First of all, we want to write to the Grandchildren. We have had a bit of fun this week that we think you will be interested in. While we were out for our morning jog, we noticed a few things that were a little peculiar. At first they didn't seem like anything, but then we took a second look, and we think we are seeing signs of leprechauns! The weather is starting to change just a little and we wonder if maybe we saw a little flurry in the grass just before we spot things. We aren't too sure, but for example, we will post on our blog the pair of little gloves left on the sidewalk. We think the cooler morning air made the leprechaun put on his gloves to start gathering his magic morning dew gems, but as the sun came up (a little later now than during the summer) he took his gloves off and maybe forgot them. Or maybe he just took them off for a few minutes and then we came running by, ---and he had to leave them there and hide nearby. Anyway we will keep you posted if we see something else. Let us know what you think.
Now for the mission news. Sometimes when we get to writing our letter for the week we wonder what we can tell you that will be different for you. After these nine months of our mission, we realize that a lot of what we do is much the same, we travel to the corners of Ireland, we usually speak or teach a group, we are amazed at the goodness and faith of those we associate with, and we see little miracles happen. As a change up, we enjoy that we can interact with investigators, mostly immigrants who are truly outstanding people trying to understand the message of the gospel.
The names and situations are always changing, and the miracles are always a surprise. The love we feel for the people seems to get stronger and we feel more blessed every day. Yet we struggle to know how we can help you to feel these experiences enough to show our gratitude for all that is happening here. We hope you do not get bored with our stories and will be able to feel the Spirit as you read our letters . So we begin:
Stake Self Reliance Committee meeting just seems to get better every time we meet. At first we felt like we were having to try and convince people of the value of implementing SR in the various wards. The goals were pretty low, but they were goals, so we were happy for support in a positive direction. Some of the leaders tried to talk the talk, but they just didn't have experience. Since a few of the classes have now finished, the experiences that are shared have made the quality of the meetings dramatically different. Especially those who have been participants in the groups relate such depth of appreciation for what they have been a part of, and it changes the whole perspective and purpose for the meeting. It is wonderful that we are not the only ones who are so impressed with the power of the initiative, and we feel our own testimonies growing even more.
Other things we have done this week are training Elders to go home soon. We love being able to see the strength of these young men who have given so much energy and commitment to serving the Lord. This is a great time in their lives, and although they represent different countries and different backgrounds, they have in common the joy and rewards of their hard work to take home as a treasure. Whether they go home to the States, Mexico, Great Britain, or wherever, their faith is strong and it is great to be able to give them some counsel to continue to depend on the Lord as they pursue their life careers. We always give them treats and a meal, but we love feeling their gratitude for blessings more meaningful than the food.
September really is fulfilling the expectations we have hoped for regarding the starting of new classes. We had two areas get groups started this week and both were pretty exciting. One group was 5 ladies wanting to do "Starting and Growing Your Own Business". (with a few more who plan to attend next week) They seemed so determined and excited, with a sweet desire to support each other---and most of all depend on the Lord to lead their efforts. The other group was another small branch in Northern Ireland. We didn't have any idea how many would come the distance back to Church on the Sunday evening, but lo! there were about 14 in attendance and quite a few who wanted to be in more than one class. The Stake Specialist was so happy he was ready to call it done to have a group form, but in the end there were 3 different classes started! They can hardly wait to get going. It is a long ways away but we think we should try to get there again next week to see if it is for real. It really made the long drive worth it.
And a few weeks ago, we mentioned how changing our plans and getting to the little Sligo branch was such a blessing. Well, there must be some strong ties to heaven's guidance because we ended up there again this week after a change of plans, and it was so great that it happened. The only way we "saved the day" (class) was that we asked one of the class members to share their financial success story of getting out of debt with the class. She is such a soft-spoken Philippine woman, but she had such a great success with their effort, that it was more than inspiring, it was fun to hear. We think it will really add vision to the effort of the group.
We have mentioned our good friend Nick from Romania before, who is an investigator. He is working in Ireland to earn better money than he can in his country, but he really misses his little daughter and wants to bring her here. He needs to work hard to get enough money saved up to make it possible. Lately his boss has not been paying him, and at the same time telling him he wanted to give him a raise. We have been very worried about this and told Nick to be careful to not let it go on. He felt he could trust his boss but after a 3 weeks of not paying him, he started making up excuses why he wouldn't be able to. This was just not honest and it was so sad to see Nick loose faith in his boss who had been a friend to him. This week he has gone back home to Romania and we seem to feel he may decide to use his skills and return soon to his homeland. We really care about him and hope he can continue in his progress in the Gospel. Smoking is still a problem for him, but we have had such good talks with him about the Restoration, the Priesthood, and the Book of Mormon. He wants to be baptized and we hope he can reach that goal.
Another good friend, who joined the Church (from South Africa) called to tell us that his wife who had been lukewarm about the Church had gone home to visit family and called to tell him she was thinking when she came back next week, she would like to start learning more about the Church. We have spent a lot of time with her and were so happy to hear that good news. He is already a strong leader in the ward and was just called to teach Elders Quorum although he has only been a member about 6 weeks.
Also this week, we were happy to see our friend from Iraq who has suffered so much grief from losing his father and uncles in car bombs, come back to Church. He first attended the last session of the Job Search Class and then came to Church on Sunday. His questions in class were so sincere and so deep and he really seemed to enjoy the association again. We hope he can stay involved again.
And finally we think our YSA lad (who needs to get a job) may actually make the goal. He needs to complete a few more detail hoops and it looks like he may be there. It is a big step for him to set aside his video game habit and be ambitious, but we think he will. Next we want to get him to start dating. ( that will be a hard one too).
Now last, but absolutely not least, we are blessed with our sister and brother-in-law Marilyn and Steve Leininger visiting us here in Ireland. They flew in on Sunday and will tag along with us as we do our travel and work, for at least a while this week, so it will be a fun time. We appreciate their friendship and family bond---and hope they can enjoy the trip.
Well, that's enough for this week. Once again, we have had the privilege of seeing the Lord's hand in this work. It is such a blessing to us to be able to watch the many miracles the Lord is performing in this missionary work. This is the Lord's church, and He is moving the Work forward at an increasing pace. Our prayers and thoughts are always with you!
Love,
Grandma and Grandpa
Lynne and Lanette
Mom and Dad
Elder and Sister Pettit
Swans can be aggressive when they are hungry!
Leprechaun shoes!
Leprechaun gold!
Leprechaun socks!
A Leprechaun bowtie!
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