We returned to Anglesey today and attended church at my old home ward in Gaerwen. No one knew we were coming, but their delight when they recognized me was really heartwarming. There were several people there who I didn't know, but many of them had heard of the Owen family, even if they'd not known us personally. Simon Wall met us in the car park. Once we got inside, we saw Joe Wall and his family, Lynn Wall, Diana Griffiths, Doris Williams, Brother and Sister Stewart, Will Stewart and his wife, Elaine Gill and some of her children, and met Brother and Sister Manners' daughter, Caroline. Joe Wall was conducting Sacrament meeting and asked if I'd give the closing prayer. We also talked to all the missionaries (they have two sets now). One of them was from Idaho Falls and within minutes we discovered that he's a cousin to one of Anna's closest friends (Abbey, who is rooming with her at BYU-I in the Fall).
After the three hour block of meetings, we drove to Church Island, ate a picnic lunch, then walked along the Belgium Promenade until we were beneath the Menai Bridge. Before getting back on the A55, I drove through some of the roads in Upper Bangor to show the girls some of the University buildings. They've changed many of the roads to a one-way system, which made it a bit of a maze, but it was good to see the area again.
The Menai Bridge, Church Island, and Belgium Promenade
Again, thanks for the words and the photos - they bring back such memories. In fact I've almost decided to cancel our trip in September, because I will have achieved all that we were planning to do - vicariously through the traveling Besseys!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you were able to visit Church island and the Belgian promenade.
Dad
Dad, I told some of the members at Gaerwen that you were hoping to visit the UK in September and they begged me to make sure you go to church there on Sunday. I think you'd better show up! :)
ReplyDeleteSian