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.