Personal Challenges and Spiritual Blessings

      I have been wondering since we got here, how long this "honeymoon" mission was going to last. You know, wonderful experiences, amazing scenery in all our travels, exciting undiscovered food tastes, meeting marvelous new friends, etc. Well, I think I found that answer this past week, which is good. Now I don't have to be looking and waiting for it to still come. I love to check things off my to-do list!

     Surprisingly, this week started off like so many others, except this past Sunday, our branch had a baptism. Bruno, a good friend of one of our Brazilian members, was taught and prepared by our young elders to enter into the waters of baptism. Bruno has only been in Ireland for a short time. He came straight from Brazil, alone by himself, so now we are a part of his family. He was baptized following our two hour church block, which was certainly needed. Let me tell you why. 

     Knowing that the baptism was going to happen, I contacted the elders the night before to see if we could help in any way. Their answer was that everything was under control. That's until Sunday morning! As we entered the chapel, we were immediately seized upon and asked if we had any white towels. Well, in fact, we do and only two of them. We were asked right after sacrament to drive back to our flat and bring them to the church, which we did.

     When we returned, the branch missionary leadership discovered that the boiler that supplies the hot water for the font was not functioning. I was then asked to boil water on the stove top and put the hot water in with the cold font water until they told me to stop. So I boiled water in the only large pot, the only small pot and an electric teapot found in the kitchen like 6 times each. I also had to unlock the font doors and re-lock them each time I added the hot water to keep the children safe. Believe me, that was not a easy thing to do when I had to carry the large pot of boiling water and at the same time, try not to burn myself as I fumbled to even put the key into the door lock hole! My goodness!!

     I was also asked, after we returned with the towels, to give the talk on baptism, which I could have done easily, even with short notice, if I was left alone to quickly find a few scriptures and organize my thoughts. But several dear brethren (bless their hearts) kept coming to me over and over during what could have been my prep time to either ask for my advice, get an updated report from me on the hot water problem or tell me about how their weekend went. My greater appreciation for the Relief Society, even if I was the only sister involved, became very apparent.

     Believe it or not, right after church, a baptismal service started with everything in place. And thank you for asking.....my talk went well! Is there anything more spiritual than to watch a good soul go down under the water and then come up new and clean?? That very moment always fills my heart with unexpressive joy and warmth. Talking about warm, the baptizing elder stated the water temp was not quite there; more like swimming pool temperature. Oh well, I tried. All and all, it was a wonderful experience for all.

Bruno with Elder Hardy (left) and Elder Schneider (right)

Bruno with both Limerick missionary companionships

     For Family Home Evening Monday, our YSA group got together to play games. We all had so much fun. We laughed together so many times, almost to tears. We played Jenga, where you need to balance wooden blocks as you use every piece of wood to make a taller tower. We all did such a great job where only a few blocks remained to play with when the tower fell over. Talk about sweating....very intense! We even were able to add one more YSA to our group. Her name is Barbara and she flew into Ireland from Brazil just 3 days before!! She speaks more Portuguese than English right now, but just needs a little more practice. 

Our YSA group just seconds before the Jenga tower toppled over. From left to right: Isabella, Barbara, Elder, Marla and Santhosh

     Tuesday morning we attend our district missionary training meeting. I love these meetings. To hear these wonderful young missionaries teach the words of Christ humbles me every time. They are faithful, stalwart and true. After having our last zone conference a week ago, these young missionaries put into practice the very instructions that our mission president asked them to do. They all wrote the names of all those whom they are seeing on the white board so revelation and blessings can be given. They also increased their weekly goal of finding friends this week to double the amount as usual! I'm so proud of them all. We also attended our weekly branch president correlation zoom meeting later that night.

     On Wednesday, I spent my morning studying and organizing lesson plans for the Book of Mormon class that I will start teaching in two weeks. I also spent time studying the Hebrew word HESED and its connection to the Book of Mormon. That was very interesting to me. In the afternoon, through a tender mercy, I saw a small personal miracle in my life. Getting and acknowledging blessings from God always makes me stop, think and then thank.

     The church was very kind to supply me with a very nice new pot and pan set for our mission. If I could change one thing, I would have included a stock pot too. Well, for weeks I used what was supplied with gratitude. Sometimes, though, I wish I had a stock pot. I finally bought one that I could use and unwrapped it that afternoon. I removed some paperwork from the inside, washed it out, put hot water in it and placed it on my largest stove burner (turned to high) to make a soup for dinner. 

     I was cooking with it for about 45 minutes. When I was finished, I took the stock pot to the sink to wash it out. As I was turning it over to wash the bottom, a paper label, that was glued onto the bottom, appeared before my eyes. I'm telling you, I never even looked at the bottom before I cooked with it. It could have so easily caught on fire, but there wasn't even a single scorch mark on it. I stood all amazed! And then I thanked Him.

     Later that night, we attended an English as a second language class with the young elders and friends from Brazil. It was about this time that some personal challenges started to affect me. Feeling distressed (I went to bed early that night and struggled to find sleep. I got so angry at myself for my faults and failings I wouldn't mind if that never happens again). By the next morning, I still was struggling. I prayed over and over and asked God for a change of heart and give me courage and strength. Within minutes, I received a surprise package from home from family which gave me so much solace and the hope that I had been seeking for. God is always there for me! All I have to do is just ask. That was not a coincidence either!

     In my inner search for peace during those early morning hours, I came to realize that I had taken on too many tasks/assignments since coming here. Can any of you relate to me??? Since that time, items in my heart have been reviewed and discussed with my companion and I will choose more carefully the things that I feel are needed for me to succeed in this year long missionary calling and find happiness at all times.

       The branch's mission leader correlation meeting on Thursday night brought together seven branch members and our district mission leader from Cork. The team was able to solidify many up-coming activities and discuss how we, seven, could make a bigger difference in helping the elder's friends to progress in the gospel. The idea was made that missionary pamphlets and Book of Mormons would be brought to an activity this Saturday and given to branch members to give away this week. We all agreed that small deed could make a mighty change!

     I received another surprise gift from my granddaughter, Heather, Friday morning. Heather is a very talented violinist and sent me a YouTube of her playing the song "I Need Thee Every Hour". She didn't know about my struggles this week and had no clue what my personal needs were, but boy, did I ever need to have that gift given to me that morning! I am so amazed how Heavenly Father knows me and loves me enough to just drop a little blessing here and a little mercy there when I really need those things! Wait til you hear her play this hymn. Here is the link: Heather playing violin  

My granddaughter, Heather. 

    On Friday evening, a scheduled "all mission gathering" was held. All the Scotland/Ireland missionaries, both young and old were in attendance. And, this time, for a good reason! Look who joined us on zoom!

     Yep! Elder Rasband, one of the Twelve! As President Rasband started to teach us, he reminded every missionary that as we follow the missionary standards guidebook and be personally able to answer appropriately the temple recommend questions, that we are doing all the Lord expects of us. I loved that he said that. Sometimes, even I think that I am not good enough. I learned that night that just even being able to answer the temple recommend questions correctly receives approval from the Lord. He also spoke about how missionary work is done "one by one" remembering "families first".

    Then he told us all how to receive a "stronger, brighter testimony" as we use the following formula in our lives: The more you know Him, the more you will love Him. The more you love Him, the greater you will desire to serve Him. So simple, yet so profound!!! He expounded on how to know Him better. Elder Rasband suggested that instead of only reading your scriptures daily, spend a little time to use the topical guide and choose a subject and then a topic to study that day. Then he gave us an example.

     In the topical guide under Jesus Christ, you will find on page 247, a list of 5 different topics about Jesus Christ namely: Jesus Christ (JC), Firstborn;  JC, Foreordained; JC, Glory of; JC, Good Shepherd and JC, Head of the Church. Choose one of these topics, say a prayer and then dig in. After explaining this to us, he gave us the first of two apostolic blessing. He promised that if we "would do this type of daily study, that our love for the Savior would improve and so would our service to Him". So cool! 

     Then, as he needed to leave our meeting,  he said the following, "On behalf of the church, the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles, we love you! We thank you for your service and sacrifice. We need you to build up yourselves and your families. I promise you that if you will remain disciples of Jesus Christ, that you will be able to do whatever the Lord needs you to do".  After Elder Rasband left the meeting, our good mission president ask for personal testimonies from the young missionaries of what the Holy Ghost just taught them while meeting with an apostle. There were over twenty who bore personal revelation given to them, which included their insights. It was powerful!

     On Saturday, I went for a walk to the city center. I was happily surprised to walk past a small jazz band playing on one of the corners of the Main Street. It made me laugh to watch all the little boys and girls walk past and start dancing to the beat. I think little kids are so adorable when they so uncoordinated try to move their bodies. Well, I didn't even get another two blocks down the street when I heard a choir singing.  Of course I walked over to watch! This was a church choir, all dressed in robes, with only one male singer and boy, could he belt out a song! Their genre was similar to Whoopi Goldberg's singing nun act! Very cool.

Corner Main Street jazz band

The singing nun choir 

     Later that afternoon, our branch had their Brazilian BBQ, made by our Brazilian branch members. I was asked to bring one side dish, but ended up bringing two, a large container of Mexican rice and beans and a chocolate cake. The branch had a wonderful turn out. Several non-members came. The young adults passed out both pamphlets and Book of Mormons to many branch members to give away to friends and neighbors, as planned. After the BBQ, I scheduled a virtual tour of the Smith log home and the Sacred Grove given by the young sister missionaries in Palmyra, NY. Though the attendance to this was small, all enjoyed.

    

James, one of our Brazilian branch members, cooking away!

Good food. Good times

My large slow cooker full of Mexican yummies!

     Again, I know that Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, lives. I know that He knows me and loves me, especially when I beat myself up! I learned again this week that He sees so much potential in me....all the time. I know today that I am His daughter, that I have great worth and divine nature. I can and must do better to be like Him at all times, in all things and in all places. And I know that as I do better to be like Him, I will be a successful missionary, mother, sister, friend. May His mercy and kindness endureth for ever continues to be my prayer for myself and for each of you, my dear family and friends. Until next week!

     

        

Good Things Are Happening in Limerick!

      Elder and I were invited last Sunday after church to meet with our many branch auxiliary leaders and the South Ireland District Presidency concerning the next step forward to take here in this area. South Ireland has developed a wonderful church presence in 5 major cities and has had so, for some of these cities, for almost 50 years. Though there are only branches now in each of these cities, the church continues to grow and big changes are a coming!!! What a thrilling time to be here in this part of the vineyard as servants of the Lord as these changes get closer and closer to reality.

     With just a little more member participation and some assigning of a few more new callings, four of the five cities will be able to split their one branch to form two branches. Once this is done and there are 4 new branches, the other 4 branches will be officially made into wards and the church will then have the first south Ireland stake in the church. This move will also push this area closer to joining the Dublin area in forming a new temple district, with the future possibility of a new temple here. I'm telling you, it is electrifying here!!!!

     We, too, have been asked to assist in this goal. We have been assigned to work and regroup the young single adults who live in this area. These young adults before COVID hit, were so faithful. There has not been any activities for them in two and one-half years. It was decided that weekly family home evening would be the easiest to start. We started off with only one single adult our first week and last week had three come. We realize that it may be slow in starting, but Elder and I feel positive that we can be a great influence to this important population. And, of course, I am loving spending time with those young adults every week! This week we are planning a game night and in two weeks, we will gather for a virtual tour with live young sister missionaries currently serving at the Joseph Smith family farm in Palmyra, New York, just before the season ends. We have also been asked to start up a weekly evening Book of Mormon adult class. We are so excited for this chance. I love, love, love the Book of Mormon! 

     The biggest news in the Limerick branch is that we are having a baptism today right after church! The young man being baptized is a friend of one of our branch members and has been working with our amazing young elders who have taught him well. The young man has repeatedly said that he is ready to be baptized! Isn't that great!!! You know that I will be at the baptism, willing and able to do what ever is asked of me. This baptism helps the Limerick branch to meet the future goal of becoming a ward too! So, as you can see, good things are happening in Limerick!

     On Tuesday of this past week, Elder and I went for our daily walk on the south-east side of Limerick to find a post office. Just down the street was St. Alphonsus Cathedral, which we had never visited before. It was so beautiful on the inside. This cathedral was erected in 1856, so it is one of the newer churches in historic Limerick. It, again, made me think of how blessed I am today to have the truth of the gospel in my life.

     

One of the outside angelic figures curved in stone

Small, delicate ceramic tiles decorating an inside wall

This is one the beauties I found in the building. I love the use of the stain glass in the ceiling

The photo shows how colorful the stain glass is inside. This window light shown shades of rainbow colors, which were so soothing to my soul

The exterior of St Alphonsus Cathedral and its bell tower

     I was asked days before last Tuesday to provide dessert for our next zone conference which was schedule for August 18th in Dublin. I asked my mission president's wife if I could make a dessert that I would feel comfortable making. She answered, "yes". Because I have limited cooking and baking supplies, I elected to make 60 cupcakes for the event. Well, that is what I did this past Wednesday. I started early in the morning and continued throughout the day to bake, frost and decorate the 68 cupcakes that I was able to make. Hours later, they were all done and wrapped up for transportation to Dublin.  I have to admit that this is the very first time in my life that I made that many desserts by myself. I have had several opportunities to help others with great tasks like this, but never alone by myself. I must say that I think they all turned quite well.

Me working hard in my kitchen

I couldn't think of any other way to transport the 2.5 hour drive to Dublin. I'm happy to say that all 68 of them arrived safe!

     On Thursday, Elder and I joined the 50 Ireland called missionaries at our zone conference. President and Sister McCrudden gave us all wonderful training as they both taught us. They are a wonderful, stalwart, caring couple with great leaderships skills and a firm determination to do all that is needed for this mission. President McCrudden's address was very meaningful. 

     At the beginning of his training session, he had every companionship come up to a white board and list the names of all those whom the missionaries are currently working with. When all of the companionships were finished writing down names, the white board was completely covered with new prospects! One hundred and thirty-three of them!!! Then President prophesied. He promised all the young missionaries that if they would write down daily the names of those they are working with, and especially in their weekly district meetings, that by revelation before that day is through, that they would know exactly what more they would need to do to help each named person progress to baptism! Wow!!!! I immediately felt the spirit shoot straight into my heart with a strong conviction of that truthfulness! It was certainly the highlight of my day. I found myself thinking about what and how he said what he said over and over.

     We also gladly received 2 more senior couples, Elder and Sister Evenson, going to Tralee, Republic of Ireland and Elder and Sister Colton, going to Omaha, Northern Ireland. What a great blessing both of these couples will be to their area. I was asked later to teach them how to inspect mission cars and I have to say, I just loved being with both couples! On the drive back to Limerick that evening, I participated in a Zoom meeting for our Limerick branch missionary correlation meeting. I also love my branch members who serve so well and are ready to do whatever it takes.

Elder Muirhead's Scotland/Ireland Mission tie

All the names that the young missionaries wrote on President's white board

          Many months ago when we got our mission call, I immediately started this blog. I originally had a beautiful landscape photo of Scotland for my main blog photo, which I loved! Then, of course, we were later selected to serve in Ireland, which is truly where we certainly needed to be! So, I had to change my blog's main photo. It took me a long time to find an acceptable photo for my blog. After looking literally for hours, I found the incredible one that I have been using. The image never had a name or a place attached to it, so I didn't even have any idea if it was even Ireland related, but I certainly hoped so. Well, I found my answer Friday!

     A branch member weeks ago suggested that if we ever had the time, that we should go and see "the Rock". I said "sure" without knowing what he was even talking about. Friday morning, I was looking on my cellphone and I found it. I thought my jaw was going to hit the floor and shatter into pieces!!! I couldn't believe what I was looking at. It looked so familiar. You guessed it! The picture that you are all starring at this very second was the place called by my friend "the Rock". And what was even more amazing, its only one hour away from us. I'm pretty sure that you all know where this is going to, right???

     Yes, we both jumped in the car and drove one hour away to the Rock of Cashel. This edifice holds iconic historical significance. The complex alone has several chapels, two towers and several other buildings. The Rock has been around since the fourth century. Legend states the Saint Patrick personally came there to convert the then King to Christianity. Starting 978, The Rock of Cashel became the capital of that part of the country. In 1101, the site was granted to the church and has been one of the most significant centers of ecclesiastical powers in all of Ireland. The place of the "Rock" is one of Ireland's most visited sites. I was NOT disappointed either!!!

This photograph taken by me is on the opposite side of the picture used as my main blog photo

This photo of the Rock of Cashel was captured walking up the steep hill along side it

The main building of the Rock as seen from the admissions point that contains the round tower, the gothic chapel, graveyard, etc 

The beautiful landscape of the countryside below the Rock. This is the side that my blog photo was taken from. I never was able to get to that side to take any photos

One very happy person!

     The Rock displays many Celtic and medieval art and design forms. Other gems are its barrel-vaulted roof, magnificent arches and the oldest stairs to be found anywhere in Ireland. I found the graveyard a pleasant find. It was very large and included some "high crosses". One high cross placed for the Sulley family, was destroyed when a lightening bolt hit it and today, this high cross lies on the ground in front of its original base. The graveyard had some very old head stones that were hard to even read, but were weathered with moss growing on them (a photographer's dream). The graveyard is currently closed and will not accept any more burials there. Here are my last pictures from the Rock of Cashel. 

This shows the graveyard that surrounds the back side of the Rock

Like I said, very old, unreadable head stones covered with moss

The back side of the Cashel with its bell tower built in the 1100s

A close-up picture

From inside looking out upon the graveyard

The vaulted ceiling over my head 

An architectural window on outside upper wall

     I have said this before and I will say it again. I am ever so grateful to live in these the latter days, when the true gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth with authority and power. There is certainly an awe and a reverence walking on these historical grounds in Ireland, but in reality, I can sense that hundreds of years ago, that these people had a great, great need to find God. I feel so overwhelmingly thankful that someone cared enough about me years ago to show me the way back to Him. I love my Heavenly Father and His amazing Son, Jesus, the Christ, who also cared enough about me today to be patient and ever forgiving to my many faults and sins. Hallelujah for the many blessings the gospel brings! How has the gospel blessed your life? I challenge you to reflect on this thought and then thank God for His tender mercies in your life.

     

      

     

A Celebration Never To Be Forgotten!

      I never would have thought that I would be able to celebrate a birthday in a country like Ireland! Really! Never!! And because of the extraordinary circumstances of just being here, I think I have done a very extraordinary made-to-order birthday celebration. Intertwined with all the partying and fun, has been the greatest opportunity of mine this year to be a missionary for my Savior, Jesus Christ, to teach the gospel and bring others closer to Him. That last statement alone is worth a huge celebration inviting both heaven and earth.

    To continue the celebration, on Tuesday, we decided to take a double decker bus to the University of Limerick. I was surprised how large the university is, including its 16,000 student enrollment. It is one of the better known universities in the country. And though there were no students on campus that day, the World LaCrosse Tournament, with 21 countries from all over the world, were there to compete. The energy was so high!!! The Japanese team were so cute to stop and gather so I could take a picture of them!! They all couldn't get into the picture quick enough! They made me giggle. The university has an almost kilometer long "living bridge" over the River Shannon. It was very peaceful to stroll on the bridge and watch the swans do their thing. I also learned that the university has one of the best live theaters in all of Ireland. When I looked through what would be playing this coming school year, Elder and I will go see one of my favorite plays in December and we will also go see one of Elder's favorite ballets in March 2023.

On the bus 

The University of Limerick campus

The living bridge

The River Shannon

The water's reflection of natural beauty

The Japanese LaCrosse team

     On Wednesday, Elder and I had time to visit the inside of King John's castle. Of all the castles we have visited, King John's in Limerick has the best presentation for tourists, including interactive displays, a workable courtyard with musicians and jugglers and an archeological exposure of some of the original stones used to build the castle. It was very informative and interesting. I also had a great conversation with one of the staff members and will present him with a Book of Mormon next week when he returns to work.

Inside King John's Castle

The view from the top tower of the castle as far as the eye can see

A staff member playing an Irish harp for us

All suited up to battle

     Thursday, we got permission from our mission president to visit the Cliffs of Moher on the western edge where Ireland touches the Atlantic Ocean. I think I have looked at over a hundred different photographs of those cliffs, admiring their beauty for what seemed like for years. Now, on that very day, I would actually stand on top of them!!! Wow! And they were more than incredible! I had only 90 minutes to basically wog (walk/jog) as fast as I could up one narrow path to the top of the south cliffs and then beeline it back the other way up the path to the other northern cliffs. By the time that day was done, I had measured 19,236 steps! A new accomplishment for me! After, we stopped off for lunch right on the coast. I had a delicious chowder soup, like straight out of the ocean. It was accompanied by a dark brown lovely soda bread. We finished that day by visiting what is known as the baby cliffs. It was a great ending to a great day!

The Cliffs of Moher (south side)

The Cliffs on the north side

Standing on the tallest of the southern cliffs

My bowl of ocean fresh chowder. So good!!!

The baby cliffs

A beautiful natural water design swirling over and around this rock!

    Friday's events had been scheduled by me for weeks. I've been patiently waiting for this day to come. On Friday, we drove a short distance to Bunratty Castle. This castle stand on the original grounds of a viking trading post from 970AD. The castle that stands there today is the last of four castles built there and was endanger of demolition. A proper family purchased the property in 1953 and since has saved it from ruin and has made it into a great attraction for the country of Ireland. This Norman castle, still in very good shape, also has a large acreage of village huts where staff members teach you about what life was like back centuries ago. The village also has a fairy village, which was adorable. Many native animals were also found on the grounds. They claim that Henry the 8th once stayed there at the now standing castle. Very cool.

The Bunratty Castle

One of the village's thatched roof cottages

One of the fairy houses made of an old wood stump

The fairy's book of dreams

     After the village closed and most patrons left for the night, about 80 of us with staff stayed to have a medieval banquet including wonderful medieval entertainment. The night was amazing! In the large banquet room by the light of candles, we were served a four course meal without silverware. Being one of the first in line for the banquet, I told the matron that I was there for a birthday celebration and asked if Elder and I could be the honored Lord and Lady for the evening. You're right! We were automatically chosen. After being crowned (with real brass crowns), we led the way down the circular stone staircase into the banquet room. MeLord was seated on a large wooden throne and meLady was seated to his right side. MeLord was asked throughout the evening to make some very important decisions, which he did quite well.

Some of our entertainers that night

The butler and the 5 singing maidens

The Lord and Lady Muirhead

     At one point, a young male visitor was caught making eyes at a young lady. He was captured and, by orders of MeLord, he was taken down into the dungeon. The head butler pled with MeLord for mercy and by the grace of his majesty, the young man would be freed if he........sang a song! Of all the choices MeLord had, he could only come up with sing a song? Are you kidding me??? All the visitors were crying with laughter! That poor young man, totally besides himself on a stage, started to sing, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"! The crowd roared with laughter and then we, all, joined in for a hearty version of Twinkle, Twinkle! It was so funny!!!

     After dinner, the serving staff, which included a violinist, a harpist, the butler and 5 maidens, entertained us. They performed some traditional Irish songs and some silly Irish melodies. Just before the evening was finished, the butler announced to the crowd that MeLady (me!) was celebrating a birthday. After a deafening roar of awhhhs and applaud, as a total surprise, the 5 staff maidens, with the lights turned down low to only allow the candles to glow, dedicated to me "Oh Danny Boy" sang in a cappella. Of course I cried!!!!! Wouldn't you?? I totally lost it and in front of all those strangers. How embarrassing, but oh, so beautiful. Til the day I die, I will never forget that very moment of feeling so overwhelmed with the song's enduring power to comfort and its ability to uplift one's heart. In typing that here and now, I started streams of tears to fall again. Some memories will never faded with time.

The 5 maidens singing a traditional Irish song

     On Saturday, we went for our morning walk and then picked up a few groceries. By the afternoon, we drove about one hour away to one of our branch member's home and enjoyed a wonderful homemade shepherd's pie. Elder had not been able to find the real deal since coming here. Brother and Sister Byrnes have a lovely cottage overlooking a sea of green fields with rolling hills. It was just what we both needed. Sister Byrnes is an excellent cook. Elder had several platefuls. She also served steamed carrots and pea pods that, too, were so delicious. After, we all sat around and enjoyed our evening chat. When it was time to go, the Byrnes invited us to come back again soon. I think we will be able to accommodate that request. 

A beautiful, very narrow one lane road leading us to our dinner appointment in Gorteenaporia, County Tipperary, Ireland. This road was only 10 feet wide!

     Now, as always, I want to end with a summary with our mission events of this past week. This past week, the youth of Limerick went to England for FSY (For the Strength of Youth). conference. Many of the young single adults and parents/leaders also went to participate as leaders and counselors. This past week, we prepared a Book of Mormon to give away, visited with the Byrne family and met their YSA age daughter, Ruth, we called and made an appointment to visit with Sister Smirnoff and also supported and participated in our weekly district missionary meeting, our weekly branch president counsel, and our branch's missionary correlation meeting. Elder and I have recently been asked to start an evening branch Book of Mormon class, that we are trying to get clearance to start the first Wednesday of September. For FHE this coming week, Elder and I will surprise the YSAs who come to my "better-late-than-never" birthday party. We will all spend the evening celebrating life, enjoying one another and making a birthday cake and ice cream disappear. 

     As we love, support and serve those here in Limerick, our hearts continue to soften and love through listening and understanding the many members here that bring so much culture into our lives. We see the blessings of the Lord. We really do! We bask in the success of our young elders who will baptize a young man this coming week. We are so honored to serve here. We are so grateful for each of you and for your love and prayers that we certainly feel from so far away. I continue my certainty that I know that God is our Heavenly Father. Oh, how I love Him! I know His Son, Jesus, and want to daily repent so I can become more like Him. The Book of Mormon, in its plainness and clarity, testifies of the Christ and of His plan of happiness. The book is a blessing to millions. May we ever go forward and endure to the end. May God bless us all!!! Amen.