Another Great and Interesting Week in Ireland

      Hello once again, dear family and friends! This past week brought me interesting (at least to me) new images of Irish life that I have never seen before and further advancements to the work that we have been called to do. For those friends who might have missed President Russell M. Nelson's recent statement about the great work that we are involved in, he stated, in effect, whatever good you do on both sides of the veil, either heaven or earth, that you are moving the work of the restoration forward. Here are some of the new images of Ireland that I saw this past week that you, too, have not seen  and then I will write about  our mission adventures.

     As November comes to a quick close, winter here in Ireland is coming on harder and harder. Remember weeks ago, I included a short video on my blog of how quickly at times the clouds sail by? Well, almost hourly now the strong, moist winds can be seen, especially near the Shannon River's edge. Here is what I am trying to explain:

Like I said, this is now more the norm than the calmer fall days we had seen earlier. In this picture, the wind is blowing so hard that the flags all around me are 100% open to view. Yeah, it's been crazy windy here

And then, remember last week with the sun shining on one side of the river and the moon could still be seen on the other side? In this picture on one side of the river, one can see blue sky...

while if I turn the other direction, a full rain storm can be seen falling! Crazy, huh?

     Ok, three more "only in Ireland" pictures. Here is the first one. I captured this photo mid-morning this last Monday while I was out exercising. 

This is an official job in Limerick. This, my friends, is a sidewalk sweeper! He not only sweeps, but he vacuums up anything in its way, waters and then washes the sidewalks! Amazing...and pretty slippery, by the way

If I was going to describe to you an old, salty, Irish man....this would be him! For your information, he was so happy to pose for this picture. He was even wearing a sailor's beanie and a "P" jacket. I love the story that is written in each wrinkle of his face. His beard is pretty awesome too!!

This "only in Ireland" includes a strange way of being a missionary. Keep reading to hear what I'm talking about!

     On Wednesday, I passed by two Irish gentlemen standing outside on the sidewalk talking to each other. The one man apparently was at work. As I walked by, I noticed what the man working was doing. He was moving heavy containers of "brew" down into the facility's basement by way of a huge iron "I" beam that provided him a working slide. I told the man that I was from the states and would like to take a photograph of his very useful device. He said, "Of course!" 

     

     Then he asked me from what state I came from. I answered, "Utah!". Then he immediately stated, "Awhhh, the Mormon state." I replied, "Oh, you know of us?", to which he replied, "I do!" So, being the good little missionary that I am, I asked him next, "Can I have two young elders of my church come to visit you and give you a lesson?" He quickly said no. He then stated, "You don't touch this stuff anyways!" and I answered back, "You're right, No, I don't, but I do drink!" He quickly snapped his head around to face me with his jaw hanging and question marks all over his face!!!! I met him eye to eye with a smile and a wink I said,, with a pause, "Water! Good, old water!" He was laughing so hard, I thought that he was going to fall right into that hole into the basement! Oh well, I tried!

     This next is a good one too. Yesterday, I saw a young woman carrying three large loaves of bread over towards the edge of the river where all the seagulls hang out. I'm telling you, those seagulls knew exactly what she was carrying and what she was going to do with it. Before she even stepped inside the little park area there, those birds were flying around her everywhere. Some of the birds were even trying to snatch a loaf or two out of her hand. She kicked them away and yelled at them for being disobedient. Those birds were going to be fed her way and on her own time frame! Once she finally got into position and got the first bag opened, this is what I saw next....

Now that is one brave woman!!!! In this picture you can only see about a third of the gulls that were actually flying over, sideways and below

Oh! Good news! Elder and I are officially registered citizens of the Republic of Ireland for the next 12 months! We have to carry this with us everywhere we go. If it can't be proven that we are registered, we could be kicked right off of this island. Our cards have become our new best friends!

          Ok, now for my weekly review of our mission. Last Sunday, we had an "all mission" zoom meeting with our good president, President McCrudden and his wife. President McCrudden started by telling us of one sister missionary here who wondered why our whole mission couldn't all meet together once a year. Then, president explained to us on zoom of all the missions that the church has organized, the Scotland/Ireland Mission is very different than the others. He said that our mission covers two countries and three separate areas. He, nevertheless, brought up this idea to our area presidency and the area seventy who said they would not only think about it, but would research it. President was pleased to announce that, if possible, our whole mission would gather together this spring in Edinburgh, Scotland for 2-3 day conference of activities and training. Very exciting!!

     Monday was our 47th wedding anniversary! Yay for us!!! We spent the day together and then had our YSAs over to our flat for FHE where we all enjoyed a "cultural food" experience. Our YSAs brought dishes from America, Brazil and Ireland. We all had a great time with some amazing homemade favorites from our home countries. On Tuesday, we joined our mission district in our weekly training meeting. I will probably say this until we leave here how wonderful and spiritual each of those meetings are to us. This past Tuesday, we were joined by our Sister Training Missionaries. They always bring such great lessons and amazing spiritual insights.

     Tuesday night, Elder and I walked over to the city centre to a well-known restaurant/pub called Glen's Tavern. Most of the eating establishments here offer mostly speciality hamburgers or fish and chips. I chose this place because they had other items on their menu. Elder ordered Irish Stew and I ordered a Cottage Pie (like a shepherds pie). Elder got the better of the two choices. Unfortunately, the meat at the bottom of my pie was  a little over cooked. When we checked out, the head manager asked how our meals were and I told him about my pie. He was so apologetic and refused to charge us for that meal. I told him that we certainly wanted to pay for what we ate, but he refuted, stating that he would rather us to want to return there again in the future. What could I say?

A happy anniversary celebrated in Ireland!

My cottage pie with salad and, of course, chips! After we walked back to our flat, we shared a small dessert together. It was a pleasant night and a wonderful memory

     Wednesday, we joined the young elders at the branches weekly English Connect class. This time we only had our two YSA sisters in attendance. The elders had invited several others, but no one else came that night. We learned about and how to pronounce different clothing and different colors. I understood better the confusion that English can cause foreigners, especially with all the different colors we have names for and their adjectives. We still had a great lesson.

Our elders setting up the computer for the English Connect class that night

      On Thursday, we celebrated Thanksgiving Day. We were able to call home to all but one child that day. I can't tell you how heart warming it was to hear each of their voices again. We miss each and everyone of them more than words can ever express. Several of our children also sent us texts to show us  what their Thanksgiving dinners looked like. It was so wonderful and, I must admit, so sad at the same time. Many promises were made that next year, we WOULD be with family the next Thanksgiving. I can't wait! 

We invited our two missionaries over to dinner on Thanksgiving. Sweet Elder Larrubia from Spain, didn't know what to do with the cranberry sauce and was surprised that Americans use so much gravy over everything on their Thanksgiving plates (especially Elder Muirhead!) We laughed!

     After our meal that night, our YSA who is here studying violin, secured for us guest tickets to their final concert this semester. This concert was much more than a final performance! The famous Irish Chamber Orchestra and two of Ireland's most professional singers also performed that night. In the opening remarks, our master of ceremony announced that in our audience that very night was the President of the Republic of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins. He and his wife actually sat just three rows behind us. That night was incredible for more than one reason!

The University of Limerick's Cultural Arts theater

Our tickets. Thank you, Emma!

The concert hall was amazing, designed very well with wonderful acoustics!

Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife. The Irish people LOVE him!

The Irish Chamber Orchestra entertaining us

     One of the performers that night by the name of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, sang traditional Gaelic songs, some of them which were sung in the 12th and 13th centuries. She had such an amazing voice and the music could have been a fairy's delight, Here is her picture and a short YouTube video:

She is as beautiful as her voice is!

You can listen to her sing a traditional Irish song in Gaelic by copying the link below and then open a new tab by typing in YouTube in a google search.  Once you have done that, there will be a YouTube search bar at the top. Paste the link you just copied into that search bar and click on the magnifying glass directly to the right. You will get several choices. I listened to the first video. That video was recorded 5 years ago but will show you her amazing talent. You will love it!

https://youtu.be/8rmETqRem70

     I told you so!!! On Friday, we joined the young elders to give a lesson to one of their friends. His name is David and we have joined in teaching him for several weeks now. David is very well versed in his bible version which isn't the KJV. Since he has started taking lessons, he has made some several small advances, but still does not believe in living prophets. This meeting was different. The young elders had all of us take turns to read a verse from Alma 34, including David. 

     The elders would stop periodically and ask David what he understood from what we had just read. David brought up several topics like does the LDS church believe in Abraham's bosom in the resurrection. We turned to the KJV bible dictionary and showed him that we do acknowledge that statement. He was impressed. He also talked about the natural man. I told him that that exact wording is used in the Book of Mormon and then had him read Mosiah 3:19. When asked how he felt about that one verse, he looked up  at all of us and said, "that is true!" This was such a big difference from all the other weeks with him rejecting our teachings. We are now hopeful that he will have a greater desire to read daily from the Book of Mormon and allow the Spirit to work within his heart and mind. More to come.

     I also taught our branch's Book of Mormon class again. We studied 1 Nephi chapters 13-15. I love these chapters! I love the history that Nephi saw intertwined in his Tree of Life vision, including chapter 13:12, where Nephi beholds Christopher Columbus and his huge part in the rediscovery of the Americas to advance God's purposes for the restoration of the gospel. After class was completed, the branch relief society and the young women gathered to tie quilts for a local nursing home. Everyone loved this event. The young women were so very quick to finish their assignment, so many of them then helped us adults get our part done. As usual, at the end we brought out the treats which made the young women so happy.

The young women tying their assigned quilt

Me with my assigned group working on our quilt. Notice our beautiful Meghan showing off her fine work!

     On Saturday evening, the branch scheduled their monthly movie night. The movie chosen was "Ephraim's Rescue", a very good inspiring LDS film. Months ago when I was asked to be involved in these monthly movie nights, I purchased an Amazon.UK (United Kingdom) prime account so I could show videos here in Ireland that members wanted to see. I had used that UK prime several times, but never to watch a video, only to get the free shipping on needed products. Back in the states before we left, I would periodically watch a movie on Prime and knew how to play the video. 

Seriously, a great movie. The elder from Spain had never seen it before and his companion is directly related to Ephraim Hanks!

     So months ago, my daughter helped me turn off my USA Prime account by letting it just run out and not renew the subscription. I had received several emails after the subscription was cancelled telling me that the USA Prime account was now inactive. The plan is that when I return to the states, I will turn off the UK Prime account and turn back on the USA Prime account. Perfect plan, right?     

     Well, just to make sure that everything was working right one hour before I needed to show the video, I tried to play it on Amazon.UK Prime. I was greatly surprised that I couldn't. I tried over and over again. I tried contacting Amazon, but it seemed that no one was available on a late Saturday night to help me. I even called the young elders and told them my problem and asked them, if needed, if they could help me figure out what was happening. They agreed to try at least. As I was running out of time and still needed to drive over to the branch, I said a fervent prayer for help. I tried to play the video again without success. Then I got an impression.

     I understood that I was to trust in God, get into my old USA Prime account that was cancelled and find that movie. After getting into my cancelled account (I have no explanation) and finding the desired video, I clicked on the play button and the video started! There is no explanation again for this miracle. I am so humbled and so very grateful to again know that the God of the universe knows me personally with all my many flaws, loves me still and would show me His hand so that I can testify. The movie played perfectly at the church and everyone there felt the spirit in abundance and gained a greater desire to serve and to testify. 

     In closing, I want to remind all of you dear faithful family and friends that read this, that President Russell M. Nelson has told church members several times this year that we all should seek and expect miracles. He IS absolutely right! And I promise you as you seek, expect and experience miracles, that your love and faith will grow to new heights and will become a great blessing to you. I am so grateful this Thanksgiving week for each and every one of you. Each of you have touched my heart and made me a better person. I testify again that God lives, Jesus is the Christ, the Book of Mormon has the power to bring all men and women nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book. I am truly thankful for my many blessings and for the great opportunity it is to be a missionary today. May God bless you all this week. 

     

     

     

Yay For A Quieter Week!

      Yay for this last week! Although we fulfilled our many scheduled assignments as a Member Leader Support Couple this past week, we were also offered an easier calendar of less activities. It was very nice. It gave us both time to reflect and relax. We also had 6 beautiful mornings of sunshine this week, which turned into rain by early afternoon each day. As I was able to take more time for myself.  I found items that gave me increased joy. Here is one of them.

What a life!!! Out for a slow ride through the city with your best friend

     Last Sunday, we were privilege to watch on zoom our younger grandkids in Washington state perform in their annual primary sacrament meeting. When you only get to see your family only a few times in a whole one year period, it means the most to you! We have the best grandchildren, all so bright and successful in their own individual way. 

     Early Monday, I was able to view a phenomenon that I haven't seen often in my life. It was great to slow down, notice and recognize what was happening. That morning was a bright sunny day. On one side of the river, the sun was shining and on the other side of the river, the moon was still able to be seen (even though it was a reflection). I thought that was very interesting! It certainly made my walk more fun.

Look left...

then look right. What a fun comparable!

     Later Monday, our YSA group played UNO for an activity. It is so interesting to see these awesome young adults in church all spiritual and another thing watching them being so competitive with each other. I guess I can say that I have seen them at their very best and also at their very worse. I'm excited about our FHE tomorrow night, but you will all have to wait until next week's post for that!

     On Tuesday morning at our weekly district mission meeting, we were finally able to ALL meet together. Our newest senior couple, the Adcock's, had not been able for one reason or another to come to this meeting. It was the first time in over 5 months that Elder and I finally got to see them again and, boy,  they looked so good! They had many great adventures to tell about their opportunities to serve in the Orem Utah mission while waiting to come to Ireland and about all of the good that they were involved in. Their enthusiasm and spirit gave each of us a huge shot in the arm. We also gathered later that evening as a branch leadership group on zoom to coordinate our branch mission plan and several future events.

     Wednesday took us both back to St Mary's cathedral for their last lunch time concert for the year 2022. I heard that it would be given by some local music students in a string quartet program. Of course we wanted to go hear them. Once the concert started, we were greatly surprised to see our own YSA, Emma, participating with her classmates and teacher. These were the student's at the University of Limerick who have been working on this master degrees in music. Ten students performed in 3 different small quartets and then all were gathered together with their teacher to perform their last number. Bravo was heard several times at the completion of their performance. While I was there, I took a few more photos that focused my mind and heart back on the history of Ireland and the beauty of the edifice.

Emma is in the maroon dress

All 10 students and their instructor taking a bow at the end of their performance

One of the stained glass windows in St Mary's cathedral depicting Mary and her child

I missed this plaque that I found at the back of the cathedral. I don't know what it saids, but I love the image and the oldness of it

     Later Wednesday night, Elder and I joined the young elders to teach our Brazilian friends how to speak better English. Elder Larrubia, our missionary from Spain, really enjoys the class. He is learning things he never knew about English before with the rest of the class. It is fun for Elder Muirhead and I to help come up with examples of the different parts of the lessons to help get the meaning across. We love this important service.

     Thursday was a different day for us. On most Thursdays we have very few time commitments. Typically on a Thursday, I will have time to finalize my teaching plan for the weekly Book of Mormon class. Pretty late the night before, we were called and asked to be at the church for 2-3 hours, as a funeral would take place starting at noon. The brother of one of the branch's longest active members passed away and family was allowed to celebrate this man's life under that LDS roof. We missionaries were very excited because many strangers would, not only be in a LDS chapel, but would also hear teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the pulpit. The gentleman who passed away had about 70 family and friends come to pay their respects. Many eternal principles were taught that day.

     I was very interested in this service, as viewed by this nurse, how funerals and other aspects of death were addressed in Ireland. The deceased, Aiden, a catholic, was placed in an open casket in front of the congregation the whole meeting. His casket had a removable lid that screwed onto the casket when closed. The service was quite similar to ones in Utah, with very minor changes, yet very uplifting.

     After the service concluded, the mortician carried the wooden lid over to the casket, laid it on top and started to screw the lid down in place. Yes! Of course I got involved! I asked if I could tighten down one of the screws, in which both the mortician and family looked pleased that I would want to experience that. After, Elder and I followed the hearse to the cemetery and supported the family in a grave dedication in the pouring rain. This event gave me much food for thought and greater understanding of knowledge.

I was surprised to see a hearse much like the one Elder and I watched on TV with Queen Elizabeth's funeral. And, as like with Queen Elizabeth, any time the coffin was carried by family, the coffin was raised high, placed on one shoulder of each family member, then the men carrying the coffin would place their one arm on the opposite family's shoulder to help bear the weight 

The very organized cemetery where Aiden was laid to rest

     Later that afternoon, Elder and I drove out to Sister Smirnoff's flat and helped her finalize her huge assignment. In kindness, Sister Smirnoff fed us a yummy pasta meal. I loved being with her. We can so easily laugh about almost anything. I will always be grateful for her friendship.

     Friday, we went back to the chapel to help teach David, a friend of the missionaries, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although the elders had prepared a lesson for David, Elder Larrubia asked David first if he had any questions. Well, he sure did, enough so that it took the whole hour as we expounded on the gospel and looked up scriptures as evidence. David was challenged to read the Joseph Smith history as found in the Book of Mormon introduction and read the first 21 pages of 1st Nephi. He was also challenged to mark in those 21 pages all the references to God or Jesus Christ that are written. I can't wait to hear him tell us what he found!!!

     Friday night is our branch's Book of Mormon class. This week only 3 students came to studied 1 Nephi chapters 11-12. I love chapter 11! I love to again read and study the intertwining way that the Lord shows Nephi his father's most significant dream and to further explain the meaning of the dream, the Lord shows events either from the Savior's life, the civilization of the Nephites/Lamanities, the history of the promise land or the last days. I'm telling you, the more I read those chapters, the more I understand and the know I see God's hand in the lives of His children.

How I love the Book of Mormon!!

     On Saturday, the young elders came over to our flat during a short rain storm to keep a missionary appointment with another friend. It is not everyday that these amazing elders actual come to our flat and zoom their friends concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love hearing them every time they teach! That evening, one of our branch's families, the Faloons, invited all 4 of the Limerick missionaries to their house  for dinner. I couldn't believe it, but she make us huge shanks of lamb, both mashed white and sweet potatoes, a cabbage salad and the best apple sponge cake ever. No one left the table disappointed!

THE shank of lamb

The Faloon's Christmas tree. This was touching to me as we have elected not to have a Christmas tree in our flat this year. This beautifully decorated and well lit tree was just what this sister missionary needed to see!

     Just before we went to bed that night, we spent time with one of our own families to hear about their week. With Thanksgiving so close and we being so far away, we are so very, very grateful for each of our children and their families. They truly bring us great joy and an abundance of love. 

     Sometime early Saturday, Limerick city was all lit up for the upcoming Christmas season. The decor and the lighting made the city glow with a loving warmness I don't think I have ever seen before. Many people were out and about. I guess I can officially say that it is the beginning of Christmas here! Here are some pictures of how this part of Ireland decorates:

One of the jewelry stores on Limerick's Main Street

Limerick's most expensive clothing stores

Walking down one of many aisles ready for customers

Christmas lighting all the way down William's street. These lights will now stay on all day and all night until the city takes them down

One of many Christmas trees in their outdoor common public shopping streets

     As I need to close now so Elder and I can spend time together talking and doing our companion Book of Mormon reading before our "all mission" missionary meeting tonight with President McCrudden, I want to bear my testimony. I know that God lives. I see His work in all around I see and especially in the many different faces of His children that reside in this part of the vineyard. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that He willingly paid for my sins and yearns for my safe return back to His kingdom. I love the gospel. I love the Book of Mormon. I have learned more in these past few months preparing for my class than I have since our last mission in New York. I so love Russell M. Nelson. He certainly is the prophet for this time. I also know without doubt that Joseph Smith was the instrument in God's hand used to restore of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

     We love you all. We pray for you and plead on your behalf in times of need. May He continue to bless each of you and your families. May Elder and I continue to be true and faithful so that we can return home with honor. Take care.

No Rest For The Weary!

     I thought after last week's busy schedule that this week would be easier and slower for us. Ok, I was wrong! It's awesome to be busy while serving on a mission, but it is also nice to have a little down time to relax and reflect on life. One of my weekly planned items that keeps me so busy is preparing for the weekly Book of Mormon class that my branch president has asked me to teach. We also had the privilege this week to minister to several different branch members. So between those and our calling as missionaries, we were busy again.

     I would like to start this week's blog by talking about the weather here in Limerick. When we arrived here in July, the summer weather was more than comfortable, between 70-74 degrees. By mid-August, the weather turned hot here. The Irish people in town made me laugh because they were seriously dying over 75-80 degree heat. When we would tell them that in Utah, where we were from, the state continued to have over 20 plus days of temperatures over 100 degrees! These people would just stare at us in unbelief. The amazing thing was that on September 1, 2022, the weather did an about turn and fall was permanently here to stay.

     The fall seasons in Ireland are very unpredictable. This fall certainly falls into that category. After September 1st, the weather here got colder and windier. It also started to rain almost every day; some days raining all day long. In reality, since the first of September, we have probably had less than 7 days of sunshine. One reason for this, I feel, is how quickly storms move across this island. In the video below taken just days ago, one can see the clouds of that morning racing across the sky. It's almost incredible to see in person. Click on the link below to watch my 5 second recording. You may have to click on the link twice to activate it.

https://youtube.com/shorts/WXD5IS_Z0N0?feature=share

     Now that it is November, there is more chill in the air and much more rain. It is just simply cold and damp here now. Branch members are stating that winter is just around the corner, but we are also told to not expect too much snow. Most of the winter weather is rain, rain and more rain. I am ready for whatever comes, because the sooner it comes, maybe the sooner it will stop and bring more sunshine back to this part of the earth. When the rain clouds do part, especially at sunset, this is what could appear. Beautiful!

Sunset after a long day of rain

     Let me tell you what Elder and I did this past week that kept us so busy. This last weekend was a mission transfer weekend for most of the young elders and sisters in our district. Our elders assigned here in Limerick, who are zone leaders, didn't get a transfer call this time. Because of that, they did not have anything pending to do later on their P-day, so they asked us if we would take them to one of the nearby castles. Of course we said yes and ended up having a great day with them.

     We took the elders to Bunratty castle, about 20 minutes away. Neither one of them had ever been there before. It was good to go back there except for the ton of rain and large puddles we walked through for hours. I was able to take a few more photos, including photos of these stalwart elders hamming it up!

Part of a display of the Bunratty castle depicted what the castle looked like in 1450

This is Elder Hardy in terrible again! I see his confession in his face

And of course, where ever Elder Hardy goes, his sidekick, Elder Larrubia, also needs to follow. 

One of the stained glass windows inside the castle

Fall leaves near a waterfall just outside of the castle walls

     On Monday night we had our YSA FHE. This night was fun because we all went out to eat pizza. Eight of us showed up to a local pizza shop. Knowing that Elder Muirhead would want a ham and pineapple pizza (his favorite!), I went out before and purchased him a can of pineapple chunks. He spread them all over his pizza and then went to town. He was a very happy man that night. The rest of the gang settled on pepperoni pizzas with garlic cheese sticks.

Notice that the girls are all pretty posing, while the boys are doing arm wrestling contests. Notice that Elder Muirhead is engaged one even as this photo was taken. 

     On Tuesday, we were called by a branch member just before lunch to see if we had some time that day to drive out to their new house to help clean and paint. We said yes, knowing that we could rearrange a few things in order to go and be of some help to them. They live one hour away out in the south countryside of Ireland. Though we had a beautiful drive out to their home, we forgot about all the very narrow roads that exist in-between us and them. Our trip to their home certainly reminded us of that nuisance.

     When we got there, I was asked to sweep up 5 upper rooms and a hallway for new carpet installation. With all my years of experience with construction, I knew exactly what to do. I even had to scrape high spots in several areas. I found the task very enjoyable and rewarding. After I finished, I was asked to vacuum all floor areas and baseboards to complete the job. With time still left, I joined Elder Muirhead who was painting baseboards in the master bedroom. As I got back to our car, I was totally covered with construction dust from my head to my feet.  Good thing I am basically wash and wear!

Cleaning up new bedrooms before carpet is installed

     The same branch member who asked us to come out and help clean and paint her home called me later that same night and asked me if I could teach her early morning (6:30 am) seminary class. Of course, I said yes. Fortunately, without knowing the lesson before I agreed, I discovered that of all the lessons to be taught, I scored on the morning of a easy lesson. I was asked to teach about the Law of Tithing and the Law of the Fast. This seminary class is a zoom meeting for all the appropriately aged youth in all of the Southern Ireland district. I think I had about 25-30 students that morning on zoom with me. The lesson went well. The youth participated in answering questions and saying both prayers. What made me smile was that all but 2 of these students had their zoom cameras off, so I really couldn't tell if they were really engaged or went back to bed to fall asleep!

     One of our branch members, Sister Byrne, a lovely woman about my age, has been in a hospital now for several weeks. Sister Byrne has a history of several health conditions, including a ongoing infection. While admitted, Elder and I have either gone up to personally visit her or have called her just to chat. This week, due to the extra opportunities that we were given to serve, I just called her. We chatted for quite a while. It was good for me to share my time and love for her. My prayer she that she will come home quickly.

     Because of the missionary transfers this week, we had our district training meeting on Thursday morning instead. All of our missionaries arrived safely to Limerick except our new senior couple who were excused. We did get the extra two elders who will be serving now in Cork and Tralee. We also got new district leaders assigned to us. What I haven't told you is only the senior couples and the zone leaders have cars in this area now. That means that all but two of the young elders and sisters have to get up extra early to take either the train or the bus from their assigned area to come to Limerick to meet together. After meetings, they all get transported back to catch either the train or bus back. Talk about dedication. The two new elders that arrived this week came straight out of the Provo MTC and flew right to Ireland. That hasn't happened in a long time. Before now, all new missionaries assigned to Ireland after finishing their MTC experience, had been assigned somewhere in the states for a short time before they were allowed to come to Ireland.

Twelve of the finest young adults you will ever meet!!

     On Thursday, we got a letter in the mail stating that we needed to purchase a license for our TV set. It was sent from and is regulated by the Irish post office. I wrote them a letter and told them that we did not have a TV and would not have one while we are here. I never noticed that before we got this letter, that  we have a satellite dish mounted to our flat roof. They thanked me for my effort in notifying them, but needed me to fill out a more official form and then hand it back to someone in the main post office. It cost 160 Euro a year to have a TV in you flat. If you are caught not declaring that you have a TV (and skipping paying for the license), you will be fined and the fine ranges from 1,000-2,000 Euros. 

Letter to license a TV set in Ireland

     Later Thursday night found us at one of our neighbor's flat with the missionaries. Elder had befriended a young couple expecting their first child and asked if the elders could come and give them a lesson. They agreed. The husband is religious, but his wife stated that she was an atheist. The young husband did most of the talking that night. He asked the elders some very important questions like "What makes your religion different than mine?" or "What does your book (Book of Mormon) mean to you?" Unfortunately, as the elders started to answer both of these great questions, the husband would take over the conversation, never allowing the questions to be fully answered. The husband stated that he was very happy with his beliefs at this time, but wanted us to know that he would be willing to help us out as a friend any time that he could if needed. After, the four of us missionaries decided to see if we could see them again and tell them about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Time will tell.

     My branch friend, who is the single mother that I have discussed several times already, whose name is Sister Smirnoff, took a bold step recently and enrolled to educate herself as a EMT. She had to cross several huge obstacles to do this, but every time, the Lord's hand was seen in her life. On Friday, she asked us to see her to help her with her first written assignment that is worth 30% of this semester's grade. She is from Lithuania and struggles a little still with the English language. We worked with her for just over an hour and helped her get through about a third of her project. As her friend, I couldn't be happier for her to be able to earn the education needed for a good paying career in a subject that interests her very much. With her permission, I post her picture.

Sister Smirnoff

     After we left Sister Smirnoff's flat, we went over to a local pharmacy to get our flu vaccines. As I have aged, I understand more and more the importance of getting vaccinated as appropriate. When I was a child/teenager and my father being a doctor, back in the late 1950's-early 1960's, my dad would get the latest and greatest vaccines "known to man"! Us children received a vaccination for something about every other month back then. Did you know that back then, they even had a vaccination for the common cold? Yep, they did and we got that shot annually too! I'm certainly glad that those days are gone.

     As scheduled, every Friday evening is my Book of Mormon class. This week was exciting because we were joined by four branch members on the zoom link that we had been given to use. Having members join us by zoom will be a great help to many to join as the winter months set in. This class is not only for the opportunity to gain greater knowledge of the Book of Mormon, but to increase the branch's unity and love for one another. 

     On Saturday, one of our YSA's needed to leave her college flat for a major repair to be completed on the University of Limerick Campus. Emma, came over early that morning and spent the day with us. By mid morning, Emma and I walked over to the Milk Market to meet her best friend from campus there. Emma tried to call her by phone throughout the morning, but could never get her to answer. We walked around the market, but never could find her, though we found our that she was seen there by one of the vendors. Funny enough, we later found out that the three of us were literally a hundred feet apart from each other at one point, but never saw one another. Even though Emma could not spend time with her friend, I had a great time with Emma.

     Emma is here at the university to study violin. While she spent time in out flat, she entertained us with several numbers. She is sooooooo good! What a treat. After we had dinner, we spent another 30 minutes or so together and then Elder and I walked her to her bus stop to get her back home. I believe that we all had a very pleasant day together.

Emma playing her violin for us

     Before I end this week's blog, I want to also tell you about a recent Limerick branch youth temple trip that happened last weekend.  I know that we annually hear about the great sacrifices that the Utah pioneers made so long ago, but the following is a modern day account. Sixteen youth, along with six adults, left very early last Friday morning (missing school) to travel to the Preston, England temple to do baptisms and confirmations. They traveled one way by bus and plane for TEN hours to get there! The cost to even get them there (which can only be done annually because of the time and cost involved) was several thousands of dollars. After traveling all day, they reached the temple grounds that night and were quickly whisked inside to meet their appointed time.

Our awesome youth with our good branch president in front of the Preston, England temple

    When they first arrived, the temple asked the leaders which stake they were representing. The leaders explained that they were only one small branch from Ireland and not a stake. The temple leaders were shocked at their dedication, because typically a group that large is a stake and not just a branch! All of the youth got to participate in either performing the ordinances or witnessing for exactness. After their time that evening had expired, they went over to the on-grounds housing for a quick dinner and then bedtime. 

     They all were awoken early the next morning for another baptism/confirmation session before they had to catch the bus to the airport, fly back to Dublin and then bus back to Limerick, another ten plus hours of traveling. After hearing all of this, my heart remembered how so very easy it is for Elder and myself to drive the seven minute drive to get to our own Provo temple. Even more marvelous is the amazing FamilySearch online program and the ease of temple name preparation. Greater gratitude filled my soul, not only for the many blessings that Elder and I have being surrounded by so many temples at home, but for each and every one of these youth, who have chosen to live a life worthy of a temple recommend and for their great love and diligence for the Lord and those whose names were taken to the temple in that 24 hour period. 

     I want to close this week by challenging each of us, depending on our separate challenges, to make whatever changes we need to be better, to be of more use for the Lord. We think of you daily. We again pray for all of you at every opportunity. We love you all so much. We are greatly supported by your love and prayers on our behalf. We actually feel it! We are truly blessed to serve here in Limerick at this time. Good things are coming here quickly, we know this. Humbly, we desire to also be better, to be more use for the Lord and to come closer to Him on a daily basis. May God prevail! 

As always, love from Ireland 💗