Eighth Week

We continued our coordinating position together in the Temple this week but this time we were on early shift which contributed to the experience being a little different. They needed Tom in sealings on Friday, so I reverted back to doing various Temple positions for that particular day. We were back to our coordinating training on Saturday and we are now signed off on that position. The Temple was generally busy this week which is an answer to our prayers. We are exhausted each night but ready to go again each morning.

The Church leaders and the Temple leaders here are concerned about everyone’s safety from the “coronavirus”. It is a blessing that they asked us not to travel outside the UK during Temple closures, as we, as well as others, were planning on going to Italy and it is the European country that has been hit worst with the virus. They are asking us to wash our hands regularly and thoroughly.

We came home one day and found that the Fitzners had left ingredients at our door for making “capresse” which is made with soft mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil, red onions and olive oil and balsamic vinegar. We had some in the restaurant they other day when we were with them and they remembered how much we enjoyed it. Chris served his mission Italy and then they served a senior mission together in Italy recently.

We go into East Grinstead to get groceries and shop. We are actually getting used to being on the wrong side of the road and don’t feel as much anxiety while driving. We still need to be on the alert and we are still sorting out the roads and rules. Their roads are never on the grid and if you look at a map you might think that it reminds you of a pot of worms. It is an adventure.

Tom drove me to Emma’s salon to get my hair cut this week. Sister Beck was already in the chair having her hair done when we arrived. It seems we do everything together as Temple missionaries.

The Loyds led us to church again thru the beautiful English countryside. Their route to Tunbridge Wells is our favourite and we are trying to memorise it. At one point we got separated from them and they just went around the roundabout again to wait for us. Roundabouts are a way of life here.

We were thrilled to see the little Castro girl up playing the organ with confidence this week at church.. Sister Beck’s lesson seemed to do the trick. However, now her mother, who has been the chorister, does not feel confident leading music with an organ playing and she asked me to lead. Not a problem for me but I leave my companion sitting alone in the congregation.

We had our “Break the Fast” potluck on Sunday again. We have been here two months and attended three “Break the Fast” events. They are fun and always have too much good food to tempt. I made cookies again.

We went into East Grinstead today and after doing a little shopping, celebrated “Valentine’s Day” (a little late) by going to the movie “Emma” and eating fish and chips at the Peacock Pub.

We finally got all our pictures printed and framed of our family. Our flat is feeling more like home all the time.

Our Apartment