Mission Blog #31

 Missionary Care Packages

It doesn't matter if you're a senior missionary or young missionary, care packages from home are always welcome - this one had hand-drawn Easter cards from our grandchildren, my favorite 'sour patch' candies, my favorite back-pain meds, a few new pairs of socks, and the replacement credit card (my card was fraudulently used to purchase a new driveway in Norwich a month ago).

Elder Truman had blown through a couple of pairs of shoes already and he and his parents decided to order in some Dr Martens. I'd never seen them before, but I think you can tell that these are about as indestructible as you could find.

In a damp climate, and with all the walking they do, it is easy to destroy a pair of shoes.

Size 14.....

And, another package arrived containing an early birthday present - ear buds; for those calls home.

A Great Day in Drogheda

When we travel to Drogheda, 30 km's south of Dundalk, we try to line up appointments with new friends investigating the Church or members who need a visit.  We had planned to meet Jonas (below) but he wasn't at our usual meeting place; he had forgotten...so we waited awhile for him to come to us. When Jonas arrived, we spoke about where Ricardo is. Ricardo is a new friend and needed a few more lessons prior to his upcoming baptism date. 

Turns out that no one had been able to reach Ricardo all week. Before leaving our apartments, we missionaries pray, we pray for protection, and we even pray for miracles. Well, this day wasn't starting too well. Seemed like it was falling apart.

We huddled for a few minutes and I offered to buy lunch at McDonald's, a short walk away. We could sit there and while dining, figure out what to do in Drogheda the rest of the day.

So, off we went...

The McDonald's Miracle....

Drogheda is a small city of about 40,000. The Boyne River runs through it. As it is a river city, there are probably a half dozen or more bridges. Quickest way to get to the McDonald's meant we had to cross 2 bridges over the meandering Boyne, and walk about 5 minutes through some of the old city centre.

When we got on the last bridge, I stopped the group and said that we should take a photo or two. I included our destination in this photo.

As we stopped and I began to take a couple photos, I heard behind me a voice and the patter of feet of someone running while calling out,  "Elder, Elder..."  I turned around and guess who was running towards us??

Yup, it was Ricardo. He saw us on the bridge and he came quickly towards us. He was running to catch a bus - told us he had recently found employment giving him many hours of work, and that is why he was not easily reached. 

He quickly hugged us all and thanked us, and arrangements were made for a meeting on Sunday, then he ran off to his bus which was leaving from in front of the McDonald's.

This 'chance' meeting, on the bridge, on the way to McDonald's, felt like much more than a coincidence. The gloomy beginning to our day, quickly turned into a wonderful, blessed day.

We are grateful for answered prayers - Ricardo's employment, for the prompting to walk over to McDonald's, and of meeting him. The rest of the day we basked in the feeling of being blessed from on high.

Perhaps you too recognize the 'tender mercies' and small miracles in your life...

Feeding the Missionaries

At least once per week, we host the young missionaries for a meal, or take them out for a meal. Some of them are very good cooks themselves and they learn to manage their grocery purchases, their weekly menus, and food preparation.

It is rare that we ever have steak - expensive... but we decided that we'd do it with the Elders. Tina wasn't feeling great so I managed the team in the kitchen; giving out assignments for the salad prep, setting table, pouring water, slicing mushrooms and onions. I pan-fried the steaks. The Elders had made some banana bread earlier. The end result of our efforts was very good. We enjoyed a wonderful feast together.

Important Visitors (more-so than President Biden)

Tina's sister-in-law, Lorraine had a birthday and James brought her down to Dundalk from Belfast to help celebrate. There were no helicopters, or security, but we enjoyed the blessing of being with family and showing them around.

We started the afternoon with some cake.

Took a short drive to Blackrock for a view of Dundalk Bay and the Irish Sea; and a walk.

The Windsor is still displaying the flags in front of which Joe Biden gave some remarks a few weeks ago. We enjoyed a great meal together.

Saturday morning we got an early start with a walk on Clanbrassil Street to visit the shops - James and I mostly stayed on the exterior while the ladies explored.

We went into the gift store, 'Trimmings', to check in on Brigit and see if the Aran sweater I like there is on 'sale' yet... she is a real character and tried to charm the full price out of me, but we escaped with my wallet and a promise to wear her down for a bargain some time in the future.

Off we drove 30 minutes north to Carlingford, driving over Slieve Foy and down to O'Meath, then east along the coast to Carlingford.

More shops to see, and food to try.

Carlingford also hosted the President, and Ruby's Tea Room, proudly displayed their tribute. It's a great little spot.

P.J. O'Hare's was a great choice for lunch. Everywhere was pretty full in Carlingford, as it is a bank holiday weekend.

Parking was at a premium, but we did find a spot.

The Adventure Centre and Skypark in Dundalk is a great place for school groups - zip lines, rope obstacle courses, laser tag, etc. In town they organize the groups, then walk about 2km's to the centre for a day of fun.

Whether looking out to Lough Carlingford, or towards the mountains behind the town, or on the streets of Carlingford, there is beautiful scenery to enjoy.

Our family relationships are so important. We never know when the next time will be. We don't even know if there will be a next time. Without being morbid... life can be fleeting. We were reminded of this last week when we heard news of the passing of Gerald Smith, a man who we met in December. He had begun dating a Branch member here and you could see they had strong feelings for each other. He had brain surgery in December - we saw him on Christmas Day at church in Holywood, Belfast; but the cancer had spread and he passed. 

Enjoy each moment together, and express your love for each other freely. Don't leave it unsaid.

Our friend, Ita Hardesty, made us a wonderful, out of this world cheese cake and gave it to us today - and we invited the missionaries to share it with us. 

Today, the Dublin Stake President came to visit our Branch and speak to us. It was wonderful to visit with him afterwards to discuss our vision of this terrific little branch of the Church, and talk about all the loving, sincere people here (like Ita). And how we can help, and continue to minister to each one. We feel blessed to be here.

We are looking forward to this coming week, to visit people, to invite them to increase their faith in Jesus Christ and have hope in His atoning sacrifice. 

Have a great week, wherever you are.

   Elder Eric & Sister Tina McMurray