Happy New Year!

Dear family and friends,

We hope this letter finds you well and happy as 2017 comes to a close. Since last week was our Christmas letter, I’ll just summarize the last two weeks:

On Monday evening, December 18, we volunteered at the Manor House, an assisted living facility, and served Christmas dinner to the residents, cooked by one of our ward members. It was much like the place my own mother lives right now, and I was able to feel a connection as I served those in her same situation. Pay it Forward came to mind, as I appreciate all those who are taking care of Mom right now, both paid and voluntary. One woman there offered to pay Ron if he would just sit and talk to her because she loved his accent. Another lady was hitting on him, not realizing I was his wife. Her friend said to me, “You need to watch your husband around her . . . “ Too funny.

Tuesday we attended the third of three Zone Conferences, met more missionaries and had our spirits buoyed once again. We got to hug Sister Crandall and pass a photo of her to her mom. It was great to see Sister Speranza too! One funny thing that happened at one of the Zone Conferences . . . when we broke for lunch, the Mission Presidency changed into their Christmas jumpers (sweaters) and crazy hats and passed a bag of treats and a Christmas card to every missionary. President Gardner, one of the counselors, had a Christmas t-shirt on that said, “Merry Christmas, you filthy animals . . .” Most will recognize the line from the movie ‘Home Alone”. So as he passed out the treats, he said to each Elder and Sister, “Merry Christmas, you filthy animal” and got a laugh. When it came time to give a treat to the senior sister missionaries that were sitting next to me, President Gardner’s line was no different. “Merry Christmas, you filthy animals . . .” he said to them. Neither had seen the movie, or didn’t remember the line, and looked at him with eyes as big as saucers! It’s good I was sitting next to them and could quickly explain. It was a good laugh for us.

We cut out of Zone Conference a bit early to head up to temple for our “White Christmas”. About 30 minutes into the two-hour trip, I checked the website to see when the sessions were for sure. And the message said, TEMPLE CLOSED THIS WEEK. So no White Christmas for us.

We debated on what to give our office friends for Christmas, and we decided to share with them one of our family’s favorite traditions, that of watching Christmas movies together. So we purchased a variety of our favorite Christmas movies and Thursday we walked around, wished everyone a Merry Christmas, and let them choose a movie. For Malcolm, we made a large gift basket for his whole family with movies, popcorn, popcorn cups, candy, peanuts, drinks, etc. . . . so they could spend time watching movies together over the holidays. He was so appreciative. We got that one right.

The funniest gift we received, and it wasn’t meant to be a joke . . . Partridge Paté. ☺

Friday we took the day off and went to London to attend a sing-a-long at the Royal Albert Hall with the Parrishes and all the senior missionaries in the London mission. We were able to find pumpkin ice cream at Four Winters again, and after the concert we went with the Parrishes and the Phillips (they are the Self Reliance Missionaries from West Valley City) back to Durbar, the fabulous Indian restaurant we found with Sam and Alisha. It did not disappoint.

Saturday we went early to Costco and Morrisons to purchase food for Christmas Day. We also purchased some staple foods to wrap up and put under the Christmas tree for the missionaries (Skippy Peanut Butter, Pancake Mix, etc.) We spent the day preparing for Christmas. Let the fun begin.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Once a grandpa...

Christmas Eve we attended Sacrament Meeting. Everyone was in such good spirits. I was feeling homesick, but being around people sure helped. Our little Ferguson girls came to us during the meeting, and it’s like they knew just when I needed a hug. It was a tender mercy from heaven for sure. After Sacrament Meeting we went to Mark and Anna Abbott’s home in Bedworth and shared Christmas Eve dinner with them and the Elders Carr and Orr who serve in their ward. We had Christmas enchiladas that were so yummy, and pumpkin and pecan pie and profit rolls for dessert. We then helped the Abbotts deliver Christmas goodies to their neighbors by singing “We wish you a Merry Christmas” to each of them. The Elders are a cute, witty companionship, and we enjoyed ourselves very much. It was a great Sunday and we are so appreciative of Anna and Mark for taking such good care of us.

Christmas morning we had the Sisters over for breakfast. I made our traditional breakfast casserole, and we had scones with jam and clotted cream (English biscuits) and fruit. They hung around for a while and took advantage of the Wi-Fi to do their Monday emails. As quick as they left Ron took off to pick up the Elders, and I prepared round two, so the Elders had brunch

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

with us and we ate the exact same thing for the second time. We had a fun afternoon with them teaching them how to play “Golf – the card game” and “Rummicube”. We also Face timed with some of our family. They stayed until just before 5pm when it was time for their dinner appointment. Then we Face timed some more. It was a great day, especially the part where we talked with the kids. For dinner we ate leftovers from breakfast and lunch . . .

The day after Christmas is Boxing Day! So I did as I should and boxed up Christmas and had our flat back to it’s old self in about an hour. Then we went to the cinema and saw “The Greatest Showman”. Fun day. That evening we had dinner with the Sister missionaries at a members home and played games. It was a great day.

Tuesday through Friday were office days, but only four of us were working. Very few emails came, and the phone was quiet. We caught up on things; I worked on bios for an upcoming event, and accomplished everything we needed to, working only about 6 hours a day. I could get use to that . . . 4 days a week, 6 hour days. Oh yea.

Saturday night we had our first dinner guests other than the missionaries. Chris and Jeannie came over. We had a nice dinner and a visit, and enjoyed ourselves so much that we decided to have FHE every Monday together. I can’t wait.

Today is New Year’s Eve. Ron has already begun cooking his black-eyed peas. 2018 is sure to be a lucky year. Church was sparse today. Lots of people out of town. We had only three families represented in Primary today, a total of seven children. But none of the ‘attention seekers’ were there, so singing time was just fun fun fun.

I love the prospect of a new year. I relish the chance for a fresh start, a new beginning. Like many of you, I reflect on the past year . . . the good, the bad, the ugly . . . and what I can do to be better. Last week in Church, our Bishop quoted this:

      “It is better to be kind than it is to be right. If you are kind, you will always be right.”

I have thought about it so many times, and it has helped me already to bite my tongue more than once. So I am adopting that as my mantra this year. Have I told you how much I adore our Bishop? Still true. I’m sure he was speaking just to me when he said it.

May I just say thank you to everyone who reached out to us during Christmas with packages, Christmas cards, emails, texts, Facetime . . . we were the most popular in the office and had the most mail each day. Our credenza in the office as well as our wall at home is loaded with your well wishes, family pictures, family updates. Thank you for remembering the missionaries! I will be much better at it when we are home. You can bet on it.

Happy New Year everyone!

Much love,

Ron and Marie

Merry Christmas to ALL!

We express gratitude this Christmas season for our many blessings, two of which are our family whom we love dearly, and for the many wonderful friendships we have with so many of you. We are fortunate to be serving a full-time mission in beautiful England and are humbled by the many blessings we have received. We are learning a great deal every day. Our eyes have been opened to a whole new world. “Never a dull moment in Public Affairs” is a phrase we use constantly. 

Our children and grandchildren have also expressed recognition of blessings in their lives as a result of their support of our mission. We are so grateful for their love and help. Among the blessings we have seen for them is continued gainful employment, safety among natural disaster, and blessings of health and strength. We miss them dearly, but I don’t think there is even one in our twenty that would have things any other way right now. To catch you up on each of them (skip this part if you want to!): 

• Kevin and Amanda – keep busy with the schedules of five children, spent a lot of time on the lake and camping this past year. Their schedules make us tired. They will visit us in March!
• Taylor (18) – Eagle Scout! Winding up his senior year, accepted to USU, will defer until after serving a mission for our Church. We are hoping he doesn’t leave before we get home!
• Carly (15) – High School, learning to drive, ran on the cross-country track team, finally got her braces off!
• Hailey (13) – our sports girl! Plays Jr. High Basketball and Comp Basketball
• Luke (9) – third year skiing, loves to fish, even ice fishing, has given up asking for a real Pug dog, and has now resorted to asking for a t-shirt with a picture of a Pug. He sent his mom a power point presentation of all the things he wanted for Christmas. Very clever boy. 
• Abbie (9) – dancer, learning to play the guitar, full of energy, happy girl. 
• Sam and Alisha – came to England last month and we had a blast together! Sam is a busy tax accountant and Alisha an online instructor for BYUI. They are very good at making sure to get family time in too. Busy busy parents. 
• Nathan (9) – blue belt in Taekwondo, competition is the name of his game, everything from Taekwondo to brushing his teeth the fastest. Loves Cub Scouts too.
• Alexa (9) – unlike her twin brother, very non-competitive. Sweet, mild mannered, such a good big sister, learning to play the piano, loves to sing! 
• Maxwell (7) – loves catching bugs and lizards, loves to run with his mom, very witty. He makes us laugh! 
• Lincoln (3) – obsessed with Disney’s CARS, especially Lightning McQueen. Loves to call Grandma on Facebook Messenger video and use the funny icons to make funny faces with her, loves to be out and about. 
• Hannah (19mo) – a good little sleeper, jabbers non-stop, loves her binky, loves shoes, especially her Minnie Mouse slippers, a girlie girl for sure, and a mama’s girl too. 
• Zack and Hilary – Zack is still Mr. Entrepreneur, always something new in mind. Had is first MMA fight this month and won! It has been a great get-in-shape tool. Hilary works one day a week in Medical Research and is supermom and wife. 
• Hunter (5) – started school this year and loves it. Also does MMA and Jujitsu, loves sports like his dad, loves to sing and dance like his mom. A well-rounded kid! 
• Quinn (2) – our little emotional cutie. Talking more, but is still very funny with one or two-word shout outs. Hilarious! Such a sweet little boy. We love our Quinner Ninner. 

Last January before leaving on our mission we all enjoyed a week in Florida at Disney World. It was a week we will treasure always. Next to heaven, it really is “the happiest place on earth.” To connect the miles apart this Christmastime, we all are participating in the “Light the World” campaign and sharing it on our family Facebook page. It has been a great blessing also.

We are blessed this time of year to reflect on the many things we are thankful for. We have been blessed with such good health and strength while we have been serving. Never have we been more thankful for the Internet and social media to keep us connected to you! We are thankful for all those who are helping us with things at home, enabling us to serve. We are grateful to those taking care of my mom while we are away. We are most grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ, for his birth and his death, and his atoning sacrifice, that we may live with him again as eternal families. We are blessed to have each of you in our lives. May you spend this holiday time doing just want you want to do and being near those you cherish! May you be blessed with miracles in your life, strength if you are feeling weak, and may your burdens be lightened. Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you. 

Cheers from across the pond, 

Ron and Marie  

I blinked... then it was Sunday again!

Dear family, friends . . .all those we love so much,

Happy Happy Birthday to Devonna (yesterday) and this week to Karen Robinson, Kiera Tuttle Releye (my daughter from another mother) and a Happy Anniversary to our daughter Alisha and husband Sam.

This week was so busy and went so fast, I really do feel like I blinked and it was Sunday again.

A week ago last Friday we were asked to find a suitable place near Birmingham to do some filming. The Church is remaking the film “Why Mormons Build Temples” and chose England as one of the places they would like to film. There were specifications, such as looking very English quintessential, timeless (so no snow or Christmas decorations), etc. Monday I spent the day searching the Internet to find such places. Because we had that huge snowstorm last Sunday that closed everything down for 2-3 days, it was difficult, and the filming was to take place last Friday. After a lot of research, we narrowed it down to four places, two museums and two hotels, and we spent all day Tuesday visiting those places. It was fun day, and always fun to meet new people.

Elder Wheeler from Kaysville

Wednesday was a catch-up and preparation day in the office. Thursday and Friday we spent at Birmingham Zone Conferences training the missionaries on social media. Ron opens with, “Now I’m sure you’re wondering why they have an old guy teaching YOU how to use social media.” That gets a laugh because that is exactly what they are thinking!” Then he tells them what I’ve told him many times, “You’re a millennial trapped in a senior body.” He really is. He says it’s just my way of saying he is immature.   It is very fun to teach them together. It was also fun to reunite with missionaries that have transferred away from our area, and especially great to see Elder Wheeler from home. We were able to report to his parents that he is happy and doing well and surviving the rain and cold. He feels like he is being blessed the same way I do.

Friday we had to hurry home from Zone Conference to meet the film crew at our office for additional filming of those that couldn’t travel to the chosen quintessential location. At 6pm we realized that we had a dinner also to attend that evening, so we divided and conquered, and I stayed with the film crew and Ron went to the dinner. I was finished sooner than expected, and Ron was going to be longer than expected, so I decided to call an Uber and go home. I had just walked in the door when my phone rang. It was the Sister missionaries. They had been in a car accident, rear ended, and were at the hospital. Could we please come pick them up? Ron hurried home to get me and we hustled back to the hospital. Thankfully other than a few aches and pains they were ok. It was a late night.

Saturday was super busy! First thing, we gave the flat a spit shine. That’s all the time there was. Then we got ready and went to Julia’s baptism. Remember Julia . . . forgetful, 84-year-old Julia? The stars finally aligned and she was baptized. It was very sweet.

One funny thing at the baptism . . .whilst waiting for Julia to get dressed after being baptized, we went into the chapel and sang Christmas hymns. After singing ‘Away in a Manger’ the woman sitting in front of me turned around and said, “You make us sing your version of Christmas songs. You don’t let us sing traditional English versions.” At first I was a little stunned, as I didn’t understand exactly what I had done wrong to warrant the scolding, but then I figured it out. Sometimes the tune is different (you know how there is a different tune to Away in a Manger in the Children’s Songbook than in the Hymnal) and sometimes the words are slightly different, which is the case for ‘Away in a Manger’. The Church songbooks are the same all over the world in English-speaking countries, and true, they are the American version, so she was right. And I guess because I am American, it was my fault that day. I had to chuckle once again at the American bash. We seem to take the blame for a lot of things America does differently. That’s ok, I’m a missionary, and my shoulders are broad (chuckle chuckle).

One of the cute families we home/visit teach had a new baby last Saturday, so we offered to take dinner to them yesterday. And because I was preparing food anyway, we decided to have the Elders over for dinner last night as well. So it was a couple of hours of preparing food, a couple of hours to deliver it (the family really lives outside our ward boundaries so it’s quite a trek to get to them), then a trip home to cook the meal for the missionaries. The best part of preparing recipes are the thoughts I have of the person who originally gave me the recipe, so a shout-out to Robyn for her Swiss Chicken, Mary Fae for her Broccoli salad, Mom Partridge for her Tropical Fruit salad, and my 8th grade Home Economics teacher for glazed carrots.

Another funny thing at the Baptism . . .at the church we have a pathetic-looking Christmas tree set up in the foyer that someone pulled out of storage, still decorated from last year, and stuck it in the entry. Sister Phillips in the ward (well loved, well respected, a lovely woman) pulled Ron to the side and said, “Do you think you could get your wife to work some magic on that awful Christmas tree?” I guess because of my Festival of Trees experience, I was thought to be a decorator. (I didn’t tell her I’m an organizer, not a decorator!) While we were waiting for Julia to arrive, we surveyed the tree and began a makeover. But it needed more time, and more ornaments, and something to make it stand up straight, so we left it with a promise to come back in the evening and finish it. After we finished dinner with the Elders, we grabbed the leftover ornaments from our tree at our flat, took the tree topper star right off our tree, and headed to the Church to make a true Charlie Brown tree look presentable for Church the next morning. Ron found something in the Primary closet to use as a shim and straightened the tree, we took the haphazardly-placed garland a ribbon completely off, fluffed the tree (thanks to Deb and Tif and Festival of Trees tree delivery, even Ron knew how to do that!), rearranged and added ornaments, and topped it with our star. No compliments on it today . . .truly only three people noticed I’m sure . . . but Sister Phillips and Ron and I were happy. One never knows what you might be asked to do as a missionary.

Getting ready for the Nativity in Primary!

It is traditional throughout England that on this Sunday the Nativity is acted out at some point during Church. Because Church was cancelled last week, we hadn’t practiced or assigned parts. It was as chaotic as anything I have ever seen. But we took the middle hour and sorted out people and costumes for the 12 Primary children. Every girl wanted to be Mary, and none of the boys wanted to be Joseph. When the line in the script said “We don’t know exactly how many Kings were there, but traditionally we say three . . . “ and then the three kings were to make their entrance, only two came up. The third ran up a few minutes later, as he had to make a toilet break at the exact time he was needed on stage. When it came time for the children to sing ‘Away in a Manger’, you can bet I had them sing the tune they were familiar with and changed the American wording to the English version. I hope to have redeemed the reputation of every American. And what Nativity doesn’t finish by playing a two-minute segment of The Polar Express? I’m not even going to try to explain that one . . .

We enjoyed a Munch and Mingle after Church together and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. I’m always amazed at how fast the tables are set up and the food is brought in from everyone’s cars, and then how fast the food is gone. Today it was finger foods, so sandwiches, crisps, and finger desserts. I made 36 chicken salad sandwiches on Costco rolls and they were a hit. Sometimes the Americans do get things right.

After Church we took a gift over to our other Home Teaching family, took neighbor gifts to those we know in our flat block (apartment building), and called it a day.

Someone asked us today how we were doing with being away from family this Christmas. I answered, “We’re ok! The kids and grandkids seem to be ok without us, so it’s all good.” Then Ron said, “Ask her next week. You might get a different answer.” At Zone Conference, President Leppard counseled us to focus on the Savior even more this year. Since we were in the mission field, and many of the things that can distract us from focusing on Christ during Christmas were not present, use this year to really focus on what really matters. So that is what we are doing, and it has been wonderful. The ‘Light the World” campaign has helped tremendously.

We love you, and our thoughts will be with you this week during your final preparations for Christmas. Thanks to those that have sent Christmas greetings already. Mail from home is the best.

Love to all,
Ron and Marie

Let it Snow...

10 December 2017

Dear Family and Friends,

Church was cancelled today, as it is snowing snowing snowing! We must have at least six inches by now.  But like when we lived in Maryland, it is different here, and that much snow really does shut everything down. Our flat is at the bottom of two fairly steep hills, and we have watched cars all day struggle to get up and down, many not making it. The sister missionaries were supposed to come over for dinner today, but instructions from the mission president today was to not drive, which is smart. As I look past our little Christmas tree and outside to the winter wonderland, I’m watching children attempting to sled down the hill, a few snowballs being thrown, shoveling going on, and I have to say, it feels like Christmas. It’s a great feeling. So far though, I’m not the least bit tempted to go outside.

It has been a busy week once again, and I’m not sure where the time went. Monday we did a day of filming in Wales and arrived home late Monday night. The rest of the week we were in the office. Ron is swamped with year-end finances, and I have been mailing out our office Christmas cards among other tasks. We were given another country to be first contacts for this week, so to add to Scotland, Ireland and Netherlands, now we are overseers of Dutch-speaking Belgium, so we will be making a trip there sometime next year. Malcolm was given France and Norway also, so we will be a support to those countries too. We love the change and love the work and are grateful that our leaders have confidence in us to take these responsibilities on.

Tuesday evening we were invited to the Wills’ home for a traditional English Christmas dinner. What did they serve, you say? I say, what DIDN’T they serve! Sliced turkey, oven baked potatoes (baked in oil, so more like deep fried), mashed potatoes, gravy, onion sauce, Yorkshire pudding (which isn’t really pudding at all, more like a roll with gravy), carrots, parsnips, cranberries, baguettes, pigs in blanket (sausage rolls), stuffing . . .and non traditional Trifle for dessert, because traditional is made with Sherry that isn’t cooked out. We were served a “ginger wine” that of course is non-alcoholic and is described on the bottle as “a traditional ginger drink with the kick of two very angry mules.” And kick it had! When tasting it, it tasted like a nice ginger ale, but it was when you swallowed that the kick came. We loved it so much we went the next day and purchased eight bottles for our neighbors (and a couple for ourselves). After dinner came the “CRACKERS” which can only be described as noise makers with silly prizes inside that are opened crossing arms and holding yours in one hand and your neighbor sitting next to you cracker in the other. Everyone gets a paper crown, and I got a plastic mustache. There is also a joke written in each one to share. “What kind of sandals do frogs wear?” Open toad, of course! It’s a very fun English tradition, and they are sold EVERYWHERE this time of year.

Thursday afternoon we watched a satellite broadcast from Frankfurt, a Christmas devotional from our Area Presidency. It was a very nice break from the routine of the week. After the devotional the employees were given the rest of the day off (I think that’s their Christmas bonus) and Ron had a session with his driving trainer, so I had the whole building to myself for a couple of hours! I’m sure we could have taken the rest of the day off too, but too much to do, and sometimes a quiet office is the best way to get things done.

After a long week, we decided for a date night Friday night we would splurge and go see “Thor” at the cinema since it won’t be here much longer. Ron loved it, I was happy to be with Ron.

Saturday was busy! Thank goodness our little flat doesn’t require a lot of cleaning time, because it didn’t happen much. I had been asked to make Potato Salad and Broccoli salad for the Ward Christmas Party that night which took a couple of hours. Ron went to the office to work while I was cooking. We made a trip to Costco to order pictures for a gift for the Primary for Christmas, came home and prepared our lessons and music for Sunday, (if we would have only known it would be cancelled!) and then went to the Ward Christmas Party that began at 5pm. I wish you could see the spread of food they do. It’s so much different than what we are used to. Instead of it being a simple meal, like soups, or potato bar, or a plate with ham, potatoes, vegetables, salad, there is a smorgasbord of food like you’d find at Chuck-a-rama only better. And the desserts were the same, served after fun and games, and a visit from Father Christmas. It is a traditional fun evening that is well attended and the whole ward looks forward to it. Towards the end, Ron said the Bishop wanted to talk to me . . . a million things went through my mind of what he might ask us to take on now . . . so I was completely relieved to know that he was thinking of buying his wife an Apple Watch for Christmas and noticed mine and wanted to know how I liked it. WHEW! It was a Christmas miracle.

It was at the Christmas party that the Bishop announced that they had made the decision to cancel Church today, and wanted everyone to stay home and be safe. It was a good decision, as it is mid-day right now and still snowing. Although we have much to do at the office, including a new assignment to scout out a place for a new church film that is in the works . . .I am secretly hoping it just snows and snows and we are stuck here in our flat for one more day . . .

I woke up the other morning to a text and a photo from a friend whose daughter had a new baby while we were sleeping. Her babies do not come easy, so each one is such a blessing. I’ve never had a child or grandchild born in December, but I couldn’t help but think what a blessing it must be to have a new little spirit in the home for Christmas. A new birth brings such a special spirit anyway, so top it with the Christmas season, and how can we help but reflect on Joseph and Mary and the star that shone so brightly on the night of our Savior’s birth. I am so grateful for this season and the opportunity to reflect on these sacred moments in time. I am so very grateful and feel blessed.

We have enjoyed “Lighting the World” this week and have found it fairly easy when we just open our eyes to look for ways to serve. It was easy to “Love Thy Neighbor” yesterday as we sought out those at the Christmas party last night that were sitting alone. Today instead of attending Church we will take more time to “ponder the scriptures”. We are also taking dinner to Gordon and Ann downstairs. Ann had knee surgery a week ago, and after not much convincing the other night, they agreed to let us bring them each a plate of food today. And as we serve, we are again blessed.

At home, so much is happening . . . family gatherings, Christmas parties with friends and neighbors, and strangers purchasing goats in vending machines (again, Light the World campaign for those that aren’t aware of it), Christmas caroling, lights on Temple Square, and the list goes on. We will miss everything for a season, but we are ok serving here and will look forward to being together next Christmas season.

May you feel the Spirit of Christmas, and remember that we need only remove the last syllable of the phrase to celebrate the real reason for the season, the Spirit of Christ. We love you and pray for you and thank you for all your emails, texts, FB messages! I haven’t been as good at responding to each one the past few weeks, as our time has been full, but know they are so very much appreciated.

All our love,

Ron and Marie

PS – For those that follow Zack on Facebook and have seen his new fascination as an MMA fighter, he won his first fight last night in the first round and escaped with only bruises. We are very proud of him and the work and dedication it took to get physically fit, losing over 50 pounds. Can MMA fights be part of mission blessings when we pray for his safety? I’m going with yes. . . Love you Zack!

Who says 8 hours = a workday!

Life is much simpler while
serving a mission!

3 December 2017

Hello family and friends!

Busy busy busy week, a three page letter if I detailed it all, so here are some highlights:

· Took Sister Romero and Sister Ianni to the Jade Wok for Sister Ionni’s first ever Chinese food at her request. I guess they don’t have too many Chinese restaurants in Florence, Italy. I don’t think she loved it.

· Said good-bye to Sisters Romero and Ianni as they boarded separate trains . . . both transferred. Those are sad days for Elder and Sister Partridge. At least we kept our Elders.

· Taught a Spokesperson Training Class in Leicester Tuesday evening. By the time we got home, it was a 13-hour day. It was all worth it when we received the nicest email from an older couple who were at the class. The very next night they were interviewed by BBC, not church related, but were much more confident because of the training they had the night before. So nice of them to take the time to write and thank us.

· Thrilled beyond measure to hear that Festival of Trees had a record breaking Opening Night. Congratulations to my Festival Board Member friends – well done!

· Took a crockpot full of soup, 18 rolls, and cookies to District Meeting. Met our two new Sisters, Sister Chen from Taiwan and Sister Harrigfeld from Ashton, Idaho. I already love them! They and the Elders are all hearty eaters . . .the crockpot was empty, the rolls and cookies were gone. It warms my heart to warm their tummies!

· Travelled to London Friday on assignment. Took an open top bus tour at dark (4pm . . . no kidding) to see the Christmas lights. It was nice, ok it was cold . . . glad I dressed warm.

· Great to hear what our family at home is doing as we participate in the “Light the World” campaign. So far, and we are just three days into the project, we have received far more than we have given.

· Worked all day Saturday in London with our Europe area social media video project. Met some incredible YSA’s and missionaries and had so much fun with them. We then drove to Milton Keynes (a two-hour drive) for our last interview of the day. When we got there, the person we were suppose to video had lost her voice, so no go. We wished her well, said we would try to arrange another day, and drove to Leeds (another two hours) to spend the night. It was only a 13-hour workday.

· Filmed in Leeds this morning, drove to Solihull, fed the producer and cameraman at our flat, videoed the Chan family, then drove to Wales to be ready to film tomorrow. An 11-hour day of rest.


And I have to say . . . I officially feel like a real missionary today. This morning at 9am I knocked on the door of what I thought was our first interview. I heard shuffles of noise, and then the door opened. It was not the right house. Before I could even say anything, the young woman took one look at my badge and said, “Oh, no, no, no” with a few moans in between, and shut the door. I felt so bad for disturbing someone who obviously wasn’t happy to be answering the door on a Sunday morning, I yelled through the door, “I’m sorry, I really didn’t mean to disturb you, I have the wrong house!” and walked away a little deflated. Now I know how the young missionaries feel nearly every day. Empathy is a great thing.

We love to hear from you. Thanks to so many for posting pictures of Festival on Facebook for me and kept me updated. I can’t tell you how many times it happens . . . just when I need a little boost, I’ll get a little message from someone at home, and it’s just what I needed to hear. Bless you! This divine plan we are part of is so real. Blessings and tender mercies are around us every day if we open our eyes and hearts. We love you all so much and thank you for thinking of us. (We can’t send pictures this week. The hotel we are at tonight has very week wi-fi.)

Cheers,

Ron and Marie

The fruits of our labours: 

Hi everyone! Just wanted to put on record how invaluable we have both found this training. On Tuesday we learnt from Bro & Sis Partridge how to speak in an interview with the media and lo and behold we were using this knowledge tonight as we were interviewed on Radio Leicester, ITV and the Leicester Mercury at the Leicester clock tower as we took part in celebrating the success of the decision by NHS England to keep the Glenfield Hospital Childrens Heart Centre open. This decision follows eighteen months of dedicated campaigning of which we've been proud to play our part.

So - the moral of this story is, our Church training, in whatever capacity we serve, can bless our lives not only at Church but also in our communities. It can be far reaching. It is free. It is a great blessing when we avail ourselves of it.

It's great to be a part of this amazing gospel! God bless us as we all play our parts.

Les & June