Hello!

We have arrived, unpacked and have done a couple of days of work. Elder Gabel is so happy to have Joe here that they are now Buddies. They do a lot together. We get along well with the Gabels and are so happy they are our mentors! They have taken us under their wing and helped us so much!

Gloria has been busy digging out of the things others have left. Seems like each couple bought their own pans! 

You may have heard that England got record heat the other day. It didn't cool down in the evenings, so we were quite miserable without any AC. But it didn't last long and it's a lot cooler now!

So far in one week, we went to a "Barn" dance with the Ward, went to Church, mowed 4 properties, worked in the shop, hedged about 1/2 mile's worth of hedges, cleaned and organized the apartment (on-going), went out with the Sisters to visit a little family that's struggling with cigarettes, helped with a YA activity in our yard, went to the store multiple times, and really enjoying England.

We love the accent and the ways here. It's beautiful and the people are so friendly. We are planning on going to Bletchley Park (where the Nazi enigma was broken that ended the WWII early) tomorrow and to a Senior Missionary gathering as well as a Costco run (yay!)

Well, I'll write soon!

Elder and Sister Smith

 

        

 Getting off the plane! Whew! We're here!

Our first picture together in England...awww!

The drive home...on the left side of the road and the steering wheel on the right! Crazy trying to get use to this!

The farm had lots (loads) of fields just like this one!

A cluster of thatched roofed houses

Here are some pics of our apartment. Sorry, I haven't figured out how to finagle the pictures to show us where I want them...

Bathroom is HUGE! But only one toilet and one sink (1st World problem)

Kitchen is also huge!People are envious of our "gigantic" fridge and freeze". I have no complaints! The kitchen is totally stocked, cleaned and ready! I don't know how many missionaries decided to leave another set of pans and knives! Sheesh! Time to go to the Salvation Army. For those unfamiliar...DI=Salvation Army

The living room is also very large. There is a door to the right by the couch that goes to the upstairs missionaries. 

This is the mud room. Each missionary leaves things for the future missionaries! We have a Ton of things!

This the the boiler room (in place of a water heater) and our laundry area. The water is so hot I think it can burn the top several layers of skin off!

We're given a car and a truck. The other missionaries have a van. The truck is our work truck and we only pay for fuel when we are doing Joe and Gloria stuff @  .20 /pound! We are really grateful!

The front of our entrance. See the tall pine trees in the back? One houses Joe's drone on it's maiden voyage. (Not cool) Then we found out it is illegal to fly them here!

That bottom window on the right is our kitchen window. It looks out to the neighbors. 

This is all ours to maintain and use. It's HUGE!

Our bedroom Funny fact, they don't really know what screens are! No A/C, so the record high heat was brutal!

A hutch and small freezer. We are really spoiled!

This is an entrance to our real life Secret Garden!

The roads are really narrow and windy. It's kind of a nightmare to come across a large vehicle!

Joe couldn't figure out what was poking the bottom of his foot until he inspected and found a huge thorn from a plant they call bramble. It's like a blackberry.

At one of the places we take care of, there is a 6x6 Russian military vehicle

My riding lawnmower lessen from Elder Gabel

This replaced a stolen modular bathroom. Joe and Elder Gabel installed this

As soon as we arrive, we have to get registered with the locals. Isn't this the cutest town?

Almost all the food has a flag symbol on it. They are very proud of their country

Not a lot of ice here, but we found ice bags to make your own. hmmm

And we're a GO!

 Good news! Joe's passport and visa showed up this morning!

 Looks like we're heading to England on Friday! We should be in England at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and at the house at 3:30!

 The Gables who are living there, told us that there is a barn dance that evening! 

I'll keep you posted!

Housekeeping...

 I was told that some people couldn't see the section after "read more>>" . You should be able to see it now.

Also, I am just learning about this program and I don't know how to let you "subscribe", so if anyone had an idea, please let me know. Until then, check on Monday. I will try to put something out each Sunday.

England Here We Come...maybe!

 

Hi Everyone!

Just want to fill everyone in on what's going on. 

Joe was able to retire when another company bought his company. We both were amazed at the great blessing that was for us. I remember thinking that our life was cleared and wondered what the Lord had in store for us. Several days later, Joe told me that he thought he knew the answer. He had gotten a call from the directors of Farmland Reserves for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  (the Marasticas) informing us that we had the opportunity to go to England to serve as missionaries there for a year. We have been preparing ever since.