Return to the United Kingdom

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.

Elder and Sister Jones try to sort the seating arrangements as we had five extra attendees (including two MPs) who graciously found time to attend the awards event.

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.

It was wonderful to meet Elder Walter and Sister Charlotte Barlow. One needs only look at him to see that he is a "Barlow."

Elder Michael and Sister Ann Marie Mullen are happy souls who bring much energy to any gathering. Cori and Libby are no exception to the family zeal and spirit.

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!

Welcome Home

Homecoming in Salt Lake City on September 21, 2015

Brittany, Corey, Madeleine, Jackson and London greeted us along with several of our brothers and sisters... Karl and Barbara Wrigley, Carol and Gene Thorne, Dick and Louise Toolson as well as Marilyn and David Uffens. Friends from Farmington, Brent and Kathy Bell, also joined in the homecoming festivities.

As you can clearly see, Sister Jones (Joyce) isn't thrilled (at all) when seeing our loved ones!

Hugging grandchildren and children is the closest we've come to heaven in a long while...

The gospel is all about eternal relationships. Gratefully, we have been blessed to be surrounded with the most loving and supportive of families. We cannot thank our family enough for the strength and encouragement they have offered throughout our lives.

Dan's Testimony

Serving the Lord for 18 months has brought me closer to the profound understanding that the Savior and our Heavenly Father are in the details of our lives. They love us with infinite depth and are there in our moments of need to provide us solace, encouragement and assistance. I will be eternally grateful for the knowledge the Holy Ghost has provided me that witnesses of the atonement of Jesus and His divine hand in the restoration of all the promised blessings to the earth. Life without Joyce and our family would be unbearable, and I recognize that the Savior has made it possible for us to be together eternally. May I follow the counsel of latter-day prophets and keep the covenants made in holy temples are my deepest desires. I know the gospel is true and that The Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God through a modern prophet.


Joyce's Testimony

Sharing a mission at the side of my beloved Dan has strengthened our love for one another, our precious family, and all children of God. Together we have found unmeasured goodness in the lives of those we have met and come to love in the United Kingdom, a land of rich historical significance and remarkable natural beauty. It has been a priceless season of growth and greater awareness of our countless blessings. Truly serving a mission together has been one of life's sweetest gifts.

Wearing the name of Jesus Christ next to my heart for the past eighteen months has been a sacred privilege. With the opportunity to boldly stand as a witness of the restored truths that have guided and blessed my life, I have been humbled as a missionary and empowered as a child of God. I testify of our Father In Heaven and Savior whose infinite love gives us greater purpose and deeper understanding of the gift of faith in a beautiful world. Through writings of ancient prophets as translated by Joseph Smith in The Book of Mormon in addition to the testimonies of modern-day prophets, we can know the mind and will of the Lord. The Savior's atonement can heal and cleanse all mankind for we are His work and His glory. I pray I may forever cherish and honor the covenants I have made as a wife, mother, and daughter of God.

Autumn brings the waning days of our mission...

Sheldon Ward Friends

It is difficult to say goodbye to our friends in Sheldon whom we admire for their goodness and generosity. We thought you may be interested in meeting a few of them...

We love Carol, Paul, Amy and Jasper Wilkins as we have visited with them a couple of times each month. Paul is an expert in Family History and Carol works in the healthcare field.

Marguerite, Patrick and Timmy Carroll are inspirational to the entire ward. Hearts as large as the universe, they have taken Timmy into their home when he lost both parents and had no place to go but an institution.

Carol Wilkins, Anna Stilger (the Bishop's wife) and Sian Jones (Stake Relief Society President) happily hug in the chapel.

Elder and Sister Michaelis from Orem, Utah serve in the ward with us. These two wonderful people serve with the Lichfield YSA, Self-Reliance and in our ward.

We love to home teach Daniele and Anna Camisani along with Guilia, Fabio and Suzie. Daniele is a Software Architect serving as the First Counselor in the ward. You walk into their home where you feel love and an overwhelming sense of peace.

As a family counselor and loving friend, Sian she picks up Ricky and Sophie Williams every Sunday for church.

Sarah and Matthew Amison are a lovely young couple who represent the hope we have for the future of the Church in the British Isles. Matt is a 'Maths' teacher with an MA in Oceanogrpahy.

Beatti Wright is a German saint that lives in the UK and is part of our Relief Society Presidency.

Brother James Rollins is a culinary expert who contributes generously to the ward's parties despite the 7 stints in arteries to his heart.

Bishop Stilger's mother is a sweet German lady who lives with her family and speaks little English. But she always finds other ways to lovingly communicate.

Ian and Debbie Hadley support the ward as a High Counselor and Youth Sunday School teacher.

Prior to leaving the UK, we visited Churchill's Chartwell - Winston and Clementine Churchill's Estate

Dan happily wandering the grounds at Chartwell.

Our good friends, David and Debbie Jones, introduced us to Churchill's Chartwell on the Surrey weald near the London Temple.

Churchill's fourteen personal friends secretly purchased Chartwell to allow the great British Prime Minister to live in this beautiful spot in his later years. Having served his entire life in government, Churchill sadly retired with few resources.

Final Munch and Mingle at the Sheldon Ward

Dan starts his meal at the dessert end of the table. Costco cake, trifle, Victoria Sponge Cake, cookies....

Following Sunday meetings, members and guests truly enjoy the association and food at these get-togethers.

Elder Mthethwa and Elder Rane enjoy the food at the ward's Munch and Mingle.

Second to last visit to London via King's Cross Station.... Joyce uses her wand to take the Hogwort's Express!

 Harry, Ron and Hermione have nothing on Joyce...

Dinner at Pierino's with Sister Stevens prior to taking the tube to the West End play.

The Williams, Joneses and Gales pose for a photo after "Beautiful," a play about Carole King's life.

 Christine and Clayton Christensen share the gospel in the UK

Our wonderful friends, Christine (Quinn) and Clayton Christensen generously supported the mission of public affairs before we left England by sharing their insights and examples with members, missionaries and opinion leaders in the UK. Nothing has changed them over the nearly fifty years of our friendship as they represent the 'best of the best' in every aspect of their lives.  As a world-renowned scholar, Clayton continues to be humble in his goal to "help others" until the day he passes to the other side of the veil. His keen intellect is only surpassed by his large heart... and Christine is every bit his equal.

Christine, Clayton, Elder Herbertson (Area Seventy), President Phillips (Hyde Park Stake) prepare for the devotional.

 Clayton explaining the principles of how to become a more effective member missionary.

 Christine and Clayton engaging the congregation following the devotional in the Hyde Park Chapel.

More than 450 turned out to the Sunday evening Power of Answering Sincere Questions devotional.

 The Power of Everyday Missionaries training to the London Mission

 President Mark Stevens leading his mission in the principles of "Everyday Missionaries..."

The Christensens teaching the missionaries how to learn from the case study of Sister Susan Fulcher.

Clayton teaching the London Mission missionaries by asking questions using a Harvard Business School case methodology approach.

Returning to Oxford to speak to Oxford Ward FHE

Joining Clayton at Christ Church College at Oxford University.

President Aitchison introducing Clayton and Christine to faculty, students and ward members at the Oxford FHE. One guest, Dr. Cole, expressed to an LDS colleague that this experience was the most spiritual experience of his life.

Clayton speaking in the House of Commons

The Portcullis House is where the MPs offices are located as well as committee rooms for important hearings. One of the largest of the hearing rooms is the Boothroyd Room which was filled with members of government, business leaders and church members.

Elder Herbertson, Clayton and Christine solving the initial technical issues before the House of Commons presentation.

Over 150 packed the Boothroyd Room to listen to Clayton speak on how the UK and most of the world's developed economies need to turn from Efficiency to Market Creating Economies.

Elder Clifford Herbertson discusses Clayton's presentation with David Rutley, Conservative MP, and Barry Sheerman, Labour MP.

 Morning Breakfast at The House of Lords

Clayton spoke on the power of being "needed" in society and in business to 60 invited guests at the House of Lords including Lord and Lady Leitch. Lady Leitch is an American with a parent living in Moab, Utah. Lord Leitch is head of the largest private hospital group in the UK. While visiting Moab for his father-in-law's funeral, they came in contact with members of the Church. Even though Lady Leitch's parents aren't LDS, the Church members surrounded the family with love and support. The Leitches speak glowingly of their respect and love of the Church. Joyce presented them with a hardbound Family Home Evening Resource Book when Lady Leitch inquired about the "thing you Mormons do on Monday evening."

 Lord Sheikh introducing Clayton and Christine to the dignitaries at The House of Lords breakfast.

Elder Herbertson, Craig Whittaker MP, Clayton and Christine join interfaith leaders from Wales at the event.

Savannah Stevenson along with husband, Nathan Copier, joined the breakfast prior to her matinee performance in the role of Glinda in the West End play, Wicked.

View of the Thames from The House of Lords private terrace.

 Palace of Westminster tour and PM Questions

Craig Whittaker, Conservative MP and Church member, giving us a tour of the Palaces of Westminster prior to our attendance at the Prime Minister's Questions in The House of Commons.

 Speaking to stake leaders and wives at the London Temple Visitor's Centre 

While he presents a commanding intellectual and physical presence, Clayton at 6'8" is still the most humble man we know.

Teaching Area Seventies, Stake Presidents and wives how to invite others to participate with the Church.

Christine answering questions about member missionary opportunities.

What a remarkable way to conclude our service as missionaries! We love and admire these dear friends as they lift everyone around them despite the tremendous health concerns Clayton experiences. What an amazing week as we near the close of our mission!