March 8, 2015

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.  

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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.  

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

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

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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.

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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.