19 - 25 January 2016

It was a bit of a crazy week, with the highlight being two straight days of full sunshine!  Wow, it was a surprise but well received.  They were followed by continuous days of clouds and rain.

It was such a thrill to have sunshine coming through the window, I had to take a picture!

Dad started in with a kidney stone creating all sorts of pain and discomfort on Wednesday and was home the rest of the week.  Brother Head was extremely excited to be in charge and take care of our shift.  He is a wonderful man with a zest for serving and doing what needs to be done.

The temple was a little busier than last week and Saturday brought more patrons.  We had plenty of workers but some cancelled or were sick so each day was a new experience.  It is always amazing how the work gets done in spite of how many workers there are.

It was a busy birthday week with Mason, Cheryl, and myself turning over one more year.  We spoke with Mason and he was excited to tell us all he has been doing.  He even showed us his Pinewood Derby car that took first place!  

We also wished Riley a happy birthday as his special day is next week.  Shawn shared the news that he and Tanner will be coming to London for a soccer game just before we come home.  We discussed plans to spend a day with them when they are here.

Sister George went shopping with us and surprised me with a cake!  

I received many birthday greetings from family and friends via Facebook, email, texts, phone calls, and FaceTime.  It was a joy to hear from so many.

Sam sent us a letter and it came on my birthday.  What a nice surprise.

Sunday ended with a Hi & Bye.  We are happy to welcome in Sister Cooper, Sister Crocker, and Brother and Sister Peel.  Elder & Sister Lock also said Hi, as they are the new directors of the Visitors' Centre.  They have been periodic workers while we have been here and were in the temple presidency previously.  Sadly, though, we said Bye to Brother & Sister Head.  Their mission ends the end of February and we will sorely miss them.  They are brilliant trainers and serve so faithfully on our shift.

Judith Cooper, England, A shift.

 Moira & Roger Head, England, A shift.

 Sister & Elder Lock, he is English and she is Irish, Visitors' Centre Directors.

Brother & Sister Peel and Sister Crocker, all English and on the B shift.

Since Dad had dealt with the pain of a kidney stone all week, we made the decision to head to hospital to get treatment.  It was a very long day's process but when the tests were in, he definitely had stones in his right kidney blocking the tube going to the bladder.  We met with the urologist and he prescribed a stint being put in to drain the swollen kidney and let it heal before they took action on the stones.

We drove home to get the car there and for Dad to take a shower and pack a bag.  Roger & Moria drove us back to hospital where Dad was admitted.  The three of us went back home.