Edvalsons in England: 15 April 2018

Last week most of the students returned from their Easter Break and we started Institute classes, dinners and our regular schedule once again. I’m so thankful that I’m feeling better and have more energy. We are coming to the end of our class, “Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel”. We have loved the learning we have done as we have prepared these lessons and loved sharing them with the YSA. Take the opportunity to look at the LDS Bible Videos of the Savior’s life. They are beautiful and reverent and truly can help you come closer to the Savior as you learn more about His attributes and character and especially about the love He demonstrates for us throughout his life, ministry, death and resurrection. We teach two lessons at a time which is difficult because there is so much in each lesson. Because I couldn’t help myself, I started writing little scenarios around some of the stories and principles in the lesson. It gives more students a chance to speak and even though their words are scripted, it brings them into the lesson and they seem more willing to share their thoughts with each other in the discussion parts of the lessons. Elder E. is getting great at putting together his lessons using the power point. I can do it, but it takes me a lot longer. We finish these lessons May 2 then the term ends and Summer Term begins on May 21. There are a lot of possibilities for summer school classes so we are excited to look into those.

Our Prophet and President of the Church, Russell M. Nelson, his wife, Wendy Watson Nelson and one of the Apostles and his wife (Jeffrey and Patricia Holland) are traveling around the world speaking to Church members in Europe, Africa, Israel, Thailand, India and Hawaii. Their first stop was London so we were able to stream their talks here. They spoke first to all of the missionaries so we gathered with them at one of the church buildings for those talks. Later on that day, they spoke to the general membership and once again we hosted about 30 YSA here for those talks. My two favorite parts: “Our Doctrine is not complicated. Love God, love your neighbor. Make life better for people. The only reason we have missionaries is so we can make life better for people.” (Pres. Nelson) and “Find a quiet place and pray in the name of Jesus Christ and reach beyond your current spiritual ability. Seek for your own personal revelation. One who believes MUST bear witness. We are not bound to say everything we think BUT we must not be silent when we hear what we do NOT think!” (Elder Holland)

Yesterday (Saturday) all of the Senior Missionaries went on a field trip with President and Sister Turvey (Mission Pres.) We take turns planning a fun day in some area that we can all get to fairly easily although the missionaries in our area are pretty spread out - probably about 4 hours away at the farthest point. We headed up to Hartlepool on the coast some two hours away and met everyone up there to tour the National Royal Naval Museum including Europe’s oldest floating warship from the early 1800’s. Really interesting. We had lunch together then walked to the beach for ice cream and I didn’t realize how much I missed seeing the beach until I looked out at the waves of the North Sea and, although it does look a bit different than the Pacific Ocean, I really loved being there.

When my roommate, Sharron and I first came up here to Yorkshire back in 1977, we stopped by my mother’s cousin’s house in Halifax to visit Colin and his wife, Alwyn. That was when I really started doing family history on my mother’s side since many of them came from this area. Colin passed away in 1988 I believe and his wife Alwyn then flew to the US twice to visit us including time spent with Tami and Mark and also the Walthers up in Federal Way. She eventually moved in with her daughter, Vivien who was a widow and we visited them in central England (Nuneaton) a few times through the years - the last time was summer of 2016 when Tim and I visited. Alwyn was 98 and passed away last week so we are going down this week for her funeral and to see Vivien.

Marel and her family will be here in five weeks and we are so excited to take some time off seeing sites with them and just hugging the Grandkids. Let’s face it - THAT will be memorable. Lots of love to all of you back in America. We miss you, but feel great about being here. We spoke with three of the YSA leaders today at one of the Wards, then went to the Bishop’s house for a big dinner and a fun game of Banana-grams. All five of us spoke about the Institute and how it helps us improve our lives and gather together with each other in our effort to come closer to God and live a better life. Megan, Isobel and John did a great job speaking and inviting other YSA to come, join with us and we loved spending today with them.

Cheers to All!

Sister and Elder Edvalson