Dear Family,
How are you doing? I am pleased to announce that Eddie was baptized
Tuesday night and is now a new child of our Heavenly Father on the
Church's records. It was a wonderful service. He was so happy to be
there. Seven family members of his came as well including two daughters
and one of their partners. During the service, Elder James spoke as well
as Brother Valliday. We had our investigator Sid there as well. He
enjoyed it, but the funny thing was that he popped out to have a smoke.
Then as we were walking to the Relief Society room where the baptismal
font, Elder James ran out to get him. They then ran to the room and as
they were about to get in, they heard a splash. So Elder James never saw
his first baptism and neither did Sid. He still felt the Spirit though.
Nonetheless, Eddie is doing very well and he was confirmed on Sunday.
You can really see him glowing now and I just know that the living
gospel and receiving the Holy Ghost can really make us radiate to those
around us. His children have seen such a change in him as well and we
hope that he can a great example to them and want to learn more as well.
On Monday night we had a cottage evening at the Haddocks that went
really well and there were many members, less-actives, and also Eddie.
He is really comfortable and has made some great friends with members of
the ward. On Tuesday we started teaching this man named Flanaga. He
walked into church a couple of weeks ago and wanted to meet with us. So
we did this week. He is good and wants to learn more about the church.
He has some interesting views, but we hope that as we can continue to
meet with him that he'll find the joy in living the gospel. We continue
to see Sid. He is alright, but was really touched as we finished
teaching the Plan of Salvation. It really hit home to him as we promised
that he can be with his son again. We also started teaching a member
referral of a soon to be missionary's girlfriend. Her name is Nicole.
She is really shy and we hope that as we continue to meet with her that
she'll open up and understand what we teach. She is facing a bit of
family opposition so keep her in your prayers.
On Thursday, we had interviews with President Griffiths. At first,
he forgot to pencil us in for a time, but eventually did. The problem
was that it was late Wednesday night. Fortunately we were able to
re-arranged our schedule and we were also blessed to have the senior
couple over YSA, the Blickenstaffs, do a flat inspection (in one
minute--fastest one that I have ever had), take us to the stake centre,
and then to a dinner appointment in Glengormley. They are so nice to do
that for us. That was a real answer to prayer.
I had a faith building tender mercy happen on Wednesday. We had to
walk down the Ballysillan Road to the Antrim Road to catch a bus and we
were running a bit late to catch the bus that we needed. I was praying
that it would be late. As we got onto the Antrim Road, we saw that bus
coming up the road and stop at the street light. We then ran to the next
bus stop and were able to get on the bus that we needed. It turned out
that the bus was about 7-10 minutes late, but we were just in time so
that we could get up the road to our appointment.
On Sunday night, we were able to see the 100th year anniversary of
Seminary. I thought it was really good and many of the things that I
have learned there have directly or indirectly helped me on my mission.
The winter here is fine. It hasn't rained that much and we have
been quite busy and inside during the bulk of bad weather. Lastly, we
learned today that we are moving flats, but moves are soon so we shall
see what happens there. Please send all mail to the mission home until
further notice. The flat that we are getting is to be a lot nicer than
the one that we have. Originally it was for Cavehill South, but I don't
think that there will be 4 missionaries in Cavehill next moves. Thank
you for all that you do.
Love,
Elder Buxton
P.S. many of the pictures that I have sent are of a place called
the Shankill which is a very protestant area much affected by the
troubles.
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