No More Strangers

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

—Ephesians 2:19

One of the great blessings from being on our trip thus far has been the fellowship we've had with the members of the Church along our way.  Of the six Sundays we've been here, we've been to four different wards or branches, and every one has been welcoming and excited for our family.  At times, we've doubled or tripled the size of the local Primary, yet teachers have welcomed us with open arms.  Members have invited us to join their branch lunches and participate in Primary programs, and even helped arrange Jonathan's baptism.  We've been welcomed with open arms.

Members of the Church certainly don't have a monopoly on kindness, but the ones we've encountered have been universally welcoming and friendly.  It gives me pause, as I realize I can go a long way towards welcoming others in my community, both in and out of the Church.

I look forward to Sundays, even in strange and far away places, because I know that we'll find a home with people who share the same testimonies and knowledge that we do.  Because of our shared faith in Christ, even far from the familiar, we don't have to be strangers or foreigners.

Mr. J's Birthday and Baptism

He made it.  This kid was our earliest walker and talker.  So many things he has grown and matured into before his time but turning 8, he had to wait just like everybody else.

We started his birthday celebration in August, before we left, when Hyrum and I presented him with his presents from us.  One of the social opportunities presented to 8 year old LDS boys is the opportunity to participate in Cub Scouts.  His presents this year were his very own Cub Scout uniform with all of the necessary bits and pieces.  We'll get his patches sewn on when we get home.  He is really excited to be a Cub Scout.  We already enjoy working on his Bobcat and Wolf requirements.

On his actual birthday, he picked tacos for dinner, had an adventure with Dad to the British Museum, got a haircut at a "real" barbershop, and enjoyed his chocolate cake from the grocery store.  He also got to open up a couple of books and some candy to celebrate.  I think he enjoyed his day.

Our celebration continued with his baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  8 years old is the minimum age required for someone to be baptized into our church.  Since we were traveling and making arrangements was difficult we weren't able to do the baptism until this past Sunday.  We are so grateful for the Bray Branch (small congregation) here in Ireland that helped us have this sacred ordinance.  The building we attend church in here doesn't have a font for baptisms so our options were to go to another building or the Irish Sea.   While the sea would have made for a good story, it's a bit cold here this time of year so we opted for another church building.  We found clothes and the Branch Presidency was so helpful in making arrangements.

Sunday came and Jonathan was ready.  He was sober and reserved all day.  I think he knew the gravity of the choice he was making.  We've spent much of the past year teaching and reminding what baptism means and why we do it.  I really believe he gets it.  This was his choice for himself and I am so proud of him.  Our whole family, sans Ben, participated in giving talks and prayers while Hyrum officiated in the ordinances of baptism and confirmation.  We had the Branch presidency with a few of their children and the Relief Society President and her children (our new friends) in attendance with us.  It was a small group but there was great love in that room.  We are so grateful for the kindness and love we have felt while we have been here from these kind Saints.

It was a special day with a special kid!

Sabbath Day

Sundays are such a blessing.  Our only worry is getting to church on time.  This week we did just fine and got there early.  We went to church with Ian and Charity and had an opportunity to help out.  Hyrum played the piano in Sacrament meeting and I did the music in Primary.  It is a blessing to have music skills and experience in the church because it has given us opportunities to serve all over the world.

After church we were rained on a bit as we walked to the tube station only to find our train delayed by about 20 minutes.  The kids were not happy but thankfully I had packed some sandwiches.  They were for Ben so he could eat and go straight down for a nap when we got home, but no one minded a bit to eat.

We thought the tube station name kind of ironic at the moment.

We arrived home and the rain continued off and on all afternoon.  We were planning a picnic in the park with Ian, Charity, and Moses but decided to host in our living room instead.  I'm actually really glad that happened as we were able to visit for a bit about things that matter.  Sometimes a little rain is a good thing.  It was a wonderful Sabbath.  We are so glad that we've had Ian and Charity around these past couple of weeks.  It's rather comforting to know you have family near by.

Fast Sunday

For members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the first Sunday of the month provides an opportunity to fast or go without food for two meals. Elder L. Tom Perry described the purpose of the law of the fast as this, "The law of the fast has three great purposes. First, it provides assistance to the needy through the contribution of fast offerings, consisting of the value of meals from which we abstain. Second, a fast is beneficial to us physically. Third, it is to increase humility and spirituality on the part of each individual."

Today I had the opportunity to fast for the first time in over a year due to my pregnancy and nursing Jonathan. I feel impressed to share my small testimony of this law. We are asked to fast with a purpose and today in my fast I have felt my purpose heard by the Lord and his help given to me. I feel like those purposes Elder Perry mentioned have been a part of my life today. I look forward to continuing this practice in my life as I strive to come close to my Father in Heaven. I know that there is power in fasting. It helps me see what the Lord sees within me and for my life. It helps me become aware of changes that need to be made and also helps me find hope for tomorrow. I am grateful that Heavenly Father has given me tools to come closer to him in this life.