REMEMBERING LEAH

Leah Maureen Godfrey returned to Heavenly Father on April 26, 2011 leaving children, grandchildren,  great grandchildren and friends much better for having known and loved her.  This is Allan's beautiful tribute to his Mother.

                                                              TRIBUTE TO LEAH


Sitting here, deep in melancholy reflections about our dear Mother, I find myself longing to be with brothers and sisters—that we might share, and remember, and appreciate. Each of us has our own memories which, when mingled with others, takes on new and enhanced meaning.

I remember her hands. Delicate—lady’s hands—rendered a little less perfect by the toil of life’s demands. Hands which cooked, and sewed, and crafted, and swept and mopped and drove. Hands which soothed and comforted and healed and held.

I remember her smile. Pleasant, charming—a friendly smile, a loving smile, a smile from the heart. Often the smile became a laugh. On occasion even, when with that bevy of beauties who were her sisters, the laugh became a giggle. Her laugh celebrated a good joke.

I remember her beauty – tall, slim and raven-haired. The observations of our friends, “Your mom sure is pretty.” The beauty I saw then was her lemon pies, salmon gravy, warm fresh rolls, and green jello with celery, peas and carrots. That beauty, carefully defined by a young Peter – “Those WEMON pies are WEEWEE good!” Later, her beauty came from her gifts of sacrifice, her spiritual depth, her kindness and her love. This, an ethereal and inherent beauty, was the most memorable and lasting of all.

I remember her character. I use carefully chosen adjectives – strong, honest, loyal, industrious, patient, respectful, tenacious, wise. She had integrity, she had alacrity, she had charity, she had compassion. Compassion indeed -- for all of God’s creatures. Quote, “Why do you boys always want to shoot pigeons or sparrows or gophers—living things? Why can’t you shoot cans or bottles or rocks?” She persisted in this vein until her compassion ultimately took the fun out of our cruelty.

For me, Mom was a metaphor of God’s beautiful creations. Her life was long, it was full, it was pure, it was productive, it was substantive. She left an honorable, fruitful and laudable legacy. For all of us who are her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, her friends, her neighbors she gave us a great example. We honor her, we love her, and we will miss her.

Albanian Adventure

Last week we made a trip to Tirana, Albania to visit the Centers there and do some training with the couples serving in 3 cities in Albania.  Everyone who had been there had great stories and advice about how "3rd world" it was.  Needless to say, after living in India for 2 years, Albania had no surprises.  We found it to be interesting to see how they are working hard to rebuild their society after being repressed for so many years.  They have painted their buildings bright colors and have cleaned up and rebuilt so much.  They appeared to be a friendly and ambitious people. 

We had such a great experience with the church members there; especially the YSAs as we spend 3 days at their Center.  They are excited about the gospel and trying hard to be involved.  There were about 25 at most of the classes and activities.  They are developing good leadership skills and many serving missions.  We had wonderful training sessions with the couples and YSA committee.

One morning the couples serving there took us to a village high in the mountains where there are ruins, fantastic views, and a rich local culture.  It was so fun to see the place and people and how they live so simply.  It was just how I had imagined it would be.

We are so thankful for this blessing in our lives to serve this mission with the Centers for Young Adults.  This was our first of many visits to see first hand how the Centers are building testimonies and future leaders in these developing countries.  This is truly an inspired program that is strengthening  the young people in this part of the Lord's kingdom.

Can't Get Enough Flowers

O.K., I can't get enough of the beauty here during spring.  The tulips are to die for and the are everywhere; sometimes growing up in lawns.

Our office has to have of bit of the wonder, my MAN included.

In the evening (now it is light here until 8:30) or on Saturday we love to ride the train downtown to the plaza which is always bustling, beautiful and so interesting.  The buildings are amazing and we can get a yummy bratwurst and people watch or do a little shopping.  The open markets have wonderful fruits and veggies.

Of course there is always a number of musicans, especially the accordian players and lively German music.  (he doesn't look too German).  It is a grand place to enjoy spring.
Today we are celebrating our 40th anniversary.  It is hard to believe that I have had the love of my life with me that long.  Yet I can hardly remember life without him.  Allan is my rock and makes my life so complete and fun.  I  love , respect and adore him and am immensly  grateful for our promise of eternal companionship.  Who would have guessed that this is where we would be celebrating this momenteous day.

ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY

Well it is hard to believe that we have ONLY been here a month.  It really feels like home and things have settled into a comfortable routine.  We are absolutely absorbed from the moment we step into our office until we stagger out 10 hours later.  Some days are way too stressful but they are now becoming the exception rather than the norm-yipee!  We are blessed to be getting a part time secretary next week which will  make life so much easier (we hope).   Without going into a lengthly detail, this was a explicit "tender mercy".  We met her today and she was actually born in the U.S. and came to Germany in the military, married a German and has lived here for 20 years.
Spring continues to be so enjoyable here.  I have never seen so many daffodils and tulips everywhere.  Last year all the couples went to Amsterdam this time of the year to the tulip festival and are still raving about it.  Maybe that is why the Mission Pres. put the "kibosh" on it.  But we already have a plan (legitimate) for next year.

We went on another adventure last weekend to Braunfels .  It is another beautiful drive, about 1 hour, to this small village with a tremendous castle that is partially occupied by family decendents.  It was a perfect day.  The castle was built in the 1200's and has been preserved so well and had a warmth that was hard to describe.

We had a tour inside by an old German guy with a really thick accent who was hilarious He had been to Texas so thought he knew everything about the U.S.  There was amazing artwork and furnishings and old armour inside.  We spent the afternoon walking the village, lunch at a sidewalk cafe and entertainment by local musicans.  A bit of heaven.

I rescued Allan at the end just in time to come home.

We had a great Family Home Evening with one of the Centers for Young Adults.  They are such great young people.  They speak in German to each other and during lessons, etc. but they all can speak some English and are so kind and welcoming to us.  They love to hang out at the Center and eat together, play sports or just sit an talk.  We hear reports from different Centers of a temple marriage , mission calls, and baptisms and reactivations.  Wonderful things are happening.