topsy turvy - upside down!

or in otherwords

JET LAG.

We boarded the plane in Atlanta fully equiped with vibrator neck pillows, eye shades, pillows, blankets and ambien - bound and determined to beat this little pest. And it worked for about 3 hours, nevertheless, we are still feeling the effects of a time change, a whirlwind Sunday and a week at the MTC. It has been a bit of everything. Our week in training at the MTC was spiritual overload. We loved it but are still trying to absorb all we were taught.

We arrived in England to dark skies and a mild drizzle -- typical English weather, but the minute we saw the missionaries the skies seem to light up and our hearts soared. There are currently 27 elders and sisters with us. They are from every part of the earth and speak many languages. Many of them struggle with English, but there is a German interpreter. Others just listen carefully and practice their English when they can. These missionaries arrived one day before we did, so they too have been a bit dazed. Yesterday I had to assure one of them that Jet Lag is not fatal! He was beginning to think he would never recover!

Sunday was a full day as we shadowed the outgoing president and his wife. Meeting after meeting after meeting. "Meet and Eat" is the name of the game. The "MEET" part is good. the "EAT" part is fattening. (We are told that people gain an ave. of 20 pounds while here.) We will go to work on that -- getting more veggies, fruit, grains and less grease. One elder outgrew his suits in just 3 weeks!

Today we are on our own as the Cleggs have left for home. And now we begin to sort through the papers, talk with the staff, listen in on the classes, and take care of the little issues that seem to crop up.

Our shipment from home has not arrived and may not for a couple of weeks. So.......for me that means a black skirt and 3 jackets and one pair of shoes that are not Sunday worthy but will have to do. For President it means the usual -- a dark suit, white shirt and a tie. We will be washing socks every night! I shall get a taste of the simple life -- which isn't all that bad!

This all still seems like a dream. Haven't yet quite figured out all the bells and whistles. Especially during the night -- alarms, beaps, bangs, and you name it. Hope before long we can sleep thru it all.......until then......Cheerio!