We are out for another stroll around the temple grounds. The weather has been beautiful, sunny
and clear. It has been a bit dry, they have been watering the gardens by hand.
There have been a couple of days it has actually gotten up to 75*.
But, on Saturday all that changed. We came out of the temple in a downpour and a very cold wind.
Here in England you can have 3 seasons in one day. Later on, the sun came out and we had
a nice walk, we have been enjoying the long daylight hours. even though the suns sets
about 9:15 it is light until 10PM
We know we repeat ourselves, the grounds are gorgeous.
We are in the direct path of the landings at Gatwick Airport. I am pretty sure the pilots must use
the temple as a reference point because they go directly over the top. Big jumbo jets and the like passing overhead pretty close. We are getting used to the noise of them.
This is a picture of the entrance to the Accommodation Center.
Last week was May half-term holiday for school, so that means there was no school and we
were very busy all week with patrons. We worked the late shift all week.
Saturday there were a couple live sealings. In the UK you cannot get married in the temple.
You have to have a civil ceremony first and then be sealed. So now that the policy has changed
that there is no longer a year waiting after a civil marriage, the couples being sealed were first married in a civil ceremony and then came to the temple later that day and were sealed.
In talking with a couple of British workers they found it strange that you would not have a civil ceremony first where everyone was welcome and instead go straight to the temple and be
married and sealed at the same time. I guess it's all what you are used to. They are grateful for
the policy change however, so it doesn't necessarily need to be done in the same day now.
Last week we met Sister Baker. I will never forget her. She has the most beautiful white hair.
She came this week and spent each day, the entire day (some days doing 6 sessions) doing work
for her family. We were able to help her with many things. We are amazed at the sacrifice that many
of these members make to come to the temple. She says that it is very expensive for her to come.
So she takes advantage of every moment she is here. As she was leaving I got a big hug and kiss
on the cheek and she whispered in my hear, thank you for coming to my country to serve
in this holy temple. Wow, love you Sister Baker!
Crawley Ward building
Crawley Ward building
Sunday the mini van was full with 12 of us going to the Crawley Ward for Church.
This a picture I took through the fence from the car park (parking lot).
This building has a very large chapel and has beautiful parkay wood floors in the gym.
The ward members are warm and friendly and we are taken with their strength and spirituality.
But here is one for ya. In the toilet or loo (rest room) the sinks have two taps (faucets) and two spigots. One for hot and one for cold. I guess warm water is not an option! Or you have to throw them together in the middle? I don't know. We saw sinks like this in London as well.
Sunday evening there was a break the fast potluck. It was enjoyable to eat and visit.
We were very tired at the end of last week since we didn't have a P-day because of the
bank holiday on Monday. We were happy to have a Monday off this week.
We had planned to take the train to London and go to Buckingham Palace and places around
Victoria Station. Luckily we mentioned it to someone. They said President Trump
was going to be at Buckingham Palace on Monday and many protesters were
going to be in the streets. Well, that changed are plans!
View from across the street at the bus stop.
We decided to take the bus to East Grinstead and run some errands. While we were waiting for the bus, the Littlefield's got a taxi to go to town, so we rode along with them. We had some errands to run: the cell phone store, PoundSavers to get something for a sweet plate to take to FHE on Wednesday evening, and we wanted to try to catch a movie.
We stopped into Bluebell's and had Chicken Kebabs.
It is a middle eastern dish, this time it wasn't in pita bread but with rice and a salad. Delicious!
We stopped in to see the movie Aladdin and enjoyed it very much.
I was so happy to have a Diet Coke with ICE!!!!
We managed to make it home from East Grinstead on the bus on our own.
As you can see there is bus stop directly in front of the temple grounds.
It is just as matter of whether they are running on time, and they were!
This week on Wednesday night we had FHE. We have FHE when we are on early
shifts and only once a month I think. There was a great spiritually uplifting lesson,
a fun game and of course refreshments.
shifts and only once a month I think. There was a great spiritually uplifting lesson,
a fun game and of course refreshments.
We were able to pick up a few things and a hot dog for dinner!
We have enjoyed the past couple of weeks of spiritual thoughts given during our preparation meetings. They have been based on Sister Becky Craven's talk "Careful versus Casual".
She says as the influences of the world increasingly embrace the evil, we must strive with all diligence to stay firmly on the path that leads us safely to our Savior. There is a careful way and a casual way to do everything, including living the gospel. The world is laden with distractions that can deceive even the elect, causing them to be casual in living their covenants. We are all in the process of growth and change. We can look at our own lives and ask ourselves, am I careful or casual in staying on the covenant path and where can I improve? We have learned lots from these faithful members in England who are very careful in their temple worship.