A Visit From Christina Cox

Christina came and spent the night with us at the MTC after three weeks traveling through Europe. She was exhausted, but such a fun guest! I think she was secretly very anxious being back in the MTC, but she survived it! We love this beautiful adopted daughter and cousin!!!

Temple Tuesday

The temple is closed for two weeks for cleaning and such so we will miss being able to attend, but the flowers are still beautiful so I'm going to post a couple of pictures! Have I mentioned I love living on the temple grounds?

In the winter I wondered what these things were that were in the water. Now I know...water lilies!

Front Sign - July

I have decided to document all of the different flowers that appear in front of the sign. The grounds here are meticulously cared for. It is really a beautiful thing to watch. I am inspired to help Jon more when we get home. He hopes that inspiration lasts!

The British Open - Royal Birkdale

Jon was able to spend the day at the British Open today! We didn't have any emergencies at the MTC while he was gone, so it was a win-win! He walked 12 miles...25,000 ish steps. The man loves him some golf! I am happy he had such a good day!

Jordan Spieth

Spieth

Spieth and his caddy.

Paul Casey, Adam Scott and Ricky Fowler

Spieth

Temple Tuesday

We had a gorgeous blue sky, big sun P-Day this week!

Some Exciting Things Coming Our Way!

The British Pageant is coming to Chorley, August 1st - 5th and August 8th - 12th. They produce it right here in our backyard. It is on the temple grounds. The missionaries take part in every performance at the end, singing "Called To Serve", "Oh Say, What Is Truth" and "Redeemer Of Israel". We are excited to be able to join in the joy of this musical production.

Because of the Pageant several General Authorities are coming to England. We will be having an MTC/Manchester Mission Conference on Thursday the 3rd of August with Elder Ballard, Elder Kearon, Elder Hallstrom, Elder Nielson and Elder Johnson. We are very excited and feel very blessed. Our MTC Choir will be offering the special musical number. I am getting a little nervous about directing them. Pray for me!

MTC Group 12 July 2017

Everyone in this picture came new to us on Wednesday! We have our biggest group of missionaries learning Greek, ELEVEN! With four Americans..a first. I guess they can receive visa's now. We will have them 10 weeks. We have EIGHT learning German...6 weeks, and THIRTY that are English speaking...3 weeks. This first week is always exciting. A few are sick, that is hard. :(

Elder O'Connor

The third day Elder O'Connor was at the MTC he hurt his knee. He finally got an MRI last week. On Monday we got word that Elder O'Connor needed surgery. He was unable to go to Scotland/Ireland with his district, he needed to go home. He was sad to say the least, but we were all grateful that he was able to finish his training in the MTC, and after he heals he will be able to join his fellow brothers and sisters in Scotland/Ireland. We are praying that his surgery will go well and his recovery fast. We love this young man!

Sister Huang

Sweet and cute Sister Huang wanted us to remember her. Everyday she would put her hand over her tag and ask me if I knew her name. I knew her name the first day! She was the first missionary I took to the A and E. (hospital) She had a reaction to her immunizations. She was here six weeks learning English. She knew every slang word. One day she told me I looked posh. Then she asked me if that was right. I said I didn't know, it wasn't a word I used in my vocabulary. She continually surprised me with the things she would say. She was always happy! I will never forget her! As she left, she wanted a picture with President and I with her polaroid camera. Then she gave it to me so we would never forget her. She is on my board in my office. She is a special one.

Departure Day, July 11

Saying goodbye to our wonderful German group at 3:30 this morning. Sister Shanner, going to Denmark, also went early with them to the airport. After six weeks, we really feel like we are attached to these dear missionaries. Elder Valencia has been with us for nine weeks...we love his crazy Columbian self. It is different to hear a spanish speaker speaking German. He has done well.

Saying goodbye is never easy. Notice our 7'2" Elder Carlson. He may play for Gonzaga and be famous someday after his mission. :)

These three truly became brothers! Elder Ariola, Elder Clain and Elder Valencia.
(Philippines, France and Spain)

Scotland/Ireland. Such good missionaries.

Manchester Missionaries.

Elder Ariola going to London and Elder De Mello, going to India by way of London. He is waiting for his visa.

This is our Nephi District. Learning English as a second language. They are with us for six weeks. They are so lovely and joyful and humble. We always miss them when they leave.

Going to Birmingham. Two sister's from Thailand.

Leeds Missionaries.

Elder Ta and Sister Kallenborn going to London South.

Abbott Baby on the Way!

The Abbott's are having a baby BROTHER! Everyone is very happy about it!

Five Miles

I got an AppleWatch for Jon when I was home in America last. We have been figuring out all kinds of things about it. I decided to up my Move goal to 1,000 calories. That meant I needed to burn more calories while doing my workout. So I decided to try running five miles. Jon took me in the car to plot a route. It was misting a little which was very lovely. This was my first day. It was not pretty. It was very hard. After how many years of running three miles a day, I think it is about time to do a little more. What a mental thing. I did it slowly and surely. My body feels broken.

A bright spot on my run.

The Temple Grounds Are Gorgeous