We visited with a member couple who had come out of an Eastern bloc former Communist country. They are limited as to what employment they may seek here, but work hard and struggle to make it. They told of both losing their fathers at an early age, one to cancer from the Chernobyl accident, and the other, a photographer, suddenly went missing and was killed by the Communists. They were both exposed to the church after the Communists lost power, joined, then met and married. We admire these lovely faithful people so much.
We mentioned in an earlier blog our Chinese professor friend who also comes from a Communist country and Atheism. She was searching and studied hard, and joined the church here in London. She has now returned to China where it is very hard to find other members with whom she can meet. It is also illegal to proselyte, only with family. She is a rock. We love her so much. We stay in touch by email.
Just a week ago we had a baptism for a wonderful young man who came out of troubled Egypt. He has been a devout Muslim all of his life. He met the LDS missionaries some time back on the streets of London, and discussed both religions. It got a little heated. However, he received some materials about the church and went online to study more. Through his own study, and after visiting several different Christian churches, he decided this was the church he wanted to join. He showed up at the chapel one day and asked to be taught. Wow, how about that?! He knew much already, and was a real pleasure to teach. Sometimes we felt like he was teaching us!
We had another great day out with some of the other Senior Missionary couples to Greenwich (of Greenwich Mean Time, GMT). We saw the Cutty Sark, the Maritime Museum and other interesting spots. We all ate together at a restaurant and had a great time visiting, then went off to tour the town.
In front of the Cutty Sark, one of the last and fastest British clipper ships that shipped tea from Shanghai for the East India Company, before steam powered ships took over. The Cutty Sark is named for a fictional witch in the poem Tam o' Shanter by Robert Burns.
This barge was built for Prince Frederick, the son of King George II in 1732, for when he wanted to go for a little float. However, it took 21 men to power it!
These are actual preserved figureheads from sailing ships. Figureheads were often religious symbols used to protect the ship, or animals or other characters to show power or frighten other sailors.
A local artist painting a beautiful street scene of Greenwich.
These britches and socks were worn by Lord Horatio Nelson as he fought and died in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The British beat the French and Spanish in that battle, and thus the Great British Empire became the ruler of the seas.
Meet Sir Elder Knight Adams. His headpiece is so heavy he can hardly move, let alone see or conquer anything!
We took a drive to see Hastings (of Battle of Hastings fame of 1066) on the south coast. Then we went inland a little ways to the town called Battle, where the actual battle took place. William the Conqueror was made to build this Abbey as penance for killing so many English people. (Of course, we are sure his enslaved English subjects did all the work!)
Last Sunday we celebrated our 40th (Ruby) Wedding Anniversary quietly at home. It has been quite an exciting ride. Where did all that time go?!
Our ward members gave us a lovely signed card.
A beautiful day at the London Temple. We assisted the YSA group that went to do baptisms.
All in all, we love doing the Lord's work and are enjoying every minute of it. We feel needed here, and hope we can be a positive influence in the lives of the British saints.
Tata for now,
Elder and Sister Adams
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