Re: Happy Anniversary from Stephen

Thank you Stephen,

We had a great day Wednesday -this was an historic conference as it will be the very last of the IDM -- IRELAND DUBLIN MISSION and they all sang to us to celebrate our anniversary, had us stand up front and gave us a bar of Galaxy which Sister McBride devoured before I even knew it was in her hand !!

They also had us introduce ourselves and bear our testmonies. I got mom some flowers and a box of good chocolates, the day after, as we just got back to Belfast in time to make a 9.30 meeting with the YSA council. We are kept hopping.

We will write a longer email on Pday. Please send this to the family and get everyone on SKYPE as we want to try it out -- also send this to Kelly as we have not heard from her and want to make sure she is alive and kicking !!

Possibly next email we can fill you in on our special YSA role --- IT IS NO ORDINARY MISSION and has it's very large challenges --- for example one of the adult leaders said the other day to us ( after the block meeting ) -- " Was'nt it nice of the Bishops to release their YSA for the day to come to this special meeting " ---- we responded very quickly, " Was'nt it a privilege for the Bishops to release their YSA to attend these special meetings with their peers.' You can see we do have our work cut out alone, changing attitudes and behaviours that are deep set, however knowing the Irish does give us an advantage.

The last missionary couple fulfilling this role were from BYU Provo and gave up essentially because they wanted it run like a large YSA ward at BYU --- that is not going to happen here in Belfast, this is very much the mission field. There has been no senior missionary couple in this position for over 7 months.

We will fill you in as we go -- there is much that we want to see happen. Meanwhile we love you all and miss you. May God bless Tonya as she is expecting the little one soon - we look forward to the news.

All our love,

Mom and Dad.