Monday, August 26, 2013

"It is my testimony that many of the regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today.  If we have sinned or made mistakes - if we have made choices that we now regret - there is the precious gift of Christ's Atonement, through which we can be forgiven.  We cannot go back in time and change the past, but we can repent.  The Savior can wipe away our tears of regret and remove the burden of our sins.  His Atonement allows us to leave the past behind and move forward with clean hands, a pure heart, and a determination to do better and especially to become better."  (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2nd Couns., First Presidency, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
 
Randi and Raju are the sixth couple from our YSA Branch to get married this year, and as far as we know, they are the last couple from the branch to be wed this year.  Randi is a local gal and Raju is from Bangladesh.  He migrated to  Canada to study and live.  He was converted to the church, met Randi, and says he thinks he'll stay here now.
 
Sisters Echols, Drew, Laxton, Broadhead, and Leavy.  We love them and their enthusiasm.  These ladies are among the best.

Two Saturdays ago the young single adults had an annual get-together at the lake.  Gordon Edgar, at the front of the canoe, lives with his parents on a beautiful lake that is great for swimming and canoeing.  Bro. Williams, at the back, is our high councilman.  He built this canoe in his basement and this is the trial run.  It didn't sink, and met all his expectations.  He is an amazing craftsman.

Sister Tiffany and Sister Moses caught a few rays while watching the youth playing in the water.

Here we have Chef-boy-ar-Moses, our branch president, barbecuing our lunch while the youth head for the water - Bryce Dorey, Connie Hicks, and Gordon Edgar.

Bro. Williams is quite an athlete, besides a craftsman, and loves to move these canoes any way he can.

Connie and Gordon are trying to see who can stay dry the longest.  Connie got very wet - first!

Nathan, Caverly, Cameron (not pictured), and Rose Smith invited us to dinner.  Nate was a student of ours at Dalhousie last year.  This year he will be in dental school.  He's one of the few dental students in the Halifax Ward that's from Nova Scotia and not from Utah.  Caverly is the Primary President in their ward.  They are a very lovely couple whom we love a lot.

Elder Loussier-Houle served a mission here and went home to Montreal a few months ago.  While on a short visit back in his old areas, he stopped to visit us.  We dearly love this young RM, whom we first were introduced to by a member who called him "Elder Sweet Cheeks."  We think that's because of his great smile and cheerful attitude.

Elder and Sister Thatcher serve in the mission office and Ashley and Hari were members of the YSA Branch, until they married this past spring.  Sister Thatcher was one of Ashley's elementary teachers in Orderville, Utah.  We invited them all to dinner for a reunion.  Hari is from India, and Elder Thatcher was a counselor at Centerville Junior High School, at one time.

We had the great opportunity to attend a ceremony at the temple where the Peters family of Prince Edward Island were sealed together as a family for time and all eternity by the authority and priesthood of God.  It was very touching to see this whole family, dressed in white, becoming an eternal family.

Elder and Sister Tiffany and Elder and Sister Tibbitts spent a couple of days together meeting people in the parks and on the beaches, having friendly chats.  We had a chance to tell many about what we are doing here and how our testimony of the Savior motivates us to share it with others.  Here we are at the Dingle Tower Park and waterfront.

Elder and Sister Tibbitts are having "Breakfast at Tiffanys."  She and Sister Tiffany have personalities so much alike that Pres. Leavitt often mixes them up and calls them by the other's name.  We finally told him we could be called the Tibbanys.  They're serving in P.E.I., and stayed with us for a few days while here for the temple ceremony of the Peters family. 

One of the places we visited was Rainbow Haven Beach, which our daughter Kirsten is familiar with.  As you can see, we're dressed for a little sun and surf(!?)  Besides teaching institute, monitoring seminary, and trying to be a stabilizing influence for the YSA, our main assignment is to be of service, to fellowship, and to share testimonies and smiles with as many people as we can.  We don't give missionary discussions, we just engage as many people as we can in friendly discussions.  

Last Saturday we went with a group of YSA to Cape Split.  This is a site on the Bay of Fundy and requires a ten mile hike (round trip) to get to.  Our main assignment here was to transport youth.  Because Elder Tiff's back has been in pain lately, he didn't make the hike, and Sister Tiff stayed at the trail head with him to keep him company.

On the way to the Cape, we stopped at a lookout point elevated above the Annapolis Valley.  Isn't this beautiful?  The landscape scenery was great, also.

Here is Elder Tiffany on the rocky shore of the Bay.  This bay has one of the fastest and deepest high and low tide movements of any place in the world.

This is a part of the group returning from the lookout at the top of Cape Split - Jonathan Colwell, Annie Ferris, David Barrett, Mark Carson, Pres. Richard Moses, and Bro. Paul Aalders.  Because we didn't make the hike, we don't have pictures, but we will add some next time (hopefully) from Bro. Aalders' camera.
 
In a couple of weeks we will be starting our class at Dalhousie University.  This year we will be studying "Doctrines of the Gospel."  We think it will be a great course and we're looking forward to getting back into the classroom and discussing the gospel.  The first paragraph of the student manual states: "Discovering what truth is and applying it in our lives are the most important things we can do while on earth.  Only by gaining a knowledge of the truth are we able to build the kingdom of God and prepare for eternal life."  It is our hope that we will help strengthen conversion to the truth as revealed to God's children by Him, so that they may not only know, but will also live in obedience to His commandments, and then share it with others.
 



Friday, August 16, 2013

 
In reviewing some thoughts sent to us from Bruce Pitt, a friend who is currently serving as Mission President with his wife, Linda, in West Virginia, we thought of our missionary service and some of the questions we hear often.  Some members of the church, as well as non-members, often ask why we have to pray, study the scriptures, attend church, and partake of the sacrament so often.  In a revelation from God to the Prophet Joseph Smith came the answer: "Ye must practice virtue and holiness before me continually." (Doctrine and Covenants 46:33)

President Pitt says that the process of developing toward a Christ-like capacity is a matter of acquiring skills.  There is something about the nature of developing those divine skills that makes it impossible even for God to teach us those things unless we participate in the process.  Some things can only be learned by practice.  Our Father allows us practice time.  When we achieve one level of obedience - have we won the race? No, we have just crossed one hurdle.  Then the Lord moves the next hurdle up a bit so we learn to master another level of obedience.  In spiritual things, that level comes step by step over a period of time.
 
Carmelita, our friend from the Philippines, a member of the Halifax Ward, is a constant reminder of how fellowshipping new members can help strengthen testimonies and attendance at church to learn more of the Savior and how to become like Him.  She has struggled, and Sister Tiff has stepped right up to give her the love and friendship she needs.  We share dinner appointments and church events to keep her in constant contact with the gospel.  She has become a very dear friend.
 
On Saturday, August 10, 2013, Elder and Sister Tiffany celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary.  A very enjoyable part of that day was at a garden party, hosted by Brother and Sister Fox.  It wasn't a party for us, but for all the senior missionaries who serve at the temple.  This group is made up of Bro. Hart (temple sealer), Bro. Fox (next temple president), Bro. Nelson and Smith (both temple workers).  They even have a CD they've made of their talents.

Most of the senior missionaries who serve at the temple, enjoying a beautiful evening by the lake, at the home of Bro. and Sis. Fox.

Another view of part of the group.  Elder and Sister Edwards (front left) go home to Magna, Utah, next week.

Sister DelaCruz, our sister from Hawaii, is doing the Hula for us.  She promised us we didn't want to see her in a grass skirt.  She and Elder DelaCruz go home in three weeks.

Sister Fox got some Hula instructions.

Elder and Sister Poelman arrived at our party straight from Salt Lake City.  This was their first stop in the mission - they hadn't even been to their apartment yet!  They are taking the Edwards' place at the temple.

We always enjoy feeding the younger missionaries - Elders Campbell and Hadley.
Sister Tiff became a tour guide again and had a ladies day out.  She went with Sisters Calvert, Leavitt, and Wiebe to Mahone Bay and Lunenburg for a day without their companions to look and shop.
 
We've been here for more than a year and felt it would be nice to share a few notes about the history or background of Canada.  The name "Canada" came from the explorer Jacque Cartier.  On an expedition up the St. Lawrence River he stopped at a village which he called "Kanata," Iroquois for "village."  Everything afterwards concerning the area was referred to as "Canada", and when all colonies were united it became the official name in 1867.  The Canadian flag was a variation of the Union Jack used by Great Britain until 1945, when the maple leaf design was born.  This design became the official flag of Canada on February 15, 1965.

 Nova Scotia means "New Scotland", thus their flag is linked to Scotland, and granted by King Charles I in 1625.  It was the first flag flown in the Commonwealth outside of Great Britain.  Throughout the American and Canadian colonial wars, Nova Scotia was the site of numerous skirmishes, but after the American Revolution, the colony was settled by British Loyalists.  It originally included all of what is now Maritime Canada and part of northern Maine.  Finally, in 1867, after the other Atlantic Provinces were established, Nova Scotia joined the Canadian Confederation.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

What Is the Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ and confirms the truths found in the Holy Bible. The Book of Mormon does not replace the Bible; rather, they are companion works that together teach about God and Jesus Christ.
Both volumes of scripture are a compilation of teachings as recorded by ancient prophets. While the Bible details events in the eastern hemisphere, the Book of Mormon documents the lives of the inhabitants of the ancient Americas.
 
Our time spent as missionaries is very satisfying, in that we have the opportunity go into this part of His vineyard to share His gospel as He taught it during His ministry here in mortality.  We do not teach anything He did not teach, and what we proclaim was proclaimed by Him.  Our Heavenly Father loves us as much as He loved those who lived at the time the Bible was written about.  He will speak to us if we ask.  We are part of the fold the Good Shepherd spoke of whom He would teach (John 10:16).  His work will go forth and cover the world, whether we take part in its movement or not.  Elder and Sister Tiffany are thankful and truly humbled that we have been found worthy enough to be called to help spread the kingdom abroad.  We want to thank everyone - family, friends, neighbors, ward, stake, fellow missionaries (young and old-er) - who are supporting us and providing encouragement and inspiration in serving the Lord.

 
Elder Thatcher had a birthday last week and we were invited to celebrate it with him, the mission office staff, and others.  He and his wife come to us from Orderville, Utah, and are serving in the mission office.  The two of them do a marvelous job at keeping track of, and maintaining missionary automobiles, bicycles, apartments, and furnishings.


A part of the celebrating group, including Sister T, Sister Davis (who finished her mission that day), Sisters Leavitt and Wiebe, and Elder Nzojibwami.  Not pictured were Elders Clark, Wiebe, and Tiffany, the Thatchers (they were over in the corner), Sister Calvert, and President Leavitt.

Every year, during the first weekend of August, Halifax celebrates Natal Day.  That is the birthday of the province of Nova Scotia.  There are many events and performers on the boardwalk of Halifax during the entire three day weekend.  We met Elder and Sister Thatcher there, and enjoyed the festivities, food, and beautiful weather.  It gives us a chance to get out among the people, to talk with them, and hopefully to share a gospel message with them.
 
Last Saturday Carmelita (left), invited us, the Elders (Campbell here), and some of her Philippino (?) friends to enjoy some of her native treats.  They were different and very sweet.  We had a chance to have a gospel discussion with one or two of her friends, and to be a friend to her.  Her entire family is still in the Philippines, trying to get money and cleared paperwork to come here. 

Every Fast Sunday, the YSA Branch has a potluck dinner after church.  It's called "Break the Fast."  Sometimes the food is pretty good, and sometimes it's much better.

Just another view of "Break the Fast" mingling.
 
These are Hydrangeas (sp?), which are quite abundant in the Maritimes.  We can grow them in Utah, but not in the color blue because of the makeup of the soil.
 
On Monday of Natal Day weekend the MacDonald Bridge is closed to automobile traffic for a major part of the day, and they have a "bridgewalk."  This bridge is right downtown Halifax and spans the harbor for one mile to the Dartmouth side.  Everyone is invited to walk the bridge, just for fun.  It's not a race, just walk at whatever pace you choose and enjoy the exercise and views.

Many hundreds walk it every year.
 

Sister-in-law Ruby (middle), her sister Dot, and our nephew Jeff walk everywhere and always the Bridgewalk.  Elder T worked up a sweat trying to keep up with these ladies, and they're much older than he.

Another view of the crowd and the bridge on the Bridge Walk.


We took the opportunity to invite the sister missionaries over for dinner.  Sis. Broadhead (in back) was employed as a high school teacher in Alberta before coming on her mission, and her companion, Sis. Drew, was one of her students.  They are assigned to work in the YSA Branch, and we love them dearly.

Yesterday, on a drive to Eastern Passage (the other side of Dartmouth), we passed this very large vessel at dock, being unloaded and then loaded again with automobiles.  We didn't get a picture of the cars, but there are many hundreds of acres of them waiting for shipment.  This picture hardly even comes close to showing how really large this vessel is!
 
We start teaching again in another month when Dalhousie University is back in full swing.  For a short time, we will probably also be teaching at the church in Truro (about 40-50 miles north).  We're looking forward to getting back to the classroom and sharing the gospel in a learning environment such as that.  Our course will be "Doctrines of the Gospel," and will give us an opportunity to study the scriptures with the young people and to feel their love of the Savior and their desire to learn more of how they can become more like Him.  As we do that, we help fulfill the Savior's command that we teach all nations and bear His "Standard of Truth."
 

Joseph Smith, the latter-day prophet through whom the Lord ushered in the last dispensation of His gospel, said: "The standard of truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished. 
And the great Jehovah shall say 'The work is done.'"