Missionary Report

Dear Family and Friends,

TOP O THE MORNIN ---- It is a brilliant day in the beautiful Emerald Isle. It has been dry and warm for the past 3 weeks and now they are talking drought -- yes, in dear old Ireland, could you believe it. However the temperatures are not quite that of the Bahamas, but very close, and just to remind you, some of the best golf courses are here in Erin's green Isle and 2 of the worlds best golfers in Graham McDowell and Rory McIlroy.

For any prospective senior couples could we entice you with the idea that during your lunch break, between teaching appointments, you could take a casual stroll by the sea shore. One of our areas is minutes from a number of beautiful soft pristine white sand beaches and the call of the waves lapping gently on the sea shore is indeed a tonic during a few minutes break on a busy day. Have we made the great missionary work sound exciting ---- IT IS -- and we love it --- now who could not love the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. The light of Christ fills the immensity of space and burns brightly in our hearts.

Another side of Northern Ireland since the peace accord was signed over 10 years years ago and a 40 year conflict concluded -- is that a stubborn dissident minority element still remains. Easter Sunday the members of our little branch in Antrim had church cancelled for the day. A bomb had been planted by the IRA at a nearby pub and several blocks were cordoned off . We had been scheduled to speak that Sunday and possibly they heard that Elder McBride likes firework displays !!!! No need to worry, the song goes " don't worry, be happy " --- all is well, the bomb was either a hoax or diffused and our building is back in use.

Easter is a 5 day holiday here and of course we have the " small item " of a royal wedding here on Friday with a bank holiday tacked on Monday 2nd May -- meaning that most have taken a two week break --- yes, the Irish know how to party !! As Friday is a holiday, Sister McBride and I have been invited to the Royal Wedding -- ( not quite ) Many are all ready to party with streets being blocked off, tables erected in the middle of thoroughfares, dancing, big screens erected, bunting everywhere and lots of food and of course the ever constant drink. Several of the wards are having events ( without the drink, of course ) and we have been invited to attend the breakfast, big screen wedding and festivities after. As for the wedding and Elder McBride ( better not to make a comment -- after all I am a missionary !!! ) ---- but the CRAIC will be good and the company unbeatable.

Now a few wee notes from the " SEANACHIE " ( that is pronounced shawn a key ) The seanachie is an Irish story teller --- perhaps Elder McBride qualifies !! In this rare case they are all true -- as you know with the Irish, you never know !!

1. We called at the home of a less active member. Her 20 year old son was sitting at the front door in the sunshine. We could tell immediately that he was a handicapped boy, much like my brother. He could communicate quite well and we were having a wonderful conversation with him, much as we would with my brother, although in sign language in the latter case. We simply talked about the things that interested him, the football team that he supported, his mom, etc. When his mothers partner came to the door he was very rude and abrupt with us -- perhaps he thought we as missionaries were " corrupting " this innocent boy. It was clear he did not want us there, so we left a pass along card for Nancy with our tel #. etc -- thinking that she might not ever get it, we called a few days later. As we thought about the contrast of both conversations we could not help drawing a comparison -- both individuals are children of God --- one innocent, pure and clean as the very day he was born -- the other spotted from the things of this world and in need of change. One with the light of Christ, the other not recognizing that powerful influence. One trusting, kind and accepting --- the other miserable, ignorant and judgemental. But Heavenly Father loves them both equally and the atonement of the Saviour of the world is for ALL mankind and not for a select few. A week later we were permitted a visit with Nancy and determined that she still has a testimony and will welcome further visits. Nancy also has a serious medical condition that she just found out about one day prior to our visit and she needs spiritual guidance. There are no coincidences in God's kingdom -- of a surety we were guided to that home and had to work through some adversity to get to visit this dear Sister that needs us, especially at this time.

2. Maggie and Toni are a young couple with one lovely little girl, " frae the toon ", where Elder McBride was raised. They have been less active for some years when we visited. Maggie speaks Ulster / Scots and seems to be happy to have found a Mormon Missionary that understands her. We have been visiting for 8 weeks now and on our first lesson we challenged them to attend church with us. They did so and are happy to be there each Sunday. They had been to the Temple for their own endowments some years ago, but never got sealed , that we do not understand. We decided that needed to change and with the branch presidents approval are teaching them lessons each week in preparation to return to the temple and in keeping their covenants. On our 2nd lesson we challenged them to be ready to go in 7 months -- that number mystified them - you see at that time we leave the mission field ( it is now down to 6 ) They accepted the challenge and have been making great progress. Please pray with us for Maggie and Tony.

3. John and Sylvia live in a lovely old farmhouse, surrounded by fertile pasture and green, green fields with lots of well groomed horses. Sylvia is a great member of the church and her husband John is not a member ( at least not yet ) In the past a senior missionary couple had visited and put some pressure on John, unfortunately before a relationship of trust was built. He made it very clear at the outset that he admired the church and all that it stood for but , " would never join our church ". Sister McBride and I pretended we did not hear the comment and just continued to develop the friendship. In the course of our communication John and Elder McBride determined that we were " old scouters " and attended some of the same schools. Also had some interests that were similar, etc. We said we would like to do some work with him on this old farmhouse and he accepted. It was Will Rogers who said, " A stranger is a friend I have not met ". We have now met John and he is a friend, we will let Heavenly Father lead the way and put our complete trust in him, after all, he already knows when John will accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is up to us to listen and obey.

4. We were teaching in the town of Ballymoney. Neville is a less active member, had not been to church in 10 years ( perhaps we are able to visit a number of homes because of a local attachment ) Brother Neville's wife is not a member. As we taught we invited her to join us and she did. During this time I came to realize that I knew this lady from somewhere and at an appropriate moment made a comment --- you are not from Ballymoney ? She confirmed that she was not and how did I know that. She said she was from Dunaghy, a wee village outside the town. I then said " you must then be a McCombs or a Cameron " ( my mother was a Cameron ) She confirmed that she was a Cameron and yes, it so happens, we are related. It is indeed amazing to us how Heavenly Father brings all of these situations together and opens doors for wonderful teaching experiences.

5. We will finish these accounts for now, but they are numerous and varied. Last one -------

Sister Kennedy has been less active for many years. She lives in a bitter rough protestant housing estate. The home is not clean and that is being kind, dogs are everywhere and the pall of smoke hangs everywhere, making it very difficult to breathe --- not the kind of place you could feel comfortable in. Sister McBride presented a wonderful lesson on the Atonement and as I sat there the spirit was very strong and bore sweet testimony that Sister Kennedy's rough shell was breaking down and we found a tender heart that certainly surprised me. I began repenting for my own unkind, uncharitable thoughts to my Heavenly Father as Sister Kennedy opened her heart to us. I do love the tender nature of my dear companion, she is the very best as she discusses our Saviour and bears testimony. We extended an invite to Sister Kennedy to come unto Christ and attend church with us on Sunday. We believe she will come and as it is Fast and Testimony meeting it could well be a spiritual feast for her.

Now, let's learn some more Ulster / Scots : -

PAIRTS O THE BOADIE

Ulster Scots English

Heid - head

Neb - nose

lugs- ears

mooth - mouth

thrapple - throat

shoullers - shoulders

kist - chest

shanks - legs

fit - foot

oxter - armpit

How did you do ---- I hope you are all improving, as we only have 6 months left !! When you feel comfortable enough with this we will start on the Gaelic !!!!

Here is an easy wee exercise for each o ye : -

Use the words to fill in the blanks.

fadge ( potato bread ), Scraich ( day break ) Hoose ( house ) Een ( eyes ), Wheen ( several ) , Fernenst ( opposite ), Licht ( light ) , Flaff ( flap )

I awoke at the ( ) of dawn one morning and rubbed the sleep from my ( ) . The ( ) was very warm so I opened a window and noticed a ( ) shower had begun to fall. Although I had to go out, I didn't get into a ( ) . I waited a ( ) of minutes before leaving to go to the shop ( ) our home to buy some ( ) . It was going to be another cloudy day.

Alright are you now conversant enough to serve a mission in the wee toon !! Da ye ken.

We had a few days break and absolutely loved the visit from our great daughter Karen, husband Tim, fabulous grandchildren ( 4 ) and Karens inlaws. Our president encourages the senior missionaries to spend some time with their families if they should visit and we are very thankful for that. We did a lot in a few days and had a wonderful bonding time. The weather was fantastic, the craic good, the sights superb, the food delicious and the kids, very tired and happy at the end of every day.

Look for the name JASON SMYTH --- Jason is a fantastic young man, one of the great YSA that we worked with the first 6 months of our mission. Jason won 2 gold medals in the one hundred and two hundred mitres at the Bejing Para Olympics a few years ago. He is presently training in Florida with the fastest man in the US -- Tyson Gay. Jason needs to shave the tiniest amount to qualify for both the Para Olympics and the Olympic Games in London 2012. If he makes it he will also make history as the first athlete in the world to qualify for both games. He is such a modest guy -- you may remember I asked him where he keeps his Gold Medals -- he shrugs his shoulders and says " oh me ma has them somewhere " -- he is a good church member, comes from Derry, sets a great example and he is lightning fast.

We love each of you and miss you. Time is going fast here and we love the variety of the work we are doing. We work with many humble people and some of our work is very challenging. Just yesterday one of the members we have been working with for some months had a relapse and must check into rehab. She was making excellent progress and we were so pleased with her. Success is not in ever falling , but in rising every time you fall. The Saviour of the world spent time with the publicans and sinners , saying the whole need not a physician. So we stay with her and help her to rise again, she needs to understand that her Heavenly Father loves her always and she will need to simply rise one more time than she falls, to gain the victory.

We try hard to share the testimony of Jesus and challenge God's children to experience the great blessings of the atonement in their lives. We pray constantly to have the great desire to bring salvation to those we work with, so that none perish -- see Mosiah 28 : 3. We have a deep and abiding love of the Saviour and the ultimate sacrifice he made for each of us. We love the Gospel, it is the good news to all mankind. We love the doctrines, they change us daily. We love the testaments of Christ and treasure the time we have to feast upon the word. May God's richest blessings be poured out upon you and thank you for your support in thought and prayer.

Elder and Sister McBride --- mom and dad.

Scotland / Ireland Mission.

Guess Who - Fall 2010 Ballintoy

Anyone see these missing persons -- escaped !!!!!

Photos from the Mission

OUR FIRST DISTRICT

senior couples - Lagan - Holts, McDowells, McBrides

mom at Belfast castle -- cavehill ward just below

climbing the cavehill with YSA - fall 2010

Missionary Report

Our dear family and Friends,

Slante' and may the roof on yer hoose niver fall in and may those under it niver fall out. It is a beautiful day in the lovely Emerald Isle, but then again, everyday is beautiful. Spring has sprung -- the crocus has been raising its head for a number of weeks, the daffodils are a bright array of yellow, the bluebells are becoming a beautiful carpet of blue and the trees are sprouting their green buds. Easter eggs are adorning the stores shelves and we are so very excited to welcome Karen, Tim and 4 of our grandchildren coming to visit in early April -- we think we will just spoil them with these big Delicious Easter eggs !! Saturday last, we were returning from an appointment in Randalstown and were driving along the shores of Lough Neigh -- the UK's largest body of inland fresh water. We noticed a sign " Shanes Castle " and thought we might take a peek. We are constantly amazed at the history that surrounds us at every turn and some we did not know before. The castle had an interesting history with all its cannons intact and pointing out towards the lough. It is quite something to go from from one appointment to another and view a great historical site on the way. The sheep are all lambing in the fields and are a great reminder to us as missionaries to " feed my sheep " We love the work and the dear friends we make each day.

This report is a little late as we have had a very eventful last few weeks and not much spare time. We are trying to juggle covering 2 branches that are about 40 miles apart -- Antrim and Coleraine with each of them having several other towns surrounding them and members spread out in each of those towns. In addition to getting to know the members in Coleraine, where Elder McBride went to school as a boy, we attend the branch councils of each branch, missionary correlation and other meetings and 2 Sundays of each month in each branch which includes often speaking or lesson assignments. A few Sundays ago it was 5th Sunday and the branch President ask us ( just 5 minutes ) before to take the entire time to discuss with both Priesthood and the Sisters regarding the new pass a long cards. Yes, no advance warning, it is simply expected of missionaries to respond. Well, we made it fun and hopefully informative and inspirational as we involved everyone in several role plays to illustrate how they might be used. Then we shared some stories ( yes, that's the Irish way ) and concluded with our testimonies. The time flew in and no rocks were thrown at us !!! There are wonderful stalwarts in this Coleraine branch and will be a source of strength in identifying those we can teach. They have the vision of this great missionary work and in Proverbs we read " Without vision the people perish " We have learned 3 great words on this mission and their deep and enduring meaning : - VISION --- DESIRE ---- BELIEF.

Our great friends Elder and Sister Neely, another senior missionary couple visited with us for a few days. Elder Neely served here as a young man in the early 60's. They are presently serving in CORK ( not far from Blarney castle, the home of the famous Blarney Stone ) which Elder McBride kissed a very long time ago and there is a story to tell, but I will share that again sometime. We had a wonderful few days taking them around many of the places he served so many years ago. The Mount ( which is now gone ) The old mission home, " REDHILL " that we all visited in those early days and loved. We even got a tour of the inside and walked the beautiful grounds and down to the lake. The old bank building downtown where all the missionaries conducted street meetings. On the street was a wee old Irishman playing Irish music -- Danny Boy, I'll take you home again Kathleen, Kitty of Coleraine ( and Billy from Ballymoney, only kidding !! ) --- it was a trip down memory lane for Elder Neely and also included a mini miracle --- we went down Sandy Row near Belfast City centre and where Sister McBride was raised. She had been given a name several weeks ago of a good friend who joined the church at the same time she did in 1964. Her name was Margaret Cousins and Sister McBride was told that Margaret may still be living in Sandy Row. As we sat in our car recalling fond memories and members we knew from that era, a car drove up across the street. A prompting came to me to Have Sister McBride approach the lady getting out of her car and ask if she knew a Margaret Cousins. As she was asking the question, to her delight and amazement this lady turned out to be the same Margaret she knew so well those many years ago. She has been less active all of those years. Of the thousands of people who lived in that community what would be the chances !!! True to form with a fast Irish wit Margaret says in her thick Belfast accent, " You have 6 children , I'm gobsmacked !!! -- no TV, love !! ( a term of endearment here )

It was a GRAND reunion, but the story does not end there --- Margaret recognized Elder Neely -- " You were the one with the Buddy Holly glasses !! " and they embraced. As stories of old were shared her husband appeared on the scene, he is not a member and we have a commitment to visit them both. God works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform and these are the experiences we are blessed with almost on a daily basis.

As we reflect on our call to serve in the land of our birth and when we were completing our papers -- we said that we were prepared to serve anywhere in the world where the brethern wished to place us, little did we know that we would be experiencing these daily miracles that penetrate so deeply into our hearts and build our sure testimony that our Heavenly Father knows best and we do love and worship him and his only begotten son Jesus Christ. This account like many others is among Heavenly Father's tender mercies to us.

We have information on how to stay in " Redhill " if there are any former missionaries interested. It is now a trust home and satellite campus for John Brown University. They will take small groups for certain times of the year ( part in summer ) for the nominal sum of 14 pounds per night ( food extra ) Wouldn't that be a fantastic thing to do -- imagine staying in the home and taking time to meditate on the lake shore and watching the swans. Should you want information please email us. We can put you directly in touch with the managers.

A little more " NORN IRON " to share -- we will have you all conversant before we complete our mission !!!

S is for SPAKE --- as in " shut up and let me spake '

T is for TAE ---- as in " put the kette on and gie me a wee cup o tae "

W is for WEE --- every single Northern Irish person uses this word - a wee this or that -- a wee biscuit - a wee dance -- even when it's a big deal - it's a " wee " deal.

Y is for YOUSE --- as in " youses keep the noise down, I'm trying to sleep "

Observations : -

Visiting with Sister Newcombe in Coleraine ( stalwart member ) discussing some less actives : " he's up and down like a fiddlers elbow " or " she hasn't been out since pussy was a kitten " --- also in Ballymoney ( Elder McBrides old home town )

with Sister Riley, " they have a wee wheen o weans jaist oot o nappies " ( try to figure that one out and let us know how you do ? ) --- " a wee prezzie fer ye -- jaist a wee bookmark frae the auld toon "

How did you do with the old ULLAN tongue -- the ULSTER SCOTS. Let us know, we will see if you got close. As we travel in all of these towns the dialect can change literally within a few miles so it take a lot of listening but most times it all comes back and we find ready acceptance. We love it and love them. They are such great members of the church and with strong testimonies. Wish we had time to share some of their testimonies with you. They do build your faith. Sister Riley knew Elder Paul Heninger ( from Calgary ) well and he enjoyed hot soody farls right off the griddle with Sister Rileys mother ( Walker )

Senior Couples get to attend the odd dance from time to time -- it was Valentines day and we attended Holywood Road ( where we met 45 years ago ) The concluding number at every NORN IRELAND church dance is " I'll tell me Ma " an old Belfast song about the beautiful girls from Belfast and loved by all ---- " she is the belle of Belfast City " , and that's my lovely Carol.

Now the last item for this email is a commemoration celebration of the CAVEHILL CHAPEL which will have special significance to President Covey and all former missionaries to Ireland, but especially those who served in the 1960's.

This meeting was held on Sunday February 20th 2011 at 7.00pm -- the exact day and time that the building was officially opened 45 years ago. Sister McBride and I were members of that ward as young marrieds in the late 60's - our first son Stephen was blessed there and there are very fond memories of times spent in that building.

We attended on Sunday evening past and share the following : -

Cavehill building was built for 69,000 pounds -- it is a beautiful building - can you relate that to our costs today ? In some comparison our first home in York Park, Belfast was 1,200 pounds. Bro Crawford was the Branch President then and he conducted in 2011 -- Bishop today is Bp Boyd. Other leadership at the time was Albert McCracken, Frank Hillis, Drew Patterson and Clement McDonald.

LOUGHVIEW house stood on the property, in the shadows of Belfast Castle and had a commanding view of the entire lough at that time.

Groundbreaking was held 19th July 1963 and the first sod was turned by President Stephen R. Covey. From groundbreaking to dedication it took 3 years 10 months and 4 days to dedication which took place in June 1967 and was built mostly by building missionaries and local members. The square footage was 9000 sq. ft. Palm trees graced the exterior and still do. Elder Mark E Peterson presided at the dedication. Opening prayer for that service was Bro. John Beattie ( who became the Belfast Stake Patriach and held that position for 22 years -- John is a dear friend of ours and he offered the opening prayer at the commemoration service last Sunday.)

Many faithful and devoted members sacrificed much to erect this wonderful building and we are greatly indebted to them, many of who are our dear friends. As we reflected on times spent there so long ago two, come to mind that are indelibly etched in our minds : -

1. The great baptism services held every Thursday evening under the leadership of President Covey, where the saints and the missionaries gathered to witness the baptisms of new members of the church from all over Belfast city. It became " the gathering place " each Thursday evening for the saints and will always be remembered as a spiritual feast by all who attended.

2. We personally recall walking up Fortwilliam Park to our building several times a week and twice on Sundays pushing Stephen in his pram. It was about 3 miles there and back and mostly uphill, but then the return portion was always downhill -- that was a bonus. Sister McBride was Young Women's President and I worked with the District Presidency. When we were emigrating in 1970 to Canada they held a farewell party for us and it was sad leaving our forever friends but today through an inspired call we get to associate with them for a season. President Summerhays arrived as Mission President just the day before this party and he came and played " Danny Boy " on the SAW. I believe there was not a dry eye in the building and he immediately endeared himself to the Irish people. We realize some of you may not know the above names, building, etc, and we ask your forgiveness for indulging our personal thoughts and feelings upon you. There may be others that the thoughts might bring some rich remembrance and we are so very grateful for all you dedicated missionaries who sacrificed to come to the beautiful Emerald Isle to bring the powerful message of the restoration. May God bless each of you abundantly.

( Note - President Covey -- please send this email to your grandson. He served in and loved the Cavehill Ward and they loved him. Please extend our warmest regards to him )

To our dear family and you, our forever friends ------ we are humbled by your prayers of faith in our behalf. We feel them daily and we love you all SO VERY MUCH. Thank you for your cards and emails of encouragement. May we share a scripture we love :- 1st. NEPHI 18 V 3

That great prophet and mighty young man who was filled with courage , obedience and so many other wonderful virtues, was commanded to build a ship. He did so exactly as the Lord instructed him. He had vision, desire and belief. Please note he went to the mount oft. Do we go to " our mount " oft ? He did pray oft to the Lord. Do we pray oft as he prayed ? Do we pray as the Lord prayed, for example, before calling his apostles, he prayed all through the night to his Heavenly Father. After our prayers the Lord has promised that he will " show great things "

He has to us as missionaries and we believe his words. Our Saviour, Jesus Christ lives - we know he lives. Our Heavenly Father loves all his children, we know that. We are all part of this wonderful Gospel -- it is indeed good news and we love it with all our hearts. Thank you for your constant support and we love you all very deeply,

Elder and Sister McBride --- mom and dad.

Scotland / Ireland Mission.

Missionary Report 1st January 2011

Our dear family and friends,

LE GACH DEA-GHUI' i GCONHAIR NA H-ATHBHLIANA

Your Irish greeting for the new year ---- in English --- WITH ALL GOOD WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR. It is a magnificent morning in the " auld sod " The sun is shining brightly, the fields are green, the birds are singing and it is very mild. Please click on the following to get your Irish blessing for the new year : -

http:// www.andiesisle/thisblessingisforyou.html

Witness for yourselves the beautiful, captivating and mystical Emerald Isle -- makes you want to serve a mission here !!!! Try to find the leprechauns dancing merrily through the verdant valleys and the leafy glens. May each of you have a wonderful new year and may the skin o' a gooseberry cover all yer troubles.

We had snow on Christmas day which was beautiful but Boxing day it started to rain and now it is all completely gone. We attended Midnight Mass on Christmas eve with Sister McBride's sister, in the Church of Ireland. As we stood outside about 11.30 pm it was one of the most picturesque scenes we have ever witnessed in our lifetime. A scene like the most beautiful Christmas card you have ever seen,try to picture this as I write. The old church was built in 1629 and was bathed in a full moon with just a hint of Irish mist surrounding it, the church bells were pealing, calling all from the little country village and surrounding farms to come, the evening was still and mild, trees were covered with a light dusting of pure white snow and the crystals glistened from the moonlight, the stars seemed to be dancing, highlighted by a clear midnight blue sky. We stood in awe for some time before entering the church through the quaint archway.

Now the service was an experience all in itself. Church of Ireland resembles the Catholic church very closely but as you might imagine in Ireland it is keen on ensuring that the Protestant ties will always remain. The feeling inside did not reflect in any way what we had experienced outside, but did serve to strengthen our testimonies that we indeed belong to Christ's true church. The prayers were all vain repetitions or vain oblations and were read from a prayer book with sections detailing prayers that are given for certain religious occasions during the year, Christmas eve mass being one. I have often wondered why the Priest does not simply say # 5 or 2 or whatever ? Candles were everywhere and the officiant read from the Book of Luke ( International Translation ) It was entirely impersonal, without feeling and the name of Jesus Christ was mentioned but a very few times. Communion was given to those who professed faith in the Holy Catholic Church ( again, this is Ireland and therefore not to be confused with the Roman Catholic church ) Shortly thereafter the donations are collected by 2 wardens of the church and escorted to the head officiant, flanked by 4 " guards " and 2 at the front with " spears " We found this very interesting as with all the flowing robes, etc of the Priests. We are so very grateful for this restored message which we carry. The simplicity and beauty of the teachings of Christ as we know them. The true doctrines of the kingdom restored exactly as they were practised in ancient times. We have indeed everything and our hearts rejoice daily in these truths. To live in this time is a very great privilege. We could only sit and wish we could have the opportunity to share what we know of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with these sincere people, who are God's children.

17th Dec 2010 -- got a call from our President in Scotland. We were due to have an all Ireland mission conference in Dublin next day and it had been snowing very " heavy " that day and as snow is very rare here, everything was grinding to a halt and roads for the drivers here who are not accustomed to it were too hazardous to drive on, plus there was one mountain pass. As he said, " Elder McBride, you are the expert in driving on this, would you consider driving the mission transit van to Dublin " The van was packed with " move ' suitcases and valuable possessions, " all the Christmas boxes for missionaries from overseas " We got the Elders and Sisters all organized and got them on a train very early in the morning to Dublin and I seen the driving as a possible adventure, which I have always had fun with. Off we went as Elder and Sister Claus, got safely there, and presents delivered to many thankful Elders and Sisters. These are great young men and women and it really is a treat to serve with them. We had some training, but this was mostly a festive occasion where local members served a delicious turkey dinner and we were all presented with mission ties for the Elders and mission scarves for the sisters -- with the crest of the Scotland / Ireland mission on them. All arrived home safely and the snow has been long gone.

Leprechauns --- we were out on a wee country road a few days ago and noticed a wee sign --- " Please slow down, Leprechauns crossing " -- please remind me to tell you about the the little folk.

One of the greats blessings of being here is that we regularly get to visit Elder McBride's handicapped brother. His central nervous system was crushed by forceps at birth and he thinks as a 2 - 3 year old. He is full of love and it warms our hearts each time we visit. We sing primary songs to him, read the scriptures and pray.We communicate in a sign language that he and I understand and always leave him knowing that he is very close to Heavenly Father and we have greatly benefited from the visit.

Christmas time in Ireland --- we attended a lot ward events that we had been invited to and of course had incredible meals at both Elder McBrides sister and also Sister McBrides family --- also other dear friends --- frankly we have eaten enough to last us the remainder of our mission. Some people ( not members of our church !! ) were telling us they left GUINNESS and cookies out for Santa on Christmas eve --- only in Ireland !!!!!

We attended a ward event in the Holywood Rd chapel and a sister talked with Sister McBride --- she was so excited when she was explained that Sister McBride had taught her in Primary 45 years ago and she loved her and remembered her lessons.

FIRST FOOTING -- an ancient Irish / Scots tradition --- Elder McBride was asked twice to first foot this new year. A dark haired handsome man ( he does not have to be handsome, I just added that for fun ) has to be the first to cross your threshold with a lump of coal and a piece of bread in his hand -- NO ONE is allowed to enter the home until he has arrived, after midnight on the 31st Dec, and crossed the threshold. The coal is symbolic of warmth in your fire and the bread - food on your table -- during the new year. The dark haired man brings you luck -- the luck o' the Irish. Please note the mission has not turned Elder McBrides hair grey yet but the boot polish here is very good !!!!! Both of them are not members -- yet -- but we have something much more powerful than the luck o' the Irish.

We have enjoyed a very wonderful season in the mission field and have felt very blessed. The members and non members are all so very kind to us and we have enjoyed bringing the true Christmas spirit into their homes through song and sharing this powerful message that we have. Possibly in the next email we can share some experiences with you. Much of our work is " sowing seeds " and through the spirit persuading God's children to have a desire to change and embrace the Gospel fully. Please read Mosiah 18 : 8 - 11 --- they were " desirous to come into the fold of God -- their willingness to be a witness -- the desire of their heart, their determination. They clapped their hands for joy and exclaimed " This is the desire of our hearts " ------ our dear friends and our loving family, may we all be joyful, clap our hands and may our desire be great in trying to follow in the footsteps of our Saviour. May we constantly be filled with this enthusiasm because we have EVERYTHING to be joyful about.

We love each of you very much and may God's richest blessing attend you this coming year.

Elder and Sister McBride.

Scotland / Ireland Mission