My “Bucket List”

I’ve always wanted to visit  Normandy, France, and humbly pay my respects to the World War II heroes who “gave their last full measure of devotion”. Indeed, we honor all those who fought, so that you and I would not be required to speak German and or Japanese. How can I ever love and honor them enough?

In March, before we return to Arizona, that dream will become a reality. Our nephew Lea Adam Hunt and his wife Shanna, are coming to London for a nine day visit, and seeing Normandy is also one of Lea’s dream. We’ll take the Eurostar from London, through the Chunnel, and in less than 2 1/2 hours we’ll be in Paris. Then, we’ll take another train to Bayeux, where the Normandy tours start. The next day, we’ll spend 9 hours on a tour, and return to London via Paris the next day.

Saturday Play Day

29 January, Gerry and I, along with Ken and Cheryl Fugal, went sight seeing. Gerry and I have visited the British Museum multiple times, but we see great things every time we visit.
I really enjoy the Egyptian displays on two gigantic floors. If you’re into Mummies, the Brit Museum is the place for you! I also like  the Assyrian collection. Countless Greek statues and façades were saved by the British Ambassador to Greece, when he noticed that the Greeks were tearing down the “old stuff”. The Ambassador then sent the “junk” to London. Now, Greece wants it back, but London isn’t budging.
We then walked to Chipotle’s (the only one in the UK) for lunch and a Southwest fix. It never disappoints!
Harrods, or as we call it, “The Great and Spacious Building”, was next on the list, where I noted that I could buy a dog bed with a canopy, for a mere $1,000. I like Harrods’ tie collection, but $200 is a bit much for a something designed to cut off the blood to my brain and add some flash to my suit.

Harrods’ Egyptian Escalator feature is extensive, with displays on several floors. It features an Egyptian style statue that one would expect to be in the likeness of Pharaoh. But surprise, it’s the face of Mohamed Al-Fayed, Harrods’ owner until 2010. (Harrods is  now owned by Qatar Holdings).






After Princess Diana and boy friend Dodi Fayed (Mohamed’s son), were killed in a 1997 Paris car crash, Mohamed built a shrine to them in Harrods’ basement. A wine glass smudged with lipstick from Diana's last dinner and an engagement ring Dodi purchased the day before they died, are encased in an acrylic pyramid.

I Remember The Challenger Crew

At 11:38 a.m. EST, on January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Christa McAuliffe, a 37-year-old high school social studies teacher from New Hampshire, is prepared to teach students from space.

Seventy-three seconds later, hundreds on the ground, including many family members, stared in disbelief as the shuttle exploded in a forking plume of smoke and fire. Millions more watched on live television. There were no survivors.

The event is indelibly etched into my memory. I remember where I was standing in the Detroit Metro Airport Republic Airlines crew room when a Captain with a little personal TV, showed me the news.


FRONT: Michael J. Smith, Pilot, Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, Commander,  Ronald E. McNair, Mission Specialist, BACK: Ellison S. Onizuka, Mission Specialist, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, Payload Specialist, Gregory B. Jarvis, Payload Specialist, Judith A. Resnik, Mission Specialist.

A New England

19th Century England did not have a great deal of religious tolerance. I am told by locals, that life for Mormons was difficult. Many lost their jobs for joining a strange religion, and if their humble homes were owned by the company, they lost those, too.

The Powell Family joined first in 1848, and when their daughters grew older, they all married men who had or would soon embrace the Gospel. Eventually, my Great-Great Grandparents, two daughters and their young families, determined to leave England in 1864 to seek a new life in Utah. They had nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Saturday, 22 January, I saw a young man of Chinese descent, sitting with the missionaries in the Stake Centre’s foyer. We were introduced, and then I asked Edison if he was a member, or an investigator. He smiled and told me that he was to be baptized in 30 minutes. Edison is a university student from Shanghai, China. As I congratulated him, I thought of my Great and Great-Great Grandparents, and the persecution they had endured. Perhaps the persecution was needed, to “gently encourage” them to immigrate to Utah. I’m so grateful that they did! Today, England has become a refuge and a nurturing place for those who cannot learn about the Gospel in their home countries. It’s a new and fortunately, a more tolerant England.

New Missionaries

On 11 January, Elder Ken and Sister Cheryl Fugal (Orem, UT), arrived in London. They will replace Elder Bob and Sister Sherrie Harbrecht, who leave 3 February. Ken is a retired biochemist and Cherly is a retired educator.










On 18 January, Elder John and Sister Barbara Robertson (Orem, UT), arrived in London. They will replace Gerry and I.
John is a retired BYU professor of linguistics (Mayan languages), and has written two books on the subject. Barbara is a very experienced family historian, and has taught Scottish research, (her specialty).
Both couples will serve 18 months in the London Family History Centre.

I was able to help both couples, the day after they arrived. I led them to the bank of their choice, so they could open accounts. I then took them to the post office to apply for their Freedom Passes, and then to the Surgery (clinic), to sign up for the National Health Service. Paying Council Tax gives us residency and access to social benefits. Exceeding age 60 brings added goodies, like free travel on buses and subways – FREEDOM PASSES. National Health Service offers free medical care. Our old age qualifies us for free prescriptions. Of course, nothing is really FREE. Council tax is $200 each month per couple.

You cannot imagine how intimidating it is, to fly into Heathrow, take a nap in your new, strange bed, and then try to find your way around London. Just trying to find North and South is a challenge. What a wonderful opportunity it was for me, to serve these wonderful couples!

Sweet Assurance

Friday, 14 January, the Electric company sent us a bill. They do that every six months. I expected it to be a little high, perhaps $300 – it’s been a cold winter, but $2,250 is a little bit high. I soon discovered what had happened: The beginning service meter reading had been incorrectly recorded by the power company, but all the talking in the world wouldn’t change the mind of Sam in customer service.

Friday night, as I lay in bed, troubled by the matter, I fell to my knees to ask for comfort and guidance. I was impressed that I should write an email  to Sam, and appeal to his common sense. I also felt that I should email Don and Claudia Inskeep, the missionary couple who preceded us in this flat. I plead for their help. Did they have any records?

I returned to bed and felt a hand on my shoulder – a sweet feeling of assurance that things would be fine. I had placed the matter in the Lord’s hands, and I just needed to trust Him. With that, I went to sleep. Saturday afternoon, Don Inskeep responded with his final bill and meter reading. I also found the inventory with the correct meter reading (recorded by an independent agent). I sent another email to Sam and attached the documents.
Monday afternoon, Sam called. “Mr. Price, let’s fix that meter reading, and get that ridiculously high reading off your bill.”
When things look bleak and insurmountable, pray, and then act upon your impressions. After you have done all that you have been inspired to do – all you can possibly do - put the matter in the Lord’s hands and exercise FAITH. What’s the use of praying if you aren’t gong to trust the Lord?

The First Duke of Wellington

Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852), was his common name, but you may know him as “The Duke of Wellington”. In 1815, as the commander of the allied armies, he defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. He was thereafter hailed by Europe’s rulers as the man who saved Europe, (and their thrones).

Gerry had read a biography of Wellington, and grew to admire his honesty and integrity. He was a great man in politics, the military, and in the way he lived his life. Visiting his “little” home, Apsley House has been on our “bucket list” for quite a while. Saturday, 15 January, we ventured to Apsley House, located near the Duke’s statue, the Wellington Arch, and Hyde Park Corner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After WWII, the succeeding Duke of Wellington gave the house to the British Government. (It was too expensive to maintain). In exchange, the government allows the current Duke and family to live in selected rooms.

Wellington collected art, and the walls are covered with 200 great paintings. There’s a room to display his sword collection, plus the gifts he received from Europe’s monarchs. After Waterloo, he continued to serve his county’s government, and was twice Prime Minister.

Photography is not allowed in the home, but some interior photos are posted at the house’s official web site.

After Apsley House, we visited Covent Garden, a popular shopping and tourist site, with lots of street actors, jugglers, and magicians. We walked by a comedian who, as he spotted me, said, “Father! I thought I told you to stay in the car! Oh my, he’s drunk again.” I suppose that was meant to be funny.

Here’s Captain Jack Sparrow and Gerry. Judging by the gloves, and the look on Gerry’s face, I think the dental hygienist in her just can’t resist giving him a good cleaning. I don’t blame her – I remember Jack’s teeth!

Wonderful Skype

Six months ago, the Bishop of our home ward in Chandler, AZ, Ron McCook, with whom I had served before our mission, was released. His first counselor, Phil Lewis, with whom I had also served, was called as the new Bishop. Friday night, 14 January, all of Ron’s former counselors (who were still in Chandler), met at Phil’s home for a night to honor Bishop McCook. At 2:15 am, Saturday morning, London time, we arose for a planned Skype call at 2:30 am. It was 7:30 PM, Friday night in Arizona. Right on time, at 2:30, our computer came alive with a Skype call. We visited with Ron and Keri McCook, Bishop and Cindi Lewis, and all of our friends and their wives who had served as counselors to Ron – five, including us. We shared memories and Bishop Lewis assured us, “We miss you two so much, and can’t wait to put you to work.” We felt loved, and reminded of how much the Lord loves each of us! Such wonderful, loving thoughts and memories; well worth waking in the middle of the night.

Gerry and I are thinking that it might a fitting tribute, that we have a breakfast in their honor at 9:30 am in London. We’ll then Skype Bishop and Cindi Lewis, so they can enjoy the fun, too. Let’s see, 9:30 am, minus seven hours. Wow, what a coincidence! That would be 2:30 am in Chandler.

Worlds Without End

The Hubble Ultra Deep Field in 3D

No Greater Joy

For many years, I had convinced myself that our family history had been done. We have a professional genealogist in the family named Richard Price, and thanks to him and my mother, it appeared to me that we had gone as far back as we possibly could. “It’s been done for almost 20 years,” I said, and now we’ll leave the rest to those fortunate enough to serve in the millennial reign.
When we arrived in London, we were "reminded" that we don't need to stay on a "family line", and that we could possibly find success while researching our Descendancy lines. That's when we explore the families of the aunts and uncles that married into the family. I call those relatives “The Forgotten In-laws”.  About nine months into our mission, I realized that I had spent most of my time helping others, scheduling, writing talks, and trying to put out little fires, but I had neglected my own family history research. While looking for a place to start, I noticed that the husbands and wives of my mother's aunts and uncles were known, but no other details, and the children of those families were not known. As I started to flesh out those families, I found it easy to also find the parents of those in-laws, and their children. The eventual discoveries on both of my parent’s lines, have brought great joy into my life.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, families were large and it was common to lose three or more children. However, I found that if a couple lived long enough to be included in the 1911 Census of England and Wales, they indicated the number of children that were born, and how many had not survived. This 1911 feature has helped me find those who died between censuses.
I have discovered dozens of families, and submitted hundreds of names to the temple. Many more will be found in the future. Names that were deeply embedded - forgotten members of my family history - a history that was long ago declared “complete”.

Cue the Background Music

Has this ever happened to you? Has this ever happened to you? Someone says something carelessly unkind, or makes a drive-by remark with no relevant evidence. You know you're right, but because you’re a nice person, you don’t say anything, bite your tongue, and let it go. That night, when it’s bed time, you find that you didn’t “let it go”.
That happened to me this week, and I know better - that one can’t let someone else take control of one's life. We must be the ones to determine if and when we'll be happy. Nevertheless, that night, I couldn’t or wouldn’t put it down, and looked back. It's a wonder that I didn't turn into a pillar of salt, because lying in bed, I debated, and boy, I did a great job! I am so brilliant when arguing with myself.
The more points I scored in the debate, the more I argued; getting nowhere, and finding no peace. Just when I was pleading that I could get off this terrible Merry-Go-Round, along came tender mercies in the form of a familiar hymn. It softly streamed through my mind, and I found myself humming along - singing when I could remember the words. Slowly, the hymn displaced the debate. By letting it go and forgiving, I had truly won the battle.
In 1973, Elder Boyd K. Packer offered wonderful advice. He encouraged us to sing a favorite hymn when we find unworthy thoughts in our mind. It’s called “Worthy Music -- Worthy Thoughts”.

“The Law of the Garbage Truck”,  by David J. Pollay.

"Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they look for a place to dump it. And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you.

 
So when someone wants to dump on you, don’t take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Believe me. You’ll be happier."

New Years Eve in London

Friday, Gerry and I worked in the Family History Centre, and then closed early at 3:00 PM. Later that night, the England London Senior Missionaries gathered at the Crandall flat, enjoyed dinner and fellowship. What a wonderful time we had. Three hours later, at 9:00 PM, couples started to leave. We just don’t seem to bounce as high as we did in the past. Front, chairless missionaries: Gerry, me, Sister Campbell. Sitting missionaries: Elder and Sister Crandall, Sister and Elder Harbrecht, Elder Campbell, Sister Groves, Elder and Sister Miles, and Sister Dewsnup

Gerry and I could have gone to the Embankment Pier, where over 250,000 people lined the north bank of the Thames to watch the fireworks, and usher in the New Year. But, we walked home, passing people dressed in their finest- on on their way to someting that they hoped would be nice.
When we arose, New Years Day, I noticed a wonderful video that the BBC produced, of the fireworks and excitement that we had missed. I have never seen anything so spectacular! This was the first time that London’s fireworks had been choreographed to music. Notice that there are people in the London Eye, on the South side of the Thames, recipients of a most fantastic view – safe and secure in their glass capsules.

London Fireworks on New Years Day, 2011

A New Years Thought – Searching for Our Souls
“Prayer is our most pivotal protection against over involvement in worldly things, and becoming so absorbed with possessions and privilege and honor and status, that we no longer desire to undertake the search for our soul.” Patricia Holland

Portia Hawley

Senior missionaries can opt to go home 30 days earlier or 30 days later than their original release date. Because Christmas was coming up, Elder and Sister Hawley, the England London Mission Office Couple, chose the 30 days early option; to go home to Orem, Utah on 7 December, instead of in January. Portia especially wanted to hold a grandchild that had been born while she and Don were serving in London.
29 December, 22 days after they had returned to Orem, held their grandchildren, and enjoyed Christmas, almost in a "twinkling of an eye", Portia passed away.

The National Galleries

For 15 months, I have found a way to weasel out of going to the National Gallery. On 29 December, I had no more excuses. Gerry felt that I needed a lesson in art appreciation, so off we went. I walked with her, and just smiled. A half hour later, Gerry said, "I'm done." Not exactly our kind of place. If I simply think, "I told you so", does that make me a bad husband? 
Thursday, we tried art again. This time we visited the National Portrait Gallery. The portrait's narratives would gingerly dance around illicit relationships, indicating, for example, that the Duke of Buckingham, (shown on the left), was “a favorite of King James I”. Yes, the same King who gave us the King James Version of the Bible. King James built Buckingham house in 1705 as a loving gift for the Duke. We know it now as Buckingham Palace.
The narratives also celebrated King Charles II, (shown on the right), and his many mistresses and  illegitimate children, with an entire room decorated with portraits of his favs. There were rooms and rooms of kings, dukes, and princes - dressed in silks and doilies with their toes pointed as if they were doing the Hokey Pokey. There were portraits of famous politicians, scientists, painters, and actors. I loved the history, but felt like I was in a very dainty place. Then I entered THE room, called Building the Empire. There, amid the explorers and warriors, I could finally feel some testosterone, and I soon felt better. These were real men, dressed for action, and I don't mean ballet! They would never explore the arctic or defend Khartoum in silk hose, ballet shoes or high heels.