MISSION OCTOBER

 

We got to go on the stake temple trip Saturday to the Preston, England Temple. It's about a four hour drive from here, but the closest temple to us. There are not yet any temples in Scotland or Ireland.

Going on a coach made for a very comfortable ride with beautiful scenery along the way.

This is the view from the front of the temple.

The ward had a Halloween party, and the YA's were asked to set up the scary room, or spook alley. We were given a big bag of stuff from the last time they did it, but no instructions. Thankfully, we got some help and sort of figured it out. A few of the YA's helped set it up, and several wanted to help scare the victims. It turned our really well, and with the lights off and people creeping around inside it was quite scary.

There was also trunk or treating.

This is a photo of the YA's who were there.

I had to get a picture of this guy dressed as the wolf/grandmother in Little Red Riding Hood.

The pumpkin carving contest the FHE before Halloween was quite a hit. People got very creative.

I don't have any pictures, but we had kind of a special week, with three apostles visiting the countries of the UK and Ireland at the same time. There was a special missionary meeting Tuesday where we had a group photo taken with Elder Ballard, and he also spoke to us, along with his son, the McCruddens, and Elder De Feo. 

Elder Ballard and Elder De Feo spoke again Saturday at a special broadcast for Youth and YSA's, along with Elder and Sister Holland and Elder and Sister Cook. These apostles all served as young missionaries in the UK, and have a special interest in it. They were very sincere in sharing their feelings, and letting the young people know just how much they believe in what they are doing. They said there was no other reason they would serve well into their advanced years if it wasn't true and they want the youth and Young Adults to know it. We watched this broadcast in the Chorley Stake Center, adjacent to the temple.

They spoke again Sunday at a special stake conference broadcast for all of the stakes in the UK and Ireland. They said it may never happen again- having three of them there at once. 

Elder Holland doesn't look very well, and alluded to health problems, and Elder Ballard talked about how at age 93, he is getting close to being on the other side. Most people their ages are in rest homes or something, but they are still working and serving. They have to work hard to keep up with President Nelson, who is 97 and going strong.