Flat Finding in England (Telford and Wrekin Area) & Ironbridge

For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.  2 Nephi 25:23

These were growing by the elders' current apartment

I LOVE pussy willows!!  They whisper that spring is really on its way!

Just as we were leaving the Telford/Wrekin area yesterday, the elders came to their apartment all excited to tell us they found someone to teach.  It is wonderful to see how happy it makes them to be able to share the gospel message.  It is an exciting thing for any of us missionaries when we are able to teach the gospel to someone. 

The reason we had been at the elders' flat is we'd been looking for a new flat for them and were checking their area map.  The process to cut cost on the missionary apartments is still continuing, but because we have taken on new responsibilities, we were training the new couple in the fine art of finding a nice place for less money.  We drove and hour to Knutsford to pick up the new couple and an hour and a half to Telford.

All day we looked at flats.  It takes about one day to research the flats, another day to set up the appointments, a day to look, and a day for follow up.  It can take the good part of a week when there are few places that meet the strict requirements for a missionary flat.

The Lord guides the process, as we have discovered through many so-called coincidences that make things work out.  We went away with no flat on Tuesday, but one letting agent called us back today and said he had reconsidered and would let the flat we had wanted.  On Tuesday, he told us he wanted a tenant who could move in within a week or two.  He didn't want to wait the thirty days for the elders to move in, which is customary as notice needs to be given to the current property owner.  We had told the new couple to not worry because if it is where the missionaries are supposed to be, a way will open.  Miracles are fun!

Meanwhile, while waiting to talk to the elders about the area, we saw a place called Ironbridge.  It just so happened there was a flat there to see.  It turned out to be too far for the missionaries, since they are on bikes, but the pictures I gathered of the area are below.

Interesting history.  You can see us reflected in the plaque.

Impressive

New senior missionary in training.  Our companions (husbands) were on the bridge waving at us and we didn't see them. 

If you take a magnifying glass, you can see Elder Blain directly right of the center and the other senior missionary way over on the left.

More of this amazing structure

See?  I told you spring is coming.

Another interesting little building.  It looks like it used to be a church.

Some kilns from days gone by

Senior missionaries having a little fun exploring this quaint little village

The road along the river is called the Wharfage.  You can tell we were all fascinated by the four tall towers (coal).  You can only see three in some of these pictures due to the angle.

Nice contrast

There!   Now you can see four.  We got far enough away from them to get this shot.

Pretty sky