Bangor, Part 20 - July 2, 2018

The Donaldsons went home on Saturday, and the MacDonalds moved in to replace them. We will meet them on Wednesday at a short conference in Dublin. I am excited for that, though I will sorely miss the Donaldsons. Both President and Sister Donaldson had that quality where they made each individual missionary feel like the favourite. Lots of love generated from that big, big man, and his little-bitty wife. But in the future, I might be able to meet them at a mission reunion in Utah. That's a happy bonus that you could see comes from a mission: you know people from so many different places, and it gives you an excuse to travel, even if it's only to Utah. 

I missed home yesterday. And yes, I did take time to sing my national anthem. I wished a little bit that I could watch the fireworks, sitting on a picnic blanket drinking grape soda with my favoured blood relatives. 

Helen. She didn't come to church and she isn't answering her phone. We may have scared her off; she may have felt too much pressure to be baptized. To be honest, I'm not too worried about her. She has so many supportive friends in the church that she won't lose contact, and she will likely be baptized someday, just not while I'm around. Hannah is still set to be baptized on the 14th this month, and is excited. We're teaching her again tonight. I think she will be baptized by stake president Noble, because she's pretty close to that family. President Noble is a cool guy, I like him. 

It is likely that I will be transferred, and will move to a new area on the 16th. I kind of hope I do too. I've been here long enough. But if I am assigned to stay, it would not be the end of me. 

Poor Mackie. Hopefully he now will know to be more careful around horses. Sounds like a lot of fun with the horses though. You must be having some good weather conditions for it. Magic is a bit of an ornery beast then, huh? Are those some new seats at the counter? 

Sometimes while my companion is emailing his girlfriend, I take some time poking around on family search. CFB Lybbert; what a manly man. I actually wasn't sure if I had pioneer ancestors, but there you go. Danish blacksmith pioneer. I still wish I knew more stories about Grandfather Lyle, but maybe I'll have to send a letter to grandpa for that. I know next to nothing about mom's side of the family. 

I'm alright. I could be a lot worse. God takes very good care of me. 

Love you!