Grateful

How can you be in England and not exult in the gray dramatic skies and a day of constant drizzling rain?  It has been lovely.



We went shopping first thing, so that I could make two large shepherd's pies for tomorrow's dinner - Break the Fast with the YSAs.  It is relatively inexpensive, but like everything else, seems to have been labor-intensive.  I think I could spend a little more money and cut down on preparation time.  But this IS the mission, and I don't mind.  And the YSAs so love to come over here and eat.  And I enjoy knowing they are enjoying a home-cooked meal.

I loved walking around the shopping center.  We had to return the little gnome we purchased a couple of days ago, because he had a battery, and whatever it was he was supposed to do - he didn't do.  The department store clerk was very obliging and we came home with a very talented little nisse.


I guess we'll have to name him Rudolph.

We wandered around for awhile just enjoying the crowds and the window shopping, then we went to the grocery store for supplies.  On the way home, we saw the young elders.  It is surprising how often we see them!  And they always seem so happy to see us.  They are just so cute!

It took me three hours to make my humble little shepherd's pies, but I think there is enough for a small army.  Let's hope that we have a small army here, because if we don't, those elders will have to take care of the leftovers at our Wednesday district meeting.

One thing I have noticed here is how beautiful redheads are!!!!!  Out in the cool air, their faces kissed by the breezes, their red hair waving in the wind, they look stunning.  I've seen several, and have decided that they have a special sort of beauty.  The word colleen comes to mind.  Webster's simply says that it means Irish girl, but I think it means red-headed Irish beauty.  There.

If you have any mind to visit Oxford, you might prepare by watching some of the movies and television shows that have been filmed here.  Here are some suggestions:

British TV:
Inspector Morse
Inspector Lewis
Endeavor

Movies:
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Young Sherlock Holmes
Howard's End
Shadowlands
The Saint
Saving Private Ryan
102 Dalmations
Alice in Wonderland 2010
Golden Compass
X-men Firt Class
The Mummy 2017
Dr. Stange
Manna Mia Here We Go Again
Tolkien 2019

It is a magical place, and when we kneel together in prayer, we are grateful not only for the gospel - the reason we are here, but for the dear people in the wards, the mission, the young single adults who will be here tomorrow, and also for this beautiful historical enchanted and charming place.

We feel blessed beyond measure.

Comments

judy said…
The skies/clouds are BEAUTIFUL - but don't know if I would enjoy constant rain and clouds.
As it goes - there are positive and negative things about all places on this beautiful earth - so - we enjoy the good parts and ignore the rest. L&P, Judy
November 3, 2019 at 8:49 AM
judy said…
This is a little different from your last "blog" - but will figure it out some day.
It sounds as if you are having fun with shopping and cooking --again. The transport of food you did not mention - so it sounds like they come to your abode to gather, have fun and eat. Do you have enough room?
You have already been in my prayers - and I know the Lord will watch over you and your family.
Don't know if you know the Holgates who are in Iraq - but they are having a very interesting "mission" - with many miracles. No proselyting - but they are growing. Will try to send you their e-mails.
L&P, Judy
November 3, 2019 at 8:58 AM
Elder and Sister Madsen said…
Yes...our apartment has been dedicated as the gathering place for the Oxford YSAs. Getting twenty in here in one room is a bit of a stretch, but it works. Feeding twenty is another thing all together, but it can be done, with everyone balancing their meals on their laps.
We do appreciate your prayers!
I would love the read the Holgates' letters.
L&P
November 3, 2019 at 9:22 AM
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