We continue to stay busy and I am sure that’s why time is flying. Monday we said good-bye to Kevin and Amanda as they rode the train back to London and then on to Paris. We had such a good time together. She even brought me sour watermelon Peeps!
Tuesday we worked the day and then drove about an hour to give a training class in the evening in Northampton. We prepared three attendees to speak with BBC radio on the 20th anniversary of a huge flood in their area. The LDS Chapel in their area was used as a command center and place of refuge for all those who lost their homes. The BBC will be broadcasting their drive-time show on April 10 from that same Chapel. It was heartwarming to hear them relive the memories of the community coming together to help one another.
Wednesday night was our Relief Society Birthday celebration. I don’t usually get to Relief Society here, but I did make a special effort last week. Every year at this time when we celebrate together the organization of the Relief Society, I think about how much it has blessed my life and I am grateful to belong to such a noble organization that embraces the motto “Charity Never Faileth”. From that statement alone I have learned so much. My testimony of the importance of serving others stems from my service in Relief Society and also watching my own mom serve. Those of you who have known me for a long time know that Relief Society literally saved my life back in 1989. The older I get, the more I enjoy and appreciate the sisterhood I feel with fellow members no matter what country I’m in on any given Sunday. I am blessed.
Thursday night we taught the same class again up in Manchester (about a two-hour drive) to a group of congregation leaders. They were a fun group and we had a lot of interaction. It makes for a long day, but we really do enjoy that part of the calling. We went up early and were able to spend about three hours at the Preston Temple prior to teaching the class. It was just the boost we needed.
Friday began the European Easter campaign on social media titled “Always There.” If you have a few moments, I would encourage you watch the short video. Whether you belong to the same church as I do or not, if you are Christian, you will love it. I promise.
Speaking of time sailing, on Friday we Skyped with the couple that have been called to replace us. I can’t even write about it without choking up a little. They are a lovely couple from St. George and we are excited for them to serve in this great country in Public Affairs. I know we are prejudiced, but we think it’s the best. We also received our release date and travel plans on Friday. . . a bittersweet day full of mixed emotions.
The good news is . . . the sun was shining this morning, it’s up to 50° today, and church was not cancelled! It was so good to be back to our ward after missing two months straight. I can’t even tell you. It was especially good to sing with the Primary children again. I’m sure they didn’t miss me as much as I missed them, but their cute faces and singing voices and warm hearts made my day. Today’s singing time included maracas, a tambourine, a triangle, and kazoos . . . J
The other good news is that Villanova is still in the tournament and my March Madness bracket is looking very good (unless they lose tonight, that is.) J Our family has fun each year with the Partridge Family Challenge. Ron chose Kansas at the overall champ, the majority of the family chose Duke, and Alisha is loyal to Texas and chose Texas Tech. Tonight’s games are BIG!
Malcolm is gone for the next two weeks to Salt Lake for Conference and PA meetings. I’ll hit the road running tomorrow morning as I received a detailed ‘to do’ list over the weekend of things to prepare for President Nelson and Elder Holland’s visit. Not on the list yet is that new outfit to purchase . . .but it will be. J We are also getting ready for another video shoot in the Netherlands soon. Never a dull moment.
That’s what is going on in our lives right now. We’d love to hear what is going on in yours too. Thank you to all those who write and keep up connected with the comings and goings and happenings of our other life. We love every email, text, photo, video, and message sent. We love and miss you all.
Cheers,
Ron and Marie
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