Grandma Betty and Grandpa Jimmie Visit

You are love
Here in my arms where you belong
And here you will stay, I’ll not let you away
I want day after day with you

You are spring
Bud of romance unfurled
You taught me to see
One truth forever true

You are love
Wonder of all the world
Where you go with me
Heaven will always be

Grandma Betty and Grandpa Jimmie, Pat’s mother and dad, came for six wonderful days to visit. They wanted to see where we live and serve and even managed to see some of London too:) They greeted us with smiles after their twelve hour flight. We learned how to use the Uber app and enjoyed conversing with drivers from all over the world. 

They visited our flat and got to know our neighborhood of Gloucester Road.

Betty and Jimmie said they like to go and find places to sit:) They found cool places in the National Gallery, Churchill War Rooms, Victoria & Albert Museum and the Science Museum.

They explored the Visitors’ Centre, saw lots of videos and displays, and met all the lovely sister missionaries and senior couples and President and Sister Stevens. We were able to arrange our shifts and our prep day so that we could spend time with Betty and Jimmie and still fulfill our missionary responsibilities. We appreciate the other senior missionary couples, the Mullens and Hulets for being flexible and supportive.

We sat on the 2nd row for the London performance of Showboat. It was awesome! The poem above is from the Showboat song, "You are Love" and we felt like it typified Betty and Jimmie's sweet relationship!

They attended church meetings and Betty shared her gratitude for the gospel with the Hyde Park 1st Ward in Testimony meeting. She said the gospel of Jesus Christ is like a beautiful jewel that adds sparkle and joy to every part of our lives. After meetings they met Brother and Sister Lkhaguasuren and their children who are from Mongolia now living in London. In 2003 while serving as a medical missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Mongolia, Elder Neeley performed the physical exam for Brother Lkhaguasuren prior to his own missionary service in Mongolia. It was a fun reunion and reminded us of the bonds that develop as we join with others in the service of God.

Jimmie wanted to have fish and chips. We were thrilled to have Hugh and Suzy Millar and J. Paul and Alessandra join us for a fun time with fish and chips and Gelato. They even took a  3 1/2 hour bus tour and sat on the top of a double decker bus to see he sights of London.

We learn so much from our amazing parents! Betty prays every night by name for their 7 children, 36 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren, and all of the spouses. Jimmie is so gentle and grateful and kind. They love each other and take such good care to help each other.

Fish got to swim, birds got to fly,

I got to love one man till I die.

Can’t help lovin’ dat man of mine. 

Showboat

We are so grateful that families can be together, not just till death, but forever, through the power and promises that God has revealed in these latter days!