Home Away From Home

A couple weekends ago, Brian and I went to the Preston England Temple. It was so beautiful!! I didn't realize it, but there is a Missionary Training Center on the Temple Grounds--I snuck a pic of the Missionaries in their white shirts while in class...I think they are so great!

There is so much church history in this area and I am excited to read about it. A lady named Jill Sharp in our Ward told me of a history book that was written a while back and given to all the members who live here. She doesn't think it is in print anymore but is going to let me borrow it. She was telling me stories of people who left England and crossed the plains, etc. This is also where President Hinckley served his mission so long ago. So much to see and learn here.

The people in our Ward are amazing. They are so humble and sincere and I love to hear them talk, because their spirits are HUGE and they are so gifted in being able to express exactly what is in their hearts. There is just something so special about them and I don't know the words to even begin to explain it. I think I am falling in love with all of them! They have a great sense of humor--which I am learning to figure out--because it is a little different than ours. I am enjoying their accents also. They think "I" have one!

This past Sunday we were able to attend a Stake Youth Fireside (because Brian works with the Young Men and I tagged along). I have to say it is the best one I have ever been to. It was all about having the desire and having the spirit in your life as a guide and the great blessings that are ours as we keep the commandments and live close to the Savior. Gary Burgon (Shirley's husband) was the speaker and he had made a dvd to show at the end which showed some of the boys (one of them was one of his sons) as they had grown up, served missions, and then married their sweethearts in the temple for time and all eternity...You would have to see it and feel the spirit that was present that night to know what I am saying here...but it was so good.

This Saturday night is the Chester Ward Harvest Supper and Hoedown. The ladies are telling me they are "Mad as Hatters" -- meaning they are crazy funny?! You know, they don't know me yet. Caroline was telling me about a skit (only she called it a "Pantomine") some of them do. I said, "Yea, I know all about skits--we do them all the time back home!" hehe

(SIDE BAR: I know I have it easy in that I didn't have to learn a new language in coming here...but they use different words for things sometimes and I am scratching my head saying..."HUH???")

Love it.