K-Lightful: Car-less in Warrington

April 29 2014
Last week we started doing what young missionaries do. We passed the year mark without passing the driving test so we get to rely on our feet, the bus, and the kindness of members. We continue to pray for a cancellation to come available so Elder Whitehead can take the test sooner. It has slowed us down a bit and we wish we could do more. Nothing is all bad. We are getting more exercise, we talk to more people because we are out among them. The weather has been mild and members have been good to help us get where buses cannot take us. We like to be the ones serving but it is giving members an opportunity to serve us and that will probably bless their lives.
One evening we were talking at the bus stop to a young man about the Gospel. We noticed a police car pull up to the side of the bus stop. The young man wasn't very interested, but he was polite and listened. After about five minutes, he got up and walked off. About five minutes later we watched as the police led this young man to the car in handcuffs. I hope he remembered something we said, while he is in jail. I do think it is good for people to see us out and about. Sometimes people ask us if we are married. People are not used to seeing senior missionaries. We do pray that there will be some wise purpose for our experience. It isn't dull, I can tell you that. We have loaned the car to the mission office while we can't use it, because the transmission went out on the office elders van about the same time we lost the use of the car. At least they are being benefited by it.
Last week we visited Peel Park, a museum in Salford where Elder Whitehead probably has distant cousins. We also went to Arley Hall and Gardens. The tulip gardens were at there best, and the house was really nice. The ceilings in the home were especially impressive. I think it is one our favorite home and gardens we have visited. The Hills, another senior couple came and picked us up. We had a pleasant time.
Friday night we went to Chorley for a temple convention with the YSA. We did two sessions in the baptistry, one Friday night and one on Saturday. We watched Ephraim's Rescue, did a family history activity and finished with a fireside in the Temple President's home. We stayed in the accomodation center. It was a very nice place. The activity went very well and we felt like everyone had a good time. We work with a lot of good young people.