Looking for Answers

 "I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree."

During our walk in the afternoon, we walked past a huge stately tree.  I can hardly wait to see it when it has fully leafed out.  Oxford is rich with stately old trees, and I often find myself snapping pictures of them.  But I think my telephone camera (good as it is) just doesn't do justice to them.  

What has that old tree seen as it has quietly observed life around it?

Do you see SK - a tiny figure at the base of the tree pointing it out for us?

On our way home - around 5 p.m.

It was about 4 p.m. when we took our walk.  We had attended our district council with the young missionaries in the morning, and then spent several hours filling out forms to turn in to receive vaccinations for COVID.  I made a few phone calls as well, trying to get it all figured out.  

Finally, with forms in hand, we walked the approximate mile to the clinic, deposited them in the appropriate box outside the clinic, and returned home.  Our walks are interesting these days.  SK carries his wallet, not to make purchases at any shop we might take a fancy to, but to provide ID if needed.  The only shop we have been in during this last week was the fresh produce shop and we are now thinking we will not even go into that one until we have received a vaccine.  

The figures are varying widely, from one in 50 have had or do have the virus down to one in fifteen in England.  London is even higher supposedly.  And of course in the midst of this is the realization that even if you get it, the odds are you will be fine - even symptom free.

Our district meeting with the young missionaries was sweet.  After a brief training, our district leader, Elder Akuoku asked us each to share what we have learned during this last transfer (a period of 6 weeks).  The answers from each of the eight young elders and sisters were so beautiful.  I love these kids and will be genuinely sorry to say good-bye to some of them next week to their homes throughout the world.  Missionaries arrival and departure dates are staggered throughout the year, so that assimilating them is a little easier.  

We have 13 that will be departing for their homes next week (all Americans), leaving a giant hole in a mission that has already seen great losses without incoming missionaries to replace them.  With England on lockdown, very few missionaries are coming in.  That leaves 13 missionaries here without companions.  We don't know if we will be called on to transport missionaries to and from the London area, or anywhere else in the mission.  With all of their luggage, it is so difficult to go by train, plus they have been told NOT to get on any sort of public transportation.  

I know Dave and Deb are anxious to see that they all get the vaccine.  We will see what February brings.

Their testimonies are amazing.  Exceptional.  They have knowledge born of reading and studying on a daily basis - they refer to chapter and verse as they speak, and their faith is inspiring.  With just a few minutes notice, they compose their thoughts and speak from the heart about what motivates them to get out of bed in the morning, and what joys are associated with bringing people into the gospel fold.  I am more in awe of them than ever.

Most of them attended Institute last night, and they add to every discussion.  

After Institute, I spent an hour on the phone with Angie, a young adult, just visiting.  She is like family and it is good to spend time with her.  

I also called my sister Judy and we had a good visit.  Her health and family challenges continue to be almost overwhelming, but she seems to be doing a little better each time I talk to her, and that is very encouraging.  She will receive the vaccination Friday.

I have sent out emails here asking if anyone sent us this book.  Is is a mystery.  It just showed up in the mail without a return address.  It is a great little book, but we we would like to thank the giver.  We just don't know who the giver is!

Our mission office called to say that it has been too long since we submitted our visa extension request, so we will pursue that looking for answers.

Isn't it interesting what a year will bring?  Looking back, we had no idea this pandemic was coming.  There were enough problems on the world-stage that we grappled with, who could possibly have foreseen this?  

Hopefully, next January will bring some answers and some perspective.  I am looking forward to that.