Happy Day
I think one of the things I love about the Oxford 1st and 2nd Wards is that there are no "ites" among us. Everyone comes and is immediately accepted as one of us. The wards could be loosely called "world-wide" wards, since the members are from all over the world. Our newest members are from Dominican Republic, South Africa, Brazil and London. We have ward members from China, Haiti, Ivory Coast, our Bishop is Finnish, one of the counselors is from Philippines (I think), and we have a bunch of members from great Britain and America!...and who knows where else.
This day dawned with somber warning from the news sources that a terrible storm was about to hit. The wind was supposed to reach 80 mph, and in fact, we encountered a great old tree that had been downed shortly before we passed, it motoring toward church. As we sat in our meetings, the church building moaned and grumbled as the wind tore around it, whistling and raging outside.
It rained for a short while after we got home, and we stood at the window admiring the wind and rain for about 10 minutes and then it was over. The wind is still trying to threaten outside, but it has lost its teeth.
Church was outstanding....both sacrament meetings were so moving. One of our young missionaries spoke in the 2nd ward and the 1st ward. Her companion also spoke in the 1st ward, and one of our young elders spoke in the 1st ward.
Have I mentioned how impressive these missionaries are? They can speak eloquently and profoundly about gospel subjects, with testimonies burning bright. They elucidate scripture passages and relate them to their own lives - and ours. They know the scriptures, and they find such joy in sharing their testimonies with people. They are also used to a good deal of rejection.
I think of my young granddaughter posed to leave for Paraguay. She will be speaking a language that she has worked hard to learn. She will soon land and be assailed by new smells, sights, sounds and words. She will be with a new companion (I pray that she is an extraordinarily good young woman who will train Lauren well). Regardless of her companion, I expect Lauren will learn well how to be an excellent missionary, either with the help of a wonderful missionary companion or the example of one not so great.
I can hardly wait to begin hearing how she is doing in her new environment (it will be a couple of weeks yet) and how she is getting along with the language. I see her every time I see or talk to a young sister missionary here.
I hope she has a senior couple nearby.
This day dawned with somber warning from the news sources that a terrible storm was about to hit. The wind was supposed to reach 80 mph, and in fact, we encountered a great old tree that had been downed shortly before we passed, it motoring toward church. As we sat in our meetings, the church building moaned and grumbled as the wind tore around it, whistling and raging outside.
It rained for a short while after we got home, and we stood at the window admiring the wind and rain for about 10 minutes and then it was over. The wind is still trying to threaten outside, but it has lost its teeth.
Church was outstanding....both sacrament meetings were so moving. One of our young missionaries spoke in the 2nd ward and the 1st ward. Her companion also spoke in the 1st ward, and one of our young elders spoke in the 1st ward.
Have I mentioned how impressive these missionaries are? They can speak eloquently and profoundly about gospel subjects, with testimonies burning bright. They elucidate scripture passages and relate them to their own lives - and ours. They know the scriptures, and they find such joy in sharing their testimonies with people. They are also used to a good deal of rejection.
I think of my young granddaughter posed to leave for Paraguay. She will be speaking a language that she has worked hard to learn. She will soon land and be assailed by new smells, sights, sounds and words. She will be with a new companion (I pray that she is an extraordinarily good young woman who will train Lauren well). Regardless of her companion, I expect Lauren will learn well how to be an excellent missionary, either with the help of a wonderful missionary companion or the example of one not so great.
I can hardly wait to begin hearing how she is doing in her new environment (it will be a couple of weeks yet) and how she is getting along with the language. I see her every time I see or talk to a young sister missionary here.
I hope she has a senior couple nearby.
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