We have been so blessed to be here and to cross paths with some very incredible people and share a small part of their lives. We have come to love so many so deeply and have seen many miracles, both small and great, take place in their lives in the past 11+ months. It is a privilege to be among them. I'll just tell you a wee bit about three of them. I am not using their actual names.
Niamh (Gaelic name, pronounced Neeve) was baptized just days after we got here. She had a very sad childhood with a lot of abuse and lack of love from her stepfather and alcoholic mother. She was so shy and timid at the time of her baptism. To see the growth she's made and the confidence she's gaining in less than a year is truly a marvel. She's working hard on forgiveness and desiring to free herself from the sad things of her past. She's a loving, amazing young lady that I've come to love and admire so much.
Trying out her first S'more
Preparation Day, Crawfordsburn County Park, County Down, Northern Ireland
Cara was baptized only six months ago, but knows much more about the gospel than people who have been in the Church their whole lives. She was just "curious" about the Book of Mormon, but had no intentions of becoming a member. As she read she was touched by the Spirit, knew it was true, learned more about the restored gospel and desired to be baptized. However, it was not that simple. She came up against a much opposed husband when she told him about her desire to be baptized. The sisters that were teaching her joined her in prayer, asking that his heart might be softened. After a short time he told her he would not object to her joining the Church if it was that important to her.
Paddy is such an amazing young man. He was introduced to the church by a Latter-day Saint friend at university. He was raised Catholic and lives in a part of Belfast we have been told not to wander around in after dark. As a little boy he had the desire to tell people about Jesus. He told his parents that he was going to give up his scholarship to Queen's University and go serve a mission. At first, they were pretty upset, but as time has gone by they have softened. Even though they don't understand completely, they told him how proud they are of him and what he is going to do. He leaves for the Missionary Training Center this Thursday. From there he goes to Portugal where his childhood desire will come to pass. He's bursting at the seams. He can't wait to teach people about the restored gospel that has changed his life.
I could tell you many more brilliant stories of these amazing people, but there's no end to them!!! (The stories AND the people!) I would so love to take them all home with me.
Some of our Lovely YSA
A fun past time (in all my free time). Preserving the amazing wildflowers here.
One of the many amazing roundabouts here in Northern Ireland
A rare photo of Elder Blick in a Kilt!!!!!! (Thanks to our good Ulster Scot friend, Ned).
We're getting back into boots and scarf weather. Fall is most definitely in the air. Shorter days and longer nights ahead. Why we didn't plan to be here for two Summers instead of two Winters I'll never know. Would so love to go through another Summer here, who cares that we'd be going home to five feet of snow.
Till next time.
All the best, xx
The Party Hardy Couple from the Belfast Norn Iron Stake of Zion
brolly - umbrella
Shout your head off - cheer
gutted - disappointed
