I’m slipping…it’s been a whole month. Let’s start at the end…general conference. I think when you are on a mission, general conference takes on new significance. We were able to watch all sessions live on BYUtv. We could also get it on lds.org, but is was not streaming very smoothly. If I had to pick a favorite, it might go to Elder Greg Schwitzer. I don’t think it is because he is Harvey Schwitzer’s son; but his message of boldly declaring our conviction of Christ was very moving to me. Sunday evening the sisters from across the hall came over. The new sister has only been serving here for a couple of weeks. I inquired about her family and learned that she is a rather recent convert–the only member in her family. She is from Massachusetts. As I listened to her conversion story, I learned that she had the missionary lessons while in her first year at Columbia University (and I loved that I had to drag that part out of her). I asked her if, after hearing the first vision story, she ran to the Internet to find “the rest of the story.” She did; but she explained that she was able to differentiate truth from fiction by how it made her feel. When she heard the missionary lessons she felt happiness and when she read from detractors, she felt darkness and unhappiness. I asked how she developed the ability to be that discerning and she said a friend helped her by encouraging her to be aware of her feelings as she investigated the gospel. I was very touched by this obviously intelligent young woman who did not avoid intellectual inquiry, but was able to be in touch with, and trusting of, her spirit. And impressed by her friend who gave such valuable advice.
A couple of weeks ago, we attended the baptism of a couple from Hungary who we helped fellowship (a little bit). What a difference it makes in our ability to assimilate new members when they come as families. It has been enjoyable to watch their integration into the ward and the joy that they are feeling. Edina (the wife) bore her testimony that all her life she has been searching for something “and now I have found it.” At the other end of the spectrum we took another sister to church a couple of weeks ago and, right after the sacrament, she tipped over, laid down on the seat, and slept through the rest of the meeting. Kathy’s attempts to bring her back to consciousness were unavailing. I thought I should take her to High Priest’s Quorum with me, where she would not feel lonely.
So, let’s get to the travels.
Dennis and Clareen Hays (friends from way back in law school) visited us. We went again through the Cotswolds (very popular place for visitors) and the Lakes. We stayed at a B&B where our room had giant beams about 5 feet off the floor so we had to hang towels over them to keep us alert. I only forgot once (enough).
Our room in Bath. Mind your head!
We visited Avebury (not far from Stonehenge) where there some pretty remarkable rock circles. It is amazing that with our abilities to interpret the past, there is really not a consistent explanation for the rock circles; but there are a lot of them all over England.
Circle of rocks in Avebury
Stonehenge
Here in Chorley, there is a manor house that has been closed ever since we got here. It is now open on weekends. This room is really quite magnificent. That is all wood relief on the ceiling and it is about three feet deep. Hard to believe that much weight has been suspended for over 400 years. It is believed that Oliver Cromwell spent a night or two here.
The subtle ceiling of a manor house here in Chorley.
On the Saturday of general conference (the first session is at 5:00 pm here) we drove to the Peak District to see the Blue John Caverns. We descended 300 feet (via 245 stairs). They used to mine lead from the cavern, but now they mine blue john which is a fairly low grade gem stone (diamond is 10, blue john is 4); but it really looks quite nice in jewelry. The area around Castleton attracts “ramblers” by the hundreds. The hillsides and canyon rims are covered with these avid hikers. They have many rambler clubs you can join depending on your location, age, experience, and adventurous spirit. Of course, you need the proper gear–which is the best part of the experience. Blokes join just to justify purchase of the gear–then stay home and watch rugby.
Another of the cavern
Blue John Cavern in Castleton (the “Peaks District). The formation is called “Miners’ snot”
Starting to see Fall
On conference Sunday, we drove into Preston (we don’t do that much) and strolled through Avenham park by the River Ribble. Some beautiful colors are beginning to emerge.
Tree that was planted by the Church in a Japanese garden at River Ribble where the first European baptisms were performed
The trees by our apartment are not the kind that show a lot of brilliance; but they do let you know what time of year it is and warn you of what’s coming.
View out our front window
Kathy watching General Conference in our living room. Yes, that is a heater behind her and another is at her feet. You can take a girl out of San Diego, but….
Our jobs are going great and we do enjoy our visitors and excursions. Our bishop and his wife will arrive tomorrow for a couple of days, then it looks like we will hop over to Amsterdam on business (wish it was spring for that trip).