Another New Beginning

Another New Beginning for a 75 year old man, Douglas Thomas who was baptized today in Llanelli, the third area we are working in. He was baptized by Elder Benthin from Denmark and Elder Stoddard from Utah is his companion and has helped teach him. It was a wonderful evening showing us it is never too late too join the Lord's team!!! Elder Crandall and I bore our testimonies and provided the refreshments.

Dorothy's Birthday

Dorothy Holman's birthday was this week, so we took she and her husband, Keith out for dinner and Joy Peters joined us. We had a delightful time together and then ended up at our home for our scripture study group that evening. We read together every Thursday evening with the Hardings who were gone this week to Spain. We missed them. We are in Helaman and will finish the Book of Mormon on target by the end of November!! How we love these wonderful members of Carmarthen Branch. They are "true" latter-day saints!!

Lunch with Mavis at Cwmcerrig Farm Shop and Grill

One day this week Mavis Griffiths invited us to have lunch with her at Cwmcerrig Farm Shop and Grill--her treat!! It is located in a beautiful area and has great fresh food products for sale and a wonderful grill where we had our first steak and liver pie--it was delicious!!!! He husband Dan was not feeling like going with us that day (he is 92) but we took lunch home to him. Mavis and Dan have had us over several times for deliciously prepared meals and she says she has two more she wants us to come for real soon. Can you see why Elder Crandall and I both are on diets. These wonderful saints here are amazing cooks and are way to kind to us.

Wonderful Food Available at Cwmcerrig Farm Shop

Here are just a few views of the wonderful fresh produce, meat, and bakery products available at the Cwmcerrig Farm Shop and Grill. We had a delightful time there with Mavis Griffiths.

Some of our England Flat Inspections

This month we were asked to do the Cheltenham Zone Flat Inspections and so we got to see parts of England we have not seen before and meet some new sisters and elders. The sisters are serving in Stroud, England and are Sister Morgan, actually from South Wales ( imagine how surprised she was when she opened her mission call and was called to her home mission) and Sister McKelvie from Kent, England. They are lovely woman doing a fantastic job in Stroud. They were too busy to go out to lunch--never have that problem with those starving elders!! The Elders are Elder Salmans from Utah and Elder Nylund from Sweden. We have met these wonderful, devoted elders when they were serving in Wales. In fact Elder Salmans was out about 1 month when we did his flat inspection the first time and he gave Elder Crandall a priesthood blessing that day because Elder Crandall nearly collapsed in their flat. We will always remember his humble prayer and Elder Crandall was soon stronger and able to walk better.

Some of our favorite missionaries

Here are Elders Krywult from Austria and Elder Mathie from New Zealand. We had Breakfast by the Caerphilly Castle that you see in the background. They are awesome, dedicated elders!!!

In the second pictures are Elder Larsen from Phoenix, Arizona (Zone Leader and our buddy), Elder Piredda from Italy (Zone Leader) and Elder Yaskell from Alaska. They are amazing, devoted servants of the Lord. Elder Crandall, you are supposed to be on Weight Watchers--what am I to do with you?????

My Special New Angel

Here is a picture of a Special New Angel I have received from an "angel friend" in the USA!!! Read my next blog in order to understand!!!!

Jane's Angel

My dear friend Jane Barrett sent me an angel from one of my favorite stores the "Orange Patch". Notice I have placed it near pictures of people I love and gifts from other dear friends. As I get ready everyday, my heart is warmed by thoughts of all of these people that I love. Thank you Jane!! I miss you and our great times with the youth in Summit Ward. Appreciate also your emails and your thoughtfulness with this gift. Jane knows my love for angels and of my collection of angels back home. I feel the protection and encouragement of guardian angels all the time here in Wales on our mission. In fact the other day I so strongly felt the presence of my Mother. I really needed her that day. Love you, Jane!!

More beautiful old churches

I mentioned I would be taking pictures of beautiful old churches that we find in nearly every village. Many of them have the bell tower shown here where the bell used to be rung for church and special events. I think the grave yards are fascinating with their tall headstones. Imagine the history we could find in this grave yard alone. Note the date of the church in the 1700's--many date much further back than that. We just wish the churches were better attended--it seems that the pubs draw the attendance over the churches.

Fun Flat Inspections Again

We got to go to England this week to do flat inspections and in the first picture are Elder Rapana from Australia originally from New Zealand and is part Maori and Elder Steed from St George, Utah. They are located in Worcester England. Elder Rapana is the district leader and they both are dedicated elders. In the top right hand picture are Elders Breuer from Germany and Elder Cauffman from Wyoming. They had an immaculate flat. We find that the missionaries from Germany certainly are dedicated and know how to clean. In the bottom right hand picture are three elders because special training was going on for the leaders. They are Elders Marston from England, Elder Garroway from Scotland and Elder Durfee from Oregon. What wonderful, devoted servants of the Lord are these three elders. As we left the Newport area to drive home tears came to my eyes as I thought of the dedication and love these special young men have for the church and their Savior. It can be so discouraging sometimes with rejection after rejection and yet there are the miracles that save the day for us all. I love these valiant followers of Jesus Christ!!! We also visited Elder Mathews from Arizona (he is like a son to us) and Elder Pedersen from St George in Evesham, England. I failed to get a picture of them but do have several pictures of them in different companionship's. We love flat inspections!!!

Sister Dowers's Amazing Garden

We are always amazed at the flowers, herbs and vegetables the Dowers are growing especially since I have such a hard time growing anything in Arizona. It might be the 115 degree weather there. Do you think?? Couldn't be me???????????

Louis's Birthday

Sunday we attended Louis Barzewicz-Dower's birthday party. His family had cooked a delicious roast lamb meal and then topped it off with this birthday cake. He had several friends there and the full time elders in the area and Elder Crandall and myself. We had a delightful time. We met this family in our second area and they have been so very good to us. We certainly enjoy our visits to their home. They are great friends!

That Montana Charisma

Once again we stopped by the side of the road and immediately the milk cows set out in a run towards us and came right up to the gate. I think this was just about the same amount of cows we milked in Montana wasn't it Dad?? They are beautiful animals.

On our way to Panteg Whitemill

This week we went with Carmarthen Branch's high priest group leader and his wife to find another "lost sheep" and were filled with such wonder as we saw this beauty. We found she had moved but we will go back because as we got to the top of the mountain and had the full panoramic view of the Carmarthen Valley, my battery went dead. I know it is because we need to return. Notice the narrow road we had the privilege of traveling on. We are trying to figure out how to transport our family to this beautiful spot when they come out when we are ready to go home. A mini bus wouldn't make it on these roads.

My Favorite Things

Of all the beauty found here in Wales, I find the trees the most fascinating with vines and moss growing on them. We especially love what we call the " tree tunnels" that are formed by trees growing on both sides of the small lanes and actually creating a tunnel. I feel so protected and peaceful when driving through these tunnels.

Lovely Burry Port

This week we were in Burry Port, finding some "lost sheep" and found where one sister lived at the top of a mountain over looking Carmarthen Bay. It was absolutely breathtaking!!! We didn't find the sister home yet but look forward to a return trip in order to find her home and to enjoy the view once more.

Ammon's ready for Baptism

We went to the Greenhalgh's home this week and planned Ammon's baptism with him and his family. He is so excited and had definite ideas about what he wanted on his program. His sister Rachel (who was receiving inspiration from our cookies) directed our planning and did such a great job!! She is amazing--a future Relief Society President, her mother said and we agee. We love Ammon and have been friends with this special family ever since we have arrived here in Carmarthen.

Amazing Flowers Everywhere

In every yard ( which is called a garden here) are beautiful flowers of many varieties. Along the streets of most of the villages hanging pots with gorgeous flowers are hung and are watered by the local council every night. It is simply amazing and breathtaking!! I even have a hanging pot by my front door that is still living!!! You know how hard that was for me back home in 110 degree weather.

Saying Goodbye Once More

Today we were with Elder Amuah from England, Elder Balla also from England, Elder Stokes from Texas and Elder Ruesch from St. George, Utah doing their flat inspections. We said goodbye to Elder Amuah who will be returning home at the end of this transfer. His twin brother is serving in the London Mission and will return home at the same time. Imagine how happy that mother will be. These are great young servants of the Lord.

Dinner with President and Sister Ogden

Tonight President and Sister Ogden took Elder Crandall and I out to dinner to a Chinese restaurant on the marina right behind the elders' flat in Swansea. It was a delightful evening as we reviewed with our President what we have been doing so far on our mission. There is another senior couple coming to our mission who will be doing the same thing we are doing but in England and they have asked us to train them in what we have been doing. They seemed very pleased with our work and needless to say our ride home to Carmarthen was a joyous one. We love our work with the Saints here in Wales.

Happy Birthday Dad

Please someone show my Dad this great picture. He will love it. This was taken at Fresh Water West a beautiful beach here in Wales. I think these cattle knew I was a ranch girl from America and wanted to say hi. They came right up to the fence as if they were ready to visit with us. I am sure my great Dad could talk their language. Love you Dad and miss you terribly!!!!

Fresh Water West Beach

On Monday on our outing with the Williams family we went to the beach in Fresh Water West. This beach is in the last Harry Potter movie and also in the last Robin Hood movie. For the Robin Hood movie they artificially imposed the White Beaches of Dover, placed mock ships in the ocean and had soldiers on the beach. This beach is also known for surfing competitions. A reminder to those who are going to be part of my movie marathon when we get home--these are two movies that are a must because I have been to this beautiful beach!!!!

Two of our special friends in Wales

I love this picture of Martha and Ross Williams. This picture was taken on our outing with their family on Monday. It is so fun to work with them in Primary because they know the gospel and live it so well. They even seem to love us which is a special perk for us. We sure do love them!!!

A Special Day with the Williams

Here are some fun pictures of the Branch President's family on our outing with them to " The Green Bridge of Wales". The Children are Gareth, Ross and Martha. Theresa is there with Elder Crandall. I have Martha and Ross in primary and they are exceptional children. I will always remember Gareth with fondness because he came with his Dad the very first night we arrived in Wales and welcomed us and brought us some needed supplies but most of all lots of love which we were really in need of that night so far from home. We really love this great family who have done so much for us. I am sorry I didn't get a picture of President Williams--he was in his very casual clothes and it would have been such a fun picture. Next time President!!!