For the first time, I feel that I don't have much to say on the happenings of the day. We went to church in Cardiff, in a ward this time, rather than a branch. There was a significant difference in amount of people between Cork last week (was that only a week ago? It feels more like a month!) and Cardiff today, but both congregations were thankful to see their buildings so full. The bishop here and the branch president last week were both incredibly young; I'd say late twenties, early thirties for both. They were also very knowledgeable about the gospel and the doctrine. In Cork, the branch president conducted, gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting, AND taught Sunday School. I've already mentioned how small that tiny branch was, but the members were so humble and so faithful that it hardly seemed small.
The same is true here in Cardiff, though the numbers are considerably larger. I am so impressed with these people who are so in the minority as far as religion is concerned yet they are so devoted to this gospel. How impressed and humbled I have been to be in the presence of such strong saints.
On a similar note, one thing that struck me as we had testimony meeting was how very constant the church is. I'm halfway around the world and yet church meetings are being conducted in the same manner as they are back home. What a joy it is to know that the gospel is the same, and the church is mostly run the same way, no matter where you are in the world! There is so little uniformity in the world of religion that I consider this to be one of the biggest blessings (and testaments of the truthfulness of the gospel!) of all.
We went to St. Fagan's after church, which is a manor-like castle surrounded by a little village that kind of gives you an idea what life was like back in Medieval Wales. The setup was quite similar to Bunratty Castle in Ireland, though the castle itself was from a different time.
We wandered the grounds and gardens and found some wonderfully picturesque places to pose in. :) We found the little chapel where church services were held then, and I was struck by the similarity it held to the little church in which Mr. Collins gives his sermons in the more recent Pride and Prejudice movie. We had some fun there and I'm pretty sure Alexis got some interesting photos of me. :)
After St. Fagan's, we wandered Cardiff. Believe it or not, our bus driver took us on a surprise visit to the Millennium Centre so that we could all get pictures! I think I have around ten total of that building, but it's just so cool! Our directors are both very into BBC (or at least their wives are!) and so they were as happy with the surprise as we were.
(Someone asked whether Doctor Who was fiction or non-fiction (obviously someone who's never seen the show!) and when our directors replied with the obvious answer, the bus driver immediately jumped in and said "Doctor Who's NOT fiction." :) )
Aside from that, our wandering took us to Cardiff Castle (it was closed, but we got some nice pictures from outside), which has been compared to Disney's castles. It may have even been a model for Cinderella's castle in WDW. Alexis saw a rat running along a wall outside of the castle, so we didn't venture too much closer. :) After the castle was the Millennium Stadium, where Rugby is played. And then back to the hotel. Still no internet, though I am hoping to rectify this as soon as possible.
Plans have changed yet again for July 2! We are spending the morning in Cardiff so people can buy their souvenirs and then going straight to Bath where we will tour the Roman Bathhouse. Considering my interest in all things Roman, I am very happy with this plan. Plus it gives me time to find a postcard from Cardiff for Michelle.
More later!
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