Our dear family and friends,
WE LOVE YOU ALL ---- Top o' the mornin from the auld sod and may the roof on yer hoose niver fall in and those under it niver fall out. It is another lovely day, however we notice that they are certainly getting shorter. Just a month ago it was not getting dark until after 11.00pm, now dusk is creeping in about 9.00pm. We try to get in a quick walk several times a week and had a little bit of a close shave a few nights ago. Elder Holt, of another senior companionship and our neighbor, walk through a very large park by the River Lagan. It is very beautiful in daylight but often our labors go through to late in the evening. The two of us could have used a little more discernment in going at dark. You see in Belfast you need to be constantly aware of trouble, it can flare up so very fast. As we approached a little historical cottage sitting in the dark by the river, there was a gang of yobs - hoodies as they are called here ( you might have seen on the news some of the riots in London ) were trying to break into the cottage and had a large pipe they were using as a battering ram. There were about 12 in the gang and they looked menacing, certainly up to no good. They seen the two of us ( old men ) and immediately covered their faces. We could only keep walking, fast, I might say, and hope and pray for the best - it being very dark, secluded and no one else in sight. It was indeed a blessing that they kept on moving past us, without incident --- so lesson learned, yes, even for these 2 old missionaries --- no more walking in isolated parks after dark in Belfast city.
Well, now it appears that our mission is nearing completion -- when you receive your travel documentation it suddenly becomes clear that it is final. Yes, there have certainly been challenges but the joy far out weighs any difficulty -- isn't it peculiar in life as we look back at our childhood experiences, usually we can only remember the good memories. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do the same in adulthood. Let us share a few experiences that are worth remembering for us -- some funny, some sad : -
1. We often get a good number of less actives out to church -- many of them have addiction challenges, smoking being a large deterrent to progress. Statistics given that one in every three here in Ireland are addicted to smoking and the very highest in all of Europe for alcoholism. On each 10 min break between meetings, most of them have to go around the back of the building - yes, you guessed it, for a smoke break. The reek when they return is overpowering but we are always reminded that the Saviour came to save sinners and they do respect us by never smoking in our presence. One sister will leave her doors open in her home for some time, before we arrive, and we respect her for that.
2. The Patton family from Ballymena speak great in the Ullan tongue and Sister McBride is catching on to it very well. We found out a few weeks ago that our early education in Ballymoney was in the same school. As Elder McBride acted out some of the mannerisms of our teachers " BIG DA " CROSS came to mind - that was the nickname we gave him. BIG DA often caned us and we learned to " soften " the sting of that bamboo cane. One day he taught us an extremely valuable lesson in life. As we arrived for the first class of the day, he had the following additions on the chalk board ------ 2 + 2 = 4 , 3 + 3 = 6 , 4 + 4 = 9 and 5 + 5 = 10.
As each student entered the class, each was very fast to raise their hand , saying , " Sir, sir, you made a mistake, 4 + 4 = 8 , not 9. " --- he waited until all responded and then taught this priceless lesson. Each of us had noticed the one addition that was incorrect, FIRST, and not the three that were right. That lesson is indelibly etched in my memory, forever, and I have tried hard to follow that principle, in looking for good first --- Sister McBride is as close to perfect in that principle as anyone I have ever met -- it has certainly been invaluable to us in the mission field.
3. Here are a few sayings in the Ullan culture : -
* al ge ye a gid skite on the ja ------ " slap on the face "
* gie ye a dig on the bake ----- " punch on the mouth "
* cud gulder the birds doon oot o the trees and convince them to sit there until ye shoot them --- " a real charmer "
4. The walls of our flat are adorned with fabulous art, they are not Rembrandt's or Monet's but they are priceless to us --- they are from our grandchildren and they constantly bring hope, brightness and joy into our lives daily. We also love their emails -- let us share a recent one received from Aiden that is precious, even priceless, to us. He starts, " Dear granny and boppa, I have missed you so long and how are you guys doing on getting people to believe !!! ". Now don't you agree, isn't that the very essence of our labors -- only BELIEVE is what the Saviour of the world taught -- see 2 Nephi 25 v 16 -- " until they shall be persuaded to believe in Christ, the son of God, and the atonement which is infinite for all mankind " We love you Aidan for those beautiful simple, but very profound words and also all our grandchildren for their emails, prayers and very meaningful precious art.
5. We have been trying for sometime to get a less active member to church, without much success. The ONE Sunday they decided to come was the day there was a bomb scare at the building and police had cordoned off the entire building - they would allow no one to enter and all services had to be cancelled. The adversary will go to any lengths to stop the work rolling on !!! You might say, only in Ireland, could this happen. We have grown accustomed to events like this !! It is calm most days, except for the ones it isn't ( that's an Irish statement for you )
6. Elder McBride's other passion -- the " real " football -- yesterday was PDAY and I got to watch my beloved MAN. U beat Spurs -- 3 - O -- Glory, Glory, Man. United ( set to the Battle Hymn of the Republic ) rings in my ears as United go marching on. Just had to throw that in to a missionary report, our grandchildren will love it.
7. I may be returning a domesticated man --- you see as missionary companions we share almost everything. My dear companion at the beginning of our mission assigned me to a number of chores in our flat, including that of chief dishwasher ( we have no dish washing machine - except for me ) I don't think I am quite as good as the machine yet, but she tells me I am getting quite efficient and effective !!
8. Yesterday I got a call from our President -- " Elder McBride, I need your help - again"
" OK, President, where do you need a flat this time ? " Silence -- then -- " we have 19 new missionaries coming in and we want to open some new areas " He tells us where and that is a seaside resort where finding property is difficult and high priced, then adds, " Oh, Elder McBride we need it in 2 days time " Welcome to life in the mission field. As you may have read in previous emails, we take care of all the mission real estate in Northern Ireland, including our missionary endeavors in 2 branches. So a difficult challenge to find property that fast and to fit all of our conditions. So like our grandson would say " only believe ". Yes, we prayed first and set about the task -- what happened thereafter was another mini miracle -- God's tender mercies. We looked at some, did not find them appropriate and then we thought we might try one more that day ---- perfect, the price was right, the location good for missionaries, in their working area, etc -- the difficulty usually is in the paperwork and leases but Heavenly Father knows all -- the agent knew our church and had business before with us and agreed with every condition we asked of him -- furnishings, cutlery, microwave and much more. We never believe in coincidences -- God's tender mercies are in evidence every day of our mission and we love him for his kindness.
9. A cruise liner visiting Belfast harbour brought a few LDS to church. Several of the cruise ships are now visiting Belfast now that everything is " relatively " peaceful. We had Mike and Candy Summerhays ( son and daughter of Pres. and Sister Summerhays ) visit at the Holywood Rd. chapel. President Summerhays was Mission Pres. of the Irish Mission in 1970 as we were emigrating to North America -- he came to our farewell at that time and played " Danny Boy " on the saw. It was beautiful. Also at that luncheon was Ann Moffitt, and old friend of Sister McBrides who played netball with her and remembered her singing in the Stranmillis Quartet, over 40 years ago. Ann went to California to work with Billy Casper, the golfer and then married a pro golfer. For any of you Calgary readers -- Frank Pitcher was also on that cruise and we had a great chat about all the Pitcher family.
We had a wonderful visit with some of our family that we have not seen for almost 18months. Glen, Tonya and their children Spencer, Tayler, Benjamin and Emele Carol spent a few very precious days with us and we enjoyed our time together doing a number of activities in the beautiful Emerald Isle. They also got to visit our little branch and that is unique in itself. As they attended both Priesthood and Relief Society, the lesson that Sunday was on Eternal Marriage and as the Irish are both very witty and full of humour, even a wee bit cheeky or mischievous, I think it was an " enriching " experience for them. Here are a few of the comments that were made in Priesthood : -
There are 2 very important words that I learned early in our married life -- " Yes, Dear"
My wife asked me just after we were married what my favorite vegetable was -- I said carrots --- then she cooked me broccoli every night for the next 3 months !!
One fellow, said he had visited Utah and had a nine year old tell him he was an abomination, because he was not married. !!
When I proposed I got down on one knee ---- but it was to beg !!!
When I asked her to marry me, I said, " do you want to be buried with my people " -- she said " no way "
The most important thing about your spouse --- is a pulse !!
Yes, only in dear old Ireland and I understand Relief Society was equally entertaining and Tonya had much enjoyment.
We dearly love each of you. Our message is one of hope -- a perfect brightness of hope. Such hope comes only through the atonement of Jesus Christ. He is our master, we honor him, we love him, we testify of him and we know of a certainty that he lives. He is our redeemer, the Saviour of the world, the Prince of Peace and it is a great honor to teach his great principles. We do so humbly and we give thanks each day for the testimony that we have of him. Paul in his epistle to the Romans said this " For we are saved by hope, but hope that is seen is not hope -- for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for ? " and also " But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it " Romans 8 v 24, 25.
We thank each of you for your sincere and sustaining prayers, they are felt and we love you for that. Miracles happen often in our work and we recognize your faith through your prayers. Thank you for your kind thoughts and we do indeed love and cherish our relationship. You are all precious to us, our lovely family and our dear, dear friends.
Elder and Sister McBride --- mom and dad
Scotland / Ireland Mission.
No comments:
Post a Comment