Mission Blog #56

Kilmarnock to Inveraray

After District Council in Kilmarnock on Tuesday, we decided to walk around the old town centre. The Wheatsheaf Inn dates back to at least the 18th century, and was one of the town's main 'coaching' inns. Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, is said to have frequented the Wheatsheaf.

 

The Burns and Wilson Monument, located within a pedestrian area of the Cross in Kilmarnock - Burns is featured on one side and Wilson, who published Burns' first book of poetry here, is on the other.

The Johnnie Walker statue in front of the Laigh Kirk, built in 1802. Walker, creator of the famous whisky brand that originated in his home town of Kilmarnock.

Another more useful product originating in Kilmarnock is the Clark's shoe brand.

Transfer Week

Our Housing Coordinator asked us to pick up the keys for the new Sisters' apartment here in Paisley... and it ended up that we dropped what we'd planned, and became the coordinators to set up their new flat; from purchasing furniture, buying miscellaneous items for the kitchen and bathroom; sending lists to the Mission Housing Coordinator to be sure we weren't duplicating her efforts - bedding, pillows, duvets, dishes, cutlery, utensils, TP, towels, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, cutting board...and it goes on. Every day we receive Amazon deliveries and drive over to drop it off. Only a few things left to receive now.

The kitchen is small, but it has what they need. It'll feel like home before they know it...

It's a second floor flat, with bus stops just 100 metres from the building; plus two grocery stores within a 10 minute walk.

Another new task, was to go with the Zone Leaders to the car dealership where their car has been for the last 7 weeks and speak with the Service Manager. I went in to see if I could motivate them to giving some higher priority to the Elders' car that they dearly need. All over the Glasgow metro area, dealerships are well-behind, with bookings for service now into December. I and the Service Manager have a more direct line of communication now - we will check daily, and pray for a miracle.

Elder Larubia and Guillen on the right, were transferred to Belfast and Dublin, so we went out to a Chinese Buffet for their last meal. Elder Tewes becomes the Zone Leader along with his new companion, Elder Mauclair from France, who we know from our time in Ireland.

Back to the Sisters' flat - a church member, Stewart McManus, came over one afternoon and assembled these desks and drawers.

The Elders Quorum President, Alistair Maier, came a couple evenings and assembled the beds. Some steps he did more than once...bahaha. Alistair served his mission as a young man, in New Zealand.

Larry Hale from the Bishopric, came and assembled a bookshelf. When I put out a request for some help, these men stepped up immediately - dropped their normal routines, and gave some time and energy to help out. They are great examples. We also had one sister in the Ward who loaned some duvets, duvet covers, and 50 hangars for the sisters' new flat.

Brother Hale is from Wyoming, and loves rodeo. On his bucket list is to come to the Calgary Stampede. We assured him that he has a place to stay and a tour guide, any time he wants. His daughter was just in Alberta two weeks ago touring around Banff and Lake Louise. She had a terrific time.

The living/study room is shaping up.

We brought them back to their new flat, then had them over for dinner at our place.

They had a tough day of travel to get to Paisley so it was nice to see them relax, de-stress, and get to know each other.

Last night I provided the Zone Leaders a ride out a ways, for a teaching appointment. The family (having moved from Nigeria a short time ago, where Bamidele, the dad, was a pastor in another faith for 12 years) we visited are pretty awesome. Bamidele and his daughter, Bridget, have accepted an invitation to be baptized on November 11th.

I enjoyed sharing some of my thoughts with Bamidele and his family on how the spirit (the Holy Ghost), can guide us, comfort is, and warn us, and direct our lives. We talked about faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. It was a wonderful evening capped off by his wife preparing some delicious Nigerian food for us.

Inveraray Castle

I've been searching deeper into our family history in Scotland and last week I found that Colin Campbell, 1st Early of Argyll, is my 13th Great Grandfather. Inverary Castle was a previously planned excursion by our senior missionary group, 'Day Trippers', and it is the clan home of the 13th Duke of Argyll, head of the Campbell clan. It was more exciting to visit here knowing of the family connections, even though it was a long time ago. 

Our first glimpse of Inverary Castle, and the River Aray. This was an hour and twenty five minutes from our flat in Paisley and through some of the most beautiful, wild countryside that nature can offer. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park was brilliant. It was difficult to keep on the road while driving at times just 20 feet from the water's edge, and surrounded by the loch and mountains. Sure, the weather was off, then on, with an autumn chill in the air, but we were undeterred to get to Inveraray.

The Dukes of Argyll and the Campbells have played a major part in the rich history of the West Coast of Scotland, as well as being prominent players in the development of Great Britain.

'Keep off the grass'....... there is a separate area where they host the Inveraray Highland Games each July, including the Caber World Championships.

In April and May it would be great to come back to see the gardens alive with color with blooming rhododendrons, magnolias, azaleas, roses and all the rest.

The fairy trees...

Someone has some artistic ability with a saw...

The MacArthur Room has some interesting fame - a young 14 yr old harpist was murdered on this bed. Rather than think about that I eyed the amazing woodwork in the detailing of the bed.

The State Dining Room has no doubt entertained many important and famous people over the years, including Queen Victoria. It's beautiful.

John, the 9th Duke of Argyll, married Queen Victoria's daughter, Louise (after whom Lake Louise in Alberta was named). He served as Governor General of Canada before succeeding to the title at the turn of the 20th century.

It's all in the details....

The Armory Hall is pretty amazing, with arms displayed in artistic patterns on every wall and up to the 21 metre ceiling. 

The tapestry drawing room is impressive.

The original entry into the castle was through the saloon. You will have seen that utilised when the Christmas scene in the series, Downton Abbey, was filmed here in 2013.

Just 800 metres from the castle is Inveraray, the town. It was once owned and controlled by the Argyll (Campbell) family but in 1956 it was made over to the Ministry of Works, bringing an end to a period of 200 years of control by the Argyll family.

Through the trees 'left' in this photo, is the castle. An hour hike will get you up to the top of Dun Na Cuaiche (pronounced Dun e Quake).

The Parrish's also serve in Scotland and met us at Inveraray. Their home is Brisbane, Australia. They left 6 children and 13 grandchildren there in the tropics to serve a 23 month mission. All 4 of their sons and 1 of their 2 daughters served full-time missions. They are 9 months into their mission in Scotland at this point. When over lunch we heard them talk about feelings of not doing enough, we just felt humbled by their humility, and their consecration to do whatever they can for this great cause - declaring the good news of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We admire them - their whole family. Elder Parrish is happy but he hasn't told his face yet.... I've been accused of that before too.

We are getting to know the Paisley Ward members, and know more now than we did a few weeks ago about the strengths and challenges of these members. One beloved member passed away today after a battle with cancer. She was known for sharing her craft skills, and sewing - with the young women and others. Tina offered up some hugs for some of those who felt this loss today. There are wonderful people here who have great gifts, and giving hearts. We're glad to be among them and will try to reach out and be inviting and kind to all we meet.

God bless,

Elder Eric & Sister Tina McMurray

Member & Leader Support Missionaries

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints