Mission Blog #53

One Year Completed, Last Days In Ireland

Every day of these last twelve months since we entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, have been pretty amazing. The people, the places, the sites, the weather, the language...and opportunities to serve in so many ways - home ministering visits, community clean-up, teaching English class, feeding the young missionaries, counselling with new members, participating in Branch Council meetings, teaching classes on Sunday, mourning with those who mourn, keeping contact with new friends with texts and phone calls, welcoming visitors at Church, giving training in District Council, providing Priesthood blessings...   

And serving in so many places, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and on Wednesday we'll arrive at our flat, Anchor Mills in Paisley, Scotland for the remaining 6 months of our mission. From Giants Causeway to Mizen Head and many places in between; Newry, Armagh, Dundalk, Dublin, Moy, Belfast, Antrim, Dunleer, Duleek, Mullingar, Castleblaney, Castlebellingham, Carrickmacross, Monaghan, Portlaoise, Cashel, Waterford, Youghal, Ballycotton, Midleton, Cork, Cobh, Kinsale, Killarney, Mizen, Baltimore, Dingle, Tralee, Limerick, Ennis, Doolin, Skibbereen, Bantry, Clonakilty, Macroom, Mallow, Ballincollig.  We've driven about 28,000 kilometres in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Wales, and England. We began our mission being set apart in Canada, then spent a month in Utah, then were assigned to Dundalk, Republic of Ireland with it also taking us on some ministering visits to Northern Ireland, ferrying to Wales then driving to the temple in Chorley, England, and now we'll be finishing in the 7th country of our mission, Scotland. 

The Last Week in Republic of Ireland

We took Elder Caswell and Truman out for a day trip to Cobh (pronounced Cove), took them to the White Star Line terminal building that is now a Titanic Experience museum - gave some of the history of the Titanic, the lack of risk management that led to the tragedy; some of the amazing stories that preserved lives.

We had a nice lunch in the Commodore Hotel, the light blue building left in this photo. This was where many of those Titanic passengers stayed prior to boarding. History is brought home at times like that, when you can say - we walked where they walked, and sat where they sat.

We drove west then south from Cobh to Kinsale, a wonderful seaside village. We walked some of the narrow streets, appreciating that most of the buildings around us have been there for hundreds of years.

Elder Truman and Caswell.

Kinsale has a population of only 5,000 permanent residents and yet it has 3 Michelin star restaurants, including Max's. Alot of wealthy tourists enjoy the fine dining here.

The galleon mast is a replica of that of one of the Spanish ships that allied with the Irish vs England - that was in harbor back during the Battle of Kinsale, 1601. Erected 400 years later it's a great spot to pose for pictures - I helped to take a photo of a senior couple and in asking where they're from, found out they are fellow Canadians, from Toronto. They were very intrigued by our mission here. They were off to see the Dingle Peninsula the following day, and Tralee. We were able to confirm some of the great spots for them to stop and see. They commented on how friendly the Irish people are and how clean their cities and towns are. We definitely agree with that!

In our last week in Cork, we were able to make a few stops by members. The Sandner family are a favorite and we'll never forget them for their kindness towards us. We had homemade pizza, then talked about how the girls are getting on in school this year. Eliza and Vivian radiate such a positive spirit - I told them that their teachers would be very happy if all the students were as polite and diligent.

They took the time to make a card for us, and included a few photos, some heartfelt comments that made us cry - and gave us a treat bag with some German candies and chocolates, and a book, 'A Light Unto The World' by David B. Haight.

Later in the week we met with our friend, Claudia and had a wonderful visit over a homemade soup that was incredible.

Our last District Council with our Cork District was on Tuesday. Elder Truman, our District Leader, outlined a great meeting - and gave me an opportunity to give some training from 'Preach My Gospel'. I spoke on one of the attributes of Jesus Christ, 'integrity'. We had a terrific discussion on that topic, plus a great doctrinal message from the Sister missionaries about 'gathering Israel'. We are going to miss associating with these young missionaries, but we'll see them around over the next 6 months, somewhere.

One of the surprisingly enjoyable things we have done in Cork, is to teach an English class each week. Our students and helpers have become our friends. We love each one of them, and they know it. From Russia, Brazil, or points in between, I believe they all have gained proficiency in English, and have become close as a group.

Lena and Renat Kashapov began attending, bringing their three young children with them. In the first few weeks the children would stay for 5 minutes then bolt for the gymnasium to goof off. But in the last few weeks the children have stayed and participated - Evelina is acting as an artist in this exercise/game where she drew 'what I usually do in the morning' which was to take a shower. 

We spoke to the new English Class teacher tonight and did a handover review. She is a teacher by profession, attending Cork University College for more education - in languages. She'll do wonderfully - but can she make cookies as delicious as Tina's??

We had our eye on this Italian eatery, Bocelli, for some time and finally decided we'd better stop in for lunch. That was a great decision. We're going to miss the wonderful restaurants of Cork.

I got buzzed at one of the men's salons here - in men's cuts, they apparently only know one length - extra short. No matter how much direction you give, it's nodding head by the barber, then away they go with a very short (tidy) scalping. Only need to go every 6 weeks though so that's the silver lining.

Before leaving Ireland I had to pick up a couple of hurley sticks and a sliotar; hurling being a national sport of Ireland for the last 3,000 years or so I just had to have these so when we return home I'll be able to get out on a field with my son and grandson and give it a try. We bought a few other trinkets as memories of Ireland.

The Kashapov family were excited to invite us to a meal with them in their new home this week. They are an amazing family. 

Danis, Evelina, Lena, Kira, and Renat (dad). Renat is our new Branch Mission Leader and Lena is the Relief Society Secretary. As we visited them for a meal, we heard more about their life in Russia, and how they came to join the Church. Lena was introduced to the Church when she attended free English Classes offered by missionaries in her home town in Siberia. Renat joined the Church and not long after, went on a mission in Russia. He was 25 yrs old. He demonstrated leadership and for a year was assigned to be an Assistant to the President of his mission, Randall K. Bennett...then I smiled and explained how I grew up in the same Ward as Elder Bennett - Edmonton 2nd Ward now the Connors Hill Ward, served a mission with his brother Jim in the Netherlands, and have loved and admired Elder Bennett's father, Don, all my life especially as a Young Men's leader and Scout Leader. It was amazing that we shared this connection. Elder Bennett became Renat's mentor and role model and he is still in contact with him 10 years later. We look forward to General Conference weekend coming up and perhaps hear Elder Bennett speak.

We love the Kashapov family.

Did Someone Say 'Potluck'??

It is hard to express what a wonderful sabbath day this was. We had great attendance - about 120 filling the chapel and overflowing into the gymnasium. There was a large family of tourists visiting - from the Millcreek area of Salt Lake City - they have a family of McMurrays in their Ward, no doubt some cousins. 

Also visiting were our Mission Leaders, President and Sister McCrudden who were given a few minutes to make some comments and give their testimonies. 

The food was amazing, but the fellowship exceeded that. 

Another visitor was given an opportunity to speak for a few moments in Church - on the left of this photo. She was a young missionary in Cork 53 years ago. There was 1 member of the church in Cork at that time, one of our favorite people in the world, Bill Quirke. It was an amazing thing for her to be here in Cork to see the growth that has taken place. Bill Quirke spoke after her and he recalled those early days of meeting the missionaries and then bravely accepting the gospel and being baptized.

The young man in the orange jacket is from near Hong Kong. He began meeting with the missionaries a few weeks ago and has accepted the invitation to be baptized. Today he made a couple of new friends and he'll be attending English class.

The Utrera family - Jader and Ingrid attend the English Class and are excited for their daughter who has been called to serve a mission in Sao Paulo Brazil. She leaves in a week or so.

Jacqueline Roy is one of our very special friends who we will never forget. As strong as they come.

Deepak and Mary Sharma are wonderful - they make the world's best curry - and are two of the most generous and kind people we've ever known.

Some of the young single adults in the Branch. Emily Fitzpatrick, the new English teacher taking over our class, is on the right. The new Seminary Teacher is on the left, Arianna Smemoe, who just returned from serving a mission in Bristol, England. 

I neglected to get a photo with the Roth family today so this one of Brian will have to do. From the moment that Brian, Christel, and their 4 children came through the doors of our Cork church, Brian and I just connected like we have been friends for a very very long time. He pulled me away from the preparations for the potluck today, into a room so we could have a private moment. He then asked me if I would give him a Priesthood blessing. And so, in that little room, just he and I had one of the most wonderful few minutes of the last year. It was humbling, a great honor. I learned through this, how much he is loved by his Father in Heaven, and my love grew for him too. He is going to be a wonderful leader in the Lord's church. They feel loved by all the Branch, and the missionaries. And they reciprocate by being wonderful to everyone they meet. I told Brian that I'm getting old, my memory may fade, but I'll never forget our special time together today.

Tomorrow we pack up our things, stuff it in the little Toyota Corolla hatchback, and head up the motorways to Belfast. We'll stop for a break with a friend in Dundalk, then on to stay with family for a couple nights. On Wednesday we board the ferry in Belfast and arrive at Cairnryan, Scotland by about 2pm, then drive 1.5hrs to our new home in Paisley. And on to the next chapter of this amazing adventure.

As mentioned, this weekend is the semi-annual General Conference of the Church, from Salt Lake City. We look forward to this and invite you all to take in the inspiring talks, and music (www.churchofjesuschrist.org, or YouTube). I promise it will lift your spirits.

God bless,

Elder Eric & Sister Tina McMurray

Scotland-Ireland Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints