TheSecondTimeAroundEngland

We have both been slow-moving throughout the day. I sometimes look in the mirror and wonder if the aging process hasn't sped up. I am looking older, and feeling older. Of course, there are things we could both do to perhaps help but often we are in a "just take care of what has to be done today and you can start healthier habits next Monday." Lack of sleep and too much dessert doesn't help us at all. We had Family Home Evening at the church again this evening. We had twelve there - three young men who are not members, and our new Bishop. In the first five minutes after sitting down in a circle, one of the young men engaged the Bishop in a serious discussion about creation and evolution. Even the terms he used were over my head. He was ever so slightly confrontational. It was fascinating, first because several of the Oxford LDS students who were there were quite equal to the task of answering his queries, and second the Bishop was even more capable. As an Oxford profes...

 This was Fast Sunday because we have Stake Conference next week. It was supposed to be Fast and Testimony Meeting but as soon as I saw President Smith on the stand, I knew there would be no testimonies from the congregation. President Smith is our Stake President, and our Bishop and his family will soon be moving to Logan Utah where he will take the rein as head of the Business School. He and his bishopric were released today, and a new bishop was called. His name is Mark Wrathal and he is an American, with a distinguished academic past. He has taught our Gospel Doctrine class for at least two years, and they have always been incredibly spiritual. He presents the lesson in a sincere and humble way that invites thoughtful comments. He understands the gospel and he knows it. He has a doctorate in law and one in philosophy....which is the subject he teaches at Oxford. He has recently written a book for the Neal A. Maxwell Institute about Alma.  He knows the prophet Alma, and yet...

 It has been a lovely relaxing Saturday. About one in the afternoon, SK said, "Let's go see the Ruins!" This is something we had never heard of until two days ago, when our young Oxford Elders said they had been to see them earlier in the week. They showed us a couple of pictures, told us a little bit about them and we knew we had to see what these ruins were all about. We haven't had many days recently when we could just take off with abandon, with no worries about when to be back. This day was perfect.  We left the flat soon thereafter, and immediately got caught up in heavy traffic. It took us about twenty-five minutes to get out of town (normally ten minutes) and then we were on the open road. The Ruins as they are called were only about a half hour away, through some gorgeous country. The picturesque little village of Burford is a few minutes beyond that. To read more about Burford (a jewel of the Cotswolds) read here: https://thirdeyetraveller.com/things-to-do-i...

 My baby brother is sixty three today.....sixty three! How did that happen? Our day started out early as we fixed lunch for our district council. We got it all ready, got ourselves and our young sisters to the church at 9:30 and participated in the council. I am so impressed with these young people! Elder Reynoldson, the only Brit in the group of eight had organized the meeting. We did all the usual things, until time for the training. Last week, you may remember we met with Reverend Teal. It was a stellar meeting, one that I (and I am sure all the young missionaries) will long remember. The Reverend gave the training. This week, it was the two young sister missionaries, both of whom have been out for about three months, SK and me. Elder Reynoldson assigned each of us to speak about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I started with "What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ?" SK went next with "How Can I Use the Enabling Power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ?" Sister Bloxh...

 We were off early today to meet Darren in Farnborough, a beautiful community southeast of Oxford by about an hour and a half. We were on a mission to find a flat for two of our young sisters. Dave announced that we have thirty new missionaries coming within the next three weeks. They will need places to stay. Last night on the mission call, both prayers mentioned Dave and Deb (not unusual), but new because the young missionaries who prayed asked for their well-being and were full of gratitude for all they have done. Today we received an email inviting us to join all the other seniors in London (there are only ten couples currently, but more will be coming) for Family Home Evening. Besides enjoying a potluck dinner together - in person! - we will "be saying good-bye to President and Sister Checketts and the Sumkos. With barely a month left, they will be filling every day with the usual meetings, interviews, zoom calls and telephone calls, not to mention the many emails they answer...

 The high point of this day was a fifteen-minute drive to the home of C.S. Lewis.  It is technically in Oxford, although it is a suburb. We drove down a typical neighborhood road. No large signs broadcasting that this is an important place. No parking lots, no gift shops, no souvenirs emblazoned with C S. Lewis. The home hasn't been open to the public in well over a year.  It is called "The Kiln."  "The C.S. Lewis Study Centre at The Kilns was dedicated in July 2002 to serve as a focal point of Christian hospitality, study, reflection and learned conversation between Christian scholars, artists, and laity the world over. To this end, the Foundation provides ways in which one may experience “life at The Kilns”: Throughout the year, The Kilns is home to a small intentional Christian community of visiting scholars and advanced graduate students, all engaged in some aspect of research and study at Oxford University."       -  http://www.cslewis.o...

 Tuesdays are different. Tuesdays are now the day to prepare -  in earnest for Pathway Institute. Each week is a little easier, a little less stress, a little less preparation, and a little less intimidating. What an inspired program this is! Each participant is on a pathway of education that will eventually lead them to a college degree and a better life. The class this evening went by without a hitch - technically speaking. There was some excellent participation. I love the makeup of the class. We have a pre-mission 18-year-old, a 70-year-old convert of twenty-six years who is so grateful in all she says, a 40-something stake president from Europe, a woman from Spain living in Denmark, and a marvelous young returned missionary from Zimbabwe who must have been amazing in the mission field, and many others who come and add to the group. Their testimonies of Jesus Christ and His power in their lives is inspiring. I'm certain that if I knew more of their life stories, I would be...

 Monday is the young missionaries day to do laundry, cleaning, shopping and all other tasks that they can't get to on the other days. I'm sure it makes it difficult for them to do much sightseeing because their schedules are full. I am happy to report that we do not have to adhere to the same guidelines as the missionaries. Every day for us is a preparation day of sorts. Mondays have nearly always been a day to get ready for Family Home Evening. For months now, getting ready for FHE has mostly been about just tuning in at 7:30 and participating in the activity. I think we are through with that now, and are definitely returning to post COVID gatherings - with caution. We are told that no more than two households and 6 people can mingle indoors. But the restrictions are relaxed for venues such as theaters and restaurants and other businesses. Churches are able to do a little more. Within a month, I'm pretty certain that we will be free of most restrictions. Kristina invited a...

 It is nearly one in the afternoon.  At one we will meet with the young missionaries and all the people they are currently teaching. We have a handsome young man from Spain and another almost as handsome one from Portugal who are currently being taught by our young sister missionaries. I know what you are thinking.   And I think you are right. Often our new converts are attracted to the Church by handsome young men and beautiful young women, but just as often they stay and become strong and active members. And sometimes they even marry the missionary and raise a marvelous active family. We spoke in church today.  We are both very grateful that it is over.  I don't know why that is stressful.  I spoke about the war in Heaven and that it is ongoing today.  I stood at the pulpit with people scattered over the expanse of the chapel. Most of them were on the older side. They sat alone, wearing masks, their whole posture one of weariness. There were a f...

 It has been an exhausting week for us, but also an exhilarating one as well. In answer to your question Erin, I worded that badly.  All the missionaries wolfed down the Cafe Rio Salads with gusto, especially Elder Reynoldson - who is our only Brit.  I was referring to the fact that all of our zone right now is American except for one.....who is Elder Reynoldson.  I will correct that. We had a glorious day on the Isle of Wight with all the senior missionaries. While we were on our way down, I got a call from a member of the bishopric who apologized profusely for asking, but their speakers for tomorrow cancelled and they desperately needed speakers. We said yes. We got home this evening around 8, and ate dinner, and have been working on the talks ever since.  We have to be up early in the morning to be ready for Church. So I'm signing off this evening with a promise of pictures and a description of the day tomorrow afternoon. Good Night.

  Well, it has been a lovely day!  I wonder if the young missionaries even have any idea about what a signal honor it was to sit with Reverend Teal and be taught from the Bible and the Book of Mormon and even the Doctrine and Covenants. We had the training in the Young Women's Room.  The elders had set up a horseshoe shape with three tables.  Elders Reynoldson and Bowen sat on either side of Reverend Teal.  Down the long side were Stan and me, Sisters Bloxham and Jones, and then Elders Merrill, Field, Gadd and Roney on the other side. Elders Field and Merrill did the Gap and I was so proud of them, not only of them, but our Oxford elders who conducted the meeting so well. Comments from all of the missionaries were respectful, full of faith and well-thought out, reflecting a great deal of faith. Elder Reynoldson turned the time over to Reverend Teal, who taught a masterful training. He has such a humble way about him, so gentle, so soft-spoken. During his tr...