Liosbaun Branch Hall before constructiion Pictures 2008

The Chapel is on the second floor above the LPM sign where we will be remodeling for a Branch hall
The Galway Branch Primary room and cultural hall as it is right now used to be an exercise room for a SPA
Our Chapel and Gospel doctrine area, just turn the chairs around and it changes.
The Branch Presidents office and Relief society room, just big enough to fit all the sisters in one room.

The Liosbaun Branch Hall before construction 2008

This Branch Hall is as it now looks and we hope to have construction begin in a few weeks to create for the saints here a chapel meeting rooms and offices. We know that this will give them a real sense of belonging and will make a difference to those that are coming back into activity and will be a testimony lifting event in there lives.

Trip to Dublin for couples conference july 19 2008

This is a special garden spot in Pheonix park in Dublin which was created by the care takers of the arch Bishop for having fresh vegtables for the house.
More of the Gardens and sweet peas growing plenty from the rain.
Everything due to the rain is very lush and big not like in our desert.
Small pear tree that is formed and shaped to the space.

Side of a tower castle in the back ground which is what is left of the Catholic Arch Bishops mansion.
Large Irish tapistry rugs woven in Ireland and hung on the walls
Example of Deer that today are in the park herds of 400 in size and just wonder the Park
Description of the Ashtown castle

Map of all the tower castles in and around Ireland

Couples at the couples conference in Dublin Eloder Sorenson, Elder & Sister Mulholland, Elder & Sister Wilford
The Finglas Ward chapel in Dublin
Mission Office in Dublin with pavers for drive way
President Creer and Elder and Sister Douglas

Far end Elder and Sister Douglas, Elder and Sister Nickel, Sister Tolman, Sister and Elder Neild
Sister Steinagel, Sister & Elder Sorenson, Sister & Elder Eaglesham and Elder & Sister Wilford
The couples gathering for a group picture outside the Finglas Chapel by the Mission office.

President Lowry counselor in Mission presidency, President Creer and Elder Steinagel

On the 18th July Don and JoAnn went to Dublin a 120 mile trip which took 3 hours due to the sixze of the roads. We met with the mission President and his wife and Brother Lowry of the mission presidency who was just a 14 year old boy when I was here in Ireland on my mission. I also met Brother Smith from Londonderry who is now 70 and still serving well and we went over memories of those days to now. They just organized the first ward in Londonderry after 50 years of the church being in that northern coast twon what a change for the saints there.

We are seeing our numbers coming to church increase and are now pushing toward 50 members coming out. We can see the spirit of the Lord working with the people and we feel things are going to change to bring people to the church.

Alot of our time is being taken facilitating the renovation of a building creating a Branch hall for the Saints here in Galway. There is alot to do in finding the saints and getting them to come back but with prayers and blessings of the Lord they will come back.

Well back to the conference, we were able to take a little time and go into one of the biggest parks not only in Ireland but around the world, it is called Pheonix Park and is 1700 acres in size and has many deer in the park that just roam constant.

We then spent the next day in a CES symposium on the new testiment which will be what we will be teaching this fall.

Well we are happy and busy and know the Gospel is true.

Thached roof cottage on the way to Spideal outside the town of Galway about 15 Kilometers
The narrow curbs that blow tires if your not careful driving.

Barna Woods just like in the 1600s kept much the same

Dear Loved ones
Greetings from the Land of the little people, wee cars, and the sweet green. Well things are moving fast but good. After a week of finding and visiting Branch members we had a great Sacrament meeting and attendance of 48 the highest number ever to attend to attend so the Lords spirit is moving here and we are so appreciative to be part of the work. We love these great people and to see their testimonies grow strengthens our faith in the Savior.
We will be setting up an English/institute Class to help the Brazilian Saints learn English so they can participate more with all and to help them so they can also find better jobs even though jobs here are going away because of the economy. My first counselor is going to California to shut down a Irish factory their and bring it all back to Ireland and that will keep his job.
This past week we put in 360 miles on our vehicle going to meetings and visiting the members and that is a lot of miles for Ireland; however the results were felt this last Sunday as they came to join with us in the meetings and there was a great spirit there.
We did spend time this week in Limerick one of the areas where I served before and they now have a beautiful chapel, what a change and maybe one day we will see the same here in Galway.
This last Sunday we met a family from Londonderry who announced to us that they had just made the Derry Branch a Ward, after 50 years of being a Branch. The Lords work is moving forward among this people and those who have immigrated here.
JoAnn and I took a walk into some of the oldest and still maintained woods here in Ireland and it looked like Harry Potters world, beautiful and quiet.
It was so good to here that things are going well there and every body is filled up with lifes activities.

This a picture of Don and JoAnn at 78 Plamerston Strret In Dublin, which was the last place I stayed in 1965 as I served before in Dublin and so to begin this mission at the steps of the same location. This was after being off the Plane from the state for 4 hours.
The second picture is of missionaries, Branch members and new converts and investigators as we got together for fellowshiping experiences this day.
Last a Happy , Happy birthday to you Jason we Love you
(click to enlarge pictures)

Our First Pictures!

Here are our first pictures from Mom and Dad! Look at the beautiful shore line! They are settling in and I am just learning how to transfer pictures from email... I hope I get better! They are busy as usual...Dad is serving as Branch President and teaching Institute. Mom has 6 sisters she visits and helps dad with teaching English to people from all over the world. They hang dry their clothes so they have to watch the weather to make sure it isn't going to rain...which is pretty much every day. We love them and miss them and I will be posting there direct comments as soon as I figure that one out! They are busy about doing good! We love you!

This is where they are meeting...for now.

Dad said that the kitchen is just mom's size. It is a good thing they went to the land of the little people!