Meetings, Meetings and more Meetings!

      I'd like to start this week's blog off by giving each of you a quiz! WHAT?!?!?! That's right! A quiz!!! Hey, it's my blog, so I get to control it anyway I want to. Now you can cheat or you can try your best. That I will leave up to you. Here we go!

     Can you figure out what these two Gaelic words stand for? Look closely and you might just be able to figure it out. The answer will be posted at the end of this blog!

     Isn't it annoying that all your educated life, your teachers pulled this stunt on all of us over and over. You know, making us wait a long time before we were to be enlightened, like making the teacher look like they have some magical powers. Well, it was all an ego thing to make them look more intelligent in our little eyes. And we fell for it every time! That's why they were our teachers and we were "only" the students. 

     Ok, now for the blog. This week certainly was a week of many meetings, It started as we had Family Home Evening (FHE) together on Monday night. Then, Tuesday, we had a missionary district meeting in the morning, and a branch presidency council meeting at 7 pm, directly followed by the monthly Scotland/Ireland mission Senior Couple FHE. Wednesday found us in our weekly missionary correlation meeting. Friday, a ward member, Sister Potts and I went to visit a less-active member in what they call a reach-out. Saturday, we met with the young elder missionaries at another member's home, only to start off this next Sunday night with another meeting to train us on how to do flat (apartment) inspections in correlation with missionary transfers. I can say that the leaders here are trying to do everything in their power to be obedient to the subject of meetings. The main concept both Elder Muirhead and I learned through all those meetings is how so disparately we are needed here!

     On Tuesday, after district meeting, Elder and I went exploring and found a super (and I mean super) large grocery store. It was comparable to a super Walmart in America. Besides that, it was clean, modern and had many mini shops within the store. They even had as many as 30 different people constantly stocking the shelves. Their bakery was amazing, they had 2 butchers actually butchering meat before your very eyes, and oh boy, you should have seen Elder Muirhead's face when he found the large, fresh seafood section. He literally froze in place! We though we were in grocery heaven! While there, Elder tried a large serving of homemade shepherd's pie, while I bought us a traditional loaf of Irish soda bread to eat. That experience made our day. 

     After, we drove out 30 minutes to a place called Glenstal Abbey, a real working Benedictine monastery, which also includes a private boarding school for boys. Yes, monks and all! The abbey resembles an English castle (weird in Ireland) that looks like it was built centuries ago, but was actually finished in 1839. The exterior of the building looks very cool and they say that the interior is some of the finest in the country. The only building that we could enter was the chapel. We were so pleased to be there at that time we did, because the monastery organist was practicing. Wow!!! He was really, really good and his music swirled around those chapel walls in rich tones of incredible music. What a treat. 

     Wednesday, on our daily walk through Limerick, we walked over to the famous Limerick treaty stone. In the late 1600's, Limerick fell under siege between King James of Ireland and King William of England. After several fights, a treaty paper was agreed to between the two kings and was literally signed on top of this rock, which now has been made into a statue. From there, we crossed over the Shannon bridge to King John's castle and the still standing medieval church now named Saint Munchin's. They say that the original church that once stood right there was built in 561 AD. The church has a cool burial ground right outside. So much history! It's amazing.

     In supporting our branch, who desires to become the first ward in Limerick, the leaders of the branch, including ourselves, were asked to suggest activities that could be used to help the branch become a ward. I mentioned that in our home branch on every 5th Sunday, we have a munch and mingle right after church. Well, the leaders all loved that idea and I am proud to say that today, Sunday, the Limerick branch held a wonderful munch and mingle right after church. Our branch president stopped us during the mingle and said that they typically get around 90 members out, but today they had 126! Wow! The magic of food!! We are so excited to see them grow and become more unified. If this keeps up, they will be a ward in no time.

     And, last Sunday, Elder Muirhead and I were called to support the Young Single Adults (YSAs) of the branch. Our branch president told us that we are the couple they have been waiting for to develop and grow this vital population in our Father's kingdom. They even set apart a new YSA representative that very day. I LOVE the YSAs. I am more than thrilled! We will hold our first YSA FHE this coming Monday night. So excited. One more piece of good news! Elder and I finally got our permanent SIM card and it actually works! We can make Irish phone calls, including opening the security gate any time we want to. YAY!!!!

     It is my testimony that God calls His chosen to lead and guide His children, even in the little vineyard known as Limerick. I testify that I know that Elder and I can make a huge difference to all, including the YSAs, living right here in this area. We can pray for them, teach them, lead them to the temple and love them like no other. Who would have known that this calling with the YSAs would be given to us at this important time of desired growth and branch unity. May God be thanked for this amazing opportunity and may we continue to be faithful and true always to His name and His purpose!

     The answer to the quiz question is:

Now you can impress your friends! Good luck trying to pronounce the Gaelic equal

Glenstal Abbey 1839

The rusted iron work on the main door into the abbey

The arch stones about the main entrance

The watchtower (Notice the statue of the man on top. It's suppose to be the contractor)

A beautiful side door

Towers in front and back

The abbey and it's beautiful grounds from the inside

Another photo taken inside the abbey

A depiction of Saint Patrick on a copper type metal in their chapel

The famous Limerick Treaty Stone of 1691

One of the many calming scenes all around me daily

Elder and I went late Thursday night up the street and I was able to take this photo of King John's castle

     

Adare, Ireland and Zone Conference

      This week found us stretching our wings just a little bit more. We both need to get more comfortable driving here, so we need to practice, practice, PRACTICE! And that is what we did! We drove more miles this week that any other week since we got here. Since the beginning of our arrival, we still don't have our permanent SIM card which makes it hard for us to drive places, but that should change hopefully this coming week. 

     On Monday, we drove our to get some motor oil for our car. It should have been a short drive, but between our GPS and the hundreds of different road signs here, our trip was much longer. We at least figured out that if we don't know where we are going in a roundabout, that we can stay there until we get things figured out. We only made ourselves dizzy once! Ok, maybe twice!!

     After putting a bottle of motor oil in our engine, we drove south about 30 minutes to the cutest little Irish town you could ever see. Even all the tour guides said it was a must to see, and they weren't fooling. It is called Adare. Little did I know that just before we got to Adare's main street, that we would pass both a medieval friary and the ruins of the Adare castle. The friary was a photographer's delight. I can't tell you how much I am loving all the ancient sites they have here,  especially castles and churches. After putting some new amazing photos on my camera, we drove onto main street! And wow!!!!  

     The first thing in our view was Adare's famous thatched roof cottages. You may not know this, but I love thatched roof cottages (I think it's a fairy tale thing for me). I could have stood there all day, but when I turned around, I found the cutest little main street ever. It was so crowded with people by the time we got there, that we could not find a parking space, so we turned around and will return another day. 

     On Tuesday, we went back to St Mary's cathedral to listen to a free concert. Rachel Talbot, a soprano soloist and her accompaniment, Mr. O"Shea, thoroughly delighted us with a hour of music. I'm telling you, when Ms. Talbot hit an incredible high note, her voice echoed all around that medieval cathedral. I have only heard something that amazing once before in life while I was in Jerusalem. And Mr. O'Shea, wow! He was so passionate about his piano playing. I don't think he even hit one wrong note. He was fantastic. It was so cool, both the sound and the site.

     On the way home, we ran into the Limerick elders. They were waiting for a friend to met them so they could teach him a gospel lesson. The missionaries said that their friend was already 30 minutes late. They were afraid that the friend wouldn't come. They looked discouraged. We talked to the elders a few more minutes then left. We walked a few steps further, crossed the street and then we stopped to asked God to send their friend right over to the elders. We never heard the ending of that story that day.

     On Wednesday, we got up super early to drive to Dublin on our own (I know, pretty scary, right?). We had a miracle happen to us as we drove. You might think that the two miracles I will tell you about are coincidences, but I know better! Both were answers to specific prayers at the very time that they were needed. Back to Wednesday. That very morning, knowing that we still needed all the help we could get driving, we specifically prayed that every needed road sign and every marker would be clearly placed in our view. Believe it or not, we drove straight into Dublin without even one problem or one wrong turn! 

     We were asked to drive to Dublin to join our good mission president, his wife, 2 other senior couples and 45 young sisters and elders assigned by the church to the Republic of Ireland. I'm not kidding, those young missionaries were absolutely amazing. Strong, faithful, true, devoted and dedicated to bringing all unto to Christ. I stood all amazed. We are truly so very, very blessed to be here at this time. Our zone conference was incredible. We all were greatly uplifted and blessed. The instruction given was timeless and the training was exactly what we needed. 

     Near the end of the conference, our own Limerick elders were asked to present. They gave a wonderful lesson. Just before they finished, Elder Hardy told us all about a recent experience they had. He said that the day before, they were waiting for a friend to show up so they could teach him a gospel lesson. He said after waiting quite some time and not having the friend show up, that they prayed and ask God to help the friend come right away. Minutes later, the friend came and Elder Hardy said that they had one of the best lessons together ever!! Coincidence??? I don't think so. 

     As we were saying good-bye after zone conference, we had a young elder approach us and personally tell us that the mission, including he and his companion, had been praying for a senior couple to come to southern Ireland for the last 9 months. With tears in his eyes, he expressed over and over again his gratitude for our sacrifice and willingness to serve. at this time. He said more than once, that we WERE the couple that they had been praying for. Remembering that we have been the only senior couple called to Limerick in recent times, made me teary-eyed too. We have had so many opportunities, both at home before we left and while here, to know that this is the mission the Lord needs us to do. That knowledge alone is priceless to us!

     While sitting in our car, getting ready to travel back, we decided that since we were in Dublin (knowing that we may not be there again for a long time) and that it was dinner time, that it would be great to find a nice restaurant and enjoy a good Irish meal. Well, it was also rush hour, with ten thousand tour buses in the city, 6.3 million people on the streets, hundreds of crazy bicycle riders who thought they deserved the road more than we did and, of course, no parking spaces!!! Dublin, at that time, reminded me of downtown Cairo or, even worse, Hong Kong! It didn't take long to remember that Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ really was right, "there is NO place like home"! One hour and a half later, we were finally through the city proper and on the motorway to Limerick. CRAZY!!!!!!

     On Thursday, we visited the Hunt Museum in Limerick. Mr Hunt and his wife were involved with several archaeological digs during their life together and the museum displays many of their findings. It was very well done. The museum also had Limerick's famous Arthur's Chalice, dating back to 1625. This chalice, used by Bishop Arthur of Limerick, was housed in St Mary's Cathedral for hundreds of years and was then moved to the Hunt for better security. The museum houses artifacts as old as from the Egyptians, stone-age Ireland, up to more modern times. I'm loving Irish history and culture. 

     On Saturday, we had the Limerick elders over for dinner. They had been driving home from Trilley, a small area north-west of Limerick and got stuck in traffic for hours due to construction. Those poor young men! Dinner must have been good, as seen by both elders finished their plates in no time. I'm not sure if they tasted it though. Oh, well!

     I want to end this week by again bearing my testimony. Because I have been given much, I feel so very blessed to share my knowledge of Jesus Christ with those around me. He truly is my everything! Week by week, my testimony grows, bringing me so much joy and peace. Growing a testimony is simple: pray, read the scriptures, go to church and serve your neighbors. There is nothing else more important to do. God will bless you for your efforts. I see and feel that truthfulness every day. I invite you to also join in. Say a prayer, help a neighbor, go to church. You can do it! I promise that you will see God's hand in your life as you come unto Him.

St Nicolas Friary in Adare, Ireland

The first opened door I found at the friary. It was so inviting, I just had to go inside

This is my most favorite photo taken so far in Ireland. I love the red rose in the middle surrounded by medieval goodness!

Inside St Nicolas's chapel. It was incredible. Notice the medieval tile flooring. I love it!!!

One of the stained glass windows inside St. Nicolas's church

The remains of the Adare castle as seen from a nearby bridge

The famous thatched roofed cottages of Adare

Main street Adare, Ireland. So many shops, so much to see!

Ms. Talbot and her accompaniment, Mr. O'Shea

Elder, myself and our Mission President, President McCrudden and his wife

All of the Republic of Ireland missionaries currently serving

The front entrance of the Limerick Hunt Museum

A medieval drinking container

Limerick's famous Arthur's chalice from 1625

Our First Full Week in Limerick

      Our thoughtful mission office allowed us to continue to adjust to our new surroundings this past week. We really needed it. Even I am still struggling getting my internal time clock to make the switch. Things are getting better slowly and we are finding ways to stretch our horizons. Our Irish SIM card has still not arrived yet. We heard that somehow it now got mailed off to Belgium. Even with a poor accent, Belgium does not sound like Ireland to me. I consider that a huge wrong turn, but they say that the post here is horrible. They might just be proving it! We have learned that we can rely on the young elders and our landlord for their help when we needed. We just don't want to be bothersome to either.

     I saying that, Elder Muirhead drove us to our branch in our rented car one evening this week, about a ten minute drive away. It is so strange to drive on the wrong side. We felt very fortunate that when Elder was too close to the left hand side of the narrow roads here, that he only hit the curb twice and not a parked car! My driving isn't much better. Talk about getting anxiety!!! So we have decided that walking isn't too bad after all. We got brave and wandered further away from our flat this past week than last week and visited several famous sites here.

     On Tuesday, we went to the Limerick museum. For a free museum, it wasn't too bad. It had several historic relics and several examples of the famous Limerick lace. This past Friday, we went to St. Mary's Cathedral, built in 1168 and is the oldest building in Limerick that is still in use. It was so beautiful to see. I also found a treasure there. The cathedral houses a copy of the Book of Kells, considered Ireland's greatest cultural treasure. It dates back to 800 A.D. This medieval illuminated manuscript of the four gospels is beyond description. It's simply magnificent! That was the highlight of my week. Then yesterday, we walked over to the famous "Milk Market", which is the oldest farmer's market in all of Europe. So cool! That was a fun way to get out and exercise. Elder enjoyed a large piece of carrot cake totally homemade the Irish way. Yum, yum.

     We were able to attend our first Limerick branch missionary correlation meeting on Wednesday. I must say that I am so impressed with the faithful members of this branch. Even Matthew, the young men's representative, not only attended, but followed through with all past assignments, added many great ideas and accepted new assignments happily. I can already see that we will be a part of something big here in Limerick.     

     One of the recent given assignments amongst the branch was to sponsor an open fireside to all community and members alike. Before I knew what was happening, I was asked to lecture on the historic sites in Palmyra, New York. My mouth said "yes" before my brain has a chance to think about it. I would have said yes anyways!! I'm excited to bear my testimony again of the truthfulness of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will also meet this coming week with our mission president in person to receive further direction and local assignments. I'm ready for "doing more good" this coming week. May God bless us to do so!

This is where our flat is to the main streets of Limerick

Elder Muirhead getting ready to drive

A very busy shoe maker in Limerick. He said that there are not many shoemakers around anymore

 

A Limerick historic chalice

A photo of Queen Victoria wearing famous Limerick lace

A very ancient Irish sword found near the River Shannon

Elder Muirhead taking his time to "make his move"!

St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick

A copy of the Book of Kells

A close-up of the artistry involved

A Coat of Arms on the cathedral wall

The Milk Market

Irish community members selling their wares

We Have Finally Arrived!!!

      On July 7, 2022, we safely landed at the Dublin, Ireland airport. Finally after Elder waited 57 years for this moment. We were so excited! We were met by 4 young elders who helped us outside of the airport with our luggage and directed us to our van driver, Victor, who drove us 2 1/2 hours south to Limerick. Victor had the most marvelous Irish accent. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to him talk to us. When we got to Limerick, he dropped us off at our new address: 20 Rose Hill, O'Callaghan Strand, Limerick, Ireland V94 R1VF, which is a closed gated community. When we entered inside, we found a cozy Irish flat with a living room, a kitchen, 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms. We are still learning how to work everything, but we are safe and happy here.

     We have had a few hiccups like we haven't gotten our new SIM card for Elders phone yet, so we can"t make any calls in Ireland and we can't open the locked community gate as that lock is phone activated. It also sounds like the vehicle might have a possible brake problem, so we have been doing a lot of walking the last 4 days. We live right next to the River Shannon (the longest river in Ireland) and very close the Limerick's main attraction, King John's castle. We are also a 10 minute or so walking distance to several shopping areas. The fridge in our flat could not be any smaller, so we have already made several trips picking up fresh groceries, which brings to mind that our freezer is not working yet. Oh well, all is good.

     Let me tell you that I have never seen so many shades of green in the natural scenes of any area like I have seen here! All the new friends we have been meeting thank us for bringing them "well-needed sunshine". They say that they have not had a nice summer yet, due to unheard of constant rain storms. We kindly tell them "you are welcome!" Tomorrow the forecast saids 77 degrees. under cloudy conditions, but, hey, no rain!

     As I said earlier, Limerick's main attraction, King John's castle is about a 15 minute walk from our flat for us. I have seen it several times from afar and can't wait to go inside. Most of you know that I can be impatient at times, so not be able to go there yet and be inside its massive walls is just killing me. I assure all of you that I WILL be going there soon and I can't wait.

     Yesterday, our new branch had a BBQ that we were invited to. We met many wonderful branch members, each strong saints who have strong testimonies. I love hearing their accents. Some of them I can hardly understand. It will come, I know. Our branch president is President Murphy, a wonderful president who already is on fire and wants the very best for his members. He told us that they are getting close to having the first Limerick Stake announced in the church, that he has three young men preparing to serve future missions and one young sister who is very close to putting her mission papers in. He also told us that the branch has not had any senior couples for many, many years. He personally asked me to love the Young Women of the branch and "bring them along." We also were the main speakers in church this morning.

     We are both anxious to love, serve and invite. I can already see that we will have many, many opportunities to do exactly that. My prayer is that God will bless us in all we will stand in need of, that we will listen and obey and that we will open our mouths and bear fervent testimonies of Him whom we represent, bringing all unto Christ and His covenant path. We love and miss you all!!!

At the Dublin airport

The many shades of green in Ireland

Our airport welcome committee!

Our front door to our flat 

Our living room

A wee bit o'Irish here

Us with our branch president, President Murphy

King John's castle from afar. This is one of the oldest medieval castles in Europe! I promise to get several more amazing photos of this landmark and post them for you to see