Sun... Glorious Sun!

The many many MANY emails, FB messages, etc we received this past week was such a blessing to us.  Thank you so very much for thinking of us and taking a minute to write.  As I’ve said before, they always come at the right time.

Happy 8th Birthday today to our Maxwell Roger!  He is witty, has a soft heart, and is a good friend at school.  Not only is it his birthday, but it is his baptism day!  We will stay up and Facetime into the baptism tonight at 11pm.  I am so grateful to be able to do this.  It hurts not to be there. 

Enjoying the sun at Witley Park

We had a slower week this week, coming off our busy week in London the week previous.  And to top it off, we have had absolutely glorious weather beginning Wednesday, with only a sprinkle of rain on Saturday.  Temperatures were high 60’s and low 70’s with sunshine that was felt clear to the soul. A walk each day in the park, dinner in the Wills’ garden, and a Saturday outing were just a few highlights.   It has truly made me so grateful for simple things and lifted my spirits.  I only hope it will last . . . (right?)

Wednesday night and then again today the Elders came over for dinner.  Friday night there was a party at the church celebrating St. George’s Day.  Apparently St. George slayed a dragon and saved a princess, so now he has a day just for him.  The potluck dinner was suppose to be a traditional English dish. Ha!  I have loved sharing American dishes with my English friends, and NEVER had I made anything English.  Nevertheless, I searched recipes and settled on Cottage Pie, which on an American menu would be Shepherd’s Pie basically.  It turned out fine, or at least the pan was empty, and I was initiated into the official cooking club of the British persuasion. Simple blessings.  

People in the ward are realizing that it must be getting close to our end date soon, and are asking more and more.  They say the nicest things to us.  Missionaries are such a blessing to a small, struggling ward. Not necessarily us, as our shoes will easily be filled, but any help of strength and support is so badly needed.  Each time I have to say, “about three months left”, a little choke escapes my mouth also.  We are really going to miss so many that we have loved and served, and who has served us. 

Today we went ‘a ministering’ . . .  to our little Ferguson family.  The children lost their last living great nan and experienced a funeral for the first time this past week.  I shared with the little girls that I had also experienced a loss recently with the passing of my own mum.  Our lesson to them was that the word ETERNITY meant forever and ever and ever . . . and through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, this life is not the end, but our families and friends can be together for ETERNITY.  I know it is true, and so grateful for that knowledge.

So this week . . .off to Paris on Thursday for a Public Affairs Seminar.  Next month . . . family and friends from home visiting . . . can’t wait!  You will continue to be in our prayers as we express to our Heavenly Father how grateful we are each of you. 

Cheers!

Ron and Marie