Mission Blog #75

 What Is Scotland?

Bagpiping

Waverley Train Station

Edinburgh Castle

On the esplanade we took a moment to look around from its heights; and talk a bit about this open area being the site of the Edinburgh Tatoo where thousands come to watch a grand celebration of British Military, Scottish heritage and international culture - with the modern elements of lighting projections and sound technology. All of it set against the amazing backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

From the Waverley Train Station you have a choice of various small and ancient lanes with 100+ steps to make the ascent up to the Royal Mile, where most of the sites and action is in Edinburgh. 

We passed by the Scotsman Picturehouse on our way up. This is one of the most amazing cinemas I've heard of. Back before Christmas our mission senior missionaries organized a night viewing a movie there. We didn't make it, but when we walked past, I remembered.

The interior of the theatre. Cozy, but luxurious.

Even mid-week in February there were many tourists here, from all over the world.

It was a grey day, with some winds, about 8C; not bad for February in Scotland. 

Walking in places like Paisley Abbey and its grounds, stirs the soul. For over 850 years it has been a beacon of strength in the area, and in the country. Everyone we have met there have been respectful and kind.

The organ at Paisley Abbey dates from 1874 and was designed by the French builder, Aristide Cavaille-Coll, and was a two manual and pedal instrument.

It was enlarged and moved in 1902 when the abbey was restored, and again in 1968. In 2009 the organ was completely restored. 

Dr. George McPhee has been the organist at Paisley Abbey for just over 60 years. For his 60th celebration the Abbey hosted a grand event. The Scottish Symphony Orchestra performed with him, as well as choirs from Paisley Abbey, and Edinburgh.

During a break in his practising, I introduced myself. He is a soft-spoken and kind individual. I've now done a little research and am aware that he is an extremely accomplished musician and composer, one of the best in Britain at what he does.

Stirling, Twice In a Week - The Heart of Scotland

We enjoyed, once again, the trip to Stirling to see what was the castle and residence of the royal Stewarts for over 400 years.

First up, was our Stirling trip with the Palsky's.

The Queen's Inner Hall is adorned with the 7 panel Unicorn Tapestry. The young female guide gave the most amazing details on the many Christian symbols within the tapestry.

The panels hanging are reproductions of the original - some woven on the castle premises and others were woven in England. It was a costly, 13 year project.

It was a clear, blue sky for most of the time that we visited Stirling (again), with Tina's brother James and Sister-in-law Lorraine. We have now been 3 times and each time we find new things to see and appreciate. Our Historic Scotland Membership gives us free admission and VIP parking right next to the entrance, and discounts in the gift shop - which I usually manage to avoid, but with a birthday looming for Tina I went wild. 

If I had a choice of one place to see if I were coming to Scotland, Stirling Castle would be at the top of the list. We went back with James and Lorraine later in the week and it was equally impressive and educational.

Looking northwest after Church meetings today, we could see the mountains with fresh snow - Ben Lomond among them.

Last Zone Conference, Edinburgh

At Zone Conference we were given a few moments to share our testimonies as two of the 'departing' missionaries. We may have taken more than a few moments (sorry President), as we just had to give sufficient love and gratitude and encouragement to all the fine missionaries we've served with; and say the things we know to be true.

Preparing for the Zone photo op is always like herding cats.

L to R, Sister Jones, Sister Gundestrap, Sister and Elder Weitzeil, us, Sister Hardy, Sister and Elder Sylvester, Sister and Elder Cangelosi, Sister Goodison

We Senior missionaries are shooed away for our own session in the afternoon. We were asked about what Tina and I have learned, in being assigned in 3 different areas - 'be adaptable' was one thing that came to mind. Different cities, different church members and leaders, all bring uncertainty and stress. We all want to belong, wherever we are. By being adaptable to our new situations, and serving and accepting people, we made wonderful friends in Dundalk, Cork, and Paisley. How do we ever find a way to return so we can feel that connection again? There is a wonderful spirit of consecration and love among the senior missionaries. We'll always feel a great kinship with all of them, and will have life-long friendships with some. We'll miss them.

On Thursday evening we participated in a Family History Workshop. We were able to help a couple of the new church members get a start on building their family tree, and making those links that bind families together. Other groups focused on more advanced aspects, including helping anyone who needed to get beyond any roadblocks. About 22 attended, making it a very successful event. It's pretty great to have the technology we do for this work.

We want to go home, but don't know if we're ready to go home. Again, it'll be a change that will require adaptability - of Ward, in living circumstances, driving, food, and many other things. We'll just muster up our faith, and move forward together as we always have.

Next week is Stake Conference here in the Paisley Stake, and the following Sunday is Mothering Sunday (UK Mothers Day) so it was fast & testimony meeting today - it was surreal to think this was the last formal occasion to say our goodbyes and bear our testimonies. 

One more Sunday in Paisley. We plan to be released on March 7th, then rent a car and drive down to visit more of Tina's family in England (and our daughter Michelle, and fiance Sam in Lichfield) before we fly home to Calgary on March 18th.

A thought to end the week - most Christians around the world have read in scripture, or have been taught from the pulpit in church at some point, that when Christ returns, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that he is the Son of God. A former latter-day apostle, Neal A. Maxwell, once said, speaking to some who were choosing not to be valiant in living true to His gospel or who were procrastinating a return to more diligence in their faith: 'If every knee will one day bow, then why not now?' 

Happy Birthday Tina! That's one birthday in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and one in Paisley, Scotland. And you're still 39!

God bless,

Elder Eric & Sister Tina McMurray

Member and Leader Support Missionaries

Scotland-Ireland Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

www.churchofjesuschrist.org