First Letter Dec. 13th 2009

Sunday, 13 December 2009

Dear Family

Most parents drop their sons or daughters off at the MTC but the tables were turned and we had the wonderful experience of Michael, Tamra and Suzanne dropping us off. That was a little overwhelming and emotional for “mom” but we made it. Our room was SMALL but accommodating. We were so busy we weren't there much anyway. It seemed we ate, went to meetings and classes, ate, went to more training and ate again. I am sure we gained 10 lbs a piece already. We met about 25 wonderful couples who also were going off to places in the US and also overseas. Two older sisters are going to separate mission office assignments as well. It was a wonderful experience and very humbling. It was funny how the Church made the world so small as we acquainted ourselves with people who either knew friends or family we knew. We loved it.
We instantly bonded with a couple from Minnesota, Elder and Sister Holt, who were also going to Ireland Dublin Mission. They were just easy to be friends with and we are sure we will be seeing more of them. (They are in Portadown, North Ireland.)


On Friday, 4 Dec 2009 we were able to spend the night with Eric and Suzanne and girls before flying out from SLC the next morning. What a blessing to see family again. Suzanne's mom, ikki, spent the night with the girls so Eric and Suzanne could take us to the airport as our plane left at 8:30am. We flew to Atlanta, waited 4 hours and flew to Dublin another 6 1/2 hrs and arrived 6:00am Ireland time. It was an hour early so we sat on the tarmac for 30 min so the plane could go to the gate.

President and Sister Creer were waiting for us and they were so helpful and friendly. They normally take the couples to their home for 24 hours to sleep and get caught up but, since the couple we were replacing ( Elder and Sister Tolman from Orem, UT) were leaving on Wednesday morning, they wanted us to get right to Dundalk to the church meetings and meet the members of the branch. The Tolman’s opened their home to us. (We are assuming the lease on the home.) They had already packed and moved out of the master bedroom so we freshened up and left for the Church. I was in the same clothes I put on Saturday morning and Dad, Elder McDowell, had time to change. Lucky him! The members were warm and friendly and made us feel very welcome. Fifty some people were in attendance.

Monday brought fast and furious instructions and directions from the Tolman’s. We went to the bank, property management place, of course Subway’s for lunch, and drove us all over giving us tips. It is all a blur!!!! They tried. Many hours of instructions for Elder McDowell by Elder Tolman regarding mission and Church related material. Sister Tolman and I had a wonderful time talking about what else, FAMILY!!!!! They are a lovely couple, and I am sure we will see them again in the U.S.

Tuesday morning we went for our actual interview and meeting with Pres. Creer as it didn’t happen on Sunday as normally planned. He is a wonderful man. We then went with him to drop in on our “District” Meeting and meet the other missionaries and from there went to the Mission Home to have the annual Seniors Christmas Luncheon and program. We met all of the missionaries in our mission and they were great and friendly. One of the CES missionary couples was from somewhere close to Snohomish, WA and I asked her if she knew Susan Siddoway Cedargreen, and she said, “Why YES, we are good friends. What a small world. After the event we were handed the keys to the car and wished good luck on driving back to Dundalk in the dark. Let’s say it took us longer than it should have…..we turned left when we should have turned right and missed the M1 which is like our freeways. So we went the back roads home. We just kept going north and I knew we would get there eventually!!!! We were tired but fine when we arrived safely. The signs here are placed just before you are to turn and then most of it is in Gaelic with some in English. Very challenging indeed.

Wednesday, I was not feeling well as I was trying not to get Dad’s (Elder McDowell’s) cold he had had in the MTC. He actually received two blessings, one at the MTC and one just after we arrived here at the Tolman’s place last Sunday. They sure helped him survive as well as FLY with sinuses plugged etc. Well, I stayed in bed until noon and I have felt almost perfect since then. Just overly tired I am sure. Elder McDowell also went to visit two households that afternoon, some investigators.

Thursday we got up early and practiced driving all over the town. The roads are crazy, one ways, roundabouts etc. Very confusing to say the least. But, we finally found out how to get to the church and back as the maps don’t make sense either. We practiced again Friday and Saturday and did some grocery shopping etc. We have been so blessed as the Tolman’s left an iron, ironing board, sheets, towels, mattress heating pad, HP printer, Crockpot, Brita water pitcher, dishes, decorator pillows, office supplies, food, cleaning supplies, shoe polish, two wool blankets, and too many other items to mention. This place is furnished but all of those things would have been really missed or purchased by us. The mission also provided us with pillows, duvet and covers for all. This was also much appreciated.

We went visiting with the Elders to see a newly baptized sister on Friday. She is around 50 and is very sweet. She has such a strong testimony and feels truly blessed by her membership in the Church. I am sure we will be very busy in this branch.

We had a meeting with the Dublin Stake President, O’Farrell, this morning and he interviewed us both separately. Well…..Elder McDowell (Dad) is the new Branch President and was sustained in sacrament meeting. He has one counselor at the moment, Oliver Nesbitt from Newry, Ireland. The challenges of the branch of course are many but one being the distance from where they live to the church building location in Dundalk. It means so much traveling for the members to come in to this town. He (Elder McDowell) is overwhelmed but excited and ready for the challenge. He will have my help of course! Along with so many wonderful Dundalk Branch members. Please remember us all in your prayers.

We are going to Dublin tomorrow for Zone Conference and then to an appointment for Family Home Evening at Claire’s, relatively new member, home in the evening. We will be busy.

We send our greetings and love to you all.

Dad and Mom

Elder Ronald J. McDowell
Sister Lynette McDowell
37 Ard na Mul
Lis Na Dara Estate
Dundalk, Co. LOUTH
Ireland