Another Baptism!!

 

A few quick pictures to catch you up to 22 September 2013. We had a baptism today and thought we would add these additional pictures as well.

 

The Fall weather is beginning to turn the leaves and we can't wait to see what they look like in a few weeks.

 

 

 

 This is the Gibbons Family. Ben, the young man is waiting for his mission call. We are excited for him.

 

Sister Valadez  is celebrating her 20th birthday. Just think, not that long ago she wouldn't even have been out yet.

Dad got to go fishing. Not many fish but beautiful rocks.

We went with Willy and Mary Ryan to see this 6000 year old Burial Tomb. It is called a Dolman.

Horse racing is BIG here, and just like you see in the old Irish movies...here they are with their hackney's. Many of them have side seats. They were excited to get their picture taken.

Found this interesting tower. The man on top is pointing out to sea. It is telling the seaman years ago that they were in the wrong harbour and to "go that way". They were trying to get to the Waterford harbour and this is the Tramore harbour. They look a lot alike.

Ok, you guys....you weren't the only ones to get a harvest moon. This was taken on our way to a fireside.

YEAH!!!!! A Baptismal site. Janepher Mutebi wanted a few specific things....1) In the open water...2) On a Sunday .. and  3) The same man to baptize her that baptized her husband a year ago. So, what else could we do. If I had the choice of a font or this beautiful place...gee I wonder which I would prefer? Even the swans came to witness the baptism!

This is the Mutebi Family...L to R...Winston the son of father David (who by the way is starting the discussions soon) Janepher, David and their two beautiful daughters, Chloe and Ciarra.

Here we added Eamonn Sheridan and Elder & Sister McConnel.

 

 

 

Don't worry, the baptism hadn't started yet....they were just giving instructions so I snapped this quick shot. The extra two men were there to make sure no one fell. The bottom was a little uneven going out and Janepher is 6 months pregnant. What a wonderful day in the service of The Lord. Eternal friendships are awesome.

August 2013

 

In Waterford, every Monday evening the Irish award winning pipe and drum band play on the Quay. Pretty cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1798 Ireland had a great battle. This site is just a couple km from a Less-Active lady that we meet with each Wednesday.

 

 

Never trust a GPS!!! This is the kind of road she takes you on if she isn't in a very good mood, apparently.

 

We were early for an appointment and found this pre-historic tomb. Can you imagine how they put these rocks up her? We can't.

 

 

We actually had a 24th of July picnic. Well, actually we had it August 3rd. We were a little authentic looking don't you think?

 

Joseph Smiths favourite game, stick pulling. The kids really got a kick out of it.

 

Of course, no dinner would be complete without Bro. Condemi's Gelato!!! That is something we will really miss when we come home.

 

Anyone know what this plant is? It is in our back yard and really beautiful. The picture doesn't do it justice a all.

 

FIREWORKS!!!!! YES!!!! Finally, I got to see fireworks. It was for the end of their summer celebration.

 

The Condemi Family. They have a lot of fun. We're planning on a trip with them to Italy after we get home. I have been learning how to make delicious Italian dishes. YUM!

 

Following our Zone Conference this past week, we had a picture taken with the President and his wife, along with the other Senior couples in our Zone. Three are going home in the next few weeks.

L to R: The McConnel's, President & Sister Brown, Elder & Sister Brown, The Wilsons's, and the Crabb's.

 

Elder Dixon and Elder Luna, our Zone Leaders. Elder Dixon goes home next week. We'll miss him.

 

 

After Zone Meeting, we had an appointment to teach an investigator. Coming from a different direction, we asked that trusty little GPS again. I guess she wasn't in a very good mood, cause she sent us the long way around. But, it was a very great view of the valley from the top of the Knockmedown Mountains.

 

Just a few km from the house there is a community of mountain goats. BIG horns.

 

Finally, I have a hydrangea that is growing and blooming. However, I don't think we will be able to put it into our suitcase.

 

Next post will have pictures of another two baptisms. We found another lady and we are doing all the teaching, also, our convert from June has a step son that we are teaching. Both have committed to baptism, just waiting for the date to arrive. Should be October 19th. We love and miss you all. Hope you are enjoying our mission through these pictures.

Elder & Sister McConnel

Well, here we are another month gone. We have had some exciting travels here this month. Elder & Sister Rasmussen and Hicks were preparing to go home and we acted as their tour guides to show them a little of Ireland. Well, I say a little....but, it actually turned out to be quite the tour.

 

 

These two pictures were taken on our way back from some appointments in the Wexford/Enniscorthy area. Beautiful sunset and landscape.

 

 

 

 This is the Waterford city view from across the river just after sunset.

 

A few weeks earlier to our all-Ireland trip, we went to Limerick to the Bunratty Castle Mid-evil Banquet. Here I am with our host and Sister Brown. The meal was eaten differently. No forks or spoons. The soup was sipped right out of the cup, and all the food was eaten with your knife and your fingers. It really was fun. The entertainment was a close to Mid-evil as your could get.

 

 

 

We picked up the Rasmussen's up at the Dublin Airport Saturday morning and took off straight-a-way and our first stop was the Powerscourt House and Garden.

 

Next Stop was the Dunbrody ship. No pictures of the ship, they were on an earlier post. However, during the months of June and July they were having a celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary since JFK's trip their. This globe is a new addition that has the flame from the eternal flame at his grave. His daughter Caroline was in attendance. Tooooo many people we didn't go to the celebration.

 

Sunday, we just looked at the nearby sites as we brought the Sabbath to a close. This is  at Dunmore East.

 

Monday, we drove through a strictly Irish Language area. Can you read this?  It says: Welcome to the Gaelic District.

 

Next we went to the Blarney Castle, again no pictures this time, check an earlier post. But a new thing at the village of Cobh....remember, (that's where the Titanic left it's last port of call) This could be the closest we get to going on a Princess Cruise. Now we know why there were so many people at the Castle!

 

Inside the Cathedral in Cobh

Tuesday, we went through Lismore and saw the castle. We weren't able to go in, they weren't open yet. But, got some awesome pictures.

 

Landscape from the Western side of the country. Similar, but different.

 

Tuesday night we met up with the Browns, so you have clockwise: Sister & Elder Rasmussen, Elder Brown, Sister Brown and I'm not sure who those last two are. This was at the Bunratty Castle but a different event. It was the Irish Heritage Banquet and this time we got to use all our utensils.  The entertainment was over the moon. It was to represent what Irish life would have been like mid-1800's.

 

Wednesday the Hick's met up with us and we travelled on to the Cliffs of Moher. Sure wish we had just a little of the weather we had that day now....it's been equal to about 95* if you factor in the humidity. Don't get me wrong, I certainly don't want rain everyday, we had that last summer.

 

Next stop was the village of Cong, this is where the Quiet Man was filmed with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Some was nice but, on the whole we were a little disappointed with this stop. This is the replica of the cabin, (you know the one, if you saw the movie)

 

The stream where the Priest was fishing.

Of course, you can't forget the Pub.

 

Another one of the Stream....but, this time there is also a fisherman in the picture.

This is proof that they do have mountains. Nothing like we have back home but, none the less, mountains.

Looks like the missionaries must have been here before we were.

We arrived in Derry, not to be confused with Londonderry. If you are in the Republic of Ireland it most definitely is Derry. If on the other hand you are from Northern Ireland, it has to be Londonderry. You don't want to get these mixed up if you are speaking with someone, you better know where you are before you ask about the city. Derry/Londonderry also is situated in both The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland just to mix things up a bit.
After checking into the B&B we went out for dinner and stopped by the wall. Derry is the only completely walled in city left in Europe today. There are parts of walls in many cities but, none are completely walled in. Pretty cool.

This is taken outside the B&B just before we left. The wind was terrible and You may notice the scowl on a few faces.

 

Thursday, our last day we left Derry and travelled to the Giants Causeway. Legend has it that a giant threw the rocks into the sea to build a bridge to Scotland where another giant lived. They were at war with each other and when the Scottish giant couldn't find the Irish giant he stomped back across the bridge they had built and it fell in. There is some evidence to back up their claim....there are rocks similar on the Scotland coast as well as the Irish coast.

 

It was time for lunch and of course you know where the best food is!!

Last stop Dublin. We went to Howth village for dinner and quick tour of the harbour and lighthouse. Again, a very windy day.

At the airport, the Rasmussen's don't look to happy to leave but, I do know that they served with all their hearts and will be missed terribly. We have the privilege of being able to see them when we get home, they live in Pocatello!!!!! See you soon,.

This is on our way to the Wexford area we visit each week. This lighthouse is the oldest in Ireland and that says a lot since, Waterford will be celebrating it's 1100 year birthday next year!!

 

 This is below the lighthouse. Pretty secure from the Vikings I would say.

Coming back from Cork the other day we had a few extra minutes and had seen a sign many many times to Mahon Falls. So, we turned to see just what it was. Nothing like Multnomah Falls or Shoshone Falls. But, it was a falls. By the way, a long way out in the middle of nowhere.

However, Elder McConnel was able to spot a log truck. Made him feel right at home.

 

There probably won't be a whole lot more pictures since we have seen just about all there is to see but, we will post progress with investigators and Less-Actives and let you know what we are up to.

We love you all very much and look forward to seeing you all very soon.