The meeting was conducted by Clifford T. Herbertson of the Seventy, and Elder Jose` A Teixeira of the Seventy also spoke. They and other speakers covered topics on the Holy Ghost as a comforter, the work of sharing the gospel is for everyone, overcoming our fears, and do we "rush" past the atonement, or do we go slow and reflect upon it regularly and use its power to become better? Stake President Allan D Freed taught the need for each of us to "rescue" those in need, whomever, wherever. His analogy to being a rescuer to the Miracle of Dunkirk was brilliant. Seventy-five years ago, 27-31 May 1940, thousands of soldiers were rescued from the advancing forces in World War II as ships and small boats transported them across the English Channel out of harm's way. We may be small and just one person but we can rescue those in need of our help by being attentive to the spirit, being prepared, and most of all, having a willing heart.
Elder Jeffery R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was presiding and the concluding speaker. He reminisced of when he and his wife served as Mission President in this area, 25 years ago and bore powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is the ultimate sign of the last days and is the keystone of our religion. It is the word of God, quick and powerful and is a shield and a protection from the adversary. It indeed was a marvelous meeting to be taught by these great men of faith and witnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ.
After the meeting we headed to St. Paul's Cathedral to meet up with Bob, Becky and Charly. It was a beautiful sunshine day and we enjoyed our time walking and being outside.
We went with Bob's family on the tube for them to collect their luggage and catch the train to Windsor where they spent the night. We headed back to our home.
Monday found us meeting them at Windsor Castle. We had a great time touring and talking.
Bob, Barbara, Charly, Becky, and Bob.
The moat is now a lovely garden.
The time passed quickly and it was time to take them to the airport for hugs and goodbyes. We stopped at Toby Carvery, another eating experience in England, on the way for a meal. We all enjoyed the selection of meats and then helping ourselves to all sorts of veggies. We made it safely to the airport, unloaded, gave hugs and wishes, and were on our way home. It was a grand time to have them here and be together.
The rest of the week was filled with piano practicing, chiropractor appointments, Trevor's birthday, and regular tasks. We were sad to learn of Kathy Goodrich's grandson, baby Roman, passing away. He had been born with a lung decease and had never gone home from the hospital. Doctors and medical teams worked long and hard to prolong his life. We enjoyed his pictures and learning of his progress until he passed away at age four months. Our hearts were filled with sympathy at his passing. Knowing he will be with his family eternally is a comfort, but the hole in our hearts does hurt. He had been in our prayers and thoughts so often these four months.
Our chiropractor told us about a fair where she would be and how it would be worth going to for us. So, we got online, found out the details, purchased tickets, invited the Tooley's to join us, and off we went Friday morning to the South of England Show.
These little ponies could really haul their surrey around the course. Each team seemed to have their own personality.
I have never been to a dog show before. I was quickly corrected by the very English lady beside me that it was not a "dog" show and I would do well to not call it that. It is a "hound" show. The lady and her husband were so helpful in explaining what was going on and seemed to enjoy being our "tour guides" for the event. He was properly dressed in a dark pinstripe suit with a bowler and an umbrella in hand. The two little beagles you see are pups and are in training for show. They actually cannot show them until they have been on a hunt, which will not happen until this fall. They are being judged on how well they respond to the treats that are tossed. Also, their physical features are judged. We were impressed with the uniform the owners wore; how sharp, crisp, and neat they looked. The judges were dressed in dark suits and wore bowlers. They very properly held their pad and with pen in the other hand made notations about each pup.
The horses were magnificent in their jumping! Another first to see in the flesh.
Enjoying pulled pork sandwiches.
We were baptistry coordinators for our shift. We had a family from America come in and then another one from America, Brook Jones, is in the military and stationed in Sicily. They know Sam Jarvis and Brother Brook Grew up in Paradise, UT, just down the road from where Kendal and Nate live. We enjoyed our time speaking "American." Two YSA groups were in as well. One was the Britannia Ward and brought 160 family file cards. It was a busy session and all were blessed by their service.
Sunday was the big day with both of us speaking in Sacrament Meeting, one on "Why We Pray," and the other, "The Roles of the Holy Ghost." Our primary class went well as we learned about, "Who Is My Neighbor." The children really liked playing the game by the same name. The day was finished off with a fireside by President and Sister Millar. They are leaving the end of the month and we will have a new mission president. Their stories of conversion and testimony are amazing and this mission has been blessed by their service.
No comments:
Post a Comment