Good Morning!
The sun isn't even up yet and in my morning scripture studies, I thought of you all! Have you ever wondered what you are doing here...like on Earth? What is your purpose? Our mission is like a mini Earth-experience. I know that sounds weird, but bear with me please...
We are born (start our mission) and die (end our mission and go "home"). We have experiences and have choices of what we can or won't do. We both learned a lot in the 4 1/2 months that we have been here already. But we know that you don't have to be on a mission, far from home to learn a lot and grow a lot.
We were assigned a job to get 3 homes ready to rent. When we got the keys and went into the first, I was so overwhelmed. It was dirty and smelly and every single wall needed paint and a lot of repairs needed to be done. I wanted to crawl back to bed and stay there. Joe, on the other hand, just dug in and started working. I decided to gather my grit and went to work as well. I found out that some soap and water took off most of the grime and some paint helped the rest. It wasn't long before the home was beautiful and ready for someone to move in.
Reflecting on that, I realized that I was yoked to Joe. Together, we could accomplish much with his know how and my willing to take steps to dig in and get it done.
But how does a person get things done like, change a personality trait? How about becoming....? What about changing the world? Are those things even possible?
That reminds me of the scripture, ".. my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11:30) Why is it easy and light? It's a burden right? The reason of course is because Jesus Christ takes the brunt of the burden and asks us to walk with Him, which make it easy and light! I am so grateful to be yoked with Joe and most especially with my Savior, Jesus Christ who is capable of carrying all the burdens! When we put our hand in His (“Get on your knees and pray, then get on your feet and work.” ― Gordon B. Hinckley) we can accomplish many things for the kingdom of God and perhaps change ourselves and the world for good.
We love you all and hope you put your hand in God's and know that His yoke is easy!
All our love,
Elder Joseph and Sister Gloria Smith
Here are some pics since last we met...
We finished the patio! Hurray!
One of the farm workers backed into this sign and leveled it. We (Joe) dug it out and put it together (Joe) and painted it (Gloria). Looks better than new!
We were able to go to the Preston Temple. We also saw where the first baptisms were. What a fabulous area!
Our directors, the Marosticas came for about 6 days. We saw the Tower Bridge where the Crown Jewels are, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Camden market in London.Then we went to Cambridge, the Warwick castle, saw the Farm, the Cathedral in Ely, Gadfield Elm, past Stratford on Avon, and Bletchley Park. I think they were glad to go home and rest! We had a blast!
This is the Gadfield Elm Chapel.
Joe preaching about the Book of Mormon at Gadfield Elm to 5 people. Long ago, it was packed.
Then men went out hunting one early morning. This is Elder Gabel Brother Guy and a poor Chinese Water deer.
We went to the North Sea and found out that the sea rose 12' during a 24 hour period. It was low tide here. The beach was almost entirely shells, including a long muscle shell that we've never seen before!
Gloria learned the joy of blurring a photo! Woot! Woot! These mounds were all over the place. I know why we also saw a ship wreck. Hitting that trying to port wouldn't be great on the ship!
We were asked to prepare two homes for rentals. We had a lot of painting to do. The paint is either as thick as frosting or runny as milk. Joe made this box to cover an unsightly utility meter. I had to be careful how I puttied, primed and painted it!
Joe putting in a baseboard
Gloria taught a painting class to the Senior Primary class. These are mostly the kids in our class. They did a great job and are quite lovely!
House is ready to move in! That was a lot of work!
We went to Liverpool and stopped at the statue dedicated to the migration of the Latter-day Saints that came to America when they heard about the Gospel!
Still in Liverpool. It was a very blustery day but we loved Liverpool and wouldn't mind going back again. It is pretty popular to put a lock on the chains by the water. I believe it signifies that someone's heart is tied to another's and that is their promise of return.
A little inlet and shopping area in Liverpool
Had some fun walking around where the Beatles first were heard.
The Cavern was their first "gig" and they played there often.
There was also a Titanic, Maritime, Slavery Museum. Very interesting. We found out that the builder of the Titanic was from Liverpool
Off to Manchester. They advertised the Christmas Market (which is very popular throughout England). Unfortunately, we didn't see a lot of Christmasy things, just amazing food!
Crazy weird buildings and a cute guy!
This is supposed to say Merry Christmas...
Eating another Bratwurst in England...yum!
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