To celebrate pioneer day, the periodicals and the missionaries had their picture taken on the steps of the London Temple after "walking our trek" around the temple grounds (which is on about 50 acres of land).  We were divided into groups and each group left a minute after the other group.  At one point on the Trek, we stopped and listened to Elder Faust's talk, "A Priceless Heritage". 

Prior to the walk, we met in the accomodation center for breakfast and a talk by President Freeman about the saints in Great Britain and the church.  Sister Ludlow gave a presentation about what it was like to be a member at the time the London Temple was announced, built and dedicated in 1958.  She married a return missionary from England and they live in Layton.

Kelsey isn't in the picture as he had to run back to the apartment and didn't make it back in time.

August 2, 2018

Today I met a women in the Temple from Nigeria.  She was visiting her daughter in Gloucester, England and she and 2 other women from her daughter’s ward drove down to the Temple and spent the day.  Her name is Sister Martin.  I was sitting in the main lobby area and she was filling her empty water bottle with water.  I asked her if she had a good day in the Temple, because I saw her there all day.  She said she was taking her grandchildren “Temple” water to drink.  They loved drinking “Temple” water.  She came over to the couch and sat down and so I asked her how long has she been a member and she told me her story.  She joined the Church about 30 years ago in Nigeria – she said she was a pioneer there and has seen the Church grow – and now they have a Temple in Ghana and Nigeria.  She has two grandsons and a granddaughter who have served missions.  She comes to spend about 6 months with her daughter in Gloucester every year.  This time, she is going to stay here for Christmas to celebrate her granddaughter’s birthday who will turn 11.  She was very said, because her daughter is not active.  We talked about never giving up hope – and to be an example.  She is an ordinance worker in the Nigerian Temple and loves it.

We can’t believe that we have been her for 1 month already!