Week 29!

27 August 2017

Dear Family and Friends,

Twenty-nine weeks have ticked by since we went to the MTC. Twenty-nine weeks – twenty-nine letters. I’m not even sure if anyone is reading them anymore! That’s ok, it’s therapeutic for me. When I’ve had a really tough week, it forces me to count my blessings and find a silver lining.

The weather has been lovely this week, with average temperatures in the high 60’s with just enough rain in the night to keep the foliage green and beautiful. Just when I think there is a nip of fall in the air, it turns off warm again. The days are shorter, which makes sleeping a bit easier.

Kelvingrove Museum
in Glasglow

The danger of wishing people a Happy Birthday each week is that my lame brain forgets one. I can’t believe I forgot last Sunday to mention our little Quinn, turning 2 years old yesterday. We were able to FaceTime with him just after they left the Aquarium, and although he was very tired, we managed a smile or two and a few words. His speech consists of one or two word shout-outs. Yesterday we got FLIP-FLOPS and CHOCOLATE, and always, HUNTER is mentioned. Love that boy. I’m sure I’m missing someone’s Birthday this week that is not on my calendar, so I’ll just give a shout out HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you! Covered.

As we learned this week of a neighbor in Kaysville who’s daughter in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer, a young healthy woman with three young boys, and former Centerville neighbors who were killed in that horrific boating accident in Idaho Falls, our hearts have been heavy and tears have been shed. We are reminded once again how fragile life is. I have reflected on the advice President Henry B. Eyreng’s District President gave him as a young counselor, “When you meet someone, treat them as if they were in serious trouble and you will be right more than half of the time.” So very true.

Scotland was fun! We experienced uncanny good weather, which made it even better. The Parrishes and Partridges made a pact that we would not consume any organs during the trip, so no Haggis this time.

Wonderful day in Edinburgh!

Some things you know you’ll only get to experience once in a lifetime, and Monday evening was one of those. The sole reason for going to Scotland when we did was to see The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It did not disappoint. Held in an open area in front of the Edinburgh Castle, nearly 9,000 seats are brought in to enjoy a spectacular musical event that happens every year for three weeks. If the Scots were to host the Olympics, I picture something like this as their opening ceremony. Bands, pipers, and dancers, all decked out in their tartan kilts, skirts, capes, scarves and hats, maneuvering with the preciseness of the military, and giving us a performance complete with graphics projected on the walls of the castle, and fireworks. I loved standing with everyone as they sang “God Save the Queen”, and finishing the evening with everyone crossing their arms, holding hands with the person next to them, and shaking their hands, all while singing the old Scottish folk song, “Auld Lang Syne”. Did you know it was Scottish? I didn’t. It was spectacular, and so patriotic. There was a moment that I had to remind myself that I am not Scottish, as it felt very patriotic. Everyone felt that swelling feeling of patriotism, kindness, and brotherly love within. If you ever get the chance to go, don’t pass it up.

I am continually amazed at how our lives inner twine with past and present. Last Wednesday we had dinner with an old friend of Alisha’s from BYUI. He is British and lives about 15 miles away. Nearly twenty years ago we shared meals together around our dining table, as we did many of the kid’s friends. Any of their friends were our friends and we welcomed them in our home and were happy to share a meal. Now, the tables turn, and we are sharing a meal around his dining table in his native country. Isn’t it all so amazing! He is a physician and offered his services to us anytime if we need something. What a blessing to meet up with him again. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Thursday we took lunch to the missionaries during their District Meeting. Again, I made Alisha’s burrito mix. This time I took more tortillas, and it’s a good thing. We needed that third package! One Elder (and I think one Sister too, only she was more discreet) ate four burritos, dessert, then one more burrito. When someone made a comment, he said, “Hey, I don’t know if I’m going to get dinner tonight!” That made me worry! We brought home an empty crockpot. #theyloveusforthefood. This week they have zone conference, so we won’t be seeing them, and next week is transfers, so who knows what will happen. So we took a picture, as Elder Holbrook (the really big eater) will be going home to Park City. Boohoo. We were just getting to know him.

Yesterday I excused Ron to go to the office while I gave the flat a good cleaning. I do appreciate his help so much, but sometimes a girl just has to clean and feel good that she knows first hand that everything is clean. It felt good. The Hyde Park London senior missionaries went on a group outing to the movie “Dunkirk” since it’s story has significance to British History. They recommended it, so after the work was done yesterday we went to the movie. When I see movies like that I am reminded how ugly war is and to never take for granted anyone who has served his or her country. I am so grateful for the freedoms we enjoy both in American and here in Great Britain.

On the way home, the Bishop texted, “We cannot find a third speaker for Sacrament Meeting tomorrow. Sister Partridge, would you mind filling in?” I wonder what it’s like to have a week’s notice to prepare a talk? “And don’t worry, we would like both of you to speak very soon as well.” Thankfully, he asked me to speak on Public Affairs, and what we do, which was fairly easy, especially since I had the experience of the Pageant at my fingertips. Word of wisdom to my aging friends: If you’re thinking of going on a mission in the future, start preparing talks now. Have a file on your smartphone that you can call upon!

Ron is a happy missionary! Last night he was able to watch the BYU football game! Technology is a great invention! Even here I am a Saturday BYU football widow and must be careful what I plan during football season on Saturdays. Fortunately or unfortunately, most games are night games which means 3am games here, so my plans will be the same each week at that time.

Our prayers are with you and for you, especially if we know you are struggling. We are praying for Alisha’s family as they wait out Hurricane Harvey. We are crossing our fingers that your power (and A/C!) stay on and the very deep water in the streets stays in the streets. We give thanks and ask blessings to those caring for my mom, our home, and all the little things that we can’t do. Our Irish friend, John Connolly, the one who once scolded me for calling his garden a yard, signs all of his emails with the quote I will leave you with this week:

“Kindness is the essence of greatness.” Joseph B. Wirthlin

Cheers!
Ron and Marie