We think we should make note of special things that happen--like today the sun is really shining and it is the second time we have seen it this week for more than a few minutes. It is beautiful here, though the air is chilly; in fact it is the lowest we have experienced, below 0 (freezing mark in C ) And yesterday morning as we drove to the ward we were attending, we could see snow on the higher hilltops. We don't feel the cooler temperatures much differently because it is the moisture in the air that makes the cold so penetrating, so the sunshine gives us hope that spring may really be coming. The real Irish say this has been the worst winter they can remember in years, so we are beginning to think we have only better weather ahead.
Besides the hope of better weather we have had some fun highlights (and some crazy bits) this week. Our reflections on the week show us how much the Spirit has been working for us. A really good example of this was our Saturday training in Waterford. We have had the facilitator training on the calendar for over a month. When it was being planned for 11-1:00 with distances for those attending to drive, we thought of the ideas of providing lunch. That was happily accepted, but because this district runs a tight ship of doing things by the rules, we thought they would want to be the trainers, with us just in a support position. That would be the right way for it to be--but we sent a few emails to double check, and after no reply, even asked the man in England what their history was on facilitator training times--because we had just a hint of uncertainly . He assured us they had a "professional" who did it and we would love observing their methods. So we did our part--fixed a nice, portable lunch of crock pot soup, salad, sandwiches, drink and dessert. Just for insurance Dad took the whole load of programs and books, and to be really "up" on the facilitator details we studied it again on the two hour drive down. We are sure you have guessed it ahead---WE were the trainers. It is amazing how the Spirit knows ---and was so kind to help us probably because He knew how hard we had tried to be prepared, and perhaps to have us not worry or plan a great deal more than was necessary. There is a statement we use to build faith for people to step up in the Self Reliance Program: "The Lord can make more out of our efforts, than we can do for ourselves." This seemed to fit that day for us because the training went so well. There was a wide variable of SR understanding of those who were getting trained, but they seemed to leave excited about their roles and the power of the program. We try to always work with the Spirit, but this was extra evident that inspiration was in charge.
While we were down in Limerick we had arranged to do "flat checks" for the Sisters and Elders and to get the more permanent help of the missionary couple to carry it on from that time for the area. It was frankly fun to see their apartments and get to know them a little. We knew we would be about as popular as a toothache, so we took Valentine cupcakes--if their flat was in good order--and they did fine, so we did win some friends. We also made friends with the couple and recognize their needs for more interaction so we will try to plan some time with them whenever we are close by.
Another great experience we had this week was a presentation we made to a ward in the Dublin Stake. They fully lived up to the reputation they have of being true saints. Did we mention the Terenure Ward's missionary success being shared in the "Power of Everyday Missionaries"? Well they are so good---and it is all Attitude! They met on a week night, had great attendance, and were fully engaged. At the end, a member of the Bishopric suggested that they individually go home and think and pray about who in the ward could most benefit from the SR initiative. Then they would fast with this purpose and meet the following week to move forward. They are so enthused that they want to have their own groups rather than blend with the stake groups, to make it easier for the participants to not have to travel. Not to be critical, but by contrast, last week we presented to a ward council in the Belfast area. We had been told we had at least 30+ minutes, but when we got there the bishop was not there, the meeting started late, and they told us to keep it under 15 minutes. (as we saw it, there would have been no problem with stretching the time to be closer to the block time--as there was still 25 minutes left--so it was hard to accomplish much. It wouldn't have been huge for them to feel the same joy as the Terenure council, but we are afraid they may not really catch the spirit of it, and the blessings that follow. Sure it will take more time in the end for the Terenure Ward to steward this blessing to their members, but we know that the Lord is a great Paymaster, and we will always be in His debt for the blessings he gives us--- more than we deserve.
Our third presentation this week for Self Reliance was to a branch about 30 minutes out of Dublin called the Bray Branch. Bray is a really beautiful, older, but now prosperous city along the coast, south of Dublin. We used the Garmin to get there (nothing new) but we couldn't find the church when it said we were there. McDonalds was also a little hard to recognize as it was in a great big old stone building right in the middle of the main intersection --with no golden arches. We finally asked a lady who was out getting her mail if she knew where the Mormon Church was. She didn't but offered to go across the street to her daughter's home and ask. Of course it took awhile, but she came back with directions, which when we still didn't find it, we thought we had not understood her Irish accent. But we were just not expecting it to look like it was. It was a small walk-in-only gate (with a small church sign on the post).. We parked the car a ways away, and loaded ourselves up with the materials and equipment, and made our way across the busy streets.
When we entered the little gate, it was strikingly beautiful. There, nestled in literally the middle of city block was the stucco, white chapel in a lovely, peaceful setting. Its front was a full wall of windows that faced a little grassy area with a beautiful arching tree in the middle. It reminded us of the Jerusalem Center, only smaller. We could see the congregation inside and the meeting had just begun. We slipped in the back and immediately felt the unified spirit of the branch. We thought how like finding the building is a little like finding the gospel. We meet investigators who are casually seeking truth, but it is not obvious at first. They may be right close, but until they search more deeply and sincerely, they may not find it. Some investigators have questioned why the church, if it is true, is not well known in the world--why it is not huge and glamorous as so many huge and ornate church buildings are in Europe and the world. The answer is in the peace. "My peace I give unto you,... not as the world giveth". The peace the gospel brings is not showy, but real--like the little branch meeting in the middle of the block. Well, of course this little branch was so receptive to the presentation we gave. They are also very hopeful for it to help them Today we will drive back out there and take them some materials--they somehow do not have, and help them begin to get started.
Our experiences this week with sharing the gospel--beside the Self Reliance work, was interesting. We had more than we'd like of drives with Sisters and Elders to distant contacts--only to not find them home etc. , but we did have some good ones too. On the crazy side, we drove one evening far out to an address that was so mixed up it was surely a miracle that the diligent Elders finally figured it out. We would have given up long before they did--but they found it!--and the lady they had been trying to understand on the phone for directions--- was not at home! She had also been trying to communicate that to them. Language is not a breeze in Ireland.
But another lady we drove fairly far to see was home and was willing to let the Sisters and us teach her. When we first started the lesson, the sisters asked what she believed about God. She gave a quite vague description of power, but not close to what Heavenly Father is really like. In fact all of her answers showed she really didn't have much understanding of any plan of salvation. As the Sisters and we taught her, she was so agreeable and would say "that is just what I always thought". It was hopeful that she would want more understanding because she had accepted that appointment. But in the end, even though she thought it was wonderful and true, she did not feel that she had the time to learn more. This year was a big one for her, with landmark birthdays, 40th anniversary, vacations etc. and she would not be able to do more. She was not wealthy, but she certainly had a very comfortable life style--and the changes she was making in her life right now, to loose weight and get fit, were taking a lot of her free time. Her parents' deaths had led her to think about heaven----but even though she was right at the 'gate" to the Church, she could not see inside to the peace the gospel could bring into her life. It was a bit disheartening that even after teaching the qualifications for the different degrees of glory, she would rationalize that she didn't have time, and perhaps thought, I am pretty good, so I might earn a pretty good place--but for now, I won't worry about gaining the highest place.
Again in contrast, we taught a very humble younger man from Romania the same lesson--the Plan of Salvation. He had obviously had a hard life. In fact he had left his little 3 year old daughter with his mother, to come to Ireland for better wages--- to provide better. He had been reading the Book of Mormon and felt good about it. We asked him how he felt about it and about the church. He was a little slow to answer, reaching for words to explain, then he started roll up his sleeves, " I feel something very much like chicken skin" he pointed and said. We all laughed! (goose bumps) When asked which kingdom he would want to gain, he pointed to the Terrestrial, because he knew he could not gain the Glory of the Sun. It was hard for him to believe that Celestial Glory would ever be possible, but when he started to believe it was possible as we explained the atonement and the chance to always renew the covenant of baptism through the sacrament, he was so hopeful. A baptism date was set, and he couldn't have been happier. He will have to give up smoking, but he is ready to try. That is all the Lord asks, --- that we try.
We love the many ways we can "serve". Another way was to go to the Stake Valentine's dance. Two older men in our ward spend weeks getting ready for the dance and do it practically themselves. They also run the Family History Center and this is a good diversion for them. The cultural hall was decorated so cute. Over the years they personally have bought so many electric decorations including a mirror ball. The electrical network it took to light everything was a warehouse in itself--and probably so fire-hazard-illegal, but they were proud of the result. The dance was not super well attended, but we did our best to help them feel appreciated--with Mom even dancing with the YSA young men--because no younger girls came. It was either Mom, other oldies, or nothing--so they danced it up! The music was oldies, so fun to hear, but also loud enough that we could laugh with each other over all the funny things and people. We quit about 10pm and came home for a nap---(up early that morning for the drive to Waterford)--then went back at the end and helped take it down and clean the church for 2 hours. The 80 year old had heart bypass 3 months ago and was looking rough, but we think it still did his heart good to be able to give such a good party.
One last crazy thing to share. One morning we took the Elders down to the US Embassy for a US missionary Visa (an Elder is waiting by serving in Ireland). The traffic was awful--and we later learned it was because of a transportation-line strike, besides being rush hour. He had an appointment for 8:30 a.m. but we couldn't quite get there in time so we had the Elders jump out and run for it. About 10 minutes later we were just past some big traffic snarls and on our way out of the worst area, when the companion Elder called and said he had to wait outside alone and could we come back for him. Wow! We turned around with difficulty and went back completely disoriented, and by then, so was our Garmin! It would have had us do U turns every few minutes! Poor Dad! This is called "driving you crazy!" A little later we didn't even know what the Embassy looked like--and neither did the Garmin---so we passed the Elder and he ran to catch us--as we had to do a nearly impossible U turn again. When we got to the front door--no Elder in sight! Mom got out to look--but no luck so we decided to go park.--right! but we did find a parking spot---not to far away---miracle---and he did find us. We really had to rest when we got home that morning. But he did get the Visa settled.
Did you think we would have a fairly sedentary mission? So did we!! Every day has a t least some adventure. It might be just going to a bank to set up an account and being turned down because they don't trust our address and we might be laundering money--or being friends with a lady who is loosing her mind, so we relate well with her,--- but everyday is something new. We know we are being protected (driving etc.) and guided--no doubts, so we feel that we are at least a little on track with what is "supposed " to happen here. This is all made possible because we know you are praying for us. We love you and hope your Valentine's Week-end was fun--that your busy real lives are going well--and that your bodies and testimonies are staying strong and healthy!
Hugs to all,
Mom and Dad,
Grandma and Grandpa,
Your Family and Friends.
Cuttings from the beautiful trees, looking out our front door towards the church. They said they were only going to "prune" them, but we think they got a little carried away.
This is the main clock tower along the bay in Waterford, about two hours south of Dublin. There is a branch here (where we did some training) with a set of Elders, a set of Sisters, and a Senior Couple.
Decorations for the Valentine's Day dance.
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Valentine's Day Dance |
A blue sky and a moon over Ireland - a rare sight, indeed.
On top of Bray Head.
