Day 12: A New Family Tree

Getting to and from church took about as much time as church itself. And after one bus ride, two tube transfers totaling an hour underground, and a ten minute walk, a tell-tale white steeple came into view. The Lea Valley ward.

We were assigned to our various wards this week, and today was the first day. We walked in the door and were immediately welcomed by smiling faces of every nationality, shaking hands, hugs, and friendly hellos. I could tell I was already part of a very diverse family tree. I've been assigned to serve in the primary- probably playing the piano, teaching now and then, and just helping keep the kids reverent. (Which has been difficult, I hear).

The small church building, including the chapel, meeting rooms, bathrooms, and offices, is about the size of my cultural hall back home. It consists of one hall, with rooms on either side. And, though small, it contains some of the happiest, most loving people I've ever met.

Bishop Vincent- A very soft spoken, good hearted man, he has a little girl named Sophie, and a darling wife named Natalie. Sophie is cute, and she knows it. And I was just a little distracted by her antics during the first block.

Brother Ojo- One of the counselors in the bishopric, he is sincere and talkative and fun to joke around with. He walked us nearly to the tube station, and laughed with us all the way.

Michael- Brother Ojo's 9 year old son. Sort of a trouble maker in primary, but a good kid none the less. He says "I'm smart, but I pretends like I'm not." (Because he doesn't want to show off). And he talked with me and Rachel for an hour after church. He's promised to have a good joke for me next week. He is going to be one of my favorite friends here, I think.

Esther- Brother Ojo's 7 year old daughter. Quiet, yet saucy, and quite the little lady. She tells me she reads fast, types fast, and is very smart. (Smarter than Michael even). And she sang for the school talent show last year.

Grandma Emma- An 82 year old woman from Nigeria, who loves everyone, hugs everyone, and makes everyone her own from the first moment you meet. I'm supposed to call her grandma. Don't mind if I do.

Alexis- A Scottish girl with crazy curly dark brown hair and a thick Scottish accent. Funny, and eccentric. And really down to earth.

Sean- One of the sunbeams... who likes to put cookies in his eyes and pretend they are glasses.

Jemma- Who is quiet, and studios, and one of the best examples in the primary. She gave a wonderful talk today and let me sit by her in sunday school.

I felt so at home. So happy to sit with these people in their little nook in the world and learn from them and talk with them and laugh with them too.

***

The sky outside is lavendar. I've never seen a lavendar sky.