Who says money can't buy blessings...

Hello family and friends!

Five Guys & Goodbyes!

What a crazy busy week!  I am feeling better and do pretty well during the day, but my energy level leaves me about quitting time and then I’m worthless.  My voice has not yet returned completely, and by evening I sound like Jimmy Durante.  

It has been a busy week in the office, catching up on three weeks of work!  I have been organizing upcoming video shoots in Ireland next weekend and Scotland the next.  We will be on the road a lot in March.   Sunday night we received word that one Elder and one Sister were being transferred.  Oh . . .transfer weeks are hard weeks.  Monday we all met at Five Guys for a farewell lunch.  I just love the District right now and we knew the goodbyes were going to be especially difficult.  Monday evening we also attended a farewell dinner for three senior missionary couples that will return home in the next few week.  When I say we attended, we only had to walk down the hall, as they used our office conference room and kitchen for the gathering.  Sweet testimonies were borne by those leaving, and by President Leppard.  One thing that was said more than once, and I’ve said it also, “Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.”  I know first hand it is true.  By the time we arrived home, I crashed.  

Senior Missionary Gathering

Love Sister Herrigfeld & Sister Chen!

Tuesday, we helped the Sisters with transfers.  Sister Herrigfeld was so sad to go, and we were sad to see her go.  When she got on the train and started to cry, I started to cry, and oh . . . an ugly scene.  We brought Sister Chen back with us to the office for an hour, then went back to pick up Sister Gee!  She is from Provo, darling, bubbly, and so sweet, and I love her already.  It’s amazing how that works.  She and Sister Whitney Crandall were roommates at BYU and received their calls one day apart, so I knew of her and she knew of us.  She is a brand new Sister Trainer Leader (like a Zone Leader only for the Sister missionaries), and is the new designated driver, having only ridden a bike for the last nine months.  She was petrified, and I was petrified for her!  Ron gave her a few pointers then had the Sisters follow him back to their flat.  They were to drive to the Mission Offices that night also, and to the airport the next day, so after they got settled they came back to the office and Ron took them out for an hour driving lesson (because I am happy to say that he is now licensed to drive in the UK . . .whew!) 😊

Love Sister Gee already!

Tuesday evening the Wills invited us over.  We ate Papa John’s Pizza (and yes, it tasted the same!) watched some Olympics and another program on the television.  By the time the program was over, so was I . . .as in asleep in their chair.  Oh gosh, it’s good they are good friends.  It was only 7:30pm when we excused ourselves to get home to bed.  How embarrassing.   

Thursday we took lunch to District Meeting and met our new Elder, Elder Vusi from Tonga.  He is tall and thin and was so excited to see lunch!  He said, “I love food, and I love to eat!”  He wasn’t kidding.  As a matter of fact, they all knocked it down pretty well, even the tiny Sisters.  Six foot-long sandwiches from Subway, a bag of Doritos, a bag of Clementines, and a pan of homemade brownies . . . GONE!  We wondered how much we would have to take before there were leftovers . . .   (I predict Elder Vusi will always be tall, but as far as thin goes . . . maybe not!)

Thursday night the Sisters dropped by our flat to borrow my kazoos for the Ward Talent Show the next night.  It was dinnertime . . . so we fed them again . . . I love it.  Who says money can’t buy blessings.  I disagree!  After they left they texted, “Just heard the talent show has been cancelled due to lack of participation”.  We were kind of relieved.  I needed a night just to recoup.

Saturday was dubbed CLEAN THE FLAT day.  It hadn’t been done since before our trip to Utah.  I cleaned, Ron went grocery shopping (he’s a pretty darn good grocery shopper now), he vacuumed for me, we caught up on some projects, I took a nap so I could stay awake longer than 7pm, then got ready and attended the Saturday evening session of Stake Conference.  After Stake Conference the YSAs had planned to go to dinner for Alise, (your Alise, Denise Garrett!) our YSA Rep’s birthday.  We went to a local hamburger joint and as always, we loved being with them.  They treat us like we are one of them and make us feel young at heart.  They are such a blessing to us.  

New missionaries to love!

At Stake Conference today our Stake Presidency was reorganized.  I am always amazed at the process.  Elder Sabin from the Area Presidency and Elder Dryden, an Area Authority, conducted the interviews and prayerfully selected our new President.  He was the first counselor previous.  He is loved, and perfect.  Although not much voice, I was privileged to sing in the choir today also.  Music enhances the meeting.  I really felt the words today of the songs “Saviour, May I Learn to Love Thee” and “Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd.”  

Did you happen to see the announcement that President Nelson (President of our Church) and Elder Holland are touring in April?  First stop, UK!  We’re pretty excited about that. I remember at the Pageant shaking Elder Ballard’s hand.  It was such a sweet experience.  I’ll definitely need a new outfit for this one. ☺

When the Sisters were over the other night, they showed us a short video from LDS Media that I hadn’t seen before, although I vaguely remember Elder Uchtdorf relating the story in Conference several years ago.  The parable/video was titled, “Your Potential, Your Privileges”.   You can easily find it on YouTube or LDS Media Library.   The message has stuck with me for the last several days . . .

“We live beneath our privileges when we fail to partake of the feast of happiness, peace and joy

that God grants so bountifully.”

There’s my food for thought this week.  May you have a wonderful week this week, and as always, you are in our prayers.  

Much love,

Ron and Marie

Earthquake and Lava Cake

Dear one and all,

It has been another week of trials and blessings!  Malcolm had told me not to come back until I was 100%.  I may have pushed it a little, but I really was feeling pretty good when I made the decision to come back to the mission on Tuesday.  I knew I needed to get back into mission mode ASAP!  It would be much too easy to slip back into life at home.  I arrived in the UK Wednesday morning, and my mind was ready to get back to work, but unfortunately my body rebelled.  I have suffered a bit of a relapse and after only working a few hours in the office on Thursday, I’ve been a slug on the couch ever since.  It has definitely been a challenge for my body and spirit.

Saturday was Ron’s birthday.  We had begun making plans of what to do for fun, where he would like to eat, etc., but of course nothing panned out, as he stayed home to take care of me.  His big outing for the day was a trip to the grocery store and take-out sushi at our favorite Japanese restaurant for dinner.  Thank goodness for his bazillion Facebook friends who wished him Happy Birthday to make his day.   And, of course, the calls from the grandchildren were icing on the cake (which the only cake was lava cake he picked up at the grocery store L). 

The most excitement we had on Saturday was in the afternoon whilst watching television.  We both felt a rumble.  I thought it was the dryer loaded with towels on the other side of the wall in the kitchen, but Ron, sitting across the room, felt it also.  Yup, a 4.2 measured earthquake in Swansea, Wales, we found out later, and we felt like we were right back home on the Wasatch front.   Home sweet home.

To show you the type of wonderful people we share our flat block (apartment building) with, Karl and Margaret from upstairs, who are both hearing impaired, rang the bell yesterday and handed Ron and note.  They had installed a new dryer and wanted to make sure it wasn’t too noisy for us.  Karl also pointed to his wedding ring finger and asked, “How is your wife?”   He recognized that Ron had been in and out on his own all week and knew I must not be well.  Thank goodness he can’t hear my coughing!  Also, Ann, from downstairs, met Ron at the stairs when he came in by himself from Church today, concerned about me. Unfortunately, she does hear my coughing. 

Ron came home from Church today with  ‘get well’ wishes from so many kind and concerned ward members.  One dear sister I work with in Primary had made bookmarks for me with my mother’s photo on them and a tender poem.  It was so sweet and touched me as much as any gift I received. There were so many kindnesses shown to me while I was home, and they continue here.  I am so grateful for the many many examples of good people in my life.  My heart is full.

Something I have learned while serving is how important journaling can be for the spirit.  On weeks like this one that has passed where I’ve not felt well in body or spirit, if I take time to ponder all the events of the week, I can always find a reason to count my many blessings.  We pray your week will this week will be full of joy.  We love you and are so grateful for your goodness.

Cheers from across the pond once again,

Ron and Marie   

Tender Mercies & Trials

“We are not placed on this earth to walk alone.”

Thomas S. Monson

My dear family and friends,

As I attempt to journal all that has taken place the last two weeks, I hope that I share something with you that is impactful to your own life.  I have experienced so many tender mercies, so much divine guidance, and have witnessed angels at work as I have attempted to navigate this period of time.  I have not walked alone.

I’d like to begin by sharing my first tender mercy of this whole experience.  I’m adding this paragraph in after the rest of this email was written.  You might say this is “the rest of the story . . . “ When Mom fell on New Year’s Day and broke her hip, Rex called me and told me the doctors had said this very well could be the beginning of the end.  As you can imagine, I was in utter turmoil wondering what to do.  Should I hop a plane then?  Who would take care of her the way I wanted to if I wasn’t there?  I needed to go!  Should I go?  What about all my mission responsibilities?  I felt like I was riding a giant roller coaster that did not stop.  I was on pins and needles and could not sleep or relax in between communication with the family.  I had an email from a good friend who had gone through a similar experience that gave me my first feeling of peace, and I decided to turn it over to the Lord.  I prayed to know what to do.  And the answer came as clear as day, “Focus on your mission, let those at home take care of Mom, and you’ll know when it’s time to go.”  When I talked to Rex, I told him “If at all possible I want to be there to say good-bye to her before she goes, so call me when you think it’s close.”  Wow!  That’s a huge responsibility to put on someone, and he said that very thing to me.  My answer to him was, “You’ll know.”  Ron and I went ahead and planned our days and our schedule of responsibilities as if everything was normal.  A Stake in the Manchester called and needed some training.  We scheduled it. We scheduled our YSA activities, our Home Teaching appointments . . . everything, as if all was normal.  We worked hard.  And every time I would get word that Mom wasn’t doing well, or she had a problem, I would wonder, “Should I go now?”   But then I would remember my answer, and I would keep my focus on the mission.  When Rex called me at 5:30 am on the morning before she passed away, and said, “It’s time to come . . . “ I knew it was.  Ron found me a flight, we were out the door by 7am, to London Heathrow by 9am, and I was on my way home by 11am.  At that point I didn’t know if I would make it before she passed, but I was at peace that I had kept my end of the promise, and He would also.  I felt so much peace, as I said before, that even I was amazed. 

Now, to continue with my letter . . .

The passing of my mother on Monday, January 29, was a difficult, yet sweet experience.  She was surrounded by each of her children and other family members.  Rex was holding her left hand, and her face was cupped in my hands as we watched her slip quietly away.  An immediate spirit filled the room, and a feeling came to me that all that were present and many more were bound together for eternity.   Yet another feeling of emptiness was soon felt, and I even said out loud, “I feel like an orphan.”  It was a very strange feeling.  Each of our families gathered together separately for a private good-bye to our mom and grandma.  With Amanda, Zack and I present, we Face timed with Ron and Alisha and joined together as Ron offered a family prayer.  It was a special few minutes.  The spirit filled the room and our hearts, and it did not leave us.  Even now, I feel the Comforter with me.  I am so thankful to have shared that with my husband and my children. 

I took care of funeral details all day on Tuesday.  I was tasked with submitting the obituary and photo for the newspapers, ordering flowers, and choosing burial clothes.  It was a difficult day; even more difficult than the day before.  Rex said the same thing.  I was sad, and I cried my way through the day.  It was much harder than I thought it would be.  I was so glad for Ron to arrive Wednesday and Alisha and her family’s arrival on Thursday.  After a year of separation, we now had our family back together to laugh and cry and mourn together.  That everyone’s schedule worked out so that we could be together during that difficult time on such short notice was nothing short of a miracle, and I do believe in miracles. 

Monday night I had felt like I was catching a cold.  I did all my home remedies to prevent it, and prayed for health and energy, but by Thursday night I knew I was doomed.  I prayed for strength to accomplish everything I needed.  My family took over and let me rest.

The viewing Friday evening was wonderful.  So many people came to express their love for Mom and to our family.  We had so much personal support from our friends.  Many flowers were delivered.  I hugged, I laughed, I cried.  It really is a wonderful opportunity to see so many people you love.  By Friday night, my voice was gone.  Again, as Saturday, funeral day, came, I prayed again for enough strength.  But with no voice, I resigned the fact that I would not be able to deliver the talk I had prepared; a tribute to mom.  I was so sad, but asked Alisha if she would give it for me, and passed it on to her.  After Ron said the family prayer, we said our good-byes and closed the casket, I wanted so badly to pay tribute to Mom, so I silently prayed for enough voice to be heard, and told Alisha I would give the talk.  Yet another miracle happened, as I was able to speak in an audible and legible voice just long enough to pay tribute to Mom.  And I thanked Heavenly Father once again for another tender mercy.

The funeral was beautiful.  I think Mom would have been pleased.  Everyone did a great job and stayed on schedule.  Melanie and John (my talented niece and husband) sang a song she had written at the graveside, and Zack dedicated the grave.  It was beautiful, and then it was over.  Mom’s ward provided the family with such a nice lunch, and it was a great opportunity to visit with cousins and family members we don’t see often anymore.  That is such a nice tradition our Church has, although I would much rather be on the giving end than the receiving end. 

After we arrived home, my strength was gone, and I was exhausted, coughing, and had no voice.  But yet, when I needed the strength . . . my voice, I had it.  I don’t believe in coincidences.  I know I was truly blessed the entire day when I needed to be. 

When I finally woke up Sunday morning, Ron said, “We have kids throwing up, kids with stomachaches, kids with fevers.  We’ve cancelled getting together for the Super Bowl, and we’re not taking the chance of infecting the entire ward, so we’re not going to Church.”  Great.  Just what we needed.  But, yet another tender mercy was given.  By 4pm everyone but me felt much better and the family was able to gather at Amanda’s.   I stayed home and slept and slept and slept.  The 2-1/2 nights of sleep I had completely missed earlier in the week had caught up to me and my body was making up for it.

Beginning last Thursday, February 8, Ron and I had a big assignment for our mission in Wales, as we were to be part of a large Women’s Interfaith Event, and we were the hosts of Sister Bingham, General Relief Society President, and Sister Jones, General Primary President.  We had determined that we would do our best to return to our mission in enough time to fulfill our assignment.  I woke up Monday morning and said to Ron, “I think you need to take me to the doctor, and I don’t think I will be getting on a plane tomorrow.”  Just when you think things are going your way, and all your prayers are being answered, Heavenly Father lets you know who is in charge, and it clearly wasn’t me.  But how could I feel resentment or betrayal when I had felt so much love and mercy and had so many prayers answered the previous week?  The Lord knew why I needed to go back to England the next day, but my fate was in His hands, and I accepted that.

I was not surprised when the doctor said, “You really can’t get on a plane.”  The good news was that I did not have the flu.  The bad news was, it was a respiratory virus that an antibiotic would not help.  It just had to run its course.  And the danger was that it could easily turn into pneumonia.    At that point, Ron said, “I’ll do whatever you need me to do, stay with you or go back.”  As hard as it was to let him go, I knew he needed to go back and fulfill his and my assignments for the event that weekend.  So the next day he left me, life for everyone else got back to normal, and I was home alone to recover. 

I didn’t surface again until Thursday evening when I went to dinner with Zack’s family for Hunter’s birthday.  It was a bonus to be home for his sixth birthday, as last year we were at the MTC and missed it.  I tried not to smooch on them too much or cough on them, and my lack of voice was annoying as heck, but nevertheless it was fun to be out.  I did go back home and go straight to bed.  My friends and neighbors were so good to drop food by.  I certainly didn’t go without.  I am so blessed to have such good people in my life.  Truly, angels of mercy.

Our Wales Interfaith event went well, so Ron said.  Well, actually he said, “It must have been really important, because Satan sure had his foot in the door. “  So many things did not happen the way they were suppose to, including Sisters Bingham and Jones’ flight from Frankfurt to Cardiff being cancelled, and they were late for the event, but Ron took the lead and handled everything.  I was sorry to miss, as he had an amazing experience, but so thankful he was there to carry the load for both of us.  I was able to watch the event on Facebook Live, which was pretty amazing.  Have I mentioned before how much I love technology?  This little 3x5 computer called a mobile phone that I carry with me keeps me connected to family, friends, and the world no matter where I am.  At one time it seemed so incomprehensible that Heavenly Father can have his finger on all of us at any given time, but now I get it.  There is always a way.

I had a really good night last night and feel back to normal except for my voice.  I went to Church today and loved hugging so many of our dear friends that I love and miss.  It was a sweet experience and I am so grateful for it.

Again, as I ponder the many miracles and tender mercies I have experienced the last two weeks, I cannot deny that we each have a loving Father in Heaven who knows us individually and cares enough about us to bless us in times of need.  “His arm is stretched out still” . . . as it says so many times in the scriptures . . . if we only reach for it, in good times and in difficult times.  This is my testimony today.  My heart is full of gratitude for so many who reached out to our family this week in so many ways.  I only hope I can pay it forward and bless someone’s life when they need it also.  Thank you for your example to me. 

If all goes well, I’ll be on a plane back to England on Tuesday morning, exactly one year later to the date that we first left on our Mission.  Now that may just be a true coincidence.  Wish me luck!

Much love,

Marie (and Ron from across the pond!)