A Beautiful Day in Ireland

Cliffs of Moher

Dear Family and Friends, 

March 11, 2014 - This has been the most beautiful day we’ve had while in Ireland. There were blue skies all day long, no clouds, not even one, and no rain. It was magnificent. We can't believe we are still in Ireland. Each morning I go walking and take a little different route. There are no short cuts through the block, because they really don’t have blocks like we do back home, so some days I wander a bit before I get back to the apartment. I really enjoy my daily walks.

March 8, 2014 – This afternoon we drove the Elders to Loughrea (Lock rey) to visit Peter Fahey. They found his name in the area book as a former investigator. When they contacted Peter, he was anxious to have the missionaries come. Peter is very humble and has a special spirit about him. He told us he is almost finished reading the Book of Mormon for second time. Peter doesn’t have a car and would need to take the bus to get to church on Sunday. He is anxious to be baptized and is trying to quit smoking. Gary talked to him about addictions and how they control us and run our lives. He listened thoughtfully and said he felt very inspired by his comments. Peter would be a great member.

March 22 - Today we are on the road traveling from Galway to Cork for a baptismal service. We are anxious to see our friends and favorite Sister missionaries from the Waterford Branch. We have really missed everyone there. The distance to Cork is only 150 miles, but there are few motorways (interstates) as they are called here. Most roads in Ireland are two lane and very windy, so it will take us about 3 hours travel time. The countryside is beautiful today, rolling hills with verdant green pastures and never ending stonewalls. I remember being in awe, when we first gazed upon the richness and intensity of the green landscape. In places trees line the roadsides and spread a green canopy overhead. We just passed the ruins of an old monastery covered with moss and vines. The route to Cork passes through several small villages. When we left Galway this morning, it was cloudy and rainy, when we arrived in Limerick there was blue sky and sunshine, now its all clouds and rain again. The weather changes back and forth very rapidly here.

A fact – Ireland is about 300 miles across from the farthest points, but if you lined up all the stonewalls in the country they would equal about a quarter of a million miles. So go figure!

Michael, Zacharie, Sister Montgomery & Sister Henkle 

We arrived in Cork in plenty of time for the baptism of Michael, an Irishman, and Zacharie, from the French Congo. Three-quarters of the converts in this mission seem to be foreigners; many from Africa, some from Europe, Mexico and South America. A large number come as refugees hoping to eventually gain residency. Zacharie, who is an accountant, has been waiting four years. The baptism was lovely; both bore their testimonies at the conclusion. 

We want you to know that the night before his baptism, Zacharie called his family in Africa. He told them he was going to be joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were outraged and said if he did, he would no longer be part of the family. Zacharie was stunned by their reaction and was unsure what to do?  He began praying, that he might know the right course to take. Later that night he called the Sisters and told them he was going ahead with his baptism. What an amazing example of courage!

On the way home, we passed through the city of Mallah, where we saw hundreds of wild daffodils blooming along the roadside. They were so striking. By the way the sun is shinning again. It’s been a lovely day.

To the right are James Christy and his sister Alex with Elder Elliot and Elder Davis. The missionaries have been teaching James for several weeks. He's had all the lessons, but hasn't set a date for baptism yet. Alex is already a member, very active, involved and loved by all the members. Alex recently attended the temple for the first time. Their mother is taking the lessons as well.

We want to share with you an excerpt from one of President Brown's weekly letters.

     “This wonderful weather (it’s been sunny and even warm some days where I’ve been) reminded me that a couple of years ago we had a brilliant week in March, and all the blossoms came out on my fruit trees. Then in early April we got a hard frost, and it completely destroyed my cherry crop. Recalling this experience made me ponder on how when things are going well we can be lulled into a false sense of security, and the adversary then throws us a curved ball. When the enemy is at bay, it’s the time to do as Captain Moroni did and fortify ourselves against the day that the enemy of our soul will attack us again. He is ever vigilant for an opportunity, and we too must be vigilant and have our armour bright and ready to withstand his fiery darts. Our greatest protection comes from earnest personal prayer and scripture study, and I commend this to you…” 
President Brown
                                                                     Our last Zone Conference

Our District, Gary with arm around Elder Whitney

Sister Whitney next to Sister Brown

We love being with all the missionaries! Each one of them is special and unique in the way they approach missionary work.

We love being missionaries and would say to you - "The true and living gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth with marvelous blessings for individuals and families, and additional knowledge about our Savior, Jesus Christ and the plan and purpose of life here on earth. This is our testimony to you."

Galway St. Patrick's (Paddy's) Day Parade 

Filipino community

The Foroige snake-youth club

Mass of people following the parade 

Russian Cultural Center Alliance 

Why it's a bunch of crazy leprechauns

If you would like to see a huge celebration google Dublin St. Patrick's Day Parade. 

 


Galway City Centre

A fact - Galway in Gaelic is spelled Gaillimh, 
pronounced Galyiv (phonetically)

The fellow next to the building is Busking – (musicating on the street with a hat out) playing his accordian.

The African man below is performing on a drum, he was amazing. One can hear him from two blocks away. I wish I could figure out how to put a video in the blog so everyone could experience his showmanship.

One of the very picturesque areas of Galway City Centre is an older section with cobblestone streets lined with tiny restaurants and shops all vying for the passerby.

The Corrib River runs through the heart of city centre; due to the massive amounts of rain it was dangerously high in March as seen in this photo.

March 26 – This morning when we awoke we were surprised to see a clear sky, not one cloud anywhere. We quickly made the decision to visit the Cliffs of Moher, only visible on a clear day. We headed out about 8:30. On the way we passed Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, a restaurant in a small village. We noticed they had a special on steak dinners and decided to stop for one the way back. 
The route, to the cliffs, took us along the coast most of the way. It was very picturesque, gently rolling hills and lovely green meadows, outlined by stone walls and of course there were sheep, lots of sheep. We took several picture stops along the way. We came across this dilapidated house, overtaken by nature with vines and bushes. 

In another small village, we passed this lovely hotel 
with a thatched roof.

After a while, the GPS directed us off the main highway. The roads soon became narrow, windy and bumpy, which isn’t bad unless you have a driver who likes to move fast. I wonder who that could be? After awhile I began feeling a little sick to my stomach. 

Alas we arrived. It turned out to be a beautiful morning for viewing. A walkway runs the full length of the cliffs, from south to north. We walked out to O'Brien's Tower and took pictures. There were a good number of people all taking advantage of a good day in Ireland. 


The cliffs were beautiful and majestic --

On the way out of the park, Grandma had to check out the gift shop. I filled up a large bag with souvenirs for grandchildren. Then we headed to the village of Doolin to take a cruise of the Moher Cliffs. Unfortunately, the clouds and bad weather had moved in by then and the boat trip was cancelled. 

The information center, educational exhibit, restaurant and gift shop are built into the side of the hill so as not to detract from the natural beauty of the area. 

On the way back to Galway we drove through the Burren National Park. It is noted for its unusual rock formations.

Mullaghmor

Blackhead

We wanted to show you Ireland's first drive-up pharmacy.

Just drive in and order your items over the intercom, then 

hope that somebody comes out and delivers them to you.


We love and miss you all,
Elder & Sister Weber, Mom & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa