The Christmas Rap.

Over the past few weeks, the missionaries in Belfast and Lisburn have been given an early curfew at night because of the protests and riots happening in the area at the moment. So, we questioned what the boys have been up to in all their spare time and this is what we heard back.

It is a christmas rap sung and played on the guitar by Elder O'Rourke to the Meyer clan. You may need to listen a few times to really hear the words, but the lyrics will be below.

Note: It make take a little to load. If you are unable to hear it, please leave a comment to let me know.

Yo, Christmas in Northern Ireland.
Attempt number six, yo.
Attempt number six, ahh-hh.
Attempt number six, yo. Uh huh uhuh. Yeahh

It feels like Christmas ah around me,
though some people I love are across the sea.
And some things I wish for,
just can't be.
Still feels like Christmas,
and Ireland's so good to me.

Yo, yo.
And there's the Christmas market down in Belfast city
where they hung all the lights and it looks so pretty, yo.
Merry Christmas to Northern Ireland
from the men in black, from the holy men.
We got name tags yo and these fresh suits too.
We got fitted white tops, sturdy soled shoes
that we walk on, ah running these streets everyday.
Then some people shout and some others they say,
"Hey, hey, what are you doing with those suits and those backpacks?"
"We're preaching for God my soul brother. Can you get with that?"
Ahh hhaha. Yeaah.

It still feels like Christmas ah around me,
though some people I love are across the sea.
And some things I wish for,
just can't be.
Still feels like Christmas,
and Ireland's so good to me.

Yo, aa-yo.
We're gunna list some wishes of the Meyer clan,
and we'll start with Sarah, and she wants a man ahuh.
"Santa, make them black if you possibly can.
I like the real dark skin, a Hopoate tan"
"A rugby star, well that's a real tall order.
I'll see what I can do but he might be white and shorter."

And yo, next is Laura.
And we are going to sort her.
She wants wavy hair of a celestial order.
"Yo, Santa can you bring me that crazy machine
then I'll be a brunette beauty, an Australian dream."

And Ben just wants to be the big star of the team.
Give him a hundred tries and make him look real mean.
And Santa if you can't remember one simple thing,
he'll hit you so hard that your ears are gunna ring.

And it's Christmas around me,
though some people I love are across the sea.
And some things I wish for,
just can't be.
Still feels like Christmas,
and Ireland's so good to me.

Yo, yo.
And let's not forget ah the big man Josh.
Getting the big shoes and making him look all posh
So that when he strolls by all the pretty school girls,
they get sweaty and maybe even so nervous they hurl.

And yo, even though Rachel moved far away,
we got to put in a request for Santa's big day.
She wants a ride in the sleigh,
a pile of cash monnnnayee yay (money)
Blessed drive rae with the Mercedes.

Yo, Andy and Sheri just want a quiet way.
A little peace from the kids.
Ay, put your clothes away, and turn that music down
and pick that rubbish up
and if you fluff one more time you'll be pressing your luck.

'Cause it's Christmas ah around me,
though some people I love are across the sea.
And some things I wish for,
just can't be.
Yo, still feels like Christmas ahuh,
and Ireland's so good to me ahuh, yeah.
In Ireland, it feels like Christmas
and Ireland's so good to me-ee ahh.

And it feels like Christmas and Ireland's so good to me-eee.

Traditions from Home.

In the Meyer household, it is tradition to open a present before Christmas Day. This is always a new pair of pyjamas to wear over the remainder of the Christmas season. So, to make Christmas in Ireland feel a little like home for Jared, we sent him and his companion Elder O'Rourke, who feels like part of the family, some t-shirts to wear to bed.

We like to keep this tradition personalised, with each of us receiving pyjamas that reflect who we are or even make a little mock of our personality. It's all in good fun! Hope you enjoy.

Baptism in Lisburn.

This is a snippet of Elder Meyers email from before Christmas on December 18th 2012.

"My week went well, we had an all Ireland conference and Elder Kearon, a general authority, was there. He spoke to us. It was really good, I enjoyed it. I was lucky enough to get a hug from him also which was cool, I can now say that I have hugged a general authority."

Ireland Zone Missionaries with Elder Kearon, the Mission President and his wife.

"We also had the baptism of Alannah Vient. She is the niece of a member in our ward.  It was such a good experience for her, her family and us as missionaries. There were a lot of people, family and friends, there who are not members, so that was great to see. The spirit filled the room and I know Alannah was able to feel it too."

Elder Meyer and Elder O'Rourke with Alannah and her uncle.

A Car! Just in time for the snow.

Here are some snippets from Elder Meyer's latest email sent December 10th, 2012:

"It's been really cold lately. It hasn't snowed yet but I hear it is forecast to snow this Friday, so I will wait and see what happens. The grounds of a morning have been icy and I have lost my balance a couple of times. I haven't experienced this weather and the icy grounds before so I am not used to walking on it."

"Some good news this week, we are getting a car for the Lisburn area on Thursday! We have an all Ireland conference this Thursday where we will pick it up. I am so excited!! It will be such a benefit, as we will be able to teach more lessons which will be great! We also won't need to ask others for lifts, and we can go see more people. It is going to be fun! I am nervous to drive, but I think it will be fine. They drive on the same side so it won't be a hassle, and it is an automatic!"

"We have a baptism next Saturday. Alannah Vient is her name. She goes to university in England but will be getting baptised here in Lisburn with her family. It should be really good!" 

"So all is going well, and I can't wait to speak to the family on Christmas day. I miss you all and love you so much, Take care, Bye"

Celebrating Across the Globe.

Here is a photo of Elder Meyer and his companion Elder O'Rourke celebrating Sarah's graduation! 

"I am happy that Sarah is nearly done with the HSC. That is so awesome. She will feel so much better once she is done. All the best with your last exam Sarah, I know you are getting excited as it will be your very last one. That will be such a good feeling when you finish on Friday. I will be thinking of you."

Looks like this companionship is a fun one. So glad they will be together for Christmas.

Accomplishing Goals

Transfers (moves) this week... 

Elder Meyer will be staying in Lisburn, 

with his companion Elder O'Rourke. 

"Well I can tell you about moves.. I will be staying in Lisburn with Elder O'Rourke, I am happy about that as I wanted to stay. So I will be in Lisburn for Christmas which I am excited about. This moves is going to be fun, and really awesome." 

Elder Meyer is ever-growing in the Lord's work and for himself as his testimony strengthens and personal/companionship goals are accomplished. Here are a few snippets from Elder Meyer's emails over the last few weeks..

On November 5th he writes, "This past week we reached the 20 lessons! It was a blessing.. In fact, it was the first time on my mission I have taught the whole 20 lessons for the week. I am happy, I am excited for another week. We shall see great things happen!" 

On November 19th he writes, "Another week has passed by, I love it how they just go by so fast! That means my mission is going to go really fast and next month it will be 6 months I have been out on my mission! That is really crazy, I can't believe that. Well, we taught 23 lessons this past week, so that was really good. 3 Lessons above our weekly goal. Hopefully we will see more success like this in Lisburn and see some miracles happen!" 

And to finish with Elder Meyer's testimony, to leave you all warm inside:

Elder Meyer writes, "I am grateful to have come here on my mission. I am especially grateful that I have been able to be that example to others and my little brothers, Ben and Josh. I wanted to go on a mission so that they will see how a mission blesses your life. I am grateful for their choice to go on a mission at an early age, just like me, when I decided to go at an early age. All the best with everything this coming week, I love you all!"

Birthday Celebrations.

"Thanks for the birthday messages everyone. I had a great birthday, I really enjoyed it. I took my companion out to lunch to a Chinese buffet, which was so nice. Then, later, at about 7:30pm, my companion told me to put on this blindfold. So I did, and I got put into a car and taken to a members home. They had a surprise birthday party waiting for me. My companion had organised it all. It was so good, I loved it! I also got an avengers cake, it was so yummy. We also played games like 'Guess that Celebrity' which was fun." - Elder Meyer

It's Elder Meyer's Birthday!

Even though Elder Meyer is across the globe, far from home, we thought we would celebrate with family his birthday anyway. With cake, candles, party hats, birthday songs, and more, we hope Elder Meyer has a very happy and as Jared would say, "awesome" day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELDER MEYER!

We love you! :)

Sing along as we wish Elder Meyer a Happy Birthday.

A "Wee" Report on the Lisburn Elders.

Here, is a copy of an email that was sent to the Mission President from one of the senior missionary couples who work over in Ireland.

President Brown,

We thought you might appreciate a wee report on the Lisburn elders as it is all good.

I am assigned as the high councillor to the Lisburn Ward. This morning I attended their ward council meeting. It was a good meeting and the elders came in and gave a short report on their progress record. Elder O’Rourke had Elder Meyer give the report and was probably the first time he has ever given the report himself. He was scared out of his wits, but he just kept plugging away and in the end it was a good report. For him, it was an excellent exercise in being stretched past where he perhaps thought he could go.

Tonight, Sister Blickenstaff and I attended their ward’s musical fireside about the Book of Mormon. Elder O’Rourke and Elder Meyer each sang a solo! I know that Elder Meyer has never done anything remotely close to that in his life. He was brilliant. We were so proud of him. We know he was scared, but he did not show it and it did not come across in his voice. He was fabulous.

Elder O’Rourke has a beautiful voice and he sang like a champion, especially on three days notice because of the transfer.

We talked to them for a few minutes after the fireside and they were on their way home to break their fast.

We just wanted you to know those are two obedient and faithful elders and we love them.

Elder & Sister Blickenstaff

Meet the new companion, Elder O'Rourke.

"Elder O'Rourke is from the east coast of America. He was born in Virginia, and he moved around alot to places like Ohio, , Philipedia, he went to BYU provo and now his parents are now in Chicago.  They moved alot to do with his dad's work. He can sing really good. He seems to dress nicely. He has a good sense of style. He is really loving and caring for ward members, and he is a good missionary. I think I am going to like him." - Elder Meyer

'Moves' Day.

Short snippet from Elder Meyer's email today:

Last night we got our moves call! and I will be staying in Lisburn. I am getting a new companion. His name is Elder O' Rourke. He is another American and just finished training someone in my group from the MTC. 

I am nervous as it will all be new again. I am going to miss Elder Edmiston! He has been a good companion. He is moving back to Scotland, to a place called Paisley. 

But yeah, moves day is on Wednesday so I will meet him then. So I am still in Lisburn for another transfer! We will see what happens after 6 more weeks.

Transfers are coming!

We are still receiving emails from Elder Meyer each week. Some a little more personal than others. But I wanted to write this short post to let you all know he is going great. It is now the 11th week out on the mission field. So with transfers coming up really fast, we are eager to learn where Elder Meyer will be for the next month or so. Will he stay in his first area of Lisburn? Will he venture elsewhere in Ireland, or even Scotland? Will he get a new companion? Or will he stay with Elder Edmiston? We are all very excited but anxious at the same time. What new challenges and experiences will Elder Meyer encounter on the next phase of his mission? As you hopefully heard in his voice recording, he loves his companion, Elder Edmiston. They have become like brothers, and the best of friends. We are praying that the next transfer will be just the same. Another new best friend, in a new and exciting area! And I'm sure it will be. Watch this space for information on transfers, coming next week.

All About Elder Edmiston

Elder Meyer has voice recorded himself talking about his current companion, Elder Edmistion.

Wedding in my First Area.

Weekly snippets from Elder Meyer's email (August 28th, 2012):

Hey Everyone, 

Ahh I just love hearing from you guys each week, I always get excited and happy when we go emailing, Just to let you know this week has been different, as it's 'moves' week, and I am emailing on tuesday instead of monday. Moves week is when P-DAY is changed so that missionaries can move to another area, but P-day is normal every other week. Me and elder edmiston are staying with each other as he is training me, and we stay together for 12 weeks, after that I will get a new companion.

This past week, um its sort of been slow a bit, but we actually had ex-changes again, last tuesday, and I went to Portadown again, and I was with Elder Coombs. he is a really nice missionary, he is from south carolina, and he loves his hunting, which was cool. we went to a members home and had dinner, and also saw another person and taught him the plan of salvation which was good. I said a couple things, I did my best I said what I could say. We also taught our investigator, his name is Glen Spense, it would be good if you pray for him. We taught him the gospel of jesus christ, which went well, I said a little, it was alright.

It was fun, yesterday me and my companion played around the flat and had some fun, we were shooting rubber bands at each other and playing with the ball you had sent in the package. 

I have been still missing home, and still am shy and nervous around members and investigators and other missionaries, but I might overcome it overtime. it is still the start of my mission still so yeah.  I am trying to work on being brave and have courage to stand strong as I want to finish my mission I don't want to go home and not accomplish it, I know I can accomplish it and finish my mission it's just hard at the start being away from home and being homesick alot, but I will work on it and become better. I still love the area and love teaching the people and the ward members are really nice and I love them also.

Ah just before I came to email today I experienced a wedding, it was a recent convert's wedding and he was marrying a girl in the ward. they looked really happy together. the ceremony was at the chapel. It is really cool because I now I have experienced a wedding in my first area. 

David and Everlyn's Wedding

I love you guys so much and miss you heaps, I am still hanging in there and I know that everything will be fine and I will be able to improve and become better. I love you guys again, and wish you all the best in this next week. Love you Bye 

Elder Meyer

Flat in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

So we stalked down Elder Meyer's address on google maps and have pictures of his flat. You've got to love this technology. Apparently, the missionary flat is down the back of this beautiful house.

A P-Day of Cooking. Yum.

Here are snippets from Elder Meyers email on August 20th, 2012:

Hey Everyone, 

This week has been alright, those potentials that we tried.. they weren't there, and so we were unable to teach them. we left our phone number on a card but I don't think they will call, we will have to wait and see what happens.

I had my second ex-change this past week, I went with this missionary his name was Elder Moore, he is from utah. I didn't lead as I went to his area, which was a place called Portadown. When I was with him in his area we went to a member families home and had dinner, and we taught a couple. We taught the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I shared my testimony. 

Also this past week we had zone conference, last wednesday, it was good. I was able to see the mission president, President Brown which was good. I also had to bear my testimony as I was new but I saw 3 other missionaries from my MTC group which was good. I also said the closing prayer.

Ah hey I got the voice recorder, as I loved it so much, I loved hearing you all I miss hearing your voices, some of the kids made me laugh, and my companion said that he loves my family he thinks my family is cool, and he loved the accents as well he noticed it in dad's voice. I will try and start one and start recording myself saying a few things.

Ah and Rachel sent me the blog in the mail and what it looks like! I love it, it is really cool. I love all the photos it's awesome, hope it all goes well. I don't think I can go on to the blog website, but you can just keep sending it and seeing what it looks like. Thanks so much, I love how she is doing this, it's a great idea and everyone can see how I am going. 

Ah I forgot to mention this week as I was on ex-changes, my companion found a new investigator which is another members boyfriend, and I was able to meet him as my companion and the elder he was with was able to get another appointment in on friday and we went and taught him the plan of salvation. my companion and the elder he was with were able to teach the restoration the first lesson, so I came in and we did the second lesson and he is really keen. he wants to be baptized, he knows the book of mormon is true and that thomas s. monson is a true prophet. But that is really cool, he wants to be baptized which is awesome, I can't wait I might have a baptism in my first area which will be good. 

Anyway I should go out and enjoy my P-DAY. me and my companion are going to cook today. I am going to cook my fudgy wudgy cookies and he is going to cook cinnamon rolls. so we are going to do that as well and we will clean our flat, as we have flat inspection this thursday so yeah. 

anyways I will let you guys go, I wish I could keep writing to you guys, I miss you so much, I love you guys so much and wish I was back home with you guys. 

LOVE YOU HEAPS

Elder Meyer

New Experiences, New Challenges.

Here are some snippets from Elder Meyer's email on August 13th, 2012.

Hey Everyone, 

Yes it's another P-Day, WOOHOO, Thank you so much for all your emails I love reading them each week. I have been getting your letters as well, I love getting the letters from you guys and I love the cards you send me, they are so funny. Ahh and thank you so much for what was in the packages, I got the greeny package when I arrived at the mission home, and I just got the other packages just last week on Tuesday. I loved the flags, my companion stuck one on the desk in our flat, we are unable to stick it on the wall as the blu-tac rips off the paint. My companion doesn't want to try vegemite he said it looks gross. I got some vegemite before you sent me the package with the vegemite in it. they sell vegemite here, I was so happy so I bought some.

This week was an alright week, we did a lot of door knocking, which is tiring some days, and hard as people don't want to listen. I just want to teach people. I think this week I am getting better with homesickness, I still miss you guys, but it has been good. I still worry about being shy and nervous, and I am quiet most times around members and other missionaries. 

We did teach a guy, his name was Joe Ward. We saw him twice this past week and my companion committed him to come to church but he didn't come. He said that if I don't come to church then don't even bother coming back to my house, so I think we have dropped him and won't teach him again. This past week last tuesday I did my first ex-change and I ended up leading my area and I had another missionary with me for the day. The night before, when my companion said that I was leading the area, I was so worried and scared, as I am still new and I thought that I couldn't do it, but it ended up turning out to be a good day and I was able to lead and go to the appointments we had. So yeah it was a really good day, the missionary I was with, his name was Elder Dudley and he is from England. he was a really nice missionary and he said that he only had 3 weeks to go and he was going home, I thought What!!!!, but he was able to give me some advice which was good.

Also this week me and my companion were able to find 2 potentials, and we got a return appointment we contacted them on the street, we tried by there houses and 1 was there but he re-scheduled it to tonight so we will see him tonight. And the other one we went by her place but she wasn't there but she had left a note and the book of mormon we gave her, and she said in the note, thanks for seeing me on the street, she read a little of it and she thought we might need it back but my companion wrote a note back saying you keep the book of mormon and if you have any questions call us and we left our number. so we will see what happens with her. Also yesterday at church I had my first speaking assignment. I spoke in sacrament meeting, I was nervous but it went well I talked about myself, the first article of faith and how has the mission brought me closer to Christ. and it went.. well my companion said I did a good job, so yeah it was my first talk on my mission and it was in my first area, so there you go. 

Hey my companion is going through a mid life mission crises and he misses girls (haha), and he wants a girl to write him, so could you think of any aussie girls he could write to, and he wants them to be cute as well. 

Let all the kids know I love them so much and miss them dearly, I love hearing about there week. its really good. anyway I better go enjoy my P-DAY, go have some fun with my companion. alright well take care, and I love you guys, I miss you guys so much as well, all the best with this week hope it goes well for you. take care love you. Bye 

Elder Meyer 

I love P-days.

Here are some snippets from Elder Meyer's email received yesterday (August 6th 2012):

Hey everyone.

Ahh how I love P-Days, I look forward to P-Days! getting to hear about how the family is going, and me emailing you guys, I just love it. This week was a good week, it was better than last week I thought, we found new investigators. So there is this family named the Hinds and they have 7 children. we are teaching some of them together and others separately. we went in teaching the plan of salvation to Suzanne, Darren and Caleb, but it was crazy. my companion talked about Joseph Smith and the book of Mormon, and Darren had some really deep doctrine questions that I couldn't answer but my companion tried his best to answer them. so yeah I thought the lesson went well, I said some things but not a lot but it was alright. And darren said he would like to come to church as well so he seems pretty keen. me and my companion were so happy after that.

Ah last monday for P-Day me and my companion met up with another 2 elders, a companionship and we went to Belfast. Belfast is really nice, I didn't get to take photos but I will get to go again and take some photos.

I will take your advice and have courage and be brave. I know the Lord is always with me I am never alone, and Heavenly father can help me, and I am grateful for that.

As I have been on my mission I have been eating more, and eating and drinking things I never eat or drink before my mission, I think a mission is changing me haha, the food is nice it is sort of the same. there are lots of quick and easy meals, there are soups, chicken strips which I have made for myself and yeah it has been good. I love the food here! I shopped for only me last week and it seemed like I got to much. I think I need to budget more. anyways it's going good I am being fed and some members have been feeding us as well, it's all good.

Thanks so much everyone for your emails, I love you all and miss you. I also pray for you guys as well, and love doing it. I am going to be brave and have courage this week, and be happy, thanks for the advice. Anyways I better go now and enjoy my p-day, 2 missionaries in our district are coming up to Lisburn and we are going to hang out with them so that should be fun. I miss you guys and hope for all the best and goodluck with your lives. my mission with go by fast and I will be home in no-time haha. Take care, LOVE YOU ALL.

Elder Meyer

Elder Meyer and Elder Edmiston on their Preparation Day.

Arthur's Seat, Scotland

"It is a tradition in the Scotland/Ireland Mission at the start of your mission and at the end of your mission to climb up Pratt's hill and pray to Heavenly Father and make a promise," said Elder Meyer.

Just as Elder Meyer arrived in Scotland, before heading off to his first area in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, he climbed this hill in honour of Elder Orson Pratt. On this hill, Elder Meyer made a promise with the Lord to begin teaching the gospel and what he knows to be true, to the people of his mission.

Whate'er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part.

Elder Meyer and his first companion in the mission field, Elder Edmiston.

In Stirling, Scotland, 1898, David O. McKay (former President of the Church) once said, "I was homesick and a little discouraged on this day. As we were coming back into town, I saw an unfinished dwelling, over the front door of which was a stone on which there was a carving. That was most unusual, so I said to Elder Johnston, 'I'm going to see what it is.' I was half way up the gravelled walk when there come to my eyesight a striking motto as follows, carved in stone: 'Whate'er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part.' I said to myself, or the Spirit within me, you are here as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. That afternoon, I accepted the message given to me on that stone, and from that moment we tried to do our part as missionaries in Scotland."

Here, Elder Meyer and his companion, Elder Edmiston, stand in front of this significant carving with determination to do the Lord's work as missionaries in the Scotland/Ireland Mission.

Mission President and Sister Brown.

Lisburn, Northern Ireland

A map of Elder Meyer's first area in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

First Week in the Mission Field.

Here are snippets from the email sent Monday 23rd July.

Ah by the end of the MTC people found out that I can dance, and they wanted me to dance, the rumour ended up getting out haha. even the teachers of the mtc found out as well. haha so yeah the MTC was really fun.

So we left the MTC on Wednesday 18th July last Wednesday, and we travelled by bus/coach, and all of us that went to scotland were there altogether I think there was about 19 of us that came to the scoland/ireland mission, it was quite a lot.

We went straight to climb this hill called Pratt's Hill, and it was crazy as the weather was not something I was use to it was raining, and windy, and I ended up getting drenched. the weather was crazy, but it was a great experience. It is a tradition in the scotland/Ireland mission at the start of your mission and at the end of your mission to climb up Pratt's hill and pray to heavenly father and make a promise.

I also found out my new companion, his name is Elder Edmiston, he is a really good person, I like him, he has been out on his mission for 10 months. He said that it has flown by so fast, so I guess it will go fast, but at the moment it seems like a long way away, as I only just got here. haha it will go fast, actually I have almost been out a month that has gone quick, I think it would be a month from this thursday, so yeah, I said to my companion a month down, and he was like 23 to go haha. My first area is Lisburn, in Ireland, it is really nice here I like it here, today is my first P-day in the mission field, I am so excited as well, as I am able to get longer than 30mins to email. I am also a part of the Belfast Mission Zone.

I went to church yesterday it was really good, the people seem really nice and I am excited to get to know them more, we have had a couple of lessons with less actives and members, we had lunch at one of the members homes yesterday, and we have been trying to find people and doing tracting but it's been hard no one wants to hear the message that we have, it's hard.

I am really grateful that you are my family and that I will be able to live with all of you forever and ever for eternity, I love that about the gospel.

Anyways it's been a long email hope you enjoy reading it, I am lucky I get more time now, but I better go, hopefully everyone is well, and I love you all and miss you guys. have fun all the time, keep praying for me thanks for all the prayers, I am so grateful for them all. Take care, love you Bye.

Called to Serve.

This video from the England Missionary Training Centre is of the missionaries in Elder Meyer's group, all singing the hymn "Called to Serve." What a powerful song!

The Missionary Training Centre

The Final Farewell.

Last sleep in his bed.

Last time in his bedroom.

Last moment at the house.

Goodbye Jared!