Tuesday 31 May - evening 8:10 Scotland time:
It was a strange day hardly had time to think about it being my sweet husband's birthday. Life certainly does move on. . . I know he is proud of me and I'll bet he wishes he had a yellow cake with peanut-butter frosting! I miss him today and always.

Last night was another of those Scotland firsts-- we took a two story bus from work and went into the city to dinner. First off, the buses travel at the speed of lightening on really narrow streets (like Philly, Lorre). O.K. so the bottom deck was filled, so up the stairs we went. Really narrow little steps that go straight up--my big ole missionary shoes barely fit on the steps & of course, the bus doesn't slow down for you to navigate the stairs! Then we got off the bus & walked forever to get to the restaurant.
NOW I appreciate my mission shoes! The cobblestone walkways and streets are very uneven & difficult to walk on. My steel shank shoes took them on LOL! The restaurant, ZIZZI's was in a lovely location right on the canal and had really good Italian food. Finding American style eating establishments is not easy. Although they do have McDonalds & Burger King, not all over the place like in the US. I am looking forward to eating in some of the local restaurants. I've been trying local foods from the grocery and that has been fun and for the most part yummy. Our fridge is very small, so we can't buy much ahead, which means frequent stops at the store. By the way, they call hamburg "minced meat" and grind it for you

The missionary work is going well. My office skills are coming back to me and my trainer (who is also my companion), is a good teacher. My companion and I have been given 9 people to teach the Gospel to. That will be fun, but we have to fit it into our office schedule. Twenty of our missionaries went home last week and 17 new ones arrived Monday. From Australia, Ukraine, Russia, etc., and of course, the US. Several times we have been invited into the mission home to join the missionaries for lunch. That is always fun and very uplifting. One of the missionary zones in the Republic of Ireland has baptized 40 people in just a short time. All the missionaries love us senior missionaries because we bring treats for them and keep snacks in our office area for their pleasure.

The weather is ranging from 58-68 degrees. Often windy and almost always rainy & damp.

By for now,
Sister Gifford
Jan, mom, grams, ggma


NOTE: Hi Mackenzie, been thinking about you today. We are going to a place this Saturday that makes jewelry out of natural dried Heather (which is a purple plant that grows in Scotland). I will try to take a picture to send you. I understand it is really beautiful and that the village is also quaint and beautiful. Hope you are doing well. I challenge you to live each day like there was no tomorrow! I love you.

NOTE: Hi mom, how you doing? I'm enjoying myself a lot and trying to provide some grandmotherly love to these missionaries. They all miss their homes and families a lot, so they enjoy talking to us "seniors."  Hope you are enjoying my blogs. I love you.

Looking out my kitchen window. There is a park with box gardens. Most people don't have backyards. On Saturday mornings families are working in their little gardens. One family planted their garden in an old row boat. The women all wear aprons to garden and the kids have a really good time with the hoses! There is a path that starts in the park and follows a lovely canal for miles.

Me and my granddaughter, Samantha, at the Provo Temple in Utah. This was taken the day I checked into the MTC.

Granddaughter, Samantha, husband Dalton & grandson Jordan. At the Provo Temple my check in day!

I've been in Scotland for exactly one week & one day now. Here are some thoughts: I don't have all the comforts of home--like a clothes dryer for instance! We have a washer about the size of a microwave. Which does a good job, but then we have to hang our clothes on drying racks in our bedroom. Because it is already damp here, last night was like sleeping in a sauna! It felt good yesterday to do some laundry and housekeeping--I haven't done anything like that since I left for the MTC, which by-the-way seems like such a long time ago. I live in Scotland now . . .WOW!

I'm still trying to get used to the money, which is pounds in Scotland. I call it "funny money!" Pennies are about the size of a US half-dollar, so you try not to carry too many of them around with you--very heavy. Usually, I just confidently hand them a funny money and if they look puzzled, I then add . . .I'm just new to the country can you help me out here. I'm always hoping for honest people cause I'm putting my money in their hands. If you use your US debit card it is a 3% surcharge, so what we do is withdraw what awe think we will need for a whole month. Gas is very expensive and purchased by the liter. Temperatures are read in Celsius and driving speeds are posted in odd places on little round plagues--at the most 10" wide. I don't think anyone looks at them. All vehicles drive fast, zoom around double decker buses (that are everywhere--big mode of transportation). The grocery stores are filled with unusual foods, some US products, but they are totally packaged differently. I've had lots of fun exploring the different products, especially the bread. Most of the larger stores have a US products aisle, but products are not necessarily the same nor do they taste the same. I've been eating a lot of salads--all stores carry small ready made packaged salads that are really yummy and easy to take to work.

Yesterday we attended the baptism of Zhao Tie, a Chinese young woman, who is attending University. We have two sets of missionaries speaking Chinese. We actually have a Gospel Essentials class for the Chinese members & investigators because there are so many. Two of the missionaries are actually from mainland China and the other two learned Chinese at the MTC. It was a beautiful baptism. Most everyone was soaking wet from the sudden rainstorm that hit just as everyone was arriving. The rain is something I have to get used to . . . I have never used a raincoat & umbrella this much before Scotland.

And then, there's the MOLD! It is so damp outside that mold grows inside like crazy. We have to wipe every surface down after we shower, when we do laundry we have to leave the washer door open for a day to completely dry out the inside. Then there is a special cloth that wicks the moisture that you attach inside the door. The mold is unusual--it grows like hair strands. Kind of like cobwebs. YA just learn to live with these little problems!!

But you might ask, "Is it all worth it?" and I would answer, "It sure is!" I feel so humbled that I have this opportunity to live amongst these fine people with their love for families and dogs. We the sun shines they are out in large number pushing their carriages and walking their dogs. Sometimes when I look out my kitchen window down to the park just across from my apartment I am overwhelmed at the beauty of nature and architectures. The Lord's work is going very well here, there is at least one baptism per week and often more. Our mission covers Scotland, Ireland and the Repulic of Ireland. My companion, Sister Call, and I have set a goal of attending church in every ward or branch in those three areas. It's a hefty goal, but would sure be fun to do.

Did I tell you about my companion? She is from SLC Utah, she is 58 years old, has 4 children, plays the organ & piano, has been a widow for 13 years (her husband also died from cancer). She has 4 grandchildren. She is very kind and outgoing. We get along really well. We hope to get out and travel on Saturdays--we don't want to leave without seeing the sights! The only really big difference between us (besides age) is that she pretty much lives on nachos & salsa & chocolate milk!! and I love pretty much anything that is food!

Today all three of us senior sisters were invited to eat lunch with the missionaries that have finished their 2 years & are leaving to go back to their homes. It's always a pleasure eating at the mission home--the food is wonderful and served very elegantly.

NOTE: Hi mom--how you doing? I wish you could see this place, but it is probably similar to some of the parts of England that you saw when you visited with the old buildings and such. Did you get to see any castles while you were there or are they just in Scotland? Hope you're feeling well and that you are enjoying life! Love you to the moon & back.

NOTE:  Hi Maxton--I've been thinking a lot about you. I miss you a whole bunch. Have I told you lately how smart I think you are! You're reading skills are right off the charts excellent and you are so careful with your homework. Good for you! How are sports coming along? Are you playing lacrosse still or is it just soccer right now?

Love to all,
Sister Gifford
mom, Jan, grams & ggma

Another day in Scotland . . .
Today is my 3rd day in the office. It was a busy one! It's amazing the heavy load the mission president & his wife carry. They are so warm and outgoing. Under Housing Coordinator I'm in charge of closing apartments when the missionaries are being transferred or like today when we are closing 7 apartments because we have fewer missionaries coming in as others are leaving. I also deal with the landlords & sometimes not very nice ones!! I also am responsible for finding new apartments, which includes sending out lease info & lots of other stuff. I'm learning & very much enjoying the office & staff. We will have 20 missionaries transfer to different locations within Scotland & Ireland next week so this missionary will be very busy!

Last night our senior missionary couple in the office invited us all over to their home for a Chinese dinner (cooked by Elder Winter) authenic Chinese dishes. All of us in the office as well as President Donalson & his wife were there. Wonderful food & just very gracious hosts.

Life is good--but I haven't got the technical part of communicating with family & friends down. Also, my blog page is not allowing me to insert pictures. Very frustrating and I don't have Lorre handy to help.

Well, that's it for tonight--I hope you are all well and enjoying life.

Love, Sister Gifford

MY LIFE IN SCOTLAND

2nd Day Shower Experience: OK it's Sunday and I'd like to say I have jet lag, but I don't--I get up early to take a shower before church (the other sisters were still sleeping). Confidently I walk into the bathroom only to discover an odd looking contraption in the shower, which doesn't work no matter what I do. No water, no nothing!!! Three times I went back in my bedroom said a little prayer and tried again. Still nothing!!! I had to wait until one of them work up to ask what the secret was--who was to know that there was a little red button in the hallway that when pushed activated that "contraption" in the shower to create hot water & then when the button on it was pushed water actually came out of the shower head! Now I know. . .

MY APARTMENT BUILDING

MY 3rd DAY OFFICE EXPERIENCE: Bright & early-- exercise, scripture reading & to work by 7 am. Learned that my position has changed again--I no longer have apartment inspections rather I am in charge of Housing & Missionary Cell phones & all the in-betweens. We start with a Devotional with office staff and then hit the road running. I do mean running! We have 4 in the office; one senior couple & myself & companion. Currently, Sister Dent is there also, but she will be leaving next Friday-- she is staying with us & sleeping in the front room. Hard to say how I did my 1st day
in the office. My companion is very patient & knows so much already, although she has only been here a few weeks

I should have a feel for how it's going by the end of the week.

MY FEELINGS ABOUT SCOTLAND & ITS PEOPLE: what I've seen so far is beautiful. I just love the architectures & the oldness of everything. Most people live in flats, but single dwellings are like mini castles. I look forward to exploring the surrounding areas on Saturdays. The people appear very friendly, but I'm afraid it is going to take me longer than I thought to get used to the brogue. I can see their lips moving, but can't tell what they are saying! Very difficult on the telephone.

Hopefully, next blog I can tell you what its like driving on the opposite as US!! My companion will lbe my driving instructor& she's only been driving a short time. Lookout drivers on the right side!

NOTE: Hey mom having a wonderful time and think about you lots. I always remember you in my prayers. Please remember me in yours.

NOTE: Hey Grayson, I'm sending you a picture of the big airplane I flew to Scotland on. I hope you are enjoying all your toys and are a big help to your mom & dad. Love to you from ggma

1st day in Scotland - May 20, 2017

I had wonderful travel arrangments. Non-stop from SLC to Amsterdam. We were served two meals and three snacks, which included yogurt, crackers & cheese and other yummies. They really took good care of us! I sat with a woman from UT who has a nephew serving in the mission here. I looked him up on the transfer board in the mission office and discovered he has only been here a few months so I will get to meet him. In Amsterdam, I made it through security and customs without any problems. Most people spoke English well enough to understand what they were saying. Mostly German & French.

So here is how my day went: my new companion, Sister Call and Sister Dent, the secretary that I am replacing, picked me up at the airport. OK the driving here is rediculous!! My companion was driving and they wanted me to try it today, but I said, "Give me a couple of days!" Turns out that the 6 drivers lessons they told me about are nothing more than me practicing six times with a more experienced driver!! Pedestrians here have no rights so you really have to watch where you are going. As we were  leaving the airport the Mission President called and requested that we stop at the mission home/office so he could meet me. What a warm, outgoing, funny man he is. His wife is also very nice. He insisted we take pictures of us together as well as one with him and me and my companion. The mission building is very old and so beautiful. Gorgeous fireplaces and furnishings. After we finished there we went to the grocery store and then on to a place similar to Walmart only much nicer. Then back to the apartment so I could unpack. Very busy day! I had several opportunities to use my Scottish pound money--going to take me a while to figure that out.

Church tomorrow at 10:30 and to the office on Monday at 7:00 am. I love the area and can't wait to explore. Our apartment is fine--nothing elaborate, but it is roomy and it is great having our own bathrooms and bedrooms. The building is very old and pretty. I tried to put a picture of it on the blog, but for some reason, it won't work. I'll try again tomorrow.

Love to all,
Sister Gifford

Wednesday, May 17

When we came into our Technology/Office class all the women found a lovely flower at our desks. I'm not the only one in class--this was break time & I'm just getting extra help. I can use all the help I can get! The church world-wide computer program is called IMOS and that is what we have been working on and learning this week. It runs the rampart from financial to managing the missionary vehicles to management of apartments. Plus so much more. Very "heady" stuff! We are in class from 8 am - 4:30 pm with a break every hour and of course, lunch.

Let me say a few words about the food at the MTC--it is so good (delicious in fact) and so much of it! Wednesday & Sunday we have ice-cream brought in from the creamery at BYU--YUMMY. But, the food isn't the most important thing at lunch, it's the interaction with all the missionaries both senior and junior. Hundreds of missionaries all willing to share their stories. People from all over the world assigned to missions all over the world. I met a junior sister missionary today who is going to Mongolia--who goes to Mongolia? LOL! She will be at the MTC for 11 weeks because of the difficulty of the language to learn.

Tomorrow is my last day at the MTC and it is very hard to believe. Time has just flew by. My sweet granddaughter, Samantha, and her husband Dalton will be picking me up early Friday to take me to the SLC airport. My flight leaves at 2:30 pm Friday and I will arrive in Amsterdam at 9:55 am Saturday morning--then on to Edinburgh; arrival 10:55 am. The mission president and his wife as well as my new companion (from Utah)  and the current secretary are all fetching me from the airport. Hard to imagine that I will be attending church this Sunday in Scotland!

Love to all,
Sister Gifford
mom, grandma, ggma

NOTE:  Hey Jordan, work hard this summer and save your money so you can return to UT for college in the fall. I have such a strong feeling that this is where you need to be and that your life will be blessed for doing so. Your always in my prayers.

NOTE:  I remembered today what you said when I was visiting you in April. I asked you what you thought about me going on a mission and you said, "well I'll tell you what I think" and I said, "well, what do you think?" Then you said, " I wish I could go with you!" Well mom I'm taking you with me in my heart. I love you.

Happy Mother's Day to all your wonderful Mothers! I was walking the halls of a building today and found a wonderful quote-- "What E' ER Thou Art--Act Well Thou Part." This quote is on a building in Scotland. All the mother's that I know, Act Well their Parts. I appreciate the examples you all are to me, especially my daughters, daughter-in-laws and granddaughters.

I'm off to a Sunday evening Mother's Day Devotional, so this blog is a short one.

Love to all
Sister Gifford

Ended day 5 - can't believe a week has gone by. Today was a wonderful day. My companion and I were able to teach a lady from the community who volunteered to come to the MTC. We taught her about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how it might apply to her life specifically. We spent some time getting to know her first and then taught her. She then evaluated our lesson and gave the evaluation to our instructor. The instructor met with each set of companions and went over the feedback. Our evaluation said, "Nothing to improve on." OK I think she was being a little overly kind . . . but we'll take it!!

In the afternoon a senior couple who have served 17 missions--yes 17! spoke to us about their experiences and gave us lots of helpful tips about working with others. Others
meaning everyone we come in contact with. Lots of ideas for working with the younger missionaries, which many of us will be doing.

Next week will be all technology/office training for all "office specialists." Should be very interesting.
Love to all,
Sister Gifford

NOTE: Avery I hope someday I will be writing you a letter while you are on your mission. Enjoy having your Uncle Jordan back in town. Be kind to everybody and be sure to help your mom lots.

NOTE: Mom, it has occurred to me how lucky I am to have you to send notes to. Bless you for being such a positive influence in my life. Love you

     

My 4th day at the MTC

It's about 8 pm here in Provo Utah. I just returned from the old Provo Temple, which is right across the street. They furnish a shuttle to and from although it is an easy walk. I took the shuttle--I'm a senior!! Actually, I'm the oldest of the 8 single senior sister missionaries. I don't mind holding that title at all! Your only as old as you feel--that's what my mom always used to say. Well anyway, back to the temple--it looks like a big birthday cake (I'm going to try to download a picture). Quite a beautiful sight, the white temple up against the snow-capped mountains.

My day starts at 7 am with breakfast, then at 8 classes with all 128 senior missionaries, then at 10 am we break into our small groups in classrooms (my group is the 8 single senior sisters) and go until lunch. Then at 1 pm back to the large group classes again until 2, then back to small groups until 4:30. Yes, we do get breaks! The classes are tremendous in content and so well taught. We go back and forth between technology classes which are to teach us how to download and then use church resources. I am now paperless as far as scriptures, talks, art, music, etc. Everything is on my cell phone. I'm pretty impressed with myself. Today my companion and I taught another couple a gospel lesson and we used scripture and a video that we pulled up on our phones. Anyway, the teachers are patient, patient, patient.

I have met so many wonderful people. I try to sit with different couples at each meal just to get to know their stories; where they are from, where they are going to serve their missions. A funny side note: I was walking to my room yesterday and a sister missionary asked me where I was going. My response was that I was going to my room to make a few phone calls. She started laughing and said, "You haven't been here very long have you?" Of course what she meant was "where was I going to serve my mission." LOL

I'm loving every minute and know that I am where the Lord would have me be at this time in my life. I'm so filled with gratitude for this opportunity. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my sweet husband who enabled me financially to stretch my wings.

Love to all,
Sister Gifford

NOTE: To my grandson, Zachary. Thanks for calling me last night--it was wonderful to hear your voice to so full of happiness over your bright future ahead. Congratulations on your graduation--I'll be thinking of you all weekend. Love you lots.

NOTE: To my sweet mom. I pray everyday that His spirit will be with you constantly and that you will be filled with joy. Love you

Arrival at MTC

Hi, this is Sister Gifford (missionary badge and all the missionary trappings). OK I have a question for you, "why am I the only senior missionary out of 128 that is clunking around in big ole ugly missionary shoes?" LOL and I bought 2 pair--someone saw me coming!!

Just ending my 2nd day at the MTC and waiting for a meeting at 6 pm with a General Authority (no one knows in advance who is coming, so I will have to let you know in my next blog. I'm excited. All senior missionaries have reserved seating up front. Out of the 128 senior missionaries there are 8 single sisters. We do everything together and they are a remarkable group of women going all over the world. Most of them are nurses serving as nurse specialist. I am very busy all day with classes, the food is delicious, the rooms are lovely (we all have private rooms w/queen beds) and I'm as happy as I thought I would be. I have a companion assigned to me while here, Sister Jackson who is from here in Provo and will be serving in Richmond Virginia as an office specialist also.

Well I have to go--but wanted to say hello. And to my mom, "hey mom this is the blog I told you about, hope you enjoy. Love you