Changes!

So crazy news! 

We received this from the Marosticas, our directors: 

                   "President Nelson and other Church leaders have also placed 

increased emphasis on the importance of missionary work, including the need  

for senior couples to serve as their circumstances allow. In response to that emphasis, the Presiding Bishopric has determined  that the Farmland Reserve Mission will be retired to make more couples  available to support ecclesiastical priorities. 

  To allow for an orderly transition, the Farmland Reserve Mission will continue until 

  June 30, 2023." 

 We were stunned and disillusioned! We have learned so much about who we are and have grown so close to others. We've learned new skills and we've helped those around us like most people can't. It has been such a great experience for us and yet I know that this is true and good. 

 The Farm manager, Ben Conway, let us know that Bishop Budge (in the Presiding Bishopric) is coming to England September 18th through 21! He wants to have lunch with us, but is here mainly for a land deal. And the Marosticas are coming to England September 20th through 26th! And Joseph and Mariesa are coming to England at the same time! Too bad it didn't stretch out throughout the next several months instead of all within one week! Pretty exciting, we'll see how it all works out! 

This home has become such a haven for us. We have grown so close and feel so incredibly blessed to have each other! How is it that we can be married for 41 years and still feel so in love? Ok, enough of the mushy stuff! 

It is quite interesting all the feelings and thoughts that we have. 

There is a beautiful farm house here. It was sold to a lady named Amanda. She knew that one day the land adjacent to the home would be developed and used. One day, several of the barns were renovated and turned into three apartments. (That happens frequently) Amanda was so frustrated that her peace and solitude were disrupted, even knowing that it was a probable fact...one day. Elder Gabel (our upstairs missionaries) said, "Sometimes in life you don't get what you want." 

I thought it should be said like this:

"Sometimes in life you don't get what you want, but you get what you need"

If we think of life like that instead of a stream of "disappointments" or "lucky" breaks, I think you will begin to see life as an adventure with possibilities and windows that are continually before you. 

Love you all!

Here are some pics you might enjoy!

Elder Smith mowing

Sister Smith learning to drive in England!!

Finished putting up the black and grey shed! (Joke: How many missionaries does it take to put up a shed?)

Sister Gabel strimming. Gloria looks just like this only less cute.

 

Elder and Sister Smith put together this loser shed once it fell apart. We won't mention who lost their cool...um right Elder?

Rusty helping Elder Smith

Putting up a mirror. Both bathrooms didn't have one! Weird!

We went for a "walk" across the field. Can I mention that the field had boulder sized dirt clods, which made me almost twist my ankle and brought me DOWN! Full on legs-over-the-head graceful fall, I might add. My head hurt so much. This little baby (sticker) was in my scalp for a couple of weeks. OUCH! 

We went to Peterborough (pronounced Peterbr) and this cathedral was stunning!

                                                  Inside the Cathedral...

 

                                                  More...

We also went to London and went to market! Wow! The British know how to shop! This is Camden Market

                                                                      

                                                                      More market... 

                                                                

                                                                  still more....

                                                                 Shop till I drop! jk

                                               I don't know if you can see the price, but EVERYTHING is such a

                                               bargain!

                                                 Fancy produce.....

                                               They turned these old time horse stables into a wonderful market

                                            We were just informed that Queen Elizabeth II has died today. We want to express our sadness and respect for this gracious lady who has done so much for so many.