the sky with a breeze blowing them this way and that.  We put on hoodies and grabbed the umbrella.

We set the stopwatch and headed off to the Peacock Lodge.  It was a 15 minute walk with sidewalk the whole way.  Of course it was rush hour so the cars and trucks were whizzing by us.  Other temple workers had said it was a good place to each, 2 meals for £10.

Inside we read the sign that said to sit anywhere and then order at the bar.  Each table had a number on it and that is how they identified the orders.  Bob had gammon and I had fish.

Each plate came with chips and your choice of garden peas or mushy peas.  You know what we ordered!  Gammon is a ham steak.

By the time we headed home the skies had cleared and the sun was shining brightly.  The walk back was quite enjoyable.

Things different and what we learned today:

1.  Everything is "lovely."  (The word they use for "nice.")

2.  The bootie socks you can wear in the temple are called "pop" socks, because you can just "pop" 'em on!

3.  The ironing board has a level on the back end of it for the iron.  I can no longer iron shirts on that end.

4.  Temple missionaries Elder & Sister Masih, pronounced Massey, are from India.

5.  Temple missionary Sister Adler is from Wales and is a retired surgeon's nurse.  She is very witty but it is hard to understand her thick accent.

6.  Stairs.  The temple is made of stairs.  There are stairs on the outside.  There are stairs on the inside.  There are stairs up and there are stairs down, there are stairs straight, and there are stairs that go around.  There are more than one set of stairs that can take you to the same place.  We had gotten turned around more than once, but we are getting better.  We are still working on which way is north. Moroni pointing east has been our beacon.

7.  We have had trouble finding napkins in the stores.  I found out today that they are there, but are called serviettes.  A napkin here is a diaper!

8.  Today, a sister no more than 3 feet tall was in the temple.  At one point I sat on a low stool that put me eye level with her.  She was so cute about me doing that.  I felt like a giant when standing next to her!

Dad was called over to the temple about 8 p.m. to help with the influx of patrons.  I was busy in the Reading Room checking emails and blogging.  It wasn't long before Sister Basten, from our shift, came along and asked if anyone knew anything about the computers in the Family History Center.  I volunteered and helped she and her husband turn them on, log on, find their families on familysearch.org, and then helped with research.  My Ancestry.com account opened right up to the UK, and away we went looking for birth, marriage, and death records!  We did find one that looks promising and she will do further research to verify it.  It was a good ending to the day.

Banking Business, 22 May 2914

The day was busy in the temple.  There were plenty of patrons and staff was needed in all areas.  We worked together to accommodate them.

It was our day to catch the minibus to East Grinstead for shopping.  We changed clothes, grabbed our shopping bags and list and boarded the minibus.  There were eleven of us going this time.  It was a fast swaying ride over the roads and around the corners, and through the roundabouts.

We are headed around the corner to Barclays Bank.  Dad had an account with them, 1963-1965, when he was on his mission.  Not in East Grinstead of course.  Just another business building on the street opposite.  We arrived just as the bank was closing so we will have to return another day to open a bank account.  We have to have one to get Internet service as the company requires a bank account debit for the monthly fees.

Heading up the street.

A modern double decker bus.

Anything look familiar?

Another street view.

After the bank, we did shopping, stopping at Aldi's supermarket, IceLand, the 99p store, and Sainsbury's.  Dad and I were in search of a Stir Crazy so we stopped at the Ironmongers, (hardware store).  They had a ton of appliances but no Stir Crazy.  We bought two bags of groceries and a bag of fresh produce from the street vendor.  He has the best produce!  I picked up a pre-made pizza and we popped that in the oven, tossed a salad, and had dinner.  We still do not have salad dressing as it is not
the same here and I am trying to figure out just what we would like to use.

Poor Planning:
It was time to do the laundry.  I grabbed the bag, gathered up supplies, towels, money, and was off to the basement.  I got all situated and started putting clothes in the three washers.  It wasn't long before I figured out I was short on pence.  Dad got into the action and was going around the Accommodations Centre and finally found someone with money and made the exchange.  The laundry took longer than I had anticipated and then there was ironing to do after that.  It made for a late night and tired feet from the standing.  It looks like it will take about £4 to do the wash and we need to schedule a time when there is plenty of time!  We call it the "learn as you go," process.

Busy Day, 21 May 2014

We had a full day in the temple; 8 a.m - 5 p.m.  We were both trained in specific areas.  Our shift attended the 2:30 p.m. session together.

Our evening activity was a walk to Lingfield.

The weather was cool and pleasant.  When trucks or buses whizzed by we held our position so as not to get blown over.  The sidewalk was very narrow, where there was one.

We took pictures of some of the local spots to eat.  We had already eaten so we did not taste any of what they had to offer.

It seemed like it took forever to walk the mile and one half.  But, then on the way home, we covered ground quickly.  At one point we met two walkers coming from the other direction.  We found a wide spot and stopped so they could pass.  Shortly, along came a biker behind us.  He was not wanting to brave the road so we again, found a wide spot and moved over so he could pass.  We passed fields grown high in grass and wild flowers.  Some were occupied with horses and some were not.  Cottages were about 20 feet from the road.  There were not many lawns as they used the space between road and house for parking.  All surfaces were either brick or rock.  Each had their own name such as:  Minnows, Meadows, Meadhead, Rockbury, Pollards, Elynium, etc.  There were construction businesses, surfacing companies, and a tile store.  Signs on gates read:  "Stay Out.  Dog Loose."  There was even a Caravan Park, their title for an RV park.

Our Service Begins, 20 May 2014

In trying to deal with jet lag, we stayed awake all of yesterday, going to bed at our regular time last night.  We did have a good night's sleep and woke up refreshed to the new schedule.  We got home about 3 p.m. and it became very difficult to stay awake or resist the urge to lie down and go to sleep!  This is hard!

Things we learned or differences:
1.  The roter is called a rota - our schedule
2.  Electrical switches push down to be on, and up to be off.
3.  The toilet lid is a "soft close" lid.  You start it on its way and it closes automatically, very softly.
4.  There are heaters in the rooms but no cooling of any kind.  (Haven't needed it yet.)
5.  If we need something that is not in our flat, we check with reception.  They have a "treasure room" full of items left by previous tenants and if what we need is there, we get it!  So far, ice trays and large drinking glasses.  I asked for a crockpot and Sister Miller couldn't figure out what I was requesting.  I then said slow cooker and she replied with acknowledgement:  "Oh, a slooooow. . . .cooker!"
6.  British people must be short.  The half closet rods are too short for our shirts and tops.
7.  As temple missionaries, we only have to wear missionary dress going to and from the temple and on Sunday.  The rest of the time we can wear casual clothing and no name tags.  We didn't pack that way!  I guess new wardrobes are in the planning!

Our first official day in the temple was wonderful.  Our trainers were good to direct us and show us the ropes.  Everyone is so friendly, helpful, and kind.  I found myself several times not sure where to go and took excursions which proved to be a help in learning more the "lay of the land" in the temple.  The time passed quickly, duties were fulfilled, and we were out and to our flat by 3 p.m.

Temple schedule for 2014.

We came out of the temple to overcast skies, a cool breeze, and drops of rain hanging on the handrails.

The view out our window:  The Gate House is to the left and the Manor House is straight ahead.  The blue bins are the "wheelie bins," British for trash dumpster.  Heavy laden rain clouds skittered across the afternoon sky in search of the perfect place to release their load.

We grabbed the umbrella when we left out on a walk across the grounds but we didn't have to use.

We followed one particular mowed out path to a bench some distance into  the forest.  We couldn't understand why this bench was so important until we turned around.  The view back to the temple was beautiful!

This is just one of the many paths we walked.  The hedges and blossoms are amazing and such a sight to behold!  The grandchildren would have a grand time playing hide and seek!

Out And About, 19 May 2014

Our day began with going to the mission office to get reimbursement for the extra baggage we brought.  The office is under our flat.  We met Elder Adams who was very helpful in assisting with our request and offered to drive us to the surgery this afternoon to register with a doctor.

Liz "knocked" our door at 9:45 a.m. to join her and others to catch the bus to the Tesco market at 10:10 a.m.  Since it is our preparation day, we are able to wear casual clothes.  We joined the group of  ten with lively conversation and waited for the bus to arrive.

The Metro

The driver rides in the compartment in the front on the right.  Boy can he aim down the narrow road, lickety split!  You can see the trees that grow over the road.  There are no sidewalks and the road is right up next to the trees.  We had thought of getting bicycles before we came over here, but seeing the roads and the speed of the traffic, we quickly dispelled that idea.  It will even been unsafe to walk!  Sidewalks are almost non existent and we did not see a continuous one from the temple into Lingfield.

The purple cart in the isle is called a shopping trolley - a bag on wheels.  Some shoppers use them for ease in getting their goods home.  Some in our group had them in tow.

Outside Tesco

Have you seen this before?  Look close and you will see two shoppers with carts going up the escalator? Is that what it is called?  We don't know, but that is what it looks like.

We were there two hours before the bus came back through to pick us up.  We had our list but of course we thought of other items as we shopped.  It was nice to be able to go down isle after isle and check things out.  Some things have different labels and are promoted differently in the USA.  Switching to grams and liters will be a brain stretch!  I realized that when I picked up a box of Bisquick and read the instructions for pancakes.  Thank goodness for the Internet!  There was no Stir Crazy so we settled for microwave popcorn.  Dad did find Dr. Pepper, so he is very happy.

Oh, we found Digestives, the dark chocolate covered biscuits Halie brought us last year from England.  Yes, cookies and crackers are called biscuits.  Do Americans put yellow in cheese?  Their cheddar here is all white.  The strawberries and oranges are delicious!  The milk and lettuce labels state the product is "British."

I went to Customer Service to sign up for their club "scheme," but didn't know my address so I will do that the next time.  I sure felt silly about it and quickly put an address card in my wallet when we got back to the flat.

Boarding the bus for the ride home. Yes, we are getting in on the left side!

Back at the flat, we had lunch, put the food away, and went to register at the surgery.  Elder Adams dropped us off while he went on to the bank to make a deposit.  We filled out the forms and finished up just as he returned.  Let me tell you, those roundabouts can put you in a spin!  You almost get dizzy watching the cars go this way and that way and you going another way!  Made me think of the movie, "The Man Who Knew Too Little," will Bill Murry - the part when the Bobbies are chasing him around a round about.

We fought jet lag during the afternoon.  We so wanted to go to sleep but pushed through the hours until bedtime.  We prepared and ate dinner, read to each other and read individually, went on a walk, and played Solitaire.

What a sidewalk looks like and why it is not very safe to ride bikes or even to walk in some places.  The vegetation grows over half the walking space and there are no shoulders on the roads.  We saw a couple of bikers and the traffic had to almost stop behind them until they could pass.  There is literally no extra space on the road.  The speed limit here is 50, and when large trucks whizzed passed us, we swayed with the movement of the air.

The Temple & Garden of Eden, 18 May 2014

It is amazing all that we are doing, seeing, and being a part of here!  We cannot believe we are having this heaven-sent experience!  We met the temple minibus at 9:30 a.m. and were off to church in Crowley, attending the Crowley Ward in the stake center.  A high councilor and returned missionary spoke with a musical "item" in between. There was a pianist, a cellist, and a male soloist.  It was outstanding.  The cellist was  a missionary, and boy, could he play.  He moved his mouth one way and then the other but never got the tongue out like Jack.

Bob & Barbara at Crowley chapel.

The ride in the minibus was great with meeting even more people!

Sister Smith - from New Zealand and remembers President Pedderson.

Elder & Sister Strong - our trainers.

Elder & Sister Davis - he is our home teacher.

After church, we were invited to dinner at the Christensen's, our shift coordinators, along with the Parkinson's.  It was a delicious meal of roast, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, homemade applesauce, and a perfect chocolate cake for dessert.  They live in the lodge and their window looks right out at the temple.  What a gorgeous sight to see!

We walked the temple grounds and relished in the beauty.

From the east.  The sun was too bright to focus straight on.

The mild temperature and light breeze made it perfect for a stroll.

Green met green, from lawn to shrubs to trees.

The walk ways go various directions; yours for the choosing.

Could this not be the Garden of Eden?

Between temple and reflecting pond.

The David O. McKay Oak

  

Living beauty and inspiration

Great strength and stability

Reaching toward heaven

Responsive to God’s sunlight

Casting friendly and comforting shade

Gentle in its contribution to mankind

Unmoved by disturbing winds

To be remembered.

Looking closely, you can see a plaque that is on the trunk of this oak tree.  It bears the words above.  President McKay dedicated the temple in 1958.

Our picture of the temple and reflecting pool.  There is a foot bridge over the pool where the red flowers are.  We are sitting on a bench beneath a tree.  The Accommodations Centre is to the left.  Birds are singing throughout the trees.

We learned that families are encouraged to come to the temple and bring their children; let them walk through the grounds, have picnics, play, and enjoy the beauty of this sacred place.  When we heard this we thought of the time we were at the Manti Temple as a family and when we came out, we discovered that our children had gotten in trouble for rolling down the grassy hill of the temple.  There seems to be a different attitude here.

I also was reminded of  Jane Austin's books and movies that depict this very type of landscape in England.  There various people scattered throughout the grounds, some visiting, some relaxing, reading, a couple on a blanket with their picnic, and some meditating.  It would in deed be a perfect place to take a nap.