Mission Blog #41

Mission Blog #9

Preparation Day in Monaghan With Sister Missionaries

It was the first P-day for the new Sister Missionaries here in Dundalk. Their off-day is Monday and ours is Saturday, but we decided to get out and explore together. The Dundalk Branch of the Church covers a large area, and includes areas to the north and west (Monaghan), south to Drogheda (g is silent), and with some members also living across the border in Northern Ireland. We decided to head northwest to the town of Monaghan. 

The route to Monaghan was extremely scenic - and not on windy, dark, country lanes - but mostly on good 2 lane highway; about 55 minute's drive. N53 Highway, then N2.... Weather was sunny and about 10C. Leaving from Dundalk, County Louth, then cutting briefly into Northern Ireland, passing by Castleblayney, then on through Castleshane and into Monaghan. We spotted this Church right away and thought it would be a good place to stop and explore a bit. Unfortunately it was not 'open' for visitors. St. Macartan's Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church; built between 1861-1893. The grounds around it were gorgeous, set on a hill looking down on the town centre.

Sister Gardiner and Sister Judd are amazing, and we always have good laughs with them.

Didn't think we'd find the Alma House in Ireland. Readers of the Book of Mormon will understand why I say this.

When Ireland gained her independence from Britain in the 1920's, the new state inherited many red post boxes embossed with a royal crown. Rather than build new ones, the Republic of Ireland converted the red 'Royal Mail' mailboxes, by simply painting them all green. BTW, Post Offices are named using their Irish (Gaelic) title, "Oifig An Phoist". Pronounciation is 'if-ig-on-fwisht'.

Rossmore Monument

On Tuesdays we travel to Dublin for District Council. After our meetings we eat together, and occasionally someone will entertain the group. Elder Schneider (from France) is an amazing juggler. Started with 4 balls and ended with 6; including spins, under his leg, behind his back. Almost worthy of a cirque audition!

After District Council we went to Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed public parks in any capital city in Europe. It includes the Dublin Zoo which we'll see another day.

The 1,750 acre park was originally a royal hunting park in the 1660's and opened to the public in 1747.

A large herd of wild fallow deer still remain to this day. Not too wild though because people were walking right up and taking photos. Deer back home are more skittish for some reason; or they just find a car to run into.

There is a 2.5 acre Victorian Kitchen Walled Garden and although it isn't in full season, we had a pretty good idea of how the garden could sustain the original landowners/

Fruit trees are planted against the wall and the branches extended outwards by wire to support the branches laden with fruit.

Strawberries anyone.

Parsley

Ashtown Castle, from 1500's.

Alice (1st convert in Dundalk from 40+ yrs ago) and Mary came to visit one evening.

The Priary, Carlingford

We ended the week with an overnight stay in Carlingford, our favorite waterside medieval village. The Priary is another one of the filming locations for 'Finding You' that was filmed here.

One of the remaining sections of the Priary.

An invigorating walk-about before dinner.

So we were walking down a narrow street, when of a sudden we see a few cars stopped; and running down the street in front of them towards us was the farmer pictured here - chasing a lone sheep who was obviously not heeding the voice of the sheperd. As the farmer was running towards us he hollers out to us - something like; weegh ach mi yow!! Which I brilliantly took to mean, 'stop the sheep'. So, I muster the courage to step out into the street and confront this unusual little beast; its short, skinny legs bearing the weight of his giant woollen coat, and looking to escape someway, somehow. I waved my arms and gave a whistle. He sized me up, looking as confused as I was, and decided to turn back. We got a glimpse of his muddy behind as he weaved deftly past the motors (automobiles), then he waddled swiftly down onto the street shown and into the yard of a private hotel or apartment property. 

At this point we were cheering on the little underdog. The farmer was laughing, we were laughing, and he came over and we were able to introduce ourselves, as missionaries. I completely missed the opportunity to use the moment to tell him that we have come all the way from Canada to look for some lost sheep.... but we had a good laugh with him anyway. Another man pulled up in his van, jumped out and pulled a rope out of his pocket and offered his services to lasso the little gaffer (Hillspring talk for 'small animal'). 

This week has been great; greater than the above photos portray.

Every day we seem to have a miracle or two, or a unique connection, or amazing times with wonderful people. Example: last night there was a Relief Society activity at the Church, games and such. I drove Tina over, but then sat on a sofa in the front lobby with Julius, the Lithuanian husband of the Relief Society President. We had an hour or more to get to know each other. He served a mission in Kiev, Ukraine and there met his wife Anna. He talked about being from what was formerly USSR, and how it is there now. This morning as we arrived for Church and greeted people as they came into the building, a tall good looking young man, probably 25 yrs old or so, walked in. We introduced ourselves and welcomed him.  It just so happens that Theo is from Lithuania. He met the missionaries there awhile ago. He was carrying the Book of Mormon they had given him, along with a color photograph of themselves. Of course, we introduced Julius to Theo and they had great conversation together - as did the Sister missionaries who will continue to teach Theo, a former atheist, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. 

We went to visit a beautiful Philippine family this afternoon; a family of 4. They don't own a car and in the past, before they got to know other members of the Church, they would walk 45 minutes across town to get to Church. They are so humble, and enjoy the gospel and the blessings it brings them. They shared their wonderful Philipino meal with us and we left strengthened in so many ways.

One final blessing for today was being able to watch our home Stake, Fish Creek Stake Conference via YouTube broadcast. Elder McConkie's talk to conclude the conference was inspiring, as were Pres Stevens' and Sister Low (and all the others). We raised our hands very high Wendy to give you our sustaining vote, along with all other members in the Stake, in your inspired calling as Stake Relief Society President. (We liked your green dress too - green is a favorite color around here.) 

Final thought - from one of our Mission Leaders, Sister McCrudden. She said tonight in an All-Mission Fireside; 'if you're holding on by a thread, that's okay, as long as it's a thread from the hem of the Savior's garment'. May you all find peace in Him this week.

Love, Elder & Sister McMurray