Konold Chronicles

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

After a LONG flight (neither of us getting a wink of sleep), we arrived at the Manchester airport at 8:00 a.m. We were on our own for shuttling 5 large (50 lb) suitcases, two carry -on’s (just a few pounds lighter) and two huge “personal items,” through immigration, customs and into the waiting area for pick up. I devised a way of pushing all 5 large bags at one time and Kathy negotiated the carry-ons with the personal items on top. What a sight. Later, when we had two additional men helping, we did not do as well.

After about 30 minutes, Elder Backman and Mike Jensen (who came from Germany) picked us up and brought us to the temple accommodations where we will stay until the Pecks move out of their apartment. Elder Peck had an inflamed eye this morning and was at the hospital when we arrived. We later learned that this is a pre-existing condition and it may delay his flight plans. Anyway, we toured their apartment, went to lunch with the group, went to the office, back to the temple apartments, then back to Elder Peck’s house to administer to him (he wasn’t there) and back “home.” It is only 6:30 and I am desperately trying to stay awake until 9:00, but it is looking very doubtful.

I cannot believe how different everything is. It is very hard for me to understand the language, everything is very small (you dry your clothes in the washing machine) no way a king sized bed would fit in a bedroom, etc. The food is living up to its reputation. I had fish and chips because it looked safe and it was okay.

Everyone we have met has been very gracious. We will make a lot of friends here. The office is adequate—although divided only by partitions—so everyone is up to speed on what is going on all the time. There are only three of us in the office, Elder Backman, myself, and Kristie Hita who is our very competent and pleasant assistant.

We are excited about what lies ahead.

I am getting behind while waiting for our WIFI to be hooked up at home, so thought I would add a few thoughts while here at the office. We are settling in both in our apartment and respective offices. Kathy is now working 3 days a week at the temple in the recorder’s office. She is still being trained, but seems to enjoy her work and is making a lot of friends. I am always surprised when I go to pick her up that everyone knows who I am, who I am looking for and where she was last seen. It’s similar to the feeling I had when I walked into a Nordstroms.

I had my first driving lesson and have been at it every day. Driving on the left side is the least of the challenges. The roundabouts are a trip.

I am working on some very interesting legal matters–mostly involving claims and litigation; but sprinkled with land-use, the BYU Idaho Pathways program and a lot of misc. matters. I am in an office with just three of us. Elder Jim Backman is the other AALC and Kristie Hita is our assistant. She is wonderful and nothing would get done without her. We attended church on Sunday. A very impressive ward with very talented people. One thing I really enjoyed was a violinist playing the prelude music to Sacrament Meeting. There was such a peaceful feeling because we have become accustomed to over-shouting the organ; but a violin is new and demands respect. I understand they have a different instrumentalist each week.

Countryside

The weather has been okay. It rained the first 4 days we arrived and snowed twice. But, since then, we have seen some blue skies. It is nippy, but tolerable. Kathy layers-up and seems to be fine. Hopefully, when I finish this post, there will be a couple if pictures of a walk we took on Sunday right behind our apartment.

Eskimo

We do not have our Vonage line operating yet. Hopefully, the end of next week–then we want to hear from you.

Cherrio for now.

Elder Tim

Last Saturday, we drove with the Backmans into London. Our main purpose in going was to meet with our London outside counsel to get acquainted and go over open matters. But the secondary purpose was to have a weekend outing. Elder Backman drove our car since it is larger and more comfortable for a long journey. As soon as we started, there was a warning light and beeping from the dash. The manual indicated it was a warning that brake fluid was low. We drove for about 1/2 hour before we could take no more of the beeping and pulled over to buy brake fluid. Just as I was about to pay, Jim came in and said he found the problem. Something was under the hand brake and keeping it from going all the way down. Once cleared, the beeping stopped and we were on our way. I should mention that as soon as we pulled over, Kathy suggested we pray (which we did). Who am I to deny.

Driving in London is a trip, but Jim found our way (with excellent navigation from Lynn) to the Portabello Market on Notting Hill. Hundreds of open air booths with food, merchandise, and misc stuff. You could spend a month there.

We spent the first two nights at a hotel in the Canary Wharf area. Someone made a mistake in booking the rooms and they had us scheduled to check in Sunday rather than Saturday. So, the only rooms they had were in a section of the hotel they were expanding. The rooms were pretty sparse, but the hallways getting there were downright dangerous—like hardhat territory. Anyway, we had no alternative—so we stayed there for two nights. The second two nights, we stayed in the Hoxton area at the Premier Hotel. Much better accommodations. We got too late a start for church—which we really wanted to attend in the Hyde Park Ward.

On Monday, we took the underground to visit Parliament. Fortunately, we were able to observe both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.  Like turning the clock back with all the formality and tradition.  Monday night Kathy and I took Tyler and Jess Woolcott to dinner at an Italian restaurant near our hotel. It was very nice to visit with them. Jess is a very impressive young lady and they seem very happy together—both artists and both very nice.

On Tuesday, Jim and I met with the Devonshires law firm. One of the most interesting parts of that visit was to go down in the basement of their building—which used to be an insane asylum. The basement was called “bedlum”. This is where the inmates were put in very small lightless cells with vault-like doors. The vaults are now used for storage and in the law firm’s vault are the original title documents relating to all the property the church has acquired in England. Original signatures of Brigham Young and all the original apostles. The church sent a couple of senior missionaries to microfilm all of the records. It took six months.

On the way home, we stopped at Coventry and toured the memorials of the cathedrals bombed to oblivion during WWII. I will not try to tell the story here—it can easily be found on the Internet; but what the church and the city have done to preserve the memories while forgiving the Germans is really quite remarkable.  Below is a picture of what was a left of a large cathedral in coventry:

So, Thurs, I was back in the office and Kathy at the temple. The matters I deal with everyday are at once so interesting and yet, frustrating. Having to work with people who, in many cases speak limited English, and in others are in cultures where “hurry” doesn’t seem to be in the vocabulary. Things I should be able to resolve in a week go on for months or years. We have been trying tor 5 years to get a squatter off our property in Messina, Italy. The police remove him and he just goes back in. Today, it was reported to me that he now has three friends there “with the criminal face.” I can see them. In addition, he has dogs and chickens. When we put him out again, the police can put him on the street, but we have to make accommodations for his dogs and chickens (and maybe his friends). What a mess.

On the l4th, we got our phone and WIFI hooked up.  It is alarming how dependent we become on technology and it is hard to retreat a couple of generations.  In our area, we can only get a DSL line with speed of 1Mb/sec.  Might as well send smoke signals. But it is better than nothing.  Here is what our entertainment center looked like when the guy left:

We still don’t have TV, but we are not over-anxious about that.  We are making good use of our evenings.

On Feb 16th, the Backmans brought us their favorite fish and chips food and we ate at our place.  Kinda made us feel like newly weds again.  After eating, we went out with the sisters to teach an investigator.  A very nice young lawyer (whose wife is a nurse and works nights).  He had a lot of questions and spent most of our time explaining the Godhead.  We will continue meeting with him.

This is Sunday afternoon.  A cold and blustery day.  It was snowing when we left church.  Now, just wet and windy.  Today was Ward Conference so we got to meet our Stake Presidency.  Our stake president is David Pickup.  He told me he had a missionary companion named Elder Ford (a mission president with a sense of humor).  We met a young family from Hungary visiting today.  They are being taught by Sister Allan and Sister Jones.

Yesterday, we decided to start exploring the area.  We started, of course, at Costco.  I thought we were going for 2 items; but managed to fill a “trolley” to overflowing.

When one is traveling abroad and sees this, one knows how immigrants to America feel when they come into the New York Harbor and sees the Statue of Liberty.

We took off for Knutford (about 60 miles to the south).  We visited Tatton Park.  It is huge and we were on foot, so we didn’t see a great deal.  Cold, as it was, it was beautiful.  We saw herds of deer numbering in the 100’s.  They are a much larger deer than we see in the States–more like small elks. Here are some pictures:

Mummy is found in Tatton Park

Ground is covered with mole holes

We walked through the little town of Knutsford.  Quite a few medieval buildings; but more WW II history.  We found we were parked next to a building that housed the 3rd Army under the command of General Patton as preparations were made for D-day.  Interestingly, the plaque said, “When America saved Europe.”  We had dinner in a nice Italian restaurant.  We were there at about 6:30 p.m. and were the only ones there.  They told us they had no room if we did not have reservations.  I glanced around with a puzzled look on my face and the lady said that in 45 minutes, there would not be an empty chair.  I told her we could be done in 45 minutes and she gave us a seat.  We finished on time; and the place was packed.  As we left, I suggested they should pay us to eat there every night.

I am getting more comfortable with the driving.  I still rely on Garmin except for repeated paths to the temple or to work.  I am becoming the master of the U-turn.  I wish repentance were so easy.

We have been impressed with the strength of the church in Chorley.  There are four ward meeting in our building and they just started a large addition to the building this week.  Today was ward conference, so we got acquainted with the Stake Presidency.  The Stake President is David Pickup.  He told me he had a companion on his mission named Elder Ford (his mission president had a sense of humor).  He is a judge and former barrister.  He claims to be the first LDS barrister in England; however there is a sister in Germany who claims the same honor.

We had a young family from Hungary visiting today.  They are taking lessons from the sisters.  We are looking forward to getting better acquainted.  Mom is threatening cinnamon rolls as we speak.  Many of the newer members are from other countries.  I don’t think I understood what when the EU was formed, all members became very much one.  Citizens are free to live in any of the EU countries–and they do.  On our walk yesterday, we spent a couple of miles talking to two families.  The husband in one (from So. France)and the wife in the other (from Denmark) both work for an international company and will be here for about 3 years.  We spoke to them at some length about the church.  Both had heard of it and had positive feelings.  Hopefully, we moved that along.

I hope I speak for us both when I say that we are very happy to be here and feel we are making a contribution.  We hope to be able to assist more with teaching, but, better, with finding.

That’s all for now.

P.S.  Ryan, take the handles of two large bags in each hand out in front of you and capture the 5th bag in between and in front of them (obviously, they must all be “rollers”). Then pray you do not hit any bumps or uneven surfaces.

Tim’s work is becoming more pressing. Seems that people know the church is both financially strong and dislikes litigation—so, why not make a claim or attempt a scam.

Our investigator came to a baptism service with us yesterday.  He has so many questions, but seems sincerely interested in learning.  He and Tim keep in close contact through email.  It is nice to feel like missionaries.

Yesterday, after the baptism, we drove to Lancaster and toured the 13th century castle there.  It was used as a prison until just a few years ago, and is still being used as a court.

Today, after church, we drove with the Backmans and their son John’s family, down to Chatburn and Downham—two of the cities where Heber C. Kimball recorded miraculous baptisms and other activities (see Chap 23 of biography). Downham looks like it did then. The whole town is owned by a Lord who lives in the manor and will not permit any improvements. It was actually very nice.

We are getting to know more people in the Ward. Our Sunday School teacher is really a character (from Scotland). He is an artist, carpenter and magician. Quite a show.We look forward to his class each week.

Kathy had her first driving lesson this week. Let’s just say she will need a few more.

We have been a month without TV. It is missed, but, frankly, I find our evenings quite pleasant. More time for reading, writing and talking to kids, etc.
Looking forward to Quinn, Amy and Tenley arriving this week. It will be fun to show them around.

We see this every day.  A simple and beautiful structure.

Some of our children have commented that our blog posts seem more like vacation reports than missionary journals.  That is probably because both of us are serving in callings we can’t talk much about.  So, to avoid silence, many of our posts will be about what we do when not serving in our callings.  Sorry about that.

Quinn, Amy and Tenley arrived for a visit on Thurs.  What a wonderful time we have had with them.  Tenley has been an absolute joy.  We have made her life miserable and she just takes it and smiles.  

On Friday, we drove to Chester, England.  Truly, a must-see.  We spent quite a bit of time in a thirteenth century Cathedral (below).  On Sunday, they will be installing the first ever Anglican female bishop (married with children).  The quide we were speaking with is a personal friend of hers and says she is the perfect choice.  

The marketplace in Chester is indescribable–mix of antiquity and current.

On Saturday, we visited an incredible botanical garden in Northern Wales.  

I almost got a wild pheasant to eat out of my hand, but I had no food. Note the eye of terror.  I think he knew I was Ryan’s dad.

Here are all four of us in the botanical garden.

We visited the Conwy Castle in Wales, but, due to high wind, it was closed….for another day.

Church was quite nice.  It is so refreshing to hear the gospel eloquently taught by people of so many nationalities.  I’m not talking about people whose understanding we can admire; I’m talking about people from whom I can learn–at lot.

After church, we drove to the Lake District.  There was just time to do one thing and the vote went in favor of the Beatrix Potter Museum.  It was actually quite nice to see something so innocent and creative.  I wonder if it could happen today.

Quinn and Amy would like us to go into London with them.  That did not appear possible until I was assigned to attend a court hearing in London.  That seemed to clear the way, but I heard on Friday that the other side had asked for a postponement of the trial.  Will not hear the ruling until tomorrow.

The church is moving so quickly to implement its programs world-wide.  Self-reliance centers, PEF programs, BYU Idaho Pathway program–together with family history centers–the works.  All at great expense and personal commitment–but forging on nonetheless.  And miracles are experienced as we see countries issuing missionary visas that either never did or have not for some time.  It is uplifting to watch and be part of all of it.  I always enjoy the part of our deliberations when someone reminds us that we are dealing with the souls of men and the impact of our decisions on testimonies is always considered and often drives a decision.

Signing off for today.

We had a wonderful week+ with Quinn, Amy, and Tenny. What a cool baby Tenny is. We took her through every uncomfortable environment imaginable and she did not once complain. In fact, the tour guide at the Old Globe theatre knighted her the “Best Baby in England.” And he was right!

I don’t think I have commented on how cool the Temple complex is here in Chorley.

In the picture above, the temple itself if at the top. Moving down, there are parking lots and then the Stake Center on the right of the drive.  Continue down and the smaller building in the center is the distribution center and Family History Center.  Then, you see three larger buildings in a horseshoe.  The building on the right is the MTC.  I always enjoy driving by at 7:30 am to drop Kathy off for work at the temple and the classrooms are filled with young missionaries all suited up and far into their training for the day.  On the left of the horseshoe is the patron accommodations.  Two stories of studio apartments for those traveling to attend the temple.  I would guess there are 50 rooms.  At the bottom of the horseshoe is the senior temple missionary apartments.  This is a happnin place.  There are about 30 senior couples who live here for the term of their mission (6 months – two years).  As you might expect, there are social activities constantly.  Every Sunday night is a devotional–come in your slippers.  Every Monday is Family Home Evening and lots of dinners on the other nights.  Last night we attended their St. Patrick’s Day party.  Of course, the event was hosted by the real Irish folks.  It was very hard to understand some of them; but they had a great time entertaining–with plenty of heckling from the Scots and Englishmen present.  The large pad to the right of the picture is where many hope a visitors center will be built.  The mission president’s home is one of those on the left of the picture.  The temple is visible from almost any angle in Chorley.  It sits on a small hill adjacent to the M61 Motorway.

Spring is finally starting to come to England.  We took a long walk around our Buckshaw Village tonight.  We met a lot of our neighbors (including one that was baptized about 20 years ago but is no longer actively participating).

Things are good.  We are quite busy and enjoying our work very much.

We had a very enjoyable outing yesterday with the Backmans and the Stevens.  Craig Stevens is the mission medical advisor for England.  They have only 4 months left on their mission.  Two of his brothers are also serving missions. We visited Skipton–home of one of the best preserved castles in England.  A portion of it is still inhabited by the family which purchased it in 1956 (for 20,000 pounds).  Portions of the castle were built in the thirteenth century. It is where much of the Battle of the Roses was fought (between Lancashire and Yorkshire).

In the City, we found the LDS chapel (on Alma Terrace).

This morning, we attended the services of the Buckshaw Village Church at the invitation of our friend, Lachlan. It was a very friendly and relaxed service. It starts with coffee and tea and they start their service when they are through–whenever that might be. It is interesting that their congregation has grown to probably 100 people just from folks that move into Buckshaw Village (which is only about 12 years old). They meet in the Community Center. We had not previously met Lacklan’s wife, Karen. She was very nice and hospitable. Their minister, James, seems like a bright young man–a former actor–doing what he can to lead people to Christ. Near the end of the service, he invited the congregation to text him questions that had been troubling them. After a few minutes, he said, “I’m not receiving any texts. Have you no questions?” Several members said they had texted him questions–he was not getting them. So much for technology. So, he took questions in voice. Many very interesting questions, but we had to leave to make another meeting before he got to the answers. I committed Lachlan to take careful notes and fill me in.

Elder Backman encouraged me to join an International Group of expatriates living in the UK.  They get together occasionally and interact on one thing or another.  Yesterday was an outing to the Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston—apparently not a very popular choice since there were only two others who showed up in addition to ourselves:  a young fellow from India named Jai and a young lady named Emma from a French island I had never heard of.  Both very well educated and very nice folks.

When we got to the museum, we randomly started in a room displaying ceramic pieces. Everyone sort of went at their own pace. So, as you might imagine, I was the first to be done and mom was, by far, the last. We were next to go upstairs to the art gallery, but while Elder Backman and I were waiting, he wandered into a small office and I walked over to an adjacent room housing a display on the history of Preston, England.  I don’t think I have mentioned before that Sister Backman is a direct descendant of Heber C. Kimball (the first missionary to England) and Elder Backman’s ancestors joined the church in the Benbough Farm era a few years later—so they are both very anxious to find anything of historical value to their ancestry.

Jim spoke to a man who had never heard of the Mormon connection to Preston and didn’t seem interested in adding to his void.  I was no sooner in the Preston room when a man probably in his late 70’s approached me and said he would be conducting a tour starting in about 2 minutes if I was interested. My normal response would be to look around and make sure mom did not hear him and politely excuse myself. For some reason, I asked him if he could wait while I collected the others in our group.  I didn’t have to say much more than “free tour” to get Kathy, the Backmans, Jai and Emma assembled.  The gentlemen, who introduced himself as “Lawrence,” quickly noticed our name tags and asked,  “Isn’t the Latter-day Saint church the same as the Mormons?”  Surprised, I asked how he knew that connection.  He started what would become a very long commentary on the history of the church in Preston—starting with Heber C. Kimball.  He knew exactly where the baptisms were done in the River Ribble, where the early Saints met, and how the church still has a presence in Preston. When informed that Elder Kimball’s third great granddaughter was standing in front of him, he became visibly disoriented with awe.  He started asking he questions—wanted a picture of Lynn and said he was not going to come in today because he wasn’t feeling well, but that something urged him on and that meeting a direct descendant of Heber was one of the highlights of his service at the museum.  What a sharp contrast to Elder Backman’s experience across the hall just moments earlier. 

Our tour lasted for well over an hour and would still be going today if we had not finally told him we had to move on.  But that was not enough, he checked out and took us to the tea room several blocks away where the ladies wanted to eat and continued his tour as we strolled down the streets in central Preston.

When I got home, I ordered him a copy of Orson Hyde’s book on the Life of Heber C. Kimball—which I am sure he will devour. im arranged to put Lawrence in touch with Peter Fagg (our local Preston historian) with the possibility of building a small Mormon exhibit in the corner of the Preston section of the museum.

At lunch, we apologized to Jai and Emma about consuming their time on something of particular interest to us and they said they felt very fortunate to have been there. They asked questions about genealogy and gladly accepted information on FamilySearch and were anxious to get home and see what they could find.>

So, all in all, it was a good day—certainly different that what we expected as we left that morning.