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,
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