As I looked down on my garden this morning, I saw
for the first time there was frozen dew on the lawn – that a hard frost had
finally taken my friends, the roses. I understand from Martin that the
temperature close to 7am this morning was around 33 degrees. Well, that sounds
pretty Brrr to me!
Spent the day in the nursery at church as Leah
needed some help, especially with Ella, who is 16 months. Really too early to
attend nursery, but as Martin was teaching his priesthood quorum and Leah
wasn’t feeling well, I went with her there. She was not too keen on leaving mommy
and daddy, and pretty much cried bloody murder for 30-40 minutes – just before the
time we pulled out the raisins (one of her very favorite food items) and
crunchy bread sticks. Soon after that wouldn’t you know Daddy came along and
spoiled all the progress we were making, and sprang Ella out of there – right
when she was doing great! I stayed on till the bitter end. (Not really – I have
always really liked the nursery. Besides I enjoy working with Sister Doig
(Maureen), older Scottish sister who was part of the group I went to the temple
with the other day, also Sister Jones (Lorina), sweet Filipino sister with
three younger kids of her own. Couldn’t ask for any two better, more committed
nursery leaders! After losing Ella to attrition, we were left with Beth,*
Barnaby, and Marley (a girl), left for playmates.
No report for you from Sunday School, but I can
tell you that our fast and testimony meeting today was all about missionary
work. The week before conference we had been charged by our stake president,
and bishop, to fast and pray for the success of the Birmingham Stake
missionaries, and specifically for the elders and sisters in our ward (in fact,
we got another new elder today, to create a threesome for a while) – that they
will be lead to souls prepared and waiting to hear the gospel. Not only
that, but we were encouraged as well to share the gospel how and whenever we
could and to make ourselves available to accompany the elders (or sisters in my
case) when requested. Stake president Griffiths, former Harborne Ward bishop, was
the last to add his very inspiring and stirring testimony as the meeting came
to an close. It is very faith promoting to me to see how when brethren are
called as our priesthood leaders that in taking upon themselves the mantle of
their calling they are raised spiritually to depths not before observed..
The state of missionary work is really alive and
vibrant here in Birmingham. In our ward alone we see baptisms often on a weekly
basis - in fact there was one this very day, of a young man by the name of
Ling. (Isn’t that a Chinese surname? and if so, aren’t there billions of
Lings?!) At least one of the pairs of elders is called to specifically teach
Chinese investigators in their own language. Though we were not able to stay
for the baptism this time around, I was able to interact with ‘Heidi’ for a few
moments afterwards. I told her that I knew she would take away something
especially meaningful to her if she were able to stay for the services
following church, and that most surely she would enjoy the experience, in light
of her growing interest in the church. I understand that there are many Asian
students who attend the universities in this city, and thus the need for these
language missionaries. Unfortunately, I also am told that the sad thing
regarding these Chinese students who accept baptism is that upon returning home
to their own country, these new converts, still beholden to their parents because
of their age, are often forbidden to pursue their religious aspirations, much
less practice their new-found faith.
Several weeks back was made mention of the Amison
brothers, whose parents are really good friends with the Wards. You may recall
the fact of celebrating Timmy’s birthday one Sunday evening, he having spent
the week living with Leah and Martin while his parents were away on holiday to
France. Anyway, it was announced today in church that brother David had
received his mission call. (He would have received it the Friday previously;
whereas, I believe in America, at least in Utah, the reception date is usually
a Wednesday.) Anyway, Zambia! Can you believe it? Isn’t that something?! And to
top it off, David told me he reports to the MTC on my birthday – Thursday,
December 6th. (With the completion of
the new temple in 1998, the England counterpart of the MTC was transferred from
its previous location in London to Preston. Did YOU realize that there are
currently 15 missionary training centers throughout the world? Boy, not me!) Brother
Gordon Amison, father of David, and 1st counselor in the bishopric, in
testimony today declared his great love for and belief regarding missionary
work, alluding to some of his own missionary experiences while a youth himself.
This will be his and his wife, Jane’s, third missionary – one serving
presently, with three younger sons left to go. (While on the subject of the
Amison family, later at the Ward’s house, Leah said, ‘Debbie, I have something
to show you.’ It was a very sweet thank you card from Timmy, expressing how
much he had enjoyed the time he had spent in their home. See below.)
After breaking our fast, I accompanied the Wardy
family on an autumnal walk in the neighborhood. Then finished off the day with
an aborted attempt to contact my mom and dad via Skype. (‘But, Scott, why? We
talked with her only just last week . . . ’) Oh, well, try again another time.
*As we were helping Beth, who is three, spell her name
on her lesson handout, we started, coaxingly, with ‘b-b-b-BEE, that’s a ‘B,’ then, as she
worked on making an ‘E,’ continued mildly, ‘and now that’s an E.’ ‘No,’ Beth returned
emphatically, ‘that’s ME!’ (interpreted to mean, ‘NO, that is NOT an ‘E’,
rather it’s ME, dumbies, ‘Beth!' Don’t you get it?!’ Her
insistent retort had taken us nursery leaders by surprise – so after regaining
our senses, we had a good chuckle amongst ourselves. (I dunno – maybe you just had to be there. Anyway, it was funny how startling her strong insistence had come unexpectently spurting out.)
Photos_
1- deepest, darkest Africa
2- Timmy Time thank you
2- Timmy Time thank you
3- screamer with bailer (happy now)
4-6 family walk in the park
beneath the chestnut tree - conkers and
their coverings
death precusor to renewed life
mushroom
village
