May 21, 2011
Our dear family and friends,
TOP O THE MORNIN --- It is a splendid day in Erins green Isle -- the birds start warbling about 5.00am and it is music to the ears. It is my favorite time of the day and reminds me of God's miraculous creations and how very privileged each of us are, to spend a little precious time in this beautiful world. The sweet singing of the birds and the ever present beauties that surround us, brings us a little closer to those heavenly realms.
Now here is a wee story from the shenachie ( an Irish story teller ) that may well top any story you have ever heard. Our son Michael and Daughter in law Mitzi came to visit us for a few days. Michael loves to surprise but what we are are about to tell you is far beyond any surprise he has ever pulled off --- 'tis a grand story and every bit of it is true. They arrived in Dublin, drove to Belfast and came to our flat. Elder McBride dashed down to help them in, but Mike insisted the big holdall was heavy and pointed to another " lighter " one that I could carry. He left the holdall on the living room floor, said there was a gift in it for us and had his mother unzip the bag. She did and what we seen absolutely shocked us --- in the bag was a REAL LIVE BABY GIRL , just 7 weeks old, laying there so peacefully, contented and with the most angelic smile you would ever wish to witness. This was our 14th grandchild. Sister McBride thought at first it was a doll -- but then the baby smiled- she was so GUBSMACKED ( a Belfast word for shocked ) she fell backwards saying, " oh my goodness", over and over again " --- as for me I was so very stunned that I was totally speechless -- have you ever seen an Irishman speechless !!!
As we have been on our mission for over a year now, we did not even know Mitzi was pregnant, let alone knowing they had a baby. Michael's siblings were sworn to secrecy and when we were skyping, Mitzi was extremely cautious to ensure only her face would be seen. Our daughter Karen and her family were visiting recently and she said it was probably the most difficult secret she has ever had to keep. They were so very masterful in keeping it out of facebook, etc --- just extremely clever, even ingenious. I told Mike the only way he could ever top this, was for us to serve another mission, they have twins and come to visit with 2 bags instead of one !!!
Mitzi has the entire event on video if you wish to contact her. We have spent the last week with our dear little angel Cora Cameron McBride who simply eats, sleeps and smiles constantly when she is awake. As if the above was not enough this little angel from Heaven was born on ---- can you guess ? ---------------------- 17th March - St Patricks day. Sister McBride and I were spending that day at the St. Patricks parade in Dublin with the other senior missionaries and during that evening a fabulous concert celebrating Ireland's heritage at the Dublin Stake centre at the same time Mike and Mitzi were celebrating the birth of little Cora ---- little did we know !!!!! Yes indeed, God's tender mercies are so bounteous. We love Mike, Mitzi and little Cora.
(EDITORS NOTE: You can watch the video on You Tube at http://youtu.be/YqMuhhraOPo)
A few recent missionary experiences : -
We were teaching in Ballymoney ( where Elder McBride was taught the Gospel, so many years ago. Neville is a less active member of the church, his wife Edna is not a member. His wife met us at the door and welcomed us in. As I walked past her, I thought I knew the lady from somewhere. When we commenced sharing a gospel principle with Bro. Scott, his wife joined us and was listening attentively. After some minutes I felt impressed to stop and said -- " I know you " -- she responded that she felt similar. I then said " You are not from Ballymoney, are you " -- Edna said " No, but how did you know that and then said I am from Dunaghy " ( a little hamlet in the countryside where all my relatives are from ) I responded then you are either a McCombes or a Cameron, which is it !! -- Yes she was indeed a Cameron and also my second cousin. Coincidence -- never. We are blessed daily with God's tender mercies.
In taking a little time off to visit the highest cliffs in all of Europe -- at 1972 ft above sea level they are indeed impressive. Donegal is the real old Ireland where there are still donkeys and carts, Gaelic only spoken in some towns and fantastic traditional Irish music --- especially in the pubs. Yes, we removed our badges and in we went, baby and all. They even insisted on Mitzi getting a front row seat beside the band. Now please remember that is exactly where the Saviour did some of his marvellous work -- among the publicans and the sinners. Elder McBride was in one corner of the pub and had a wonderful QGC ( quality gospel conversation ) with a lady from England and her brother from Donegal town. She asked why I was spending 18 months in Ireland and I was delighted to respond for the next 20 minutes all about our labors, which she found very interesting. Meanwhile Sister McBride was toward the front singing " The fields of Athenry " -- a young man from Virgina had joined in and then noticed Mikes BYU shirt -- another QGC commenced and ended up with Sister McBride getting his contact info in the US and hopefully a follow up by our missionaries. Now, an Irish pub is not a place where you want to teach " The word of wisdom ", but there are 38 other principles that can be taught from PMG. Yes, this is no conventional mission at times and we are enjoying the rich variety of experiences.
There are so many other interesting experiences we could share, such as Elder McBride have a dog bite him right in a home, when he was just opening his scriptures -- maybe he was a protestant dog and did'nt like my green white and orange bookmark or perhaps he took exception to my name tag !! --- whatever he did not get his little teeth through my suit jacket and we all live to teach another day.
We love this experience and the people - even most dogs. The Irish are so very kind to us and we love to meet with them. The humor is priceless, the wit unequalled, the kindnesses touching the heart and the testimony's of the faithful members can never be forgotten -- in the words of Alma " the affections of our hearts are placed upon the Lord forever ". May each of us cry unto the Lord for ALL our support and may we counsel with him in all our doings.
We love each of you dearly. We love the Saviour of the world. God lives, we know he lives. We give thanks for the Prophet Joseph and his great works in ushering in the restoration. We love to study each day and love to ponder another testament of Jesus Christ , " The Book of Mormon " What an incredible message and we testify that we know of a surety that it is true.
Elder and Sister McBride
Scotland / Ireland Mission.
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