A different view of England

The coastal cities just don't feel much like England

For our latest Preparation Day Venture we went to a place called Sunderland Point on the Western Coast of England, about a one hour drive from here.    It is a little village that is isolated by the tides that go in and out. Before you go, you must check the tide times and avoid anything close to high tide.

The drive into Sunderland Point.  The road is still wet from the morning high tide.

Mudholes that make parts of it look like the moon.  Note the boats just resting on the grass. 

Apparently quite a dangerous place

Sunderland Point was once a slavery port.  Slaves arriving from Africa were sold on these shores.  No one is quite sure who Sambo was, but his grave speaks of the many who died on these shores.  Children keep Sambo's Grave decorated

And if you want to go to church (every other Sunday) be sure the tide is OUT!

Just doesn't look like England



More like the caves in the West Desert.....

And the village of Sunderland -- more like a Ghost Town

Give my regards to Sambo

Farewell, brother.

We said good-bye to this group this morning.  It was a teary farewell.  They have been an exceptional group -- all 49 of them and we have come to love them so.

Just one story:  These are the Donalson twins.  Last night in our final testimony meeting one of the twins stood and said, "I have always loved my twin brother but it has taken 19 years and 4 months to tell him."  He then turned to his brother and said, "Scott, I love you so much!  Tomorrow we will be separated for the first time in our lives and I will miss you, but we will meet again in two years and share our experiences."  His brother then stood and in a similar way responded.  They turned to each other and embraced and the tears flowed.  The spirit witnessed to each of us the love that comes in such sweet moments.

This is a work of love!

From "there" (heaven) to "here" (earth)!

The old churchyard in Hope, Wales -- burial place of Robert Roberts -- Richard's 2nd great grandfather

 Monday was our Preparation Day and what a day it was!  Our thoughts and actions led us in search of those who live "over there" and those who "live here."  We drove to Hawarden, Wales, ancestral home of the Bennion line -- Richard's great grandparents on his mothers side.  We knew the street where they resided but wanted more info so we went to the little Records Office in the town center.  After explaining what we were after, they pulled several old books from the shelves and we began to search for burial plots.  I felt just like my friends who are serious geneologists and have spent hours searching old records and documents.  But I must admit it was a new experience for me....and so fun.  The Spirit of Elijah danced around the room and we were loving it.  We found some burial plots and went in search.  It was pouring rain and we tramped through deep grass but when we stumbled onto the grave of Robert Roberts, part of the Bennion line,  we were so excited and have vowed to go back on a day when the sun is shining (if such a thing occurs)!!!

So why would you need a lawn mower when you can turn the sheep loose!

Can't figure out how to turn him right side up.  But here he is......with his hands on the gravestone of Robert Roberts (such an original name!)

Gravestone of a 2nd great grandfather Robert Roberts - married to a Bennion

The two girls reading from the Book of Mormon

After searching out those who are now "there" we drove to Conwy, Wales to meet with two young women who are "here".  Two weeks ago we were in Conwy with some family (The Bensons) and while they were in the castle Richard and I took a walk.  It started to rain quite heavily so we stepped under an archway to seek shelter.  These two young women were sitting there and we began to converse with them.  We learned that they are just 14 years old and are best friends.  As we shared the gospel they brightened and seem to love everything we told them.   When the Bensons joined us Emma (who is 15) shared her feelings about YW and we left promising them that the missionaries would come and bring them a Book of Mormon. 

And President Walker expounding

 Well, for many reasons, the missionaries did not ever connect so we told them we would come again and on Monday we did just that.  It was raining (again!) so we found shelter under a tree, sat on the ground and began to teach.  I cannot tell you how much fun it was.  Everything we would say they responded with "Oh, how sweet, oh we love it, oh it makes so much sense!"  We called the missionaries while we were there and set up an appt. for them to meet on Thursday at 4 p.m.
They claim they have told all their friends and family about us and that everyone thinks they are so LUCKY to have met us!!!!  Little do they know how blessed we feel to have met them!

We love these girls!!!!

And to add to our complete joy......yesterday morning we were in the Chorley Market and approached a shop keeper named Suki.  We have befriended her over a period of time and have even given her a B of M.  A few days ago I was in the market waiting for Richard and she was standing alone with no customers so I approached her and we started talking.  She told me she is turning towards Jesus Christ, she believes in him, but she doesn't know Him.  She cannot find answers to the questions she has .  My goodness, what an opener!  I felt like saying "HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU!!! Subsequently when Richard and I saw her again yesterday morning we asked if there was a time we  could visit with her when she was not working and immediately she said, "Half past 1 today!"  WOW!  Half past one we were there and sat over a pot of tea and two bottles of water while we taught her.  We have another appt. next week.  She has promised to read the B of M and pray about it and asked if she could have another book to give to her sister.

All I can say is, MISSIONARY WORK IS SO DARN FUN!

Artistic Food

Lest you think we dine cafeteria style.....just take a look.  We have a new chef, or should I say "food artist".  He is a young man who takes great delight in his food presentations!  These fruit platters are becoming a common, everyday occurance!  And they taste as good as they look.

The cupcakes along with the fruit are part of the snack we serve on arrival day.

And what would the 4th of July be without a giant flag cake!!!  I pulled the picture up on the internet and he took it from there......

honestly, what am I going to do when I go home and have to fend for myself.  Richard is quite worried about the food in our future or the lack thereof.....when I am once again in charge of the kitchen!

To say we are spoiled is an understatement!

But I am keeping the pictures and someday when I have to take a fruit plate someplace, perhaps I can duplicate this.......... or then again......

He threw together this little salad one evening when we were late getting in and dinner was cleaned up!  And he does it all with one single SHARP knife!

Another ordinary walk on an ordinary day in an extraordinary place!

Believe it or not.....the sun came out today so we grabbed a coat (never leave home w/o one), jumped in the car, drove for 12 minutes and found ourselves in Yarrow Country Park.........a place we had never  been.

A lake, hills of grazing sheep, waterfalls, country homes, forests, and lunch on a lakeside bench made for a pleasant 5 mile walk in glorious sunshine.  

And to make it even better, we met two women on the trail who were interested in the gospel and we have promised to deliver a Book of Mormon to them on Saturday!

Just can't beat it!

For those who are blistering in record heat -- well..... we would love just a day or two of it!     

Useless Trivia

 Meet Eddie Stobbart Haulage Company -- a trucking company that is legendary in this part of the world.  It was started in 1950 and has become the best known trucking company in the UK.  In this day of casual dress and sloppy looks, it's drivers follow a strick corporate image.  They wear shirts and ties and are taught to honk and wave to passer-bys.

So here is more trivia than you want to know......
*A Stobart vehicle makes a delivery every 5.5 minutes
*The total distance travelled by the fleet each day is equivalent to 21 laps of Earth
*Stobart employs 5300  people
*There is an Eddie Stobart fan club with more than 25,000 members.
*There is a TV Show called the Eddie Stobart show.

and, here is the really fun one.....
*Every truck is named with a girl's name, most of them in show business (all 800 of them)
*The first truck was named Twiggy, after the 1960's model.

Now, I wouldn't say I was a member of the fan club, but I have had fun collecting the names of those we pass on the road.  So far I have seen the following trucks.....
Jessica Leigh
Sophie Rose
Megan Elizabeth
Sophie Ellena
Georgia Ellie
Molly Ann
Kate Amelia
Lucy Hannah
Millie Tasha
Charolotte
Jana Anna
Amy Catherine
Elish Charolotte
Janine
Jessica Priscilla
Madeline Cafai
Laurie Rebecca
Rosetta
Isle Rose
Neve Maria
Maisai

The moral of all this diatribe is this:  "If you ever see your name on an Eddie Stobbart truck, you will know you have arrived!"  Not sure where, but does it really matter?

And that's it for my useless trivia on July 2, 2012..

England with the Bensons

We love any excuse to visit some of our favorite places and family is the best excuse.  We always do a drive by 10 Wickham Road (the apt. in the town of Nelson where our father and grandfather lived as a missionary in 1933.)  It is a dreary place, probably very much the same as it was back then....

 

And.....another favorite....the tiny village of Wycoller with it's ancient bridge that dates back 1000 years!

We never leave home without some missionary matierials and a prayer in our hearts that we might find someone we can introduce to the gospel.  On this day we were caught in a rainstorm and ducked under a bridge for shelter.  These two young women were sitting on the ground trying to stay dry.  A perfect opportunity.....before we said good-bye we had taught the apostacy and restoration and they agreed to meet with the missionaries.  Emma (our granddaughter who is their age and was with us), shared her feelings about the church and what it does for young women.  We bought them an ice cream, told them we loved them and parted as friends.....we have since talked with the missionaries who will teach them.  We hope for the best!

Conwy Castle in Wales is a must see!  It was built in the 1400's by King Edward I who just happens to be my 20th great grandfather.  Each time we go, I stake a claim, but so far, no one has stepped up and offered me a single blade of grass.   The family joined with the missionaries on the Church History Tour.  This is July 1 in England -- note the coats, hats, scarves, and lots of chilly wind!  Honestly, this weather!!!!!We stopped in Chester, a charming walled city and home to a large horse racing arena.  Sat. night the town dresses up in suits, and fancy clothes and heads out to the races.  They drink before, during, and after and it is pure entertainment to watch them stagger down the street in their spiked heels.  One woman fell in front of us and her necklace broke. Beads were  rolling in every direction.  Sam tried to be helpful by picking them up for her but others grabbed them as she staggered away.

All in all, it was another quick visit by family and as always it was FUN FUN FUN!