Sunday, March 10, 2024
Today we woke up, had some breakfast, and went to church at the East Grinstead ward. The members here were so kind and warm to us. River was happy to be in a church where all the kids speak like Peppa Pig. She did great with them, and they have an awesome primary here. The leaders all seem to be having so much fun. And they have a lot of leaders dedicated to the primary.
We also had a total miracle happen in church. Back when we were in Paris, Betty and her new friend Dinah had long conversations every night. On the last night, as they were discussing our trip to London, Dinah told Betty that she had a friend who lives in London, but that they had lost contact over 20 years ago. All Dinah knew was her name and that at one point she had worked in the London temple.
So when we were at the temple, we asked if anyone knew this sister. Nobody did. Then later that day we asked Grant and Emma, and they said “Oh yeah, she’s in our ward.” So yesterday we went to church, and she wasn’t there, but her husband was. His name is Tom, and he is so very kind and warm. He speaks with a thick Scottish accent that Betty can somehow understand better than she can the Londoners. Tom and I spent a while in the hallway just chatting. he had amazing stories about his first visit to Utah back in 1989 which included a temple recommend interview with David B Haight, receiving special general conference tickets, and meeting the wee old man who allegedly had the record for the most endowments performed. It was quite a conversation.
After church we came home, and we’ve just been resting since then. Betty is getting her pack ready for us to leave tomorrow. The kids have been playing ping pong and writing to their friends. River has been playing with a doll house.
We are so grateful for Grant and Emma and all that they have done for us.
I spent a bunch of time today just going over finances and working through some church stuff and just generally getting organized. I’ve worked out our itinerary for the next couple of weeks, and that gives me some peace. It’s tough to get down to Italy on the trains, but we’ll find a way to make it happen. This whole thing is harder than I had anticipated, but it’s been pretty amazing so far as well.
Thanks for all your prayers.