My morning was spent working on my lesson for this week - differences between men and women. should be interesting! The highlight of the day was FHE - as usual!
Tuesday, March 13
We did four flat checks today (a record), and it took a big part of our day. The sisters always have very clean flats. As far as the elders, well....some try harder than others, but the two sets of elders we checked today sort of missed the mark. The mission gave one pair of missionaries a new microwave a few weeks ago. It was more than a disappointment to see the inside covered with splattered food. That will not do! After flat checks Devon took me to a wonderful wool shop in Kidderminister and I bought wool for a new knitting project. Hopefully this project won't take a year to complete - it's a much simpler pattern.
After coming home I put the finishing touches on my lesson and power point for this week.
Wednesday, March 14
For District Meeting today we all met in the Harborne C missionaries' area. We enjoyed lunch together, including a pan of K-squares I made. Then each set of missionaries (5 sets including us) were given an address list of less active members in that area. Each pair of missionaries took their list and headed out to find the member's homes, hoping to find them at home. We went to four homes and only found one person home. Unfortunately that person was not who we were looking for, and he didn't know anything about the person we were looking for - must have moved at some time. We did leave messages and our phone number at the houses with no one at home. So, hopefully we'll get a call. Some of the other sets of missionaries had better luck.
We came home, had a light supper, rested a little, and then went to Institute. My lesson went well. Today is the YSA president's birthday. His mother made a big batch of yummy chicken and noodles, cake, brownies, little sandwiches, and chips to celebrate her son's birthday. It was all yummy!
Thursday, March 15
So tired today! We had two flat checks this morning. The Solihull sisters always have a very clean flat - love it. The Sheldon flat is pretty newly refurbished and actually won the award for cleanest flat during the last transfer period. But the new set of elders in that flat are not doing a very good job of keeping it clean. So disappointed!!! I am not going to miss flat checks when our mission is finished!
Friday, March 16 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIC
Had a mammogram today - joy! Yep, it's the same as in the USA. I received a letter informing me of the time and date for the test - part of their routine screening process. It was all very efficient, especially given the number of women they were processing.
In the evening we went to Harborne Ward for a ward talent/variety show. It was so much fun. The talent was great - singing, dancing, violin, guitar - and there was lots of good food. The ward provided various cakes from "Sister Costco" and the members brought potluck "savory" things (chips, crackers, cheese, etc). The evening was wonderful...especially nice because there were at least 5 investigators there and they all had a great time.
Saturday, March 17
The elders are teaching a YSA aged single mom. She has moved into a "council flat" (government housing) and it needs some work. So we went with the elders to help put up curtains and a blind in her son's room. It was quite the project. We borrowed a power drill from a member, but had a horrible time because none of the bits were the right size. FINALLY, we got the job done, but it took much longer than it should have. Aftewards, the elders taught a very nice lesson about the restoration.
While we were waiting for her to get home we made an unannounced visit to one of our YSA who is struggling. He is such a nice guy, and we've become good friends. But he has some habits that keep him from progressing and it is frustrating for him. We love and encourage, but the rest is up to him.
In the evening we went to Solihull Ward for a farewell for one of our YSA young men who has been called to served in South Africa. He is the fourth young man from Solihull called on a mission this past year, and there are two others getting ready to submit their papers. Amazing! They are serving in France, Dominican Republic, Taiwan, and now South Africa. We claim no credit for these amazing young men, but feel so blessed to know them and watch them prepare for this service.
Elder David Butcher
The Butcher family has double the excitement. David is a twin and his sister is getting married next week in the London Temple. He's thrilled to be able to be here for that event. He will leave for his mission a few days after the wedding.
I have to make a note about St. Patrick's Day, since today is St. Patrick's Day. We didn't even realize it was today...no celebrations or mention of it as far as we could see. At the farewell tonight the only people wearing green were the two sisters missionaries from America! It is a much bigger deal in America than it is in the West Midlands for sure!
Sunday, March 18
Crazy weather!!! It's trying to snow! There are a few large slushy flakes mixed in this morning's rain. Enough already...I want spring - no exceptions!
Today is Mother's Day here in the UK. We had lovely meetings including good talks about mothers, the primary children singing, and they gave each mother a darling pin made of three little ribbon flowers (made by some of our darling YSA girls). After church Devon took me out to dinner and then I had a nice Sunday afternoon nap - such a treat. In the evening Elder and Sister Morgan came over to use our internet and land line. Theirs has been ordered, but won't be installed for another 10 days or so. We had a good time visiting and playing Banagrams and Wizard. They are card players, so they caught on quickly and we had a good game.
