Monday, October 30, 2017
Eb Lewis was a Legend
Eb Lewis was a Legend
October 29, 2017
I was in the Baptistry for the first time yesterday on a busy Saturday afternoon. A group was finishing up while another ward had just arrived. A man noticed my tag and asked me a question. I responded that I was new and would have to ask Sister Kelly, who was training me. He asked where I was from and I responded, "Arizona." His face beamed and he replied, "Aw, Arizona.....I served my mission there........in the White Mountains for a year." I told him I was from the White Mountains. He immediately jumped in, "Show Low?"
I wanted to cry. But I didn't. Elder Winkworth served mainly with Elder Moon over the time period of 1989/90. He recognized our name, thinking My Mike was the stake president then. Well, he wasn't-But it was as if Brother Winkworth had found gold. He couldn't get over the fact I was from Show Low. His two sons were standing by him and he asked them to assure me that he talked about Show Low all the time. They both nodded and replied that he sure did. He immediately began asking me about people. Floyd Gilmore was the ward mission leader and he always wore "these ties" (motioning to where Floyd's tie would have been) Now, I've seen Floyd many times in a tie. They look pretty normal to me but it sure made an impression on a young English elder. The more he talked I realized he had probably served in the second ward area. He knew the Turley's. He asked about Leroy and Mary Lou DeWitt. I told him they had served a couple of missions and were growing old together. Such good people. He replied with, "Of course. They were the salt of the earth"
He wanted to know about Eb Lewis. I told him that Eb was my dad. He could not get over it. "Eb Lewis was a Legend", he stated, "he took me in his little shop and helped me make a turquoise bola tie."
We had to break up our conversation then, but, as we passed each other while we both did our duties, he would ask about wards or just shake his head in awe that I truly came from Show Low, AZ. In the final bit of conversation we had, he said, "Here is my lasting impression of Show Low.....everyone heated their homes with these pot belly stoves. They all burned alligator juniper. When I am outdoors and I smell smoke it immediately takes me back to Show Low. It has always been my dream to return there and show my family". I understand his analogy. The gardeners on the temple ground have a burn spot that is often burning in the evenings and when I smell it, I am taken Home to campfires, cookouts, and winter evenings.
Now, you all may say that this was sure a happy coincidence. I say it was a miracle. The Lord blessed both him and me with this sweet experience. Brother Winkworth loves Show Low as much as I do. Even after almost 30 years of his leaving the area. His memories took me back to a simpler time and the best people on the earth. I could hardly think of another thing after this experience. All I wanted to do was find My Mikie and tell him what happened.
At the day's end, we met in the foyer of the temple. I immediately teared up when I saw him. He immediately teared up when I told him of my encounter with this elder. We both had a hard time controlling our emotions.
I can't quit thinking of this encounter. It may well be the highlight of this mission for me. It may be what I need to carry on when I have a "blue" day. I was born to a legend. And might I add, my dearest mother is my hero too. I think of them every, everyday when I am in the temple. I think of my dearest daughters and their families. I think of all those people I love from our dearest Show Low. And I bet money that my new friend, Elder Winkworth, hasn't quit thinking of our experience either.
My most tender feelings,
Sister Seaman - aka Mom and Grams
Your English Lesson:
"Have a go at it" - Give it a try
"Are we winning?" - Is everything working out ok?
bits and bobs - a little of this; a little of that
Grit - When it freezes, grit is thrown on the roads. We throw cinders.
Kerfluffle - a mess or difficulty. Maybe a bit like, "Don't get your panties in a wrinkle (kerfluffle).
Lunch
October 29, 2017
I was in the Baptistry for the first time yesterday on a busy Saturday afternoon. A group was finishing up while another ward had just arrived. A man noticed my tag and asked me a question. I responded that I was new and would have to ask Sister Kelly, who was training me. He asked where I was from and I responded, "Arizona." His face beamed and he replied, "Aw, Arizona.....I served my mission there........in the White Mountains for a year." I told him I was from the White Mountains. He immediately jumped in, "Show Low?"
I wanted to cry. But I didn't. Elder Winkworth served mainly with Elder Moon over the time period of 1989/90. He recognized our name, thinking My Mike was the stake president then. Well, he wasn't-But it was as if Brother Winkworth had found gold. He couldn't get over the fact I was from Show Low. His two sons were standing by him and he asked them to assure me that he talked about Show Low all the time. They both nodded and replied that he sure did. He immediately began asking me about people. Floyd Gilmore was the ward mission leader and he always wore "these ties" (motioning to where Floyd's tie would have been) Now, I've seen Floyd many times in a tie. They look pretty normal to me but it sure made an impression on a young English elder. The more he talked I realized he had probably served in the second ward area. He knew the Turley's. He asked about Leroy and Mary Lou DeWitt. I told him they had served a couple of missions and were growing old together. Such good people. He replied with, "Of course. They were the salt of the earth"
He wanted to know about Eb Lewis. I told him that Eb was my dad. He could not get over it. "Eb Lewis was a Legend", he stated, "he took me in his little shop and helped me make a turquoise bola tie."
We had to break up our conversation then, but, as we passed each other while we both did our duties, he would ask about wards or just shake his head in awe that I truly came from Show Low, AZ. In the final bit of conversation we had, he said, "Here is my lasting impression of Show Low.....everyone heated their homes with these pot belly stoves. They all burned alligator juniper. When I am outdoors and I smell smoke it immediately takes me back to Show Low. It has always been my dream to return there and show my family". I understand his analogy. The gardeners on the temple ground have a burn spot that is often burning in the evenings and when I smell it, I am taken Home to campfires, cookouts, and winter evenings.
Now, you all may say that this was sure a happy coincidence. I say it was a miracle. The Lord blessed both him and me with this sweet experience. Brother Winkworth loves Show Low as much as I do. Even after almost 30 years of his leaving the area. His memories took me back to a simpler time and the best people on the earth. I could hardly think of another thing after this experience. All I wanted to do was find My Mikie and tell him what happened.
At the day's end, we met in the foyer of the temple. I immediately teared up when I saw him. He immediately teared up when I told him of my encounter with this elder. We both had a hard time controlling our emotions.
I can't quit thinking of this encounter. It may well be the highlight of this mission for me. It may be what I need to carry on when I have a "blue" day. I was born to a legend. And might I add, my dearest mother is my hero too. I think of them every, everyday when I am in the temple. I think of my dearest daughters and their families. I think of all those people I love from our dearest Show Low. And I bet money that my new friend, Elder Winkworth, hasn't quit thinking of our experience either.
My most tender feelings,
Sister Seaman - aka Mom and Grams
Your English Lesson:
"Have a go at it" - Give it a try
"Are we winning?" - Is everything working out ok?
bits and bobs - a little of this; a little of that
Grit - When it freezes, grit is thrown on the roads. We throw cinders.
Kerfluffle - a mess or difficulty. Maybe a bit like, "Don't get your panties in a wrinkle (kerfluffle).
Lunch
The late shift is kicking our tails. We go in at 2:30 and home by 9:00. They are are long weeks and we feel like all we do is spend our day in the temple. We go straight to bed but can't go to sleep and then sleep late. I am excited to go to "earlies" this week. Hooray!
England changed time Sunday morning from day-savings to regular. The sun now comes up at around 7:00am and it is dark right now at 4:45pm. This could be a long dark winter. On the map, our longitude appears to be about the same as the lower part of the Hudson Bay up in Canada. No wonder right?
The bright spot this week occurred at our lunch break a couple of days ago. We were sitting, eating and talking to the other "English" workers there. I had made a batch of Hawaiian baked beans and had some for lunch. They weren't that good as I had only found the very cheapest of the baked beans over here and had no spices in it.
As I was eating them, one of the workers asked what I was eating. I think it was an unusual site to see somebody actually eating beans. He asked what it was, and I told him that I had made my famous baked beans but was disappointed in the turn out. I told him it was due to the poor quality of the beans and that I could not find any hot sausage to go in it. Sausage in England is almost inedible.
The guy at the next table pipes up and said that he used "cooley beans" and went on talking about how spicy they were. I said, "Cooley beans, what's that?" "Ya, ya." he says, "Cooley beans, that's what I said." I said, "Did you say cooley beans? I don't think I am understanding what you are saying." He says, with great emphasis, "COOLEY BEANS." By that time, his wife had entered the conversation and is laughing to the point of tears ( as is everyone else, except me and this guy.) She says, " He is saying "curry beans." Didn't sound like "curry beans" to me. I looked at Kim and she is shaking her head, laughing and crying, trying to be polite and unable to decide what to say. I know she was hearing cooley beans too. So I say to him, "Say it one more time, I can't get curry out of whatever it is you are saying." He says no and is indignant that I, the dumb American, can't understand him. Anyway, if you are ever in England and somebody offers you cooley beans just say no thanks. I have included a picture a can of "cooley beans" that was given to me today as a gift from our neighbors who were included in the above conversation.
Well, so much for speaking the King's English. I hope I get better at it. I love and miss you all, especially after Kim's experience this week. Pray for us and we will pray for you.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
Monday, October 23, 2017
Temple Work
Temple Work
October 21, 2017
October 21, 2017
Contrary to the pictures we have posted on this blog since we arrived in England, we are really serving a mission here. This may be one of the few missions where we cannot take pictures of our actual assignments or the people we serve with. It is a crying shame that we cannot show you all pictures of people we meet while we are in the temple. By the time our shift is over, people have scattered to their homes or various other assignments in the temple. Girls, picture those temple workers in our dear Snowflake Temple and that will work.
Have you ever been some place and seen someone who reminds you of someone you already know? I love to study people. I think we are all so fascinating. What makes us all tick? What is the
story of each one of us? When I am in the temple, I love to study everyone in the session with me. I was pretty sure Henry B. Eyring was sitting on the third row this week - until the lights came on. Also this week, I had a sweet experience studying a beautiful dark-haired young woman who reminded me so very much of our Addie that it initially took my breath away.
Let me tell you of one sister I have been enthralled with since we came here. The first morning we were walking into the temple there was a little tiny old woman standing outside the doors. She spoke so softly in her English accent telling us that her daughter forgot to put her suitcase on the train so she didn't have a dress on to go in the temple. Little did we know that she was going in to work for the whole week. And she is 96 years old. She rides on two trains to come in to work every three weeks. Sister Catherine Rodriguez didn't have a dress to wear into the doors of the temple but she sure did have her magnifying glass. She keeps that big thing under her left sleeve of her temple dress so she can see the names. At one time in her life she was the head mistress of a girls' school. She was back again this past week. She told me she just loves this work and cannot afford to retire. She needs the blessings. I told her I want to be like her when I grow up. She just smiled and in her soft, soft voice said, "Oh you can be. Just always trust in the Lord."
We attended the Hayward Heath Ward for the second time this week. Their building is much smaller than any of ours back in AZ. We have been told that all blocks begin over here at 10:00 am since there is only one ward in each building. The chapel does not have pews - just individual chairs. For two weeks now, I have sat looking out the window where the sun comes shining through and lights up the sacrament table. Mind you, it hasn't stayed that way long. The skies here have typically been cloudy and overcast, so to me, the sun shining in has been especially beautiful. The first Sunday we were there was the Primary Program. There were 12 children in that program. But those 12 could sure sing! The whole ward can sing! Lots of gusto in that small chapel. I taught the Relief Society lesson this week and the sisters were so kind to me. I had asked each one to tell me one thing about them that they felt like was one of their divine assignments. A sister on the back row told me her assignment was to learn English so she could talk to her grandchildren. She has been here for three months from Denmark. After Relief Society I visited with her. She was so matter of fact that she had to do this. This was her new Home but, oh, she missed Denmark. Oh Hilda, I can relate!
I remember our setting apart blessing from President Williams and think of it often. Are angels protecting and lifting you, our children and grandchildren, while we are here? We are counting on it. We are trusting in the Lord. We are making this be our Home for now. But can I say, I miss our dear Show Low. Take good care of it until we return.
My Love,
Sister Seaman.....aka Mom and Grandma
Your English Lesson:
*mad - Used often, in a good way, to describe someone's crazy, zany friend
*tin - Our fruits and vegetables come in cans. These people buy them in tins.
*Bartering - joking or messing with someone
*Chinese Whispers - I played "Telephone" with my kids at school while we were standing in line.
The British folks play Chinese Whispers. I'm not sure this could be done in the U.S. I think the
ACLU would be all over it.
Drawing a Blank
I am sitting here at the computer drawing a complete blank. I do not know what to talk about. It has been a regular old week with nothing out of the ordinary happening. Kim says I should talk about the castle we saw today. But it was just an old castle ruin. It was very pretty though. The gardens and estate were magnificent. (See pictures.) The Old Timers must have had some money to build and plant and grow and trim to get what we saw today and it is several hundred years old.
England has a charm about it. I think it has to do with age (everything being very old) and keeping traditions. The people are very proud of who they are and where they have come from. The older folks are also very frugal (tight.) I was putting the last names of the men working around me on little post-it notes and then throwing them away as they finished their work. An older man, in his 90's, was watching me and he said to me, "You must be an American." I said I was but wanted to know how he knew. He said that if I were English, I would have used the rubber (eraser) and used the notes again and again. There you have it.
I also had a short discussion with a 90 year-old lady in the temple yesterday about England. I ask her if the English people really liked the royalty still. She said, "Oh yes, we do like our kings and queens." I told her that from my perspective (an American perspective,) they shouldn't spend the money on them and their way of life anymore (it must be unbelievably expensive.) From her perspective, what I said was sacrilege. She said that even though the monarch does not have any power in the government, she still signs all official documents, such as bills passed in parliament, attends all ceremonial events and so on. She said the Queen is very busy. By the looks of things around Buckingham Palace the English people are very interested in having the Royals continue. There is a certain sense of sternness and being proper and saying all your vowels, and whatever you do, you better "carry on." It makes no sense to me, but I can feel the love they have for all things English. So, at least, for the immediate future, the queen gets to stay.
Well as Porky the Pig used to say, "That's all folks!" Maybe next week.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
story of each one of us? When I am in the temple, I love to study everyone in the session with me. I was pretty sure Henry B. Eyring was sitting on the third row this week - until the lights came on. Also this week, I had a sweet experience studying a beautiful dark-haired young woman who reminded me so very much of our Addie that it initially took my breath away.
Let me tell you of one sister I have been enthralled with since we came here. The first morning we were walking into the temple there was a little tiny old woman standing outside the doors. She spoke so softly in her English accent telling us that her daughter forgot to put her suitcase on the train so she didn't have a dress on to go in the temple. Little did we know that she was going in to work for the whole week. And she is 96 years old. She rides on two trains to come in to work every three weeks. Sister Catherine Rodriguez didn't have a dress to wear into the doors of the temple but she sure did have her magnifying glass. She keeps that big thing under her left sleeve of her temple dress so she can see the names. At one time in her life she was the head mistress of a girls' school. She was back again this past week. She told me she just loves this work and cannot afford to retire. She needs the blessings. I told her I want to be like her when I grow up. She just smiled and in her soft, soft voice said, "Oh you can be. Just always trust in the Lord."
We attended the Hayward Heath Ward for the second time this week. Their building is much smaller than any of ours back in AZ. We have been told that all blocks begin over here at 10:00 am since there is only one ward in each building. The chapel does not have pews - just individual chairs. For two weeks now, I have sat looking out the window where the sun comes shining through and lights up the sacrament table. Mind you, it hasn't stayed that way long. The skies here have typically been cloudy and overcast, so to me, the sun shining in has been especially beautiful. The first Sunday we were there was the Primary Program. There were 12 children in that program. But those 12 could sure sing! The whole ward can sing! Lots of gusto in that small chapel. I taught the Relief Society lesson this week and the sisters were so kind to me. I had asked each one to tell me one thing about them that they felt like was one of their divine assignments. A sister on the back row told me her assignment was to learn English so she could talk to her grandchildren. She has been here for three months from Denmark. After Relief Society I visited with her. She was so matter of fact that she had to do this. This was her new Home but, oh, she missed Denmark. Oh Hilda, I can relate!
I remember our setting apart blessing from President Williams and think of it often. Are angels protecting and lifting you, our children and grandchildren, while we are here? We are counting on it. We are trusting in the Lord. We are making this be our Home for now. But can I say, I miss our dear Show Low. Take good care of it until we return.
My Love,
Sister Seaman.....aka Mom and Grandma
Your English Lesson:
*mad - Used often, in a good way, to describe someone's crazy, zany friend
*tin - Our fruits and vegetables come in cans. These people buy them in tins.
*Bartering - joking or messing with someone
*Chinese Whispers - I played "Telephone" with my kids at school while we were standing in line.
The British folks play Chinese Whispers. I'm not sure this could be done in the U.S. I think the
ACLU would be all over it.
Drawing a Blank
I am sitting here at the computer drawing a complete blank. I do not know what to talk about. It has been a regular old week with nothing out of the ordinary happening. Kim says I should talk about the castle we saw today. But it was just an old castle ruin. It was very pretty though. The gardens and estate were magnificent. (See pictures.) The Old Timers must have had some money to build and plant and grow and trim to get what we saw today and it is several hundred years old.
England has a charm about it. I think it has to do with age (everything being very old) and keeping traditions. The people are very proud of who they are and where they have come from. The older folks are also very frugal (tight.) I was putting the last names of the men working around me on little post-it notes and then throwing them away as they finished their work. An older man, in his 90's, was watching me and he said to me, "You must be an American." I said I was but wanted to know how he knew. He said that if I were English, I would have used the rubber (eraser) and used the notes again and again. There you have it.
I also had a short discussion with a 90 year-old lady in the temple yesterday about England. I ask her if the English people really liked the royalty still. She said, "Oh yes, we do like our kings and queens." I told her that from my perspective (an American perspective,) they shouldn't spend the money on them and their way of life anymore (it must be unbelievably expensive.) From her perspective, what I said was sacrilege. She said that even though the monarch does not have any power in the government, she still signs all official documents, such as bills passed in parliament, attends all ceremonial events and so on. She said the Queen is very busy. By the looks of things around Buckingham Palace the English people are very interested in having the Royals continue. There is a certain sense of sternness and being proper and saying all your vowels, and whatever you do, you better "carry on." It makes no sense to me, but I can feel the love they have for all things English. So, at least, for the immediate future, the queen gets to stay.
Well as Porky the Pig used to say, "That's all folks!" Maybe next week.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
Monday, October 16, 2017
Moving On
October 16, 2017
Moving On
We took a trip with our English friends, Graham and Jean Walters, down to Sandwich and then, a stop at Dover Castle. Graham buzzes down the motorway. He passes all the big lorries (trucks) going what seems to me to be at least 90 mph. Occasionally, he breaks into song. We would pass all the lay-bys (rest stops) with my eyes darting all over the place trying to take it all in. The Walters are dear people. He is a sealer and when they finish their mission in May, they will have served for three and a half years. I love to drill Jean on her past life in England and she is very happy to tell me lots of stories. Girls, the words I am learning over here!
The Reader's Digest version of Sandwich goes something like this: the street plan has not changed since the 1000's. That's the ten hundreds. Public buildings date back to the 13th century. It is so quaint! We ate lunch in the "George and Dragon" that dated back to the 1400's. I especially loved the old churches. From the main church, the bells would (and still do) toll at 8:00p signaling a curfew time. At that time, the townspeople would let out their pigs and geese to wander the streets and clean up all refuge that people would throw out their doors. At 5:00am the bells rang again, signaling all citizens to get their animals off the streets and in their pens. Some kind of waste management right there. Now, I didn't see one pigpen or one goose today, so I believe the city now picks up residents' trash.
Dover Castle is truly situated on the White Cliffs of Dover. France can be seen on a clear day, being only 21 miles away. We took a tour of the Underground Hospital used in WWll. It began with 10 wards and eventually dwindled down to two wards with the wounded being slapped together enough to be taken to larger hospitals, That little spot was only a fraction of the history of that place. We also walked in the Underground tunnels which were built between 1179 and 1256. There were cannon replicas and slits for other guns or bows and arrows. It boggles my mind. England is truly rich with history as they have been invaded over and over again by so many countries.
Our temple experience here is also a reminder of all the people of the world who come to England to live. This week, I watched as a fair skinned true Englishman with ruddy cheeks stood clasping hands with the darkest, wrinkled hand I had ever seen. This made such an impression on my mind as their hands were up against a stark,white curtain, if you will. Oh, the gospel of Jesus Christ is for all mankind! I have since seen this worker and learned he is from somewhere in Africa. I have held cards to assist patrons from Portugal, Thailand (that one was fancy writing!), Spanish, and Even English cards for those learning English. I met a friend from Brazil named Ana Claudia who is here on a visa. She is desperate to learn English so when she has to return to Brazil, she can get into a doctorate program. What better spot for her to be than living in accommodations on the temple grounds for 13 pounds a night? She works in the Laundry during the day and attends the temple each night. She is so humble and sensitive to the spirit. She hugged me and sobbed and sobbed one evening all the while thanking me for helping her in initiatory. Who does that?
So, our lives are moving on. My Mikie is my dearest companion on this grand adventure. I run into him throughout the day while we are fulfilling our various duties. I make eyes at him and still have my stomach do a flip-flop when he smiles back at me. We come home dead-tired from lots of standing around, climb in bed, and wake up ready to do it all again.
My Love to my Darlings at Home,
Grams, Mom, ,,,aka Sister Seaman
My English Lesson for the Week:
"Are you keeping ok?" ....same as "How are you?' ,,,,,but prettier, don't you think?
"You must have blue eyes."........Meaning that you are the favorite or got the best deal
And finally,,,,,,back to "Spend a Penny"......I found out why older people say this when they need to "wee" (very common saying also), Years ago, public restrooms cost a penny to use. My friends tell of holding the door so their mates could use it after them. Today, we actually paid 20 pence to use the cutest little toilet in Sandwich. It even had geraniums growing near the window above the sink.
Would you like Ham in your Sandwich
The English version of how the sandwich got its name is as follows:
The Earl of Sandwich ask for a bite to eat while he was fighting the enemy and said just put something between two pieces of bread and give it to me quick. Thus the name sandwich was born. I think I have heard a slightly different version before, somewhere. I am not sure where the village of Sandwich got it name. (By the way, this sounds like "samich" when our guide says it. In fact, I thought our outing today was driving to "samich.") Sandwich is located about 11 miles east of Dover. You know, the Dover in the war movies. Dover has tall white cliffs that run vertically down into the sea and can be seen for miles out on the ocean. I'm sure the WWII airplanes returning to England would watch for them.
Sandwich is a lovely, very old, quaint village with very narrow streets and sidewalks. The downtown is covered with shops located in the old buildings that look like they should fall down at any moment. The doorways are all about 5' 6" tall and have very old door-knockers and bell-pulls on them, and they are located not two feet from the street. There are mileage and direction signs chiseled into large blocks of stone that are now part of some building corner. There is a river that runs through it and we got to see the bridge turn at 90 degrees and let the boats go through on their way back from the ocean about 11 miles away. There is an old toll booth that guards the bridge and collects the tolls. It is so cool.
We got to go to Crawley last night and see a live European Broadcast of a fireside where Elder Ballard talked to us and all of Europe. Among other things he said that we live in a day of miracles and should expect them when needed. He recounted his experience in Ethiopia back in the 80's when they were having a deadly drought there and President Benson sent him to see what the church could do to help. (The Church members world-wide contributed $ 6 million dollars the week before for the country of Ethiopia.) He said when he got there, and organized a sacrament meeting with the only member of record in all the country, he ask the three people in attendance to bear their testimonies. He was the last one to do so, and in his testimony he felt a strong impression to bless the country of Ethiopia and call for an end to the drought. He said he remembers saying " let it rain." He said when he got back to his room that night, he prayed that he had done the right thing as he had felt so strongly impressed and that he felt like the drought needed to end. He said that that very night he heard a clap of thunder and it started raining and rained every day that he was there.
Do not forget who you are and what you can do. You can do this. You must do this. There is too much at stake. You are the best I know. Keep up the good work and stay strong.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
Monday, October 9, 2017
ROTA or a ROTER?
October 8, 2017
I am thinking I have become hard of hearing since we arrived in England. I hardly trust myself repeating back to people what I truly hear. We are heading into our fourth week of serving in the temple. At the beginning of each week, I am given my schedule of duties. I have just discovered that schedule is called a ROTA, not a ROTER. Here, I've been packing around a Roter - which would mean I had a big ol' Belch or Burp.
I also have to admit that my Proper English lessons may be a sham. But, will you all just go with it? The reason my lessons may not be accurate is that we are finding that there are such strong dialects for different areas of the country. As a result, there are many different sayings - depending on where the person may hale from. I shouldn't be so floored by this. The United States prides itself on different dialects also.
Back to my Rota. I spent my first day of this week (Tuesday) in the Initiatory. I am seeing that this may be common. I walked out after our shift Braindead. I blinked back tears and told my Mikie that I couldn't do it. I would surely die. He was comforting but had no answer. I came home and told Heavenly Father the same thing. Don't I sound like a Bum?? I am embarrassed to even write this. But I have to do it, so I will always remember it. That night I read Elder Hallstrom's talk about Miracles. One line stood out to me - The Lord is not concerned with our comfort as much as he is about our growth. Well, I needed that. By the next morning I was ready to go back and be the best worker I could possibly be.
I am beginning to feel more at Home in this temple. I have mapped out in my head what routes to take on my short walks when I get five minute breaks. The two sets of stairs are Killers. I kind of Love-Hate them. I have made a vow to myself to never ride a lift here in the temple. I'll let you know how that works out for me. Many of the patrons come with a stick. That's a Cane to me. I have been asked to hold several of them as these good sisters do their work. I like to quietly practice different positions on them. And the thing about SO MANY of these patrons - young and old. They NEVER seem to do one session. They spend at least a DAY in and out of sessions. I am humbled by them.
We were able to do a session on Friday afternoon with Mark and Laraine Eddington and their friends, the Brook's, before Mark and Laraine flew home to AZ. As we were leaving, Laraine gave me an AZ necklace. She told me she would surely see Lindsay soon since the Baum's are in her mom's ward so she would give her a hug. Well, this whole exchange had me blubbering like a Baby. This mission life is just grand - as long as I don't dwell on thoughts of my dearest families at Home. Facetiming is saving my bacon this time around. But, I beg of any of you who read this - do not let a Seaman grandchild ever pass by you without giving them a big ol' hug.
YOUR PROPER ENGLISH LESSON FOR THE WEEK:
*"Drop a penny" - When Sister St. John whispers this to me and walks into the Toilet, I figure it out on my own. (#1 this week)
"Sort it out" - everything gets sorted out, eventually
"Dapper" - my Mikie and I were told we looked dapper as we headed out the door to church today.
"Rubbish" - used all the time - (in place of junk, crum, or messy things)
and then, there was this.......
This morning from the pulpit the bishop announced that a bracelet and brooch had been found in the toilet and if it was anyone's, come claim it. If you recall a former English lesson, the toilet is the bathroom, not the actual toilet. Haha, we both looked at each other and giggled.
Oh, I love you all!
Sister Seaman
The Welsh
The language in the UK is suppose to be English. But the UK is a melting pot of languages probably due to loose immigration policies of past administrations. It is certainly tighter now. There is hardly a day goes by that there are people from Spain, France, Portugal, Croatia and more that come to the temple. Most speak some English, as English is fast becoming the business language of the world, and most countries have it taught in the schools and universities. We try to help them but it is difficult at best, if they don't speak English, as most of the temple workers only speak English, which is surprising.
There are some languages that profess to be English but cannot be understood by Americans. One of those languages is "Welsh." There are several couples here who are from Wales. Their English is very difficult to understand. Another thing about the welsh males is their height. They are short. Of the ones we know, they are all about 5' tall, They have a very happy disposition and will break into song at the top of their lungs at the drop of a hat and have a little bit of a devil in them. At church yesterday, Kim and I were sitting by two welsh couples. At the opening hymn, they started belting it out, and a guy in front of them got up and moved out of range.
There is one welsh temple worker, in particular, that likes to talk to Kim and I. He is very short and very difficult to understand. He likes that the Americans can't understand him and talks faster and faster. Kim just looks at him and nods her head, not understanding a word, and then she will say, "what did you say?" He will repeat it again and again with a straight face. It is pretty funny. The crazy thing is that his name is Bobby Gabb. He says he has the gift of gab.
The welsh claim to have over 6000 words of the pure Adamic language still in their vocabulary. I don't know how they prove it but they are sure proud of it. They are an exceptionally proud people. They like who they are and where they came from. It is easy to see how they could be called Leprechauns. They don't like being called English though. It offends them. It pretty funny to watch, as Kim doesn't even know that she is doing it.
Well, we are off to London today. Steve Fotheringham is showing us the ropes of riding the train, busses and tube in London. I am staying off the bridges as much as possible.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
Monday, October 2, 2017
September Has Passed and Gone
October 1, 2017
Fall is creeping onto the London Temple grounds. I love to walk the perimeter with my Mikie. We tromp through the trees on wet leaf covered paths that are often mudtraps. There is a quiet under all the trees as if we are in our own little world. I love to stop and check out red or blue berries on bushes. Are they edible? poison? Or just pretty?
With the passing of this month, our family has celebrated three birthdays. Our ray of sunshine, Mikael, is seven. Her brother, Elijah, is five. How did that even happen? It has been such an amazing five years for our Jace and Lindsay as they have revamped their whole lifestyle to keep that little guy safe. And he is safe. And happy. And full of love. My Mikie turned 65 on Elijah's birthday also. Isn't that just wonderful??? We celebrated his day with an outing to our first castle and a lunch of fish and chips. Our friends, the Wallace's took us along with them as we have no "transport". It was a wonderful time.
We were on the "lates" here in the temple this week. There are two shifts and each week is a rotation, "earlies" and "lates". I am not sure which shift I prefer. I still feel as if I am in the Deer in the Headlights mode. I may be told to go to a specific assignment and I roll my shoulders, take a breath, and get ready for a little adventure. My trainer has been a proper English sister who would like me to speak quietly and move smoothly. When I lead a company of patrons up the stairs for a session to begin, I must move slowly, look ahead, and gently smile. Now, this can be tricky for me. I like to wave at any friend I have made over the stair rails; stop and study pictures; or even do a few exercises on every other step. None of this is allowed.
As I was getting trained for my first session that I would do alone, I felt like we were playing the game, Hot or Cold. You know - where one player guesses which direction to go, or even, what to do when you get there. I would hear Sister Perry "tsking" behind me. Nope. Not there......oh, getting warmer, warmer....no, Sister Seaman.......aw, closer.......no, almost.....Man, by the time I got situated where I was supposed to land, I felt like I needed to find my Mikie and shed a tear or two. He is my Home. My Rock. My One who knows my heart. As I reviewed the day's happening with him later that night, we both had a good laugh. That's because he is in the same boat. And sometimes neither one of us know if it's the correct boat.
We have found that all temples are Home as the ordinances are the same anywhere we may go. The trick in is the procedures. Each temple has their own procedures, due to the layout of that temple, the number of workers on a shift, or even the presidency of the temple. Procedures are what we have been trained on for two weeks now. Where to be, how to get there, how to sit, who to get cues from, etc. We continually pray that we both can be an asset to our shift and the patrons. We pray we can love our fellow workers, our presidency, and not squander our time here in the London Temple. I continually think of President William's blessing when we were set apart. I know I can feel a sense of familiarity in this sacred place. I also believe our family will be protected with angels surrounding them. We are here for them. But, oh, can I say, I miss them?!
We were fortunate enough to hook up with Mark and Laraine Eddington here today! They have been touring with their friends, Keith and Carol Brook. The Brook's were kind enough to invite us to their home for dinner - our first English homecooked meal. For dessert, they sang Happy Birthday to my Mikie, with their grandson helping him blow out candles. Such a dear, kind gesture! After the meal, we drove to Essex to walk to Christopher Robbins' bridge. Grandkids, get your old Winnie the Pooh books out. That was such a sweet spot with the tree where children leave their letters and honey for Winnie. Who knew???
Your Proper English lesson for the Week:
*Chinwag - Get together with your friends and have a jab session. (#1 word this week)
Oddbod - oddball
guillotine - paper cutter - Ouch!
"Over the Swanee" - I may as well throw money down the drain (or over the Swanee) when I spend it on clothes or shoes I will never wear. Get it?
All My Love to my Darlings at Home,
Sister Seaman
With Courage
For some reason one of my assignments was the "door" this week and I spent a lot of time on the door this week. (This means the reception desk or recommend desk at the front door of the temple.) I spent hours at a time there, with absolutely no one coming or going. It was very quiet and very lonely. I would get the scriptures out and read until I was about asleep and then put them away and pick up lint. Then I would study the guide for the person assigned to the front door for my upcoming exam.
On one occasion, when I was assigned at the door, there were two men actually waiting there for their group to leave and I had a real conversation with them. As I talked to the older man, an Englishman, he introduced me to the other younger man, who spoke very little English. He said that the other man was his Bishop. I was very surprised, because of his very limited English. I could tell that he had a Spanish accent, so I asked him where he was from, in my very broken Spanish. He said that he was from Ecuador. I asked him how long he had been the Bishop, but he thought I meant how long he had been in England. He said two years and that he had been in Spain prior to that. "How long have you been the Obispo?," I asked. He said five months. You talk about courage.
How would you feel if you were asked to be the spiritual leader of maybe 300 people in a foreign country, whose members did not speak your language, where you barely knew the customs, traditions and acceptable behaviors of the people. And especially could not communicate very effectively one-on-one. It literally brought tears to my eyes as I looked him in the eye and felt a great spiritual strength in him. I then understood why.
He could communicate, but not in the usual way. I believe that he will be a great leader to his people. I would love to see him and the ward members in about 5 years, when he will be released.
He had brought them to the temple, as many as would come. He has courage and he also knows what's important.
Dear family, step up when your called to do something hard. Do your best and the Lord will fill in the gaps. Give all you have and change the lives of the people around you. There is nothing better for you to do.
By the way, I did get passed off on all my assignments. So on to new ones this week.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
PS: I haven't seen one stop sign here. There are stop lights, but no stop signs. They use round-abouts exclusively. Except they circle clock-wise. Very Dangerous.
We were fortunate enough to hook up with Mark and Laraine Eddington here today! They have been touring with their friends, Keith and Carol Brook. The Brook's were kind enough to invite us to their home for dinner - our first English homecooked meal. For dessert, they sang Happy Birthday to my Mikie, with their grandson helping him blow out candles. Such a dear, kind gesture! After the meal, we drove to Essex to walk to Christopher Robbins' bridge. Grandkids, get your old Winnie the Pooh books out. That was such a sweet spot with the tree where children leave their letters and honey for Winnie. Who knew???
Your Proper English lesson for the Week:
*Chinwag - Get together with your friends and have a jab session. (#1 word this week)
Oddbod - oddball
guillotine - paper cutter - Ouch!
"Over the Swanee" - I may as well throw money down the drain (or over the Swanee) when I spend it on clothes or shoes I will never wear. Get it?
All My Love to my Darlings at Home,
Sister Seaman
With Courage
For some reason one of my assignments was the "door" this week and I spent a lot of time on the door this week. (This means the reception desk or recommend desk at the front door of the temple.) I spent hours at a time there, with absolutely no one coming or going. It was very quiet and very lonely. I would get the scriptures out and read until I was about asleep and then put them away and pick up lint. Then I would study the guide for the person assigned to the front door for my upcoming exam.
On one occasion, when I was assigned at the door, there were two men actually waiting there for their group to leave and I had a real conversation with them. As I talked to the older man, an Englishman, he introduced me to the other younger man, who spoke very little English. He said that the other man was his Bishop. I was very surprised, because of his very limited English. I could tell that he had a Spanish accent, so I asked him where he was from, in my very broken Spanish. He said that he was from Ecuador. I asked him how long he had been the Bishop, but he thought I meant how long he had been in England. He said two years and that he had been in Spain prior to that. "How long have you been the Obispo?," I asked. He said five months. You talk about courage.
How would you feel if you were asked to be the spiritual leader of maybe 300 people in a foreign country, whose members did not speak your language, where you barely knew the customs, traditions and acceptable behaviors of the people. And especially could not communicate very effectively one-on-one. It literally brought tears to my eyes as I looked him in the eye and felt a great spiritual strength in him. I then understood why.
He could communicate, but not in the usual way. I believe that he will be a great leader to his people. I would love to see him and the ward members in about 5 years, when he will be released.
He had brought them to the temple, as many as would come. He has courage and he also knows what's important.
Dear family, step up when your called to do something hard. Do your best and the Lord will fill in the gaps. Give all you have and change the lives of the people around you. There is nothing better for you to do.
By the way, I did get passed off on all my assignments. So on to new ones this week.
Sincerely,
Elder Seaman
PS: I haven't seen one stop sign here. There are stop lights, but no stop signs. They use round-abouts exclusively. Except they circle clock-wise. Very Dangerous.
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