Returning to the United Kingdom
Very early (5:09 a.m.) on October 10, 2016, the second Monday following General Conference, we received an email from Malcolm Adcock from Public Affairs in the United Kingdom asking, "Do you still love us in the UK?" We were made aware of many strategic events and responsibilities which needed our support. After a lengthy discussion regarding Elder and Sister Creer's need to return to the States for serious health reasons, Elder Kearon's approval, phone calls to our children, emails and phone calls to others with whom we have philanthropic responsibilities, we confirmed that "Yes! We are ready to return to the United Kingdom!" This time it would be for a short period until the Partridges arrive in February. After ten days of orientation, we will be returning home in early March.
Before leaving, it was important for us to put our arms around our children and grandchildren, especially since we would be missing Thanksgiving and Christmas with them. On October 23 (Joyce's birthday) we made a quick trip to St. Louis for a few days where we were greeted by Jameson, Laura, Rachel and Carter who met us in the driveway singing "Happy Birthday" followed by a delicious birthday dinner.
In a matter of a few weeks, we found ourselves checking off our list. Paperwork was submitted, visa applications processed, and a quick (but important) trip to Idaho Falls to see where our Beahm family would be living after Christmas was accomplished. With their home in South Jordan stacked with moving boxes Brittany, Corey, Jackson, Madeleine, and London served us an early but beautiful Thanksgiving dinner. After a series of miracles, we found ourselves at the airport saying our goodbyes to loved ones on November 21 (our 44th anniversary).
One of our most urgent and important responsibilities was helping to plan and coordinate The Family Values Award event held on December 6, 2016 in the Churchill Room at the House of Commons in Parliament. It was a lovely event with 14 MP's in attendance, two ambassadors, two Peers (Lords and Ladies) and other distinguished guests including Elder and Sister Kearon as well as Elder and Sister Herbertson totaling 62.
The Family Values Award Presentation honored Jim Shannon MP and Reverend Prebendary Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the House of Commons, for their support and protection of family values.
We love our involvement with the young missionaries who are faithfully working hard. Elder Zollinger from Vancouver, Washington and Elder Garalagga from Ecudor make a great team. Feeding the elders and sisters is a pleasure as we feel of their spirits and dedication to serving the Lord.
A favorite Italian restaurant, Zizzy's, offers a tasty lasagna or spaghetti which we all enjoy.
Thanks to the planning of Anna Abbott and Sue Bates, our Office Christmas Lunch on December 8 took us to a nice carvery in Knowle, just minutes down the road from the office. With crowns, crackers, and full plates we shared the season's festivities with good friends.
Taking time to be a little silly and a lot festive made the occasion great fun.
Reuniting with our friends, Chris and Jeannie Wills, on December 4 was a highlight. Following church they invited us to their beautiful home to enjoy one of the best meals we have had in England, complete with Yorkshire pudding! They are currently serving as United Kingdom Church History Missionaries two days a week with their office on the first floor of our building. It is a delight to see them on a fairly regular basis.
Inviting the Sister Missionaries to our flat for dinner on Sunday, December 11, was special. Sister Thornton is from Australia while Sister Horwath is from Switzerland. As they shared their message and bore testimony, the spirit testified that what they were expressing was indeed true. They bring much light to our ward and area.
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of President and Sister Stevens and Elder and Sister Burke we were invited to join the London senior missionaries for their Christmas Family Home Evening. What a wonderful night we enjoyed where we met new friends and reconnected with old acquaintances including Steve and Marcy Barlow's brother, Walter and his wife Charlotte, as well as Ann Marie and Michael Mullen, Cori Connors and Libby Hansen's sister and brother-in-law. We also saw enjoyed Elder and Sister Vernon from our Farmington North Stake as well as reconnected with a friend from Girl's State, Terri Larsen Delong. Joyce and Terri haven't seen each other since they were both 18 years old.
Public Affairs Missionaries, Elder and Sister Burke, have made marvelous strides with their Ambassadorial Outreach in London. Currently they have made contact with 50 ambassadors and have opened doors of communication which will bless the Church for decades to come. They return home in February when Elder and Sister Parrish arrive from SLC.
President and Sister Stevens of the London Mission have hearts of gold and are beloved by all of their missionaries. They were quick to include us in their holiday events which meant so much to us.
To run into Sister Terri Larsen DeJong and Elder Stephen Delong was a wonderful reunion where Joyce and Terri reminisced about their days at Girl's State. Terri served as Girl's Nation Senator while Joyce was Girl's State Governor. Since that time Terri has been an emergency room physician. My, where have the years gone?
Outside the Hyde Park Chapel we enjoy Christmas celebrations. You can't beat watching ice skaters on the corner next to the Science Museum on a perfect Monday evening with the live nativity in front of the chapel.
Birmingham's Christmas Market is famous, one of the largest outside of Germany and Bath. On a balmy evening, we jumped on the train and rode 15 minutes into Birmingham. After looking at all of the wares in the many kiosks and sharing a chicken schnitzel sandwich, we hugged each other and got back on the train to return to our flat. Simply, it was a perfect British night!
Thousands of people swarm the streets of Birmingham with music and happy chatter.
Twice blessed to serve with friends in Solihull. Without a car, dear Mary and Michael Reynolds-Jones make the effort to attend church each Sunday and midweek ward activities. Struggling to walk but with smiles on their faces, they take two bus transfers to attend. They are an inspiration to us of faithful devotion, deep commitment, and pure testimony. For them nothing is easy, but worth the effort. To their side is Elder Martin who recently returned from serving in the Preston Temple.
Once again we celebrate the holidays with Joanna Essen, Tonia Milburn, Pat Sheridan, Marguerite and Patrick Carroll --- all with hearts of gold.
Linda Tucker and MaryJo Smith were the organizers for the Ward Christmas Party this year.
And of course, Danielle Camisani currently serving as a member of the bishopric, was in charge of the Christmas jumper (sweater) competition.
Our good Bishop Hesy Fakatou warmly welcomes everyone.
Thanks to the kind invitation of Julie and Matthew Jones, we attended Welcome to Bethlehem in Merthyr Tydfil, a season highlight! June and Arnold Jones (Matthew's father and mother), former Preston Temple President, organized the event with the two wards of Merthyr. Everyone came dressed in authentic dress with centurions at the door demanding we pay our taxes. With a colorful market tents, Bethlehem silhouettes and twinkle lights on every wall, delicious food, and the Christmas nativity unveiled from the stable on the stage, it was a magical night and a beautiful introduction to the reason for the season.
Even President Arnold Jones, former Preston Temple President, gets into the spirit of the event.
Market tents filled with tasty food and fruit nourish those coming to pay their taxes. On quilts strewn about the hall, families gather to learn of the birth of the Savior.
A sacred night is brought to life in Merthyr.
How appropriate to find the good Bishop at the well, distributing bottles of water symbolic of living water.
Daily Activities include sending "Thank You" emails as well as photographs to each attendee of the Family Values Award event.
After the laser show we drove to the mission home where President and Sister Leppard graciousy served us all hot chocolate and biscuits.
On a rainy Friday evening before Christmas, President and Sister Leppard of the Birmingham Mission invited us to join with the other senior missionaries on an outing to Lichfield Cathedral We ate together and then attended a holiday laser show presented on the exterior walls of the ancient cathedral. After, there was a short walk through the cathedral where various charities had placed Christmas trees and donation containers.
Elder Dan and President Leppard outside the Walk-About restaurant.
Gathering at President and Sister Stevens' beautiful flat for a delicious lunch provided a joyous senior missionary gathering on Christmas Eve.
After enjoying a delicious luncheon we all walked to the Royal Albert Hall where we were treated to the magnificent performance of Carols by Candlelight with the Mozart Symphony and Mozart Choir complete with familiar Christmas sing-along carols (including the Hallelujah Chorus), professional Dickens' reader, and the appearance of famous soprano, Sky Ingram.
We join with the choirs both on earth and in heaven in singing Hallelujah praises to the "King of Kings! and Lord of lords!" We know He lives, He loves each of us and that "He shall reign forever and ever." Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you!
