DECEMBER 2022

REFLECTIONS…..
Has it really been a year?  
On November 29, 2021 Michael and I entered the missionary    training center in Provo, Utah. After two wonderful weeks of training and feeling the missionary spirit with hundreds of other missionaries preparing to go ‘to all the world’, we flew 'across the pond’ to England.  We received our assignment to live and serve on Anglesey Island in Wales.  It is truly a garden spot of the country, surrounded by the Irish Sea, beautiful Snowdonia mountains and green pastures full of sheep…and cows!
Remembering our shock to learn that our village boasts the 2nd longest name in the world!  Everyday we pass signs welcoming travelers to our famous little town …Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
(We feel the pressure of pronouncing it correctly before we arrive home in May!) 

Michael promptly engaged a tutor to learn the difficult Welsh language. He has studied diligently for a year and enjoys speaking to people. I know one word - bore-da!  (Good morning). We’ve learned how to drive on the other side of the road, navigate round-a-bouts, drive through very very narrow lanes, dress in layers to keep warm, buy unfamiliar items as we grocery shop, live in a small’ish’ flat with a small refrigerator, small oven, small washer/dryer, and no dishwasher (although Michael is an amazing dishwasher now!)  We have learned to live without a few creature comforts and appreciate the simplicity of where we live. This ‘adventure’ has become a way of life for us.  We love the beauty of Wales and her people. We have driven thousands of miles ‘oohing and aahing’ over the green landscapes and continual blooming flowers, skies of multiple grays intermixed with clear blue, and frequent rainbows.  We've learned some history of this country and the United Kingdom, hiked mountains, cliffs, lighthouses, castles, and enjoyed simple walks on the village lanes outside our front door.  We are grateful to be here.

As I reflect on this past year’s experiences as a missionary, I have greater appreciation when Elder Bednar taught the distinction between being “called to the work” and “assigned to labor” in a particular place.  I am grateful to be called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and assigned to labor here in Wales with Michael.  We have been engaged in lending leadership support to the Gaerwen Ward in every dimension.  Happily, we are busy missionaries with little downtime.

*I love my companion.  Michael and I have truthfully spent more time together this past year than all our 48 years of marriage. It is a wonderful blessing to be at each other’s side 24/7 as we serve. I love him even more deeply.
*I love the people.  I have had many experiences loving and ministering to others, but this mission has allowed me to dedicate 100% of my time and focus completely in serving others, without distractions.  It is sometimes exhausting, but always rewarding.  I feel like I am coming to see others more like Christ does which brings such JOY 
*I love Heavenly and Jesus Christ. Because of this reciprocal love, I feel thankful to wear Christ’s name over my heart.  Because of this love, I feel blessed to teach and testify of them.

We have five more months here.  Our goal is to work hard until the very last minute, to help lift others in any way and to return home as more devoted disciples than when we left. We’ve witnessed the miracle of Kev and Alicia’s baptism this past year and look forward to their temple endowments and sealing in a few months.  We have also witnessed numerous small miracles that I will share in my next journal entry. These small miracles can be identified daily if looking for them…and we are!

Reflecting on this past year, I am full of gratitude for everything…blessings, struggles, family, friends and look forward to 2023

*Thanksgiving with the Gill family
*Gaerwen Ward Barn Dance
*Dinner and Messiah with Damien and Denise Halligan
*Visit with the Cooneys and elders
*Gaerwen Ward Christmas celebrations 
*Manchester Mission Christmas Activities, including wrapping countless presents for the elders and sisters.
*Christmas Eve with the Gill family
*Christmas Day at home.  Highlight was our FaceTimes with every single Dudley family
*Boxing Day at the Quilters
*EMM Chester District New Years Eve activity.  We hosted the day’s activities including volleyball, pickleball, and a yummy dinner for 16.  These young sisters and elders are the best.


















































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