There is Hope Smiling Brightly Before Us.

Britain's leaders are still encouraging a great deal of caution, but the numbers of COVID cases are looking better and better and it looks like the restrictions may be relaxing sooner than later (It may be just wishful thinking, but everyone seems to feel the same way.)

 Our zone leaders were in Oxford today.  They live about an hour away, but they drove up to do some training with the Oxford Elders.  We've known them for a few months now, and adore them....Elders Preston and Hinkson.  They brought some banana nut bread, which they made.  SK is quick to point out that it is banana bread because they didn't put nuts in.  It is pretty good.  

They delivered it to us, and we stood in the parking lot for awhile visiting - as usual.  I enjoy them.  I enjoy their humor, their openness and their joy.  We asked if they had plans for lunch.  Since they didn't, we ordered pizza, picked it up and delivered it to the church, where they met up with the Oxford Elders.  We purchased enough for the four of them.  

I made the shells for cream puffs last night.  We got into bed and were sleeping soundly when I heard a bell.  It was Melissa!  Matthew and Bethany had a jazz band concert.  She had told me about it earlier so that I could purchase tickets and then watch their broadcast, but I forgot.  Last night I tried everything I could think of to find access, but failed.

Melissa turned Facetime on and we were able to hear some fantastic numbers.  Then she was kind enough to send recordings of the rest of the concert.  We were both so grateful to be able to hear and see them - the jazz band is excellent.

After that I decided to make the cream puff filling.  It is a custard and requires a little care.  It was great to have done and in the refrigerator, so that it was nicely chilled this morning.  I assembled the creampuffs and gave the missionaries some, and then delivered the rest.  SK has commented a couple of times lately that he really enjoys delivering treats.

Our walk took us down yet another Thames tributary, and past the barges/houseboats on the Oxford Canal.  They are quite interesting.  They are long and narrow, the better to negotiate the canals, sit low in the water, and moor along the waterways where they can plug into an electricity source.  Often the tops of the barges are covered with things people normally store in their garages, bicycles and such.  Sometimes the occupants have covered the entire roof of the houseboat with a garden, and you can see all kinds of vegetables growing there.

We have been on that path before - last year sometime.  We took a detour that passed by a cemetery.  We walked inside and found an old somewhat neglected looking cemetery.  Headstones filled the small area, and many were askew, aslant, or on the ground.  Giant trees with massive trunks stood as sentinels over the crowded mouldering graveyard.

We spent some time wandering around looking at names and dates.  It was so peaceful.  Then we noticed a man nearby.  When we turned our gaze his way, he stepped forward and asked if he could be of help.  He had something to do with the church and cemetery, but I am not sure what.  He obviously takes pride in the place, and heads up a team of volunteers who are fighting a losing battle against the encroaching vegetation and time.

I kind of think he just wanted to talk to us because we are Americans.  We have experienced that a few times.  This city is populated with people from around the world, and not a few Americans, but they are young and perhaps more intimidating.  We don't frighten anyone and we light to chat!  And actually, we are just as charmed speaking to kindly Brits.  The ones closer to our own age are delightful.  Their accent and their vocabulary are enchanting.

On this evening's mission Zoom call, we had three people from the area office who supervise social medial training.  They were very informative.  Among other things they said that the England London Mission is so far ahead of most missions in what they are doing and accomplishing with all of the outlets.  With fewer missionaries this year, the work has more than doubled.  Not only our missionaries are an international group, but people entering the gospel fold  are from every corner of the world.

For instance Michael, who was baptized six months ago, has returned to his home in India.  We communicate with him.  He is looked for an LDS church and missionaries and has connected with a few members.  And our sweet Leticia baptized in November 2019, tried so hard to stay last year, applying and appealing visa decisions.  She is now in Dominican Republic, working as a physician, and serving in the Young Woman's presidency in her ward, and preparing to go to the temple.  

There are many others who have returned to their country of origin and are now strengthening the church there.

The people who spoke to us tonight announced some exciting things that will be coming up in March, leading toward Easter and General Conference.  If you saw any of the videos in the "Light the World" campaign, and if you enjoyed them, you will love the ones coming in March and leading up to Easter.  I can hardly wait.  They will send us links this coming week to begin posting.

One especially nice thing is the music they will be posting.  The Tabernacle Choir will be performing (maybe it isn't live) The Messiah on Sunday April 14.

Good things ahead.  It's in the air.  It is hope.