Funeral in Wales - Sadness

August 14, 2011

Dear Mom, Papa, Family, and friends, 

To start off with, I am very jealous right now. The WHOLE family is there! I didn't realize it. So I am the only one missing out, and I am a little bit sad. But I’m trying to keep it together but guess I am in the right place. But I wish fun wasn't had like this without me. I can't believe Joey is getting baptized in Yosemite! I hope lots of pictures will be taken. I am sure they will. Basically, I’m super jealous. And I hope you have a good time...sort of. Selfish? Yes. 

And the family reunion sounds like it was fun! Sad I wasn't there as well. G and G sent me an itinerary of the reunion...a little bit harsh, ha-ha, but it sounds like it was so much fun. I’m so glad! 

So Philippa’s funeral was so emotional. Seriously. So President Ogden let us switch our pday from Monday to Thursday, which was really exhausting, so we could go to Wales with the Tufts. They picked us up early that Thursday morning, at about 9:00, and then we got there at about 11:00. It was a beautiful set up. Rainy day. We were very early, and so just a few people were there. But it was a very emotional experience. I walked into the chapel, and Philippa’s casket was there, and only Ellen and Aaron Jones, and Ellice Myles were in there, and I was REALLY close to them. I just dropped my stuff, and ran and hugged Ellen and Ellice. We just bawled. It was good to see them, but I wish I saw them at different circumstances. So many people were there, about 500, and it went really well. Ellen and Aaron Jones both spoke (Ellen is the one that did the pictures of me and Sister Lauritzen. and if you look at her website, which I’m sure she sent you when she sent her pictures, there are lots of pictures of Philippa on there. she was a regular model for her.) and their talks were amazing. The whole service was centered on missionary work, and her love of the gospel and of teaching others. 

Afterward, we stayed for a long time. I got to talk with the ward. It’s funny how close I feel to that ward, even though I wasn't there for very long. 

Finally, Philippa’s dad came back from the graveside, and I was able to talk with both of her parents, and her brother. Her brother was my ward mission leader when I was there. And her dad was on the stake presidency. Her dad was like my "Wales" dad. We were really close, and when I saw him, we just hugged. I didn't care that I wasn't really supposed to. I’d say it was allowed. We talked for a while. They were really surprised to see me; they didn't think I’d be able to come back. Pres. Evans told me about how just a few weeks ago, Philippa was talking about me, and how it was so unusual that she clicked with someone so fast. We were just immediately best friends. And I feel like everyone felt that way with her. She is just amazing. I am so grateful to have been able to know her. 

President Evans told me that on Philippa’s birthday, November 12th, their family is going to the temple for the day, and he invited me, if I was still in the country. I also invited him and his wife to come to the temple when we are there. So mom, what day are we scheduled to be in the different temples? Do you know yet? I’d love to see them, and you would love Pres. and Sister Evans. 

Overall, the funeral was so sad. It was really hard on me. But I’m so glad I went. It was good to see people who also know and love her. And it was good to see her family. She is wonderful, and in a better place, still being a missionary. Thank you thank you President Ogden for letting me go to Wales! And thank you Sister Baker for putting up with me! Ha-ha. 

The rest of the week was really weird. There were riots all across England last week, and they were crazy! They spread to Birmingham, and were in a huge portion of our area. On Monday night, President Ogden called us during an appointment and told us that we weren't allowed to go to the city center, and that we were to go straight home afterward. And then on Tuesday, we heard more about the riots, and the whole city seemed scared. There weren’t' very many people out on the streets. There were police cars driving by all the time. And there were broken shops. Overall, it wasn't as bad as the news made it seem. A few cars were set on fire. A few buildings were set on fire. Three people died. And a lot of shops got broken into and were robbed. But everyone now is scared it seems. I think the politicians are talking about why it's happened, and it's because of the breakdown of families. So hopefully this all will have a humbling effect on the people of Birmingham, and that they will be interested to hear about the gospel a little more. We’ll see. Overall, we were worried, and didn’t' find much at all. And stayed out of the city center until Saturday. So yeah, I think the riots are all over by now. Thank heavens. It wasn't nice not being able to go into parts of our area. 

So I won't be playing the harp for when Elder Bednar comes. There just won't be enough time, and Elder Bednar just wants hymns. So that's ok. But too bad, I’d have liked to play if I could have. 

OH! So last week, I told you about Sumit. The one that works at Subway, and came to church? Well, we had two lessons with him this week, and they went great. And he has become friends with Mahdi. Which is awesome. And we invited him to be baptized. He said he'd pray about it. And yesterday, he came to church again, and he told us that his boss would let him have every Sunday morning off work. Fabulous! He is doing really well. He told us that we were his first guests at his house in England...and he's been here 7 months. And we are also his first friends. He has just been working and going to school, and so he's been too busy I guess for friends and guests. But it's funny, because he's a really nice kid. He’s normal, and nice. So we are glad that he thinks we are his friends. And it's good, because everyone at church was so good to him, and so he even has more friends. Mahdi took the bus home with him yesterday, and they were talking, and Mahdi told us what they talked about. This was the gist. I guess Mahdi told Sumit that he has to read the Book of Mormon every day and pray daily, and that he has to come to church every week. And then Sumit said "I guess I have to convert...don't I". And Mahdi just said "yes". Ha-ha. What a good missionary! Fabulous. 

Sister Blair, the 82 year old woman who we're teaching, is getting baptized on the 24th of September, and we are thrilled. And it will be great. 

I REALLY hope I get to stay for next transfer as well. It’s amazing in this ward, and we are doing so well, I hope I get to stay! 


Can you believe I only have two months left? It’s going by REALLY fast. Sister Baker and I hope to stay together until then. That would mean I would be with her for 6 months. Wow. That’s a long time! Same amount as with Sister Pope. 

So what else to say? We are so happy for a pday today. We had cleaning checks this morning, and our flat is spotless. It’s getting much better every time. And things are going good. We are just chilling out, and writing letters today. We are dead tired. Too many weeks without a regular pday. 

Well. Things are fabulous! Can’t' wait for elder Bednar to come! It’s going to happen in Harborne, and lots of the Sisters in the mission are coming and sleeping at our house the night before. It’ll be great. We just have a big question time for him. I never know what questions to ask. Hmm, I’ll have to really think about it. But I’m excited! The whole mission is getting together for it! 

Well, things are going well. I love it here, and the work is going AMAZINGLY well. Fabulous really. So we are happy campers! I hope you guys are having fun in Yosemite. Gosh. That sounds like the life! Ha-ha. But I wouldn't change where I am for anything. I want to be here till the end! It’s going so good. And we have so many amazing people, who are our friend, who we are teaching. And we love it. So we can't complain at all! 

Life is good. Have a good week. Happy baptism Joey! I love you! And to all you other kids, love you. Miss you! Can’t wait to see you. 

Love, 
Sister Clark, Ann, Annie, Aunt Annie  - any more?

Love you! 
HUPDARO