Mission Blog #14

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We Pause To Mourn With Those Who Mourn

This week has been another busy week; twice to Belfast, and once to Dublin. In a previous blog I had indicated that Christmas can be a difficult time - where there is loneliness, mourning the loss of someone close who wouldn't be with us at Christmas, and there are other reasons such as poor health, or unemployment, or other. 

Our week began with a trip to Belfast to be with Tina's family, and mourn with them at the loss of a dear family member; Ina Brotherston. Ina is mother-in-law to Tina's brother, James, mother to Lorraine. She would have been 94 on Christmas Day. We felt very blessed to have been assigned in Ireland and have ability to be with the family at a tender time. Our sincerest condolences are with Lorraine, James and the family - and any others who are being missed from your Christmas festivities.

Lorraine is an inspiration and example to us on how to stay calm and strong in difficult times such as the passing of a loved one.

You may have heard about the Irish UN Peacekeeper, Sean Rooney, who was killed in Beirut a week or so ago. His military training was here in Dundalk, as was his funeral. His loss was felt deeply by the community, and the country. We pay tribute to Sean and all other military who are putting themselves in danger to serve and to protect our liberties.

District Council, Dublin

Every Tuesday we drive to Dublin to meet with our District - each District is presided over by District Leader; and the Zone Leaders also attend. 2 Districts meet separately but in the same building - we begin with 30 minutes of quiet, personal study time, followed by 90 minutes or so of Council. We all participate - filling assignments to provide a Doctrinal Message, training from 'Preach My Gospel', role-play, and receiving announcements or encouragement from the District or Zone Leaders. 

Before and after District Council there is always time for casual discussion. Tina and I will often focus attention on individual Elders or Sisters who need special encouragement or support.

Families of the missionaries throughout the Scotland-Ireland Mission send Christmas packages to their missionary via the Mission Office, which is in Edinburgh, Scotland. There are 4 Assistants to the Mission President and at Christmas they play the role of Santa; loading up a cargo van, driving from Edinburgh to the ferry port, sailing across the Irish Sea to Belfast, off-loading some gifts for missionaries there, then driving 2-3 hrs on to Dublin and being at our District Council. After District Council, the gifts are distributed. One missionary received a package, but none of it was for him. He and his family took the decision to provide gifts for charity rather than for the missionary.

Elder Fromgren is an Assistant to the President, from Sweden. We detected that we were wearing a similar tie. Turns out, they were exactly the same. It was the first time we each had worn them. Mine was gifted to me by our son, Stephen, in Calgary before we left for our mission. Elder Fromgren found his tie somewhere in his apartment in Edinburgh. It was a fun moment.

Belfast For Christmas Weekend With Family

Carrickfergus Castle

We knew at some point we'd be exploring an Irish castle. Tina's brother James drove us to what many consider the best-preserved Irish castle, Carrickfergus. The town is located about 15km's north of Belfast on the west shore of Belfast Lough, and is one of the oldest towns in all Ireland.

The castle was built in late 12th century and was the capital of the Earldom of Ulster. After the Earldom's collapse, it was the only English outpost in Ulster for four centuries.

King John arrived in 1210 and relieved the castle Hugh de Lacy of his command. 

Edward de Bruce (featured in a previous blog), a Scot and brother of Robert de Bruce, captured the castle in 1316.

King William III's forces took the castle in 1689 and he personally arrived in 1690.

The Keep - 3 floors. No central heat!

The Kitchen

Carrickfergus castle had all the conveniences - rooms for entertaining, dining, food storage, kitchens, and of course, the loo. There was a second throne beside this one if you didn't mind company.

In 1912 the people of Carrickfergus turned out by the thousands to watch RMS Titanic make its first ever journey up the lough from its construction dock in Belfast. The famous liner was anchored overnight just off the coast of Carrickfergus, before continuing on its journey.

You Know It's Christmas When....

Christmas morning began with attending the Holywood 2nd Ward in Belfast. James drove us and we loved that he joined in with us. We listened to readings from Matthew and Luke recounting our Savior's birth, plus there were several Christmas carols that we all joined in singing. Another senior missionary couple, Elder & Sister Kitchen, sat with us and introduced us. Thanks to all in the Ward who welcomed us and gave us so much love.

One sister we met was Sister Renfrew. She served her mission in 1984-1986, in Calgary....small world.

Lorraine is wonderful, and she and James hosted 21 for Christmas Dinner - turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, carrots, Brussel sprouts, peas, parsnips, gravy, stuffing, pavlova, ice cream cake, trifle, and an amazing hors d'e oeuvre - candied tiny sausage (sticky sausages). I could have eaten the entire tray.

The worker bees ate last after serving up and making sure everyone was well-fed. Standing O for all the sacrifice and work that went into our Christmas Dinner, and anywhere else in the homes of you who are reading this. Thank you!

To understand how special this Christmas was, and how fortunate we are to have been assigned our mission service here - Tina and I had not ever met most of these family members.They are a fun, happy bunch! It was special, and we hope to see them again.

David happily finished off the trifle...using the serving bowl, he said, 'why dirty another small bowl'. Very wise indeed.

Santa had come and dropped sufficient gifts for everyone. We also had some arrive via Amazon. It was all appreciated.

Tina and Tess, niece-in-law. She was born in Belgium and lived some 14 years in the Netherlands. I caught her off-guard when I introduced myself in Dutch. She made a great ice cream cake. Her and David's little 3 year old, Connor, is very active.

History was made, when King Charles III, made his first Christmas message. We miss her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, but King Charles' message was very appropriate - James and I felt it echoed the Bishop's message from earlier in the day. About the light that Jesus Christ is to all Christians, but how all of us, no matter our religous persuasion, can be a light to others by extending ourselves and being kind.

At home, during my youth, we would be outside on Christmas day while the adults were inside; trying out our new skates, or playing street hockey, or sledding. Here, it was football - it went on until the rain came after dark. No serious injuries were reported!

We have dropped off Christmas cards and small gifts to several families and individuals, poinsettias to our neighbors, sent out many texts, emails, WhatsApp messages, and enjoyed Zooming with our children & grandchildren last night, a definite hi-lite of the week. We always feel that we could do more. We regret that and extend our apologies if anyone feels missed.  We all have our challenges. We all need to feel supported and loved. As we pause to think about the year past, 2022, let us remember to count our many, many blessings and look forward to a new year with stronger resolve to reach outward, and to lift up the hands that hang down. After all, we are His hands.

We love all of you and sincerely express our love, and best wishes for a Prosperous 2023.

   LOVE, Elder Eric & Sister Tina McMurray.     Scotland-Ireland Mission