Fantastic Week (31)

This week started off with our "bank holiday" (kind of like Labor Day only a week earlier).  We thought that we would try something really wild and entertaining; something that would really be worth remembering once we get home.  So, on Monday we went out and found the British Walmart.  It's actually called ASDA, but it really reminded us of Walmart at home.  We did some fairly heavy shopping there, so we took our little pull along cart with us. 

Double Decker Buses

We can't leave that story without mentioning that we road a double decker bus on the way home.  Annie said she had always wanted to go up on the second level of one of those buses, so she did.

We really only did our digitizing one day this week.  We spent Monday, as mentioned above -- the Archive was closed.  Tuesday we spent the day in the Family History Centre helping patrons with their family history, while the couple that should have been doing this, went downstairs to the basement to digitize.  Wednesday, we spent digitizing as usual. 

Some of you may remember that we have been teaching a temple preparation class in our ward.  Well, Thursday and Friday were the culmination of that class.  Two of the seven that attended the class wanted to get to the temple before it closed (it closed for 2 1/2 months at the end of the day on Saturday, 31 August).  That meant they had to go sometime during the past week.  One arranged to go on Thursday and one arranged to go on Friday.  Some of you are probably going to ask why they couldn't go on the same day.  Well, it just wouldn't work out. 

The two that went are both women and they had requested that Annie be their escort.  At first we thought we would travel to the temple and back on Thursday and then repeat the same travel on Friday.  As we came to our senses, we decided to try to stay at the temple overnight in the temple patrons' accommodations.  We figured that there would be a slim chance of getting a room since it was so close to the weekend and since the temple would be closing for an extended period.



Sister Baden on Her Temple Day

Sister Gunasinga (Dee) - Her Temple Day

Temple Housing - Our Room

 We called and called on trying to get them.  They just wouldn't answer.  When we finally got through, they told us we were very lucky.  Someone had just called and cancelled their room.  Therefore we had a room for Thursday night.  There is a modest charge for staying there, but it is well worth it.




We can't tell you all how smoothly things went at the temple.  Not only was everything timely, but everyone seemed to threat our two ward members so well.  They looked so good.  The spirit was so strong.  It almost seemed that they had been in the presence of the Lord.  Anyway it was a choice experience and we are so thankful for the blessings of the temple and the marvelous truths that are taught in it!

We enjoyed Church today, as well.  Annie taught Primary, as a substitute.  Paul also enjoyed his meetings and had the opportunity of giving a blessing to one of the ward members.  We had the privilege of having one of our neighbors, a couple that has been so good to us, give us a ride to Church -- the Goodlets.  We are always grateful for a ride to Church, especially when we have been up until 2 am trying to watch and listen to the BYU game.  :o(

BYU Football in England

 This week we want to recognize Kathie and Matt for their efforts in helping us watch the football game through the use of their slingbox.  We want to congratulate Aaron and Becky on their anniversary.  We also thank those of you who have Skyped us.





Again, we close by telling you all that the gospel is true.  We are grateful to serve.  We are grateful for the love that we have for each of you and for your love and kindness to us.

Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and Dad, Elder and Sister Smart, Annie and Paul