Dear Family and Friends,
Another week has passed and here we are back home to share it. The fun thing is, that even when we know quite well what the week before us should be like, it is still always holds plenty of surprises--- even for us. To start, we will tell you a few small surprises, then on to the more significant ones.
Today was a pretty day outside. It didn't rain at all, and although the temperatures were a bit lower, it seemed quite mild, so we decided to do a little bit of flower garden weeding. One surprise was discovering a flower that has been quite hidden that is now simply beautiful. We puzzled over it, not remembering that we bought it, but it is a flower that we have received a few times as a lovely gift in America. Because it was so well hidden we moved it to an open area where we can enjoy seeing it more, still trying to remember buying it. (Our garden consists primarily of the least expensive flowers we could find. Some were in the discard at the DIY store and some at an inexpensive hardware store--but it they now look quite respectable.) As we worked a little more we discovered several of this plant starting to grow--even in the lawn! It is remarkable that such an exotic plan could grow as a complete volunteer. (We won't say weed--as that would not fit.) AND we also had a few volunteer carrots! we think we will taste it soon. Anyone afraid for us? And last garden surprise is that we are getting tomatoes (pronounced with a short "a" sound). They are delicious-- small, but we are nevertheless happy since we were told it wasn't possible.
While we were outside, a little bird, sparrow-sized but orange breasted (called a robin here) was being so friendly. Grandma commented that it seemed it would like to go inside--but of course we didn't let it. Later we had to run some errands for about 2 hours and when we came back we wondered what would have made a breeze that would knock the greeting cards off of the fridge top. --- No biggie though. About 10 minutes later Grandma saw the little robin, hopping, then flying about--- inside the house! It didn't seem the slightest upset, but of course not,--- it had found a great warm home for the winter. The funniest thing was, for those who remember, Grandma likes little bird figurines and it was trying to charm us with all the cute places to land and be living figurine: the faucet top, the curtain rod, the bookshelf ---the candle was our favorite. After we took some photos, we had to work at "inviting" it to go back outside. Even if we had gotten a cage for it, so we didn't have to worry about accidents, (which did happen) we can't have a pet. But it was cute enough to be loved! But the burning question is: "a bird in the house is worth. . . ? . .. in the bush."
And the Grandpa funny surprise: Yesterday we spent a lot of time with the Mission President and his wife which was fun because they are such dear, fun people. After an evening meeting with them and the YSA, Grandpa was standing around with his hands in his pockets when the President came up to him and said "20 push-ups!" Grandpa smiled and turned to the Elder and asked him if he had put the President up to that joke. He looked sheepishly innocent enough and said, "No, its a mission rule". Confused, Grandpa tuned back to the President and gave him a questioning look. The President grinned and said, "Yes, mission rule, 10 push-ups for a hand in the pocket, and you have both your hands in your pockets!" Whoa!--the reason, he said is, "it looks slovenly". That is not a term Grandpa is used to being called--but funny. So fair warning, grandsons, don't get caught standing around with your hands in your pockets!
Now for a few more serious surprises. We mentioned last week that we were able to attend the temple in Preston with the YSA, but we had such a nice time also returning this week for the SR Conference. The other missionaries are so great to be with and we had a delightful time --especially at the temple. Our meetings on Tuesday were supposed to be finished in time for a temple session together in the afternoon, but somehow we missed the time, so we decided to do either sealings or initiatory work, then perhaps a session the next day. It worked out to be beyond our hopes. We were able to do all three---and together. We also had some nice meals and good discussions, so the time was a real treat for us.
This weekend was the Dublin Stake Conference and it was so wonderful for us. (With the exception of a lighting glare which made Grandma's talk difficult because of her contacts.) Oh well, life isn't ever perfect. But overall, the meetings were really a wonderful experience. We were able to take Nick with us to both the Saturday and the Sunday meetings. You will remember that he is trying to quit smoking and it has been so hard for him. Before the meeting on Saturday we asked him how it was going and he honestly answered that it wasn't bad, but he was still smoking some. After the meeting we asked him how he felt about the meeting (which was a full 2 hours long). He said it seemed like every talk was perfect for him--that everyone knew just what he needed. That is an amazing answer for an investigator when the talks were so strongly spiritual. Then on the way home he asked if we could go to the grocery store so he could buy some things he needed. This is very unusual for Nick--but what he wanted to buy then was the things recommended to help him stop smoking: grapefruit juice, mouthwash, peanuts, gum etc.
The next day was another related surprise. When we went to collect him for the meetings, he came out of his house looking and smelling like a million! He was wearing the new suit he had bought a few weeks back, with a white shirt and tie, and dress shoes. We didn't think to get a photo, but next time we will. We told him he looked like a priesthood holder and it made him so happy. On our car rides he asked us to tell him again about the apostasy and the restoration of authority so he can explain it to people. He has so much faith when we teach him things, and it seems like his re-cap clarification statements are as profound as if he is already a long-time member.
The next surprise about Conference was how fun it was to see so many new friends all together. We really couldn't believe it! We were almost felt like we were home because of the many people we know quite well from all over the stake. We talked about it afterward and realized that we have been so blessed as we have had many deeply personal interactions with people sharing their life experiences. The nature of the SR courses is that people look at the challenges of their lives and how to resolve them with faith and hard work. Doing that together brings an uncommon trust and spiritual sharing that is special. Those who have completed or progressed far are so grateful for what blessings it has brought to them, that we are a part of their joy. It was really a remarkable time for us--and the only downside was that Nick had to be quite patient waiting for us to greet so many people that he didn't know. We could have hurried off, but we think it was actually good for him to see the fellowship of the saints since his life has and will yet change so much. We feel quite sensitive for the changes he is anxious to make because it leads him such a different direction for associates.
Another fun part of the conference was being invited to dinner with some friends who also invited the Mission Pres. and counselor and wives. We had a fun, fancy, delightful meal and didn't worry about a thing for 2 hours. The hosts are such wonderful, devoted people. They are very involved in their ward, and we talked about their plans to go on a mission in a few years. We have decided that the most rewarding thing about a mission is meeting and learning from so many different people with so many varied life experiences. Our hostess was telling us about when she went on a mission to Japan when she was younger. Since she was the only member in her family, she had no support (and even some anger) from her parents. Can you imagine what kind of faith that took for her to go so far away to learn a very foreign language in a strange country with no support or help? It made us really count our blessings.
That reminded us, also, of how thankful we are for your good lives, for your prayers in our behalf, and for your continued support. We really do miss you, so we are trying to stay as busy as possible to make the time go faster. Please know how much we love you, and be assured that we pray for you all continually. We are loving this mission, and our testimonies are growing daily. This is the Lord's Church, and He is in charge.
So, until next letter: "Top o' the marnin' and bottom o' the afternoon to ye! Aye!"
Love,
Grandma and Grandpa
Mom and Dad
Lynne and Lanette
Elder and Sister Pettit
Another week has passed and here we are back home to share it. The fun thing is, that even when we know quite well what the week before us should be like, it is still always holds plenty of surprises--- even for us. To start, we will tell you a few small surprises, then on to the more significant ones.
Today was a pretty day outside. It didn't rain at all, and although the temperatures were a bit lower, it seemed quite mild, so we decided to do a little bit of flower garden weeding. One surprise was discovering a flower that has been quite hidden that is now simply beautiful. We puzzled over it, not remembering that we bought it, but it is a flower that we have received a few times as a lovely gift in America. Because it was so well hidden we moved it to an open area where we can enjoy seeing it more, still trying to remember buying it. (Our garden consists primarily of the least expensive flowers we could find. Some were in the discard at the DIY store and some at an inexpensive hardware store--but it they now look quite respectable.) As we worked a little more we discovered several of this plant starting to grow--even in the lawn! It is remarkable that such an exotic plan could grow as a complete volunteer. (We won't say weed--as that would not fit.) AND we also had a few volunteer carrots! we think we will taste it soon. Anyone afraid for us? And last garden surprise is that we are getting tomatoes (pronounced with a short "a" sound). They are delicious-- small, but we are nevertheless happy since we were told it wasn't possible.
While we were outside, a little bird, sparrow-sized but orange breasted (called a robin here) was being so friendly. Grandma commented that it seemed it would like to go inside--but of course we didn't let it. Later we had to run some errands for about 2 hours and when we came back we wondered what would have made a breeze that would knock the greeting cards off of the fridge top. --- No biggie though. About 10 minutes later Grandma saw the little robin, hopping, then flying about--- inside the house! It didn't seem the slightest upset, but of course not,--- it had found a great warm home for the winter. The funniest thing was, for those who remember, Grandma likes little bird figurines and it was trying to charm us with all the cute places to land and be living figurine: the faucet top, the curtain rod, the bookshelf ---the candle was our favorite. After we took some photos, we had to work at "inviting" it to go back outside. Even if we had gotten a cage for it, so we didn't have to worry about accidents, (which did happen) we can't have a pet. But it was cute enough to be loved! But the burning question is: "a bird in the house is worth. . . ? . .. in the bush."
And the Grandpa funny surprise: Yesterday we spent a lot of time with the Mission President and his wife which was fun because they are such dear, fun people. After an evening meeting with them and the YSA, Grandpa was standing around with his hands in his pockets when the President came up to him and said "20 push-ups!" Grandpa smiled and turned to the Elder and asked him if he had put the President up to that joke. He looked sheepishly innocent enough and said, "No, its a mission rule". Confused, Grandpa tuned back to the President and gave him a questioning look. The President grinned and said, "Yes, mission rule, 10 push-ups for a hand in the pocket, and you have both your hands in your pockets!" Whoa!--the reason, he said is, "it looks slovenly". That is not a term Grandpa is used to being called--but funny. So fair warning, grandsons, don't get caught standing around with your hands in your pockets!
Now for a few more serious surprises. We mentioned last week that we were able to attend the temple in Preston with the YSA, but we had such a nice time also returning this week for the SR Conference. The other missionaries are so great to be with and we had a delightful time --especially at the temple. Our meetings on Tuesday were supposed to be finished in time for a temple session together in the afternoon, but somehow we missed the time, so we decided to do either sealings or initiatory work, then perhaps a session the next day. It worked out to be beyond our hopes. We were able to do all three---and together. We also had some nice meals and good discussions, so the time was a real treat for us.
This weekend was the Dublin Stake Conference and it was so wonderful for us. (With the exception of a lighting glare which made Grandma's talk difficult because of her contacts.) Oh well, life isn't ever perfect. But overall, the meetings were really a wonderful experience. We were able to take Nick with us to both the Saturday and the Sunday meetings. You will remember that he is trying to quit smoking and it has been so hard for him. Before the meeting on Saturday we asked him how it was going and he honestly answered that it wasn't bad, but he was still smoking some. After the meeting we asked him how he felt about the meeting (which was a full 2 hours long). He said it seemed like every talk was perfect for him--that everyone knew just what he needed. That is an amazing answer for an investigator when the talks were so strongly spiritual. Then on the way home he asked if we could go to the grocery store so he could buy some things he needed. This is very unusual for Nick--but what he wanted to buy then was the things recommended to help him stop smoking: grapefruit juice, mouthwash, peanuts, gum etc.
The next day was another related surprise. When we went to collect him for the meetings, he came out of his house looking and smelling like a million! He was wearing the new suit he had bought a few weeks back, with a white shirt and tie, and dress shoes. We didn't think to get a photo, but next time we will. We told him he looked like a priesthood holder and it made him so happy. On our car rides he asked us to tell him again about the apostasy and the restoration of authority so he can explain it to people. He has so much faith when we teach him things, and it seems like his re-cap clarification statements are as profound as if he is already a long-time member.
The next surprise about Conference was how fun it was to see so many new friends all together. We really couldn't believe it! We were almost felt like we were home because of the many people we know quite well from all over the stake. We talked about it afterward and realized that we have been so blessed as we have had many deeply personal interactions with people sharing their life experiences. The nature of the SR courses is that people look at the challenges of their lives and how to resolve them with faith and hard work. Doing that together brings an uncommon trust and spiritual sharing that is special. Those who have completed or progressed far are so grateful for what blessings it has brought to them, that we are a part of their joy. It was really a remarkable time for us--and the only downside was that Nick had to be quite patient waiting for us to greet so many people that he didn't know. We could have hurried off, but we think it was actually good for him to see the fellowship of the saints since his life has and will yet change so much. We feel quite sensitive for the changes he is anxious to make because it leads him such a different direction for associates.
Another fun part of the conference was being invited to dinner with some friends who also invited the Mission Pres. and counselor and wives. We had a fun, fancy, delightful meal and didn't worry about a thing for 2 hours. The hosts are such wonderful, devoted people. They are very involved in their ward, and we talked about their plans to go on a mission in a few years. We have decided that the most rewarding thing about a mission is meeting and learning from so many different people with so many varied life experiences. Our hostess was telling us about when she went on a mission to Japan when she was younger. Since she was the only member in her family, she had no support (and even some anger) from her parents. Can you imagine what kind of faith that took for her to go so far away to learn a very foreign language in a strange country with no support or help? It made us really count our blessings.
That reminded us, also, of how thankful we are for your good lives, for your prayers in our behalf, and for your continued support. We really do miss you, so we are trying to stay as busy as possible to make the time go faster. Please know how much we love you, and be assured that we pray for you all continually. We are loving this mission, and our testimonies are growing daily. This is the Lord's Church, and He is in charge.
So, until next letter: "Top o' the marnin' and bottom o' the afternoon to ye! Aye!"
Love,
Grandma and Grandpa
Mom and Dad
Lynne and Lanette
Elder and Sister Pettit
Glendalough, Ireland.
Entrance gate to church yard at Glendalough Ireland
By the lake at Glendalough, Ireland
Leprechaun highrise, Glendalough, Ireland
Preston, England Temple
Some YSA at Preston, England temple
Sister Michaelis, Sister Pettit, Sister Vernon at Preston England temple.
Our live bird candle topper.
Isn't he cute?
How about a perch on the water faucet?
Sister Peterson (a favorite sister) and the Pettits outside of the church building, Finglas, Ireland
No comments:
Post a Comment