November 23, 2012

 Our conference today started with the mission president playing a talk by Jeffrey R. Holland on divine companionship which means having the Holy Ghost actively in our companionship's, followed up by President Wood giving more instructions. The Fowers next presented how they structured a “rescue mission” of the inactive members of one ward in East London Stake. There were around 750 members that had not had contact with the church in a number of years.  Lunch was next which were leftovers from Thanksgiving and just as good the second day as they were the first.  The afternoon session was a testimony type meeting where all of us told about the joys and challenges of our missions.  It was helpful for us to hear that those we viewed as having it altogether were dealing with some of the same type of challenges as we are having.   After the meeting, we went with the Henderson’s and some of the other senior missionary couples to a final exam recital of a young  man in Henderson’s  ward who was finishing his university degree.  He did a great job and shows a lot of talent. Even though we are not that excited about classical music, it was good.  After the recital we were invited to go to dinner with the Henderson’s and this young man and his family.  We went to Pickwick, which is a funky little restaurant with a bar on the bottom floor, a narrow winding stairway leading up to a kind of loft where there was an eating area and a makeshift stage. It reminded me of pictures I’ve seen of the 60’s clubs in Greenwich Village.

The food, however, was great.  The best hamburgers we have ever had. 

Sister Henderson and her hamburger

Ricks hamburger

The only light was candle light

 We also had a lot of fun with our new found friends.  Rick let the wife of the young man order for him as she is known as a food snob and would know what to order to make it a most memorable meal and Rick was not disappointed. It was a great evening.