On Sunday, Oct. 18th we went to church at the Birmingham ward. The people were very kind and welcoming, and we had nice visits with many of them. My last class, Relief Society, ended early, so I took the opportunity to go listen to the children in Primary who were practicing for their upcoming sacrament meeting program. They were in the chapel, and I slipped into the back to watch them. I'm so glad that I did! There was such a sweet spirit in there. I counted how many kids and teachers/leaders there were. 13 kids, 7 teachers/leaders! They sang out beautifully, though. Just before they finished for the day, their chorister told a story about an experience she had a few years ago. A boy in their ward, whose younger brother is now in their Primary, died from complications with Chicken Pox. Their Primary children were asked to sing "I am a Child of God" at the funeral and she led them. She said that as they sang, she heard different parts to the music that she had never heard before and it sounded glorious. She knew that angels were singing with them! So sweet.

After church we went over to Barbara's son James and Rachel's home for lunch. Bill and Barbara met us there, too. James and Rachel have 2 sons, Cameron (13) and Morgan (10). They had made a wonderful meal of casserole, sandwiches, salads, mini sausages, cake and apple crumble with optional custard and cream. Mmm. We had a wonderful visit with them. They are a great family, and have a nice spirit in their home. Rachel is so sweet and thoughtful. Josh and Tyler had good times with Cameron and Morgan. They passed around a rugby ball after their boys showed our boys how to throw it, and tried to fly their drone, and visited. Cameron especially wants to come visit the states and had questions for us about things at home. We told him to come stay with us :). They just might.

After a while, Bill and Barbara had to leave because they had a supper party for a friend's birthday. Our family kept visiting for a while longer. We stayed for a total of 6 hours! Rachel asked a few questions about our religion and we had quite a good and lengthy discussion about churches and religion. They are very active in their church as well. 

Josh, Tyler, James, Morgan, Cameron

Bill, Barbara, Rachel, Michelle, Dave, James

James and Rachel's neighbor makes fun things out of old propane tanks!

We went over to Peter and Elaine's house for dinner. She made salad, spagetti and vegetables. Then we had fruit with custard, and leftover trifle for dessert. We are getting spoiled!