Pettit's Highland Highlights: Thanksgiving and Baptism

Dear Family and Friends,

We hope this letter finds you all just a little fatter and happier after a Thanksgiving weekend holiday. Here in Dublin we also celebrated a nearly traditional Thanksgiving feast and weekend--minus the football games and of course family.   It really was a good and memorable weekend where we were indeed thankful for many blessings, but it really didn't seem the same. That's okay though because we realize that there is no substitute for family, and we only have to miss it this one year.

So to do a little review: we told you how the YSA asked us to do a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner for an activity. We wondered if we would find the food needed, but it turned out pretty well. We didn't realize how lucky we were to find turkeys this early in the year because we learned whole turkeys are usually only available for Christmas, but we did find them at only the second store we checked. They were small, but small worked best for the wee (tiny) ovens, so we bought two and a ham. We couldn't find any pumpkin canned or fresh--- too bad for the pumpkin pies, but they do have sweet potatoes, so we had the yam and apple dish we like--which was quite popular. (We think our sons will be happy to know we just didn't dare try yam pies!) Pie crusts in general don't turn out as well, so we made apple pudding cake instead and ate store pies,(which verifies that crusts don't do too well here). We made good stuffing, green bean casserole, corn, honey glazed carrots and least popular of all: fluffy marshmallow cranberry and pomegranate salad.   The issue is sweets don't ever go with savory foods---and although it is somewhat like trifle dessert, it was not popular.  The best deal of all was the potatoes.   Once again we used In the potatoes that were peeled and shrink sealed and it made the best mashed potatoes with so little work.

We survived the appliance size problems by being extra resourceful   We used the car (35-40 degrees) for a fridge, which meant WE smelled like Thanksgiving dinner.   We used all four crock pots from here and the Church, so they served as ovens. And of course we layered both the ovens and fridges with a skill we hope to never have to use again.

The institute teacher (also Americans) and his family joined with the dinner effort and brought a tossed salad and some pre-prepared foods too, so the feast table was nicely filled---and more bodies for the celebration. The sad thing was that this is really not an Irish holiday, so there were not many YSA who came. Who celebrates mid-week in November? We did have some foreign investigator friends come, so a total of about 18--- and after we were mostly done, the Elders showed up "to the rescue"!   The American Elders were delighted, but it was funny how the UK Elders just thought it was too much food! Yes, we Americans do know how to eat.

The good part of not having a huge crowd was the leftovers. For some reason, this week had already broken the record for number of big and small meals hosted, so to have quite a bit left over was not a problem because Friday was Polo's baptism party--and those who were special guests for that evening, especially Polo and Wellington, were delighted that it was a Thanksgiving feast in her honor. We were of course not sad that we didn't have another dinner to prepare and like Grandma Godfrey always said, the second day it tasted even better.

So now for the highlight of the week: Polo's baptism. It is never easy to be able to explain the delight of seeing someone come into the gospel, but being so involved in the friendshipping, teaching, and planning made this extra special to us. Polo and Wellington seemed totally happy and at peace as they came into the Church Friday evening. We had to smile that they were even color-coordinated with Wellington in a handsome new blue suit, and Polo in a modest blue dress. (One time Polo commented on how Grandpa Pettit's tie usually matches Grandma Pettit's clothes--and how much she liked it. This of course is a G&G Godfrey trademark we stole for fun). But more than being dressed so nicely, they were ready spiritually.  It was just powerful to see a husband baptize his wife. They have not been married even a year yet and this was like adding cement to their relationship. He was a little nervous because it was his first ordinance except for blessing the sacrament, but it went perfectly and was indeed a sacred experience for all who were there.

After the baptism, Grandma went into the dressing room to offer help (after about 15 minutes) and Polo was so gracious and grateful, but apologized for being slow because she had been crying so many tears of joy. The confirmation was performed by Grandpa and was beautiful. Grandma gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and Polo herself bore such a wonderful testimony that you would never think she had only been learning about the gospel for 2 1/2 weeks. We have always felt that Wellington would be a leader, but she is going to be right there beside him. The very next day they flew to Africa for business, so the evening was ended with heartfelt good-byes. We wish we could be here when they return from Africa to hear their experiences of sharing the gospel with family and friends--because that is their plan. But we will stay in touch, and the ward here in Ireland is extremely supportive of them--so they will return to open arms.

On Saturday morning we had another good experience in a small branch about an hour away. This is where the young missionaries were given permission to be an experiment as facilitators for Self Reliance, because the branch is too small to have extra people for the calling. When we got there, we were met by a little group of 6 who seemed very committed to starting a class. We did the 'devotional' which starts them out, and they were so supportive of the missionaries and each other. It felt like a little family unit--all friendly and caring--and the group strengthening activities were powerful. We had brought a soup lunch and enjoyed the time with them, feeling that this branch was now on its way to having the blessings of SR too.

Sunday we were in the other end of Ireland helping a rather large branch get a new start on SR. They had classes some time back, but with a new Branch Presidency and some other calling changes, they needed to be trained and start again. We didn't do much because the District SR Specialist is in charge, but it was good to see the District committee now working so well.

And for the weather report, things are so comfortable this fall. We have had quite a bit of frost--and last year we didn't have any, but the weather this year seems more mild. It seems there has been far less wind and rain, just mostly cool, calm days, with cloudy skies and a little rainfall most days to keep things damp, but not super wet.    We are not certain if this is as different as we think it is, or if we are just more used to being a little cool and damp all the time, but we know we are definitely in for colder weather in Sweden.

And Sweden?---We are still waiting for word on how they are going to handle our visa and when we will go. In the mean time, we are filling our days with all we can to have things in good order and get everyone as trained as possible. We do have a Mission Home address if you want to send a note, but of course our email will remain the same. (Actually we hope our email will get much better! as we have had so much trouble lately since the Stake offices we are connected to changed the provider.  Everyone is frustrated and we feel there are few bigger stress factors than technology!    ( We NEED our kids and grandkids here to help us.) One evening our Stake President came by to work on doing some adjustments to make it better (That is his business, so we were very grateful)---but he fell off the chair and badly dislocated his finger!   We had to help him drive home and then his wife took him to the A&E  ( Accident and Emergency)    So that was the end of help, but we try to be proactive, patient, and cheerful whichever is most needed.

Stoockholm Sweden Mission
Enebybergsvagen 38
182 46 Enebyberg
Sweden

Email address
2019205@ldschurch.org
phone:   +46 8-5447-0930

So another week of our Irish Mission has come to and end. We find ourselves quite tired every night--but happy and comfortable and recognize that the Lord is blessing us in so many ways! We wish we could share more of our faith and love with you so that you could feel it too. We appreciate your emails and support.   We know the holidays are getting in full swing now and we hope they are not too busy to enjoy them and especially your families.

In Ireland, people are more "huggy" than in America--especially if you have good feelings for the person. On Sunday a lady we didn't know well, but was very nice gave Grandma 4 hugs in 10 minutes!--- so we are sending some Irish home.   Lots of hugs to everyone!!!!

Grandpa and Grandma
Dad and Mom
Lynne and Lanette
Elder and Sister Pettit