The Emerald Isle

Dundalk Experiences Continue 2009

2009-08-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

This is the Town of Newcastle on the Northern coast of Northern Ireland where many go to enjoy the beach on Holiday. It is a location in the Mountians of Mourn, called so for the follage that grows here.

The beach area which rolls on for almost seven kilometers. This day was a day of Paddy misdt and what you would call a good day for Irish surfing at the Beach.

If you enlarge the picture or look close you will see on the side of the Building in this town of Newry the name of Murtagh. This is the beginning of or orgin of the name of the town I grew up in, in Idaho called Murtaugh. And of course in any good Irish twon you should have kentucky fried Chicken, just no mashed potatoes, biscuits etc. but you can have your chips.

The Chapel area of our Branch in Dundalk setup and ready for Church on Sunday. The Branch is beginning the member involvement and getting used to helping to clean the building and to keep it up and presentable for the meetings we have and allowing the spirit to be there.

The Front of our building. Yes both doors go into our building, we use the ones by the church sign. There is alot of history with this great location and with the establishment of the sign on the church there is a new spirit in the Branch and things are beginning to happen in the work of the Lord. The members are so proud of their building. It is the first time for them that the name of the Church has been displayed on their meeting location.

No picture of Ireland is complete without seeing a rainbow and this one was just across the street from where we live.

Two of the youngest members of our Branch taking a historical picture after the church sign was placed. Meet Elanor Vallely and Leah Phoenix.

Meet the members of our Branch as we held a special night for Julius and Anna Gernelis who are from Latvia and live in Ireland they had just been married in the Sweeden temple and we had a surprise party for them and a great Branch social.

This is Julius and Anna with their wedding cake in Dundalk chapel. The Cake was made by a good Branch member Rachel Meehan.

The Dundalk Branch at the Summer BBQ get together, we had 42 in attendance and 37 at the later one. This was a great number as they had not been getting together much for a while. We all need the social interaction of meeting members of the church in our associations.

Meet Bola and Eka Adebanjo and their children Lola, Lara and Layo. This was Lara'a Baptism and her father performed the baptism and it was his first ordiance as an Aaronic Priesthood holder. We were thrilled to help him with this sacred ordiance and to see him advance in the Priesthood.

Yes this is your favorite Senior Missionary couple and we send our Irish smile your direction.

Others of the Branch at the BBQ all signing together.

Meet Claire Quigley on her day of Baptism into the Church the Lord had prepared her so well and the Spirit of the Lord is guideing her in the Church. She has a son Connor.

The End of the Galway Assignment & Beginning of Dundalk

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This Store is in the Middle of Ireland in a Town called Ballinasloe in Co. Galway! As we headed to our new assignment on the east coast of Ireland we just could not pass up the opportunity to get this picture and think of family at home and all that that means to us.

This was our 1st. view of Dundalk, looking from our Hotel room out over the college towards the city. As we looked the thoughts of where we would stay and who we would be meeting stired our minds and then driving on these small streets brought new meaning to the words nervious.

This is our meeting Hall here in Dundalk. It takes in the 2 double-door facilities in the picture. Our car is in the middle of the 2 sides of the Hall. We enter thru the glass side, the Chapel is on the other.

Back before we left Galway, the Branch gave us a Farewell Party. This is Pres. Keith O'Toole and his wife Karen and daughter Ciarrai.

This the Coleman Curran family, wife Emma, daughter, Eve,and baby Sophie Rose.

Eve Curran age 10

Sophie age 7 months The Branch all loved baby Sophie
and she new they loved her and played to all the attention.

Lisa Isokpan AND Sharon Isokpan, Me and Linda John & Baby Immanuel. Elder Tolman baptized Linda.

Pres. O'Toole and Elder Tolmans Good-bye!
This leaving saw the Galway Branch grow from 30 in attendance to over 60 and President O'Toole felt so filled with the spirit of his new call and what could happen in the future of the Branch. We had the priviledge of seeing 23 come into the Branch and helping to see the completion of their new building facility what a bolessing for these members who love one another and do the best they can.

"Irish Road Crew"!!!!!! Sheep keep the grass cut cheep and low fuel costs!

SOME of the beautiful garden views at Ashford Castle Connermara in the rain.

This is an awesome sight to see, I'm sure it is a great stay as well now that it is a 5 Star Hotel

This is the Jerry Dossen Family at Jerry's Baptism. Elder Tolman had that priviledge.

This is 3 weeks later when Jerry baptizes his wife Mesrek , son Gabrieal, and another sister from Nigaragia Doris Zamora ! What wonderful people and with strong testimonies. We hope for Doris that other members of her family one day will be touched by the church and they will all be reunited in this world of heavy politics.

Back to the day Jerry was baptized was also Winnie Duru & Odesauwa Ikpotokin with Elders Proctor, Ranger and Tolman.

I was glad to stand with this great borther Jermiah Dossen and feeling the potential for good he would bring to the Branch and the Church as he was Baptized. At the time of this posting he was fellow shipping two other families into the Branch one family of five from Gort and another friend from Galway of four. Jerry wants to someday servie a mission with Mesrek his good wife and companion and looks to the day when they can all go to the Temple and be sealed.

The first Relief Society of the new Branch March 17, 2009

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Sharon Isokpan, Nathan, Alex and Emily Gibbons playing games and watching videos while mother and others were in Relief Society Bithday party and enjoying themselves for the evening. This was the first Relief Society meeting for the Sisters in the new Church facility in Galway.

Sisters of the Galway Releif Society gathering before their aprty or Dinner in the new Multipurpose room in the Galway Church Khensani Melhembe, Tori Holyoak, Lindsey Holyoak, Veronica Finucane, Veronica Jensen and Sister Tolman. Veronica Jesen is the Relief society President with Vernonica Finucane who is her first counselor.

Lisa Isokpan and her daughter at the Relief Society Party.

Michelle Gibbons and her Mother who is not a member of the Church but who felt right at home and was so impressed with what the church had done for the members here in Galway and how nice it was for the women to just get together and talk about things that concerned the women of the Church and the community.

Michelle Gibbons our District Primary President and Compassionet service leader in the Branch with her three wonderful children.

Relief Society Sisters around the table with sister Tolman they had a great evening and St. Patricks day. It was the first St Paddy's day in Ireland for over seven year that it had not rained and the winds blowen you hat right off the Irish said. It was just one beautiful sunny day here in Ireland.

Arrangements for the Relief Society Dinner in the new multi purpose room in Galway Branch March 17 2009 St. Patricks day.

Arrangements for the Relief Society Dinner in the new multi purpose room in Galway Branch March 17 2009 St. Patricks day. The beginning of the meal spread for the sisters and they always do a great job.

St. Patricks day Parade from above Shop street in Galway and the dancers in the parade.

St. Patricks day Parade from above Shop street in Galway and the Yell leaders or Pom Pom girls of Galway in the parade.

St. Patricks day Parade from above Shop street in Galway and the people gathering to get their spot to see all that was going on. We had many members of the Branch in the parade this day.

The Church Logo and sign on the Front of the Liosban building in Galway. This is a first for Galway to have a Sign actually Identifying we are here and this is where the Church meets. Since the Completion of the Church our numbers have been increasing. This last Sunday March 22, 2009 we had 59 in attendance to meeting. The Lords work is moving forward.

Everthing at the top of the picture on the second floor and from one side of the picture to the other side is where the Church now meets in Galway. On the Church Web site after six months of working on it we finally have our location identified so anyone coming to Galway can now find us and call us if they need directions.

As you look close you will see the flaks of snow coming down, this was the biggest snow we had seen and at the close of winter, it even stuck to the cars they almost did not know what to do with it. This has been the coldest winter and the wetest summer in over 10 years, it even froze pipe buried in the ground. So cold yes it was and now the sun has been shinning for over a week and half.

A tour of Ireland from other visit

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http://kimbriggs.com/photos/ireland/dublin/dublin-streets/

Ireland Mission Events In February 2009

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This is the Catholic Church in Fahy Ieland, the Parish of Father Jim Welch to whom we are most greatful and to his congregation for allowing us to use there church for the LDS funeral of Sister Mary Bridget Henehan Walker. Members of the parish came and sang with us the great hymns of Abide with me, Oh, God how Great thou Art and we shared special musical numbers of I am a Child of God and Families can be together forever. Elders Headington, Barber and Tolman taught the plan of Salavation and Sister Tolman Lead the Music without Organ or Piano and gave the life scketch of this good mother and shared the special message from the relief Society about mothers. The Elders were able to bare the Coffin to the Cenetary on their shoulders as is done here in Ireland. In all it was a great experience of being able to teach the Gospel to about 25 nonmembers of the church. These great Elders demonstrated why the Lord had called them to this area as they taught and helped with the services. Think about it an LDS funeral held in a Catholic Church and teaching from the Book of Mormon not an every day experience and what a beginning for moving into our new facility in Galway

The Elders who were serving in Galway During February 2009, Elder Barber who was going home March 5th and served strong to the very end. Elder headington who brought great spiritual strength to the District and Elder Proctor who brought enthusiam to the work and diligence of heart. Our District leader Elder Bushnell who spent a lot of time recovering from sickness.

Elder and Sister Tolman with Elders Proctor and Bushnell in the new Branch Hall Chapel after District meeting and two days before moves. They experienced 45 in attendance to the first Branch meeting after the Hall was turned over to us for use.

Elder and Sister Tolman with Elders Headington and Barber, two very hard working missionaries who love the people and the Gospel and now face new experiences in life both of whom were always ready to serve the people and on the last days of Elder Barbers mission have a family coming to the Church to understand the Restored Gospel.

The new Bathroom or Toilet facilities in the Branch hall a great improvement over what was before. There are three such rooms to facilitate the Branches needs.

The new Bathroom or Toilet facilities for the disabled in the Branch hall a great improvement over what was before.

The new Galway Primary room which is one of four new rooms created for the Primary , Sunday School , Youngmen and Women.

The Galway Priesthood room and Sunday school class room

The Galway Branch Kitchen which will soon be supplied with a fridge and Microwave and the Sisters and members were so excited to see as it made the full functioning of the facilities.

The new Relief Society room and sunday school class room which has been used for new beginnings night and will soon host the Relief Society Birthday party

The new Branch Presidents office which lends to a teaching station as well and which has already been used for temple Recommend and missionary interviews, so much better than the hall way closet for interviews and speical counseling.

The new Chapel and multipurpose area which will seat 80 people or more and now our challenge is to bring back the less active and new members that are here in Galway.

The main hallway into the New Branch hall. From some of the other postings you will be able to compare what has happened all the way through the facility.

The Large mountain rising up over the town of Westport a mountain that is hiked by many just like Timp in Utah.

The Country side looking north out of the Township of Fahy toward the home of Denis Walker whose mother had passed away and we conducted a funeral for in the township of Fahy

The railway station in the Town of Westport typical of the many across Ireland.

The Westport rail station terminal very homey and warm and friendly.

Sister Tolman at the Westport train station as we waited for Denis Walker to come out of the country to help him arrange for the funeral of his mother who had passed away at 90 years of age and this was the town near where she was born.

The Ireland Galway Branch Changes Jan 2009

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This Great family who became part of our lives and the lives of the Galway Branch had to leave and return to Italy and Switzerland to find work. They were so sad to leave as were we to see them go for they were and are truly part of our family and we will always try to keep track of them and in time they may come to the States and visit us or we to Italy to visit them. Denise, Angelo, Patrizia and Ruben.

Denise Volpicelle, Ruben Volpicelle, Elder Tolman and Patrizia Cantalupo what a great cook she is and warmed our hearts with special hugs and the love of the Gospel.

Denise Volpicelle, Ruben Volpicelle, Sister Tolman and Patrizia Cantalupo what a great cooks, Sister Tolman and Patty became close spirit sisters and will long remember one another.

This is an oil painting Angelo did for us of a location in Wicklow, southern Ireland his ability as an artist amazed us all and let us know that each has a great talent to bless the lives of all fathers children.

This is northwest ireland in the land of Conamera and in the background are part of what is called the "BENS" 12 mountains that stand over this rocky side of Ireland.

You can see from here the stark landscape of the Northwest of Ireland 60 Kilometers out of Galway.

In January 2009 we were privledged to see Ruben Volpicelle and Linda John come into the church and what joy filled their hearts as it did ours. Ruben said and now I can get prepared to serve a mission in one year and go to the Temple. He read the Book of Mormon in three weeks and new it was true more every day and always had great truths to share with us as we went to their home.

Elders Bushnell, Watts, Barber and Anderson great teachers of the truth.

Elder Anderson, Tolamn and Sister Tolman with Elder Baughman what a great team who loved the work and never stopped loving the people.

Elder Watts, Tolman and Sister Tolamn and Elder Barber who came to learn Russian and love Georgian food with our new friend and member Valdimir.

The Ireland Dublin Mission Couples at our Couples Conference, So if any of you would like to serve here a spot is open for you just send us your name

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The Couples serving in Ireland in December 2008, The Lee's, The Steinagles, The Tolman's, The Nichols, Sister Deweese, The Wilford's, The Mulhollands, The Burtons, The Eaglesham's, The Campbell's. The Magelsen's, not in any order.

At Christmas 2008 we reflect on what has been and what can be and our faith grows stronger and our love for the Lord increases with each passing day.

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From Elder and Sister Tolman at the Christmas 2008 we send our love to all our family and friends and wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. In this great work of the Lord you learn to wear many hats ie. Missionary, Branch President, negociator, contractor, inspectator, teacher, leader, counselor, shed builder, flat inspecter, communications center and the list goes on but all bring happiness to our lives and the service we are able give. To all the Elders we have served with this year we express our love and thanks for their devotion to our Father in Heaven and their dedication to the work.

The Galway Distict December 2008 Elder Anderson, Elder Bushnell (District Leader), Elder Barber and Elder Watts. Those who are learning to council, Eat Nigerian and Russian foods and even speak the languages.

The Work of Angelo Anghel the Romaian / Italain whose talents just continue to amaze us, especially in his Love and dedication to the Lord.

The Galway District of November 2008, Elder Barber, Elder Baughman (District Leader), Elder Anderson and Elder Watts those who have come to speak Italain.

Galway District of October 2008 Elder Elston, Elder Midgley, Elder Watts and Elder Rowley (District Leader) whose Faith and Love of the Lord changed the lives of eight of Father in Heavens children forever. Those who came into the Gospel beacuse of the Elders were Liliana Goncalves, Olanrewaju Alyande, Damain Flatley, Nathan Oloughlin, Alex Gibbons Vladimir Marcheivelli, Angelo Angel, Patrizia Cantalupo. Never a day of rain nor a day that this district did not pray for the people of this great city right along with the members of the Branch exercising their faith in the Lord for the increase and His help.

Galway District of September 2008 Elder Jensen, Elder Lawson, Elder Midgley, Elder Norwood, Elder Alexander who never stopped looking and who planted many gospel seeds and strengthened and established the church in Gort the city of Brazilian Saints.

The begining of the Construction of the new Branch church hall in Galway where for the first time they will have a place to call home and we can meet without being confronted with others pushing us out on there schedules.

The Beginning of the new Priesthood and Gospel Doctrine Room 26 by 13 foot room

The new Relief Society Room 26 by 14 feet and Gospel Priciples room.

The new Chapel area which will hold about 120 members and investigators and as you can see the ceiling is going in; however still has much more work to be done as the yellow wall will have two doors cut for exitsand the color of the walls will change. This will also be our cultural hall. The other rooms of which we will have 9 teaching stations will be used for Seminary and Institute as Sister Tolman and I teach those classes.

Contruction of the halls and offices in the facility. To the right is a door way into the chapel area and down the hall to the Branch Presidents office.

The Back hallway leading to the Kitchen, Priesthood, Relief Society, Primary, sunday school and clerks offices and rooms.

The hall entry way and the windows to the back of the Chapel area to let in natural sunlight.

The Back end of the Chapel area as construction began and under the black mat on the floor is a hard wood floor for the chapel but also the cultural hall.

Our ocean Baptismal Font at high tide about five meters deep of water you can see why we come at half tide.

The Road to Silver strand and as you can see we are in the fall and many of the leaves and green follage are gone from the trees but it is still a very peacfull way to the strand usually like a tunnel going through the trees hanging over the road.

Thatched roof business buildings in town and you can see a building without the thatching but getting ready to reapply the thaching. This art of thaching is dying out in Ireland near the cities.

One of the Main Galway harbour Quays where very large Swans swim all the time. In the background you can see some of the old Spanish architecture of the early settlers of Galway.

Our friend and member of the church a street sales person made this for us as he left for the year as a rememberance of him. We wish him well in his travels.

Special day for the O'Loughlin Sons of Sister Gibbons

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Nathan O'Loughlin and Brother William Lathen from Boise Idaho who was a missionary to Ireland in 1970 and is here is Galway on a sabbatical teaching tax law who baptised these two great boys. Alex O'Loughlin at Bills left was so prepared and loves the church and has waited for this whole last year for his baptism. Nathan had been in the water twice before but had such a fear of water that he could not go under so had to have many swimming lessons before this event could take place. He is a great young man and will be a great leader as will his brother in coming years. Bill became a real father and grand father figure to these boys.

Nathan and Alex with their mother Sister Michelle Gibbons a long time member and great strength to the Galway Branch. She now serves as the District Primary President and travels with her children to the different branches in the Limerick District. The travel to the farthest Branch is almost 5 hours.

Alex O'Loughlin an Irish boy with a strong testimony and enthusiam for the Gospel

Away to the Cliffs of Moher

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Looking down from the top of the Cliffs of Moher toward the north side looking toward Galway.

Looking down from the top of the Cliffs of Moher toward the north side looking toward Galway. Very Unique rock structures cut by the water against these old rock cliffs.

Large Crows at the Cliffs of Moher as they are in other parts of Ireland. Standing full up these birds are almost one foot tall from beak to toes and they are into anything. At this point one had hung himself inside a garbage can far enough to get a bag of food out and they were all gathering to have a meal.

This is a tower castle at a lookout point on the top of the cliffs of Moher and which was being refurbished for visitors to this point.

Looking south down the coast line at the cliffs of moher. Thousands of variety of birds live in these cliffs and they are over two hundred feet high. These cliffs were used in the movie Princes Bride.

Looking south down the coast line at the cliffs of moher.

A small valley on the way to the Cliffs of Moher and in the background a Tower castle which looks over this farm country.

A small valley on the way to the Cliffs of Moher looking out to the Atlantic ocean and the Aran Islands. Also a rare barb wire fence in this part of Ireland civilization creeping in.

This side of the Island has a lot of rock as seen here and almost all fences are made of rock and once built almost never get torn down and seem to stand forever.

The rock fences separate the land owned by different families and clans or tribes as they are called. As you can see they go right down into the water. These fences were built as the tide was out and remain showing whose part of the beach belonged to who.

Off in the distance you can see the Aran Islands which 7000 kilometers of rock fence and have lots of sheep and fishing as part of the making of their lives.

This is Black head point across the bay from Galway and named that way because of the Black rock which is in this area.

Black head point road for going to the cliffs of Moher on the northern end of the coast.

Into the Atlantic to bring home Fathers Children

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This is not in order but most important was this moment as we came out of the Atlantic Ocean and you could see the smiles on the faces of Angelo and Patrizia and they said when we came out of the water we felt so warm and clean and a new beginning in life.

Arms around one another as we went into the water there was no other place where they wanted to make covenants with the Lord than in the Ocean a small bit of cold was not to great a price for this new beginning.
Elder Elston, Angelo, Emanuele, Patrizia, Elder Rowley and Ruben. Emanuele is Italian and came all the way from Dublin to participate with this great couple and as you can see the wind was blowing but it felt warm to us and the sun had come through and the rain had stopped so all was great.

All of us just before we went into the ocean, the wind just about blew our hair away. Left to right Elder Elston who was a witness, Angelo, Elder Tolman, Patrizia her daughter Denise, Ruben their Son and Elder Rowley the other witness.
A very happy couple with their children and this night after the baptism Ruben came up and said he wanted to be baptised but in a warm pool.
Elder Elston, Angelo, Emanuele, Patrizia, Elder Rowley and Ruben.
Into the Ocean we went and they hand in hand to make a change in life that Patrizia had be looking for for over 15 years and the Lord put them in our path as they searched for a better life for their family.

The Silver Streak Galway to Limerick & Back

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Elder and Sister Tolman with William McCarthy who was baptised in 1982. His membership records had been lost and so was he; however the Lord directed him to us and we were able to reteach him the Gospel and on this day he is engaged in the Gospel and building his testimeony more each and so glad to be back in the church
Elder and Sister Tolman with the Italian family Angelo Anghel, Denise and mother Patrizia Cantalupo from Italy. They will be Baptised in the Alantic Ocean on October 19, 2008. When we asked them where they wanted to be baptised there response not Limerick in the Ocean. So now we figure out the tides and out to the beach for the baptism. They love the Gospel and Patti as she like to be called has waited for 15 years for the restored Gospel, and Angelo as he hears the message just say, "how profound and wonderful". They are both excited for this coming weekend. Angelo is Romanian but speaks Italian and english so helps his wife and children to understand. We use preach my Gospel in Italian which with the scriptures brings in the power of the spirit of the Lord.
The newest member to the family, Maya and we are so glad to see her and we have a new baby in the branch so Sister Tolman loves holding the little one as if she were holding her own grandchild.

A Picture from the past, to the left is the mission president Elder Broadbent and next is Elder Cuthburt all may know him as Hazel Dunsmores father that made it even more special as I knew him before also and helpped to establish the work in the south of Ireland.
This is the Limerick Ireland Branch and District building where we go for most of our baptisms and which 93 Kilometers from Galway.
Elder Watts on the left with Vladimir from Georgia out of the old Russia and was baptised 10/12/2008. What a wonderful experience teaching this good brother and seeing him come into the church. He said" I feel so clean, sins are washed away and gone I can now move forward. Elder Midgely to the right who performed the Baptism. Another example of the many languages we are dealing with these days in the mission field.
Elder and Sister Tolman with Vladimir what a sweet giving man he is. When he recieved the Book of mormon he read it twice in three days and said he knew it was true. It is intersting to know the church had crossed his path before but he had made no connection until now.

The Land of Connemara Ireland & Galway Branch Baptisms

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This is a Connemara Pony. They are protected horses in the Connemara national Park to help keep this breed of Irish pony pure and from being killed off.
Looking toward the north and west coast of Ireland from the heights of the Connemara mountains were they mine out the Connemara marble which is used in Irish jewelry.
Elders Elston & Rowley with Olanrewaju Alayande & Damien Flatley. Ola is from Nigeria and Damien from Ireland. The two of three Baptisms this month of September 2008
Olanrewaju Alayande & Damien Flatley with Elder Tolman & Brother Coleman Curran of the Galway Branch Ireland. Ola is from Nigeria and Damien from Ireland. The two of three Baptisms this month of September 2008

Signs in Connemara park and along the Roads in English and Irish and that is the way it is all over the republic of Ireland; however in Galway they speak the Irish a lot and there schools, news papers and other documents come out in the Irish language.

This is a beautiful lake in the Connemara National park very calm and peaceful This is a view from the bottom of the trails in the park. This is like pikes peak in the Unitas.
The Irish Country side looking out over the land from up on the Connemara mountains.
Looking toward the East of Ireland from the Connemara mountains and yes Ireland does have High mountains in the north and Western side of Ireland where the English drove all the Irish and where 14 English Lords governed over the people for years. This part of Ireland is filled with rock fences because it is all very rocky in this part of Ireland. Yet the foliage is beautiful.

Baptism in Galway one of four 2008

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Meet Wilson and Liliana. She is the newest member of the Galway Branch. She is the first of four Baptisms that we will be having this month of September. The other three will be three men, one Irish, one South African, one from Georgia a Russian.
Wilson and Liliana with Elder and Sister Toman at the Limerick Chapel prior to her Baptism.
Wilson and Liliana with Elder Elston and Elder Rowley who helped to teach her in Portugese. Wilson is from Brazil and Liliana is from Portugal. They met in Portugal and were married and immigrated to Ireland. We had the special blessing of helping this family to come together in the Gospel and in a year before we come home we hope to see them off to the Temple for an eternal marriage. Wilson is a returned missionary who served in New Jersey Portugese speaking in the Morris town mission and was so greatful for the help in bringing his sweet wife into the church.

Galway Branch Party The international Branch

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The Galway Branch 33 of its members gathered in a town of Gort 25 kilometers outside of Galway where the Brazilian members live. In this picture are Russian, Latvian, south african, Irish, English, Russian Georgians and of course the missionaries.
From right to left Elder Midgley, Tolman, Brother Adirson Leal a Brizalian Elders Rowley, Elston, Watts. All of us are learning portugese
Sister Tolman with Khanansi a south Africa.
The getting ready to play a game of friendly soccor of course after great Brazialian food.
Elza and her youngust son gliarmie, he was not sure about all these people and was tired.

The First beginnings of the Branch in Limerick Ireland

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This was where the first Branch met in Limerick in 1964 and the first family was confirmed members of the church, Brother and sister long and their six children.
This was number 18 upper mallow street where the Elders lived in 1964
Number 10 Lower mallow street where the Branch hall was located.
The Bunratty castle outside of Limerick one of the oldest castles
A 16th century 400 year old cabinet with religious carvings in the Bunratty castle.

Liosbaun Branch Hall before constructiion Pictures 2008

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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

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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

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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.

2008-07-15T21:14:00.001-07:00

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.

2008-07-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

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!