life in Wales

Hi, Hello, Greetings, and salutations from the lush green and SUNNY land of
Wales! Once more I’m grateful for your E-mails and I have to express my gratitude for the ridiculous amounts of sun that we have been experiencing here, it has been sunny the last 3 days and I think I even got a tiny little burn on my nose! IT’S AMAZING

Well, back home things seem to be going amazing as well. The St. George
McKenna’s are doing well, with Jeff coaching his football team with a Skouser (a
guest coach from Liverpool) and preparing to take his team all the way to the
state cup and claiming it in just six weeks! Which if claimed then a reward
trip to the land of amazing footballers (England) will be earned. Dad really
enjoyed his birthday with a trip to Palm Springs and Jeff’s present was
apparently the highlight of the day, the most unique, and was so good that I think he should consider giving that present at least one more time :P. In
answer to mom’s question… I came to know that Sister Bullock was President
Packers daughter through word of mouth (because the Bullocks never talk about
it, it is strictly taboo to speak about) but it was confirmed when an Elder
Reidhead, shook President bullocks hand and then went on to shake Sister
Bullock’s hand and when he did he made this comment… ‘you know sister Bulloc
every time I hear President Packer I can’t help but think that you’re his
daughter’… after the deplorable words were said there was no taking it back I
stood in fear as I witnessed the most awkward scene of my life unfold, Sis.
Bullock said nothing but ‘yes…’ and then… nothing, there was nothing said fo
about 30 seconds just the two of them standing there! I half expected Elder
Reidhead to burst into flames and melt into oblivion, needless to say all the
missionaries just know that Sister Bullock is President Packer’s daughter but no
one ever mentions it. Anyways, the Lord continues to bless the McKenna family
far more then we all deserve :).

Now, onto life in Wales; there have been a few things that have happened
this week which are worth writing about… First Wales is a different country to
England and you better never make a comment that combines Wales and England
together, for they are different :) (Even though they are exactly the same)…
Second, the Welch language is ridiculously hard and even though the people born
in Wales learn the language in school and are extremely proud that they have one
of the oldest European languages, no one knows how to speak it! Except for the
occasional old Welshman… And third this is the Lords work... I would like to
share with you an experience that Elder Eichelberger and I had just yesterday
when we went to an appointment in the middle of what is called a ‘council
estate’. Now I can’t recall if I have ever explained a council estate befor
but basically think of North Las Vegas and you have what is a council estate.
We had the appointment at 1600, it was a beautifully sunny day, and when we
arrived at their house Heidi and Gareth (the two people whom we were coming to
see) were sitting in their front garden in the sun with about 8 other friends
all of which were different ages and quite angry. Our conversation started off
pretty contentious but after a bit they started to settle down, then eventually
they sat down on the grass, and Elder Eichelberger and I began to teach. The
Lord then poured his Spirit upon us in great measure. As we spoke the Spirit
was felt by all and the faces of those listening changed from anger, lack of
interest, and even hate to a greater understanding of the truths. The way I
felt as I shared the Gospel with those children of God will never be forgotten.
Their questions went from foolish and entrapping to sincere and genuine; their
hearts went from hard and unbreakable to soft and ‘squishy’ and the Love of the
Lord was felt by all present. Once more, I most proclaim who can possibly deny
the power of God or of the Holy Ghost! Here were people that were out for blood
seeking to humiliate and yet by the end they were quiet, contemplative, and
pensive. And the best part is that it had absolutely nothing to do with myself
or Elder Eichelberger it had everything to do with the Lord and the power of his
Spirit! The Church is true, the Plan of Salvation is from God, He does love us
and he truly wants us to become as he is and return to be in his presence.
These things I know and there is no power on the whole of the Earth that can
bring this witness to me or to anyone but our Father which is in Heaven! And I
will do this work, and I will have hard time, and I will do whatever he requires
of me in utmost gratitude and humility for the beautiful knowledge he has given
me of the truth!

With all the love my feeble and weak heart can give,
Elder McKenna

P.S. I didn’t ever get to see that Picture of Max and Elvis…

P.P.S. Tell Connor’s mom that she should tell him that HE BETTER REPLY!