Trivia and Significancy

We had a great time watching General Conference via satellite at the church on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday it was just us, and the Elders, one of the YSA, and two other men who don't have computer wifi in their homes. All other members watched from their homes. There were quite a few men and boys at the Priesthood session. I went with Bruce to the church, but took the opportunity to play the piano in the Primary room. I had a delightful time. Sunday morning had about 30 people plus those who were there Saturday. The afternoon was us, the Elders, and one of the men. We loved all the talks. What great messages of hope and joy. And such good advice. I took pages and pages of notes and will watch my favorite talks again on the internet. I am also looking forward to the Ensign (Church magazine) so I can read them.

A week ago, on Saturday, September 24, when I came home from Woman's Broadcast, (a meeting for women and girls 8 and over broadcast over satellite)  it wasn't dark. The Saturday, one week later,  October 1, was different. It was actually quite dark and had been stormy all day. The high for the day was 3C (37F). It rained all day and sometimes there was some of that white stuff in the rain. And the wind was blowing. That Saturday night, conditions were: Rain at times mixed with wet snow ending early this evening then partly cloudy. 94% humidity. Fog patches developing after midnight. Wind northeast 20 km/h gusting to 40 becoming light early this evening. Low minus 2.

We wanted cold and it is happening.  We're ready. We were told to buy our winter wear in Canada and we bought coats for both of us and my boots, yesterday. We think Bruce is set for footwear, time will tell. Sunday morning was cloudy, not raining and by the time afternoon session was over, the sun was shining brightly. It was 6 C (43F).

We have also looked forward to seeing the Northern Lights. On Wednesday night, September 28, we were able to see a faded version of them. It was 9:42 and we were still up. We drove a little way out of town and watched for about an hour. We tried to take pictures, but we would need a camera that we could manually set. But it was a really neat sight. We repeated the event on Monday, Oct. 3 and watched a faint version of Northern Lights for an hour between 9 and 10 pm. When we got back to town and were surrounded by traffic lights, commercial lights and street lights. All of a sudden, the sky lit up for about 5 minutes with the brightest colored display of Northern Lights. It was so exciting and one we will watch for in the long dark months to come.

We have watched the days get shorter, really fast. The unusual length of night and day is something we have looked forward to in Canada.

The bridge over the Wapiti River at O'Brien Provincial Park

Wapiti River at O'Brien Provincial Park

These are bear tracks by the river at O'Brien Provincial Park

It is noon, September 20, 2016, looking South. The sun moves from East to West, but it hangs in the sky on the South.

 

The shadows are long even at noon.

There are many other things that are Canadian and we are getting used to. One very different practice is shoes. We have taken our shoes off in our house for years and years. Our mission papers told us that all Canadians take their shoes off and to prepare accordingly. There are some things we weren't prepared for. We really weren't prepared to take our shoes off in some public places as well.

There are shelves in the churches to put shoes. All kids take their shoes off, most adults leave them on. The winter will be different, and especially if the shoes are wet.  I'll bet the kids take shoes off at school. 

This is a public washroom at one of the picnic/campgrounds.

We've spent hours at the hospital. At least they make it convenient. Also, everyone pays to park at the hospital; 1/2 hour = $1.

A Rubbermade tray like this is outside each door at a care center we visit. Homes have them by the front door, or in entryways. They are very nice to have. We have a rug. They aren't available to buy in the stores at the moment, but with the really bad weather coming they should be out on display, soon. I think they are awesome, so, I will bring some home with me at the end of the mission. 

In order to get a shopping cart at the grocery store, one places a loonie ($1) in the cart which releases the chain. Then you remove the cart from the other carts and proceed to shop. When you return the cart and put the chain in the back of the handle, the coin pops out.

We love our mission in Canada, even with the things that are different. They are just fun trivia. But we love the things that are the same. And the biggest thing that is the same everywhere is, Christ is our Savior, He atoned for our sins, He died on the cross for us. He makes it possible that we can be forgiven of our sins and return to our Heavenly Father and live with Him, again. These are the words to a Primary Hymn (LDS Church group for children 3-11). You may not recognize the story and want to know more. Please write to me and I will provide the explanation.

1. I lived in heaven a long time ago, it is true;

   Lived there and loved there with people I know. So did you.

   Then Heav'nly Father presented a beautiful plan,

   All about earth and eternal salvation for man.

   Father said he needed someone who had enough love

   To give his life so we all could return there above.

   There was another who sought for the honor divine.

   Jesus said, "Father, send me, and the glory be thine."

   Jesus was chosen, and as the Messiah he came,

   Conquering evil and death through his glorious name,

   Giving us hope of a wonderful life yet to be--

   Home in that heaven where Father is waiting for me.

   Words and music: Janeen Jacobs Brady, b. 1934

   (c) 1987 by Janeen Jacobs Brady.

   
   
2.  I love you all so much. I pray for your well being and happiness. Until the next blog....
3. Love, Sister Brown, Mom, Grandma, Robyn

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