Christmas this side of the pond!

It's hard to find time to keep updated on what Gareth is up to as well as what we are doing here!

I am aware that I don't very often post pictures of me (and the kids do moan about my choices of shots of them) So here is a picture of me today, opening presents still in my new PJs!

And here is the lunch.

We have had a lovely day today, we made a few changes to our normal Christmas routines just so that we could feel ok abut Gareth being away.  It was lovely to talk to him, easier than we thought after 4 months and now we have done it once we can look forward to Mother's day!!!

Merry Christmas!

Taken on Christmas Eve whilst out Carolling with the other missionaries.

Christmas Day Call

Here is our man in the field, Elder Gareth Williams, looking happy and well all the way from California.  I am really grateful for modern technology allowing us to have this special hour with our son on Christmas Day.

Waterfall P-Day Trip

Looks beautiful!  If this was in Wales right now I think the water level would be somewhat higher.

Christmas in Loomis

Gareth and his fellow missionaries helped to put up the Christmas lights on this home.  

Well done Gareth you can do the tree in 2017!

The town tree in Loomis and the first proper sighting of Elder Williams' mode of transport.

Gifts

This is Elder Williams modelling his new Christmas hat from day 1 of his advent package.

This is the best gift of all, the message of the gospel and the love of our Saviour, which Gareth gets to share everyday with people who are seeking the light of Christ in their lives.

Changes and More Thanksgiving

It was transfers this week so this was the last P-day together for these missionaries.  It made for an interesting week as they had to swap companions, drop people here and there, watch Elders leave on completion of their mission, stay over with different Elders and generally meet a whole new load of cool people.  Life sounds great this week.

Thanksgiving at President and Sister Marston's home.

A it of sight seeing in the area.  Looks warm but he says it cold.

Good news this week is that our advent package arrived safely and in time to start his parcel a day!

We too celebrated Thanksgiving here in Wales with our Elders Wall and Mortensen and Elder and Sister Galloway.  

Elder and Sister Galloway have given up 18 months of their lives to come here on their mission to our tiny Branch and help support us.  We are eternally grateful to them and couples like them all over the world who sacrifice time with children and grandchildren to serve the Lord.  We with the Galloways well as they return home now to be with their family and we look forward to welcoming Elder and Sister Brunt into our fold later this month.

Thanksgiving

Thanks to Gareth's hosts on Thursday for sending us this Thanksgiving dinner photo.

Santa's Little Helper

Martha is extremely excited about Christmas this year and so Gareth is to be the recipient of the fruits of this state of festive existence we are currently living!

This is his advent package that is winging its way to him, hope customs didn't feel the need to check it out as it is 24 individually wrapped gifts and I am not sure they would be able to get it all back in the box so beautifully.

We really hope you enjoy this Elder Williams and Elder Ford.

A Visit to the Lake

Monday is the day we hear from Gareth, but it is also his P-day (preparation day) 

Sometimes he is very busy running errands and doing chores and shopping etc. 

and sometimes he is busy just relaxing and taking a well earned rest with his fellow missionaries.

Last Monday Gareth and his district went to a part of the American fork river which is

attached to lake Folsom. It looks beautiful!

Two weeks in one!

I know that this will happen quite often but it was hard last week as Gareth had no time to write.

He really made up for it this week with a detailed day by day account of what he had been up to.

He got to go on exchanges (swaps with another Elder) to another town and help in a food bank.

He also had really good news from Elder Cook in London about someone they had taught together.

His bike is off the road at the moment so they are walking this week 

Feeling hot, hot, hot????

So this would be a very hot day for us!

But Elder Williams and Elder Ford are wearing their sweaters!!!

I guess the Autumn chill is relative to the temperature you experienced before it.

(To be fair to them the thermometer is Saturday and the Jumpers are Sunday too!)

Maltese Trip

Ten years ago Calvin took an 8 year old Gareth on tour with Tenby Male Choir, they went to Tuscany to celebrate their 30th Anniversary.

This year is their 40th anniversary and they are in Malta.  Due to all the changes happening here with Gareth leaving for his mission and Ross starting work I didn't feel I could go but Calvin loves to travel and is having a great time in the Autumn sunshine.

He found the bus to church on Sunday and spent the afternoon with old friends who have settled out there.  This is the church building that the members in Malta meet in each Sunday.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Elder Williams has spent the week meeting. teaching and serving the people in his area.  The members of his ward have been so supportive of the missionary efforts.  As mum I am very grateful for that.  He is loving the people he meets and each one has their own story and their own connection with the gospel.

Area 1 -Bikes!

The flights went well and Gareth got great views of Pembrokeshire and then Salt Lake City.  Not many on the long flight so he could stretch out!  But the Chicago - Sacramento flight was packed.  I remember flying from Texas to Phoenix and some of the other passengers had their dogs with them!  Things you don't see here!

So here is Elder Williams with his new Companions, a tri  for only a few days to get Gareth and Elder Ford used to their new area.  Leaders and members are treating them well and keeping them fed!

They have bikes but it seems the area is quite small and so its not too taxing, they also meet lots of members as they travel around, how lovely!

We'll be sure not to park here!!

Out in the boonies of the area. lots of farms.

Arrival

So here he is, safely landed in Sacramento and met by his Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Marston.

Lets hope that isn't the lost luggage heap behind them, and if it is lets hope Gareth's bags aren't in the middle of it!!!

Departure

No photos yet!! 

 Elder Williams left the UK on 13th October and arrived safely 

at his destination, a little jet lagged and HOT!  

He will soon get used to it.

He has so enjoyed the experiences from the England London Mission and this has prepared him well to take the Gospel message to those willing and ready to hear it in California.

Looking forward now to hearing his adventures from this next stage of his Mission for 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

A Norfolk/Suffolk family wedding

Calvin, Martha and I were able to travel to Norfolk for my cousin's wedding.

We had a really lovely weekend.  Thanks Tyrone and Helen for allowing us to be there for you and to witness your love for each other as you took the step to be married.

Zone meeting and exchanges

Elder Williams has had a great week. Meeting up with  his new friends for the last time before he leaves for the USA.  Spending time teaching with Elder Cook and Elder Tomas.  Exploring the galleries of London.  Enjoying hearing the word of the Lord through his servants at General Conference.

He even had one last hello and goodbye with Elder Allen

Week 5-already... Interviews and a Segway

All the missionaries from Gareth's Zone had interviews with the Mission President this last week. 

Apparently these are all over London!  A foot Segway.  We have seen Gareth on a Segway before...... watch out London!!!

Wembley District

I don't know quite what to say, but I do know that these guys are teaching each other how to be their best!

I knew he would need that rain coat in the UK

It was a last minute, but essential purchase for his start in London!

We are as the army of Helaman

Special whole mission conference with Clay Christensen

We are as the army of Helaman,

We have been taught in our youth.

And we will be the Lord's missionaries,

To bring the World His Truth

(5th row back, middle section, 3rd from the left)

Wishes Really do Come True

When Gareth found out he would be serving in the London Mission for a short time, he really hoped he would be able to meet up with his good friend Kris.  He didn't have to wait long as the day he arrived Kris was at the Mission Home to meet his new companion too.

So here are Elder Allen and Elder Williams, they haven't seen each other for 13 months!  Lets hope they get to meet up one more time before Elder Williams jets off to California.

MTC - Still Smiling

Can you spot Elder Williams?  Back row, third from left.

Here he is with his companion

and his district at the Preston Temple.

Really lovely email today answering all the mum questions that I asked in my letter this week. (Things like have you done any laundry, is your bed comfy and 

are your shirts creased from the suitcase?)

 Also telling us a bit about what he has been learning.  He has had to spend his free time filling out those VISA forms but I think its all done now.

England MTC- Elder Gareth Williams

With a slight temporary change to his assignment we made it to the departure day.  He made it very easy for us as he was so keen to get going on this journey. We know that he has a strong testimony of his Saviour, Jesus Christ and this is his reason for serving.  

Time for one last selfie before we walked him to the door.

He had the biggest smile on his face here with his MTC President and his wife, President and Sister Preston.