I have been thinking a lot about the blog and have decided to stop updating it. I don't like the way it looks. Like we're on this big vacation and all we're doing over here is playing.
Six days a week, Bill wears a suit and I wear a dress and heels. But, you're seeing us wear Levi's and sports shirts. And I don't think that it's what you want to see - the buildings and towns and beaches that we visit. You've probably all been here and seen them already. It's really not what's important about our being here.
We go to the Temple five days a week - we change into all white clothes - that are befitting the Holy place that we are serving in. We leave behind all the worldly things outside the Temple and concentrate on the things that will last for eternity. We work about 7 - 8 hours a day, Tuesday through Saturday. When we come home - especially on the late shift - we are so tired - partly because we're old and haven't worked a regular job in about 10 years - but it's such a good tired that we're happy with the way we feel. Like we've done the best we can for a worthy purpose.
Then of course, Sunday, we go to church and do good things all day. Monday is supposed to be our preparation day - we call it "P" day. We try to get our laundry and house cleaning and food shopping done during the week on the off hours so that we can go sightseeing on P day.
But, our mission would be a failure if any of you come away with the idea that we're over here playing. We are serious with our purpose.
I am so grateful to the Lord for sending us here to serve in the London Temple. We love being here, we love the people, and we feel that we are needed.
We will communicate with you through emails. We love you all. Jan
Even if every one us thinks you are partying and/or looting in downtown London with the Brits, or sitting and eating crumpets and planning your trip to a rock concert...even if...your mission would - could - never be a failure. It's not what we think, it's the reality of what you are doing. Please don't stop posting blogs like you did today. You are right about one thing though - I liked this blog today better than the ones about England. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Thank you for reminding us what is important. Thank you for serving so selflessly and being willing to miss home and miss relaxing and miss your large roomy house. Thank you for giving and being obedient to the true principles of Christ's gospel. I love you. I am always aware of what you are doing and I am always praying that you will also get a moment here and there to see the beauty of God's creations on that wonderful little Island over there. You make sure you enjoy the time out of the temple as much as the time in the temple. You will grow and learn things that you are supposed to learn by embracing that culture and those people and that land. That's dad's homeland kind of. So take it in and love it.....and make sure you keep sharing with us anything you can regarding your time inside the temple. I love your post.
ReplyDeleteA couple of quotes from Pres. Hinckley (having served in England himself, I am quite sure he would be pleased with your sightseeing posts):
ReplyDelete"In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."
— Gordon B. Hinckley
"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine."
— Gordon B. Hinckley