So there is a newsroom for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for different areas. The UK newsroom (link here) is reporting that there is a 'live nativity' outside of the Hyde Park Visitors Center. The post on the newsroom site tells us that, "This is one of the most popular areas in London where annually more than 10 to 11 million people walk on this street. Each evening from 5-7pm, live actors will portray Joseph and Mary."
Here is a picture of Jed in that live nativity. We think that Jed's companions (or one of the Elders in his Zone?) picture was on the UK newsroom site, because he describes the picture above with: "A live nativity on the most walked street in the world! Elder Cook made it on to the Mormon newsroom uk!") This live nativity is part of the worldwide initiative entitled "A Savior is Born" - link here .
He also shared a few additional photos; one celebrating an Elder in his Zone's 20th birthday, and one with the whole zone together. Jed says, "Elder Quoos is from Brazil. He was 20 yesterday!"
Elder Murri's mom also received a nice email from a senior couple serving in England. I was touched by her kindness, and by Jed's gratefulness. I also hope he is getting enough to eat.
Her note: "Dear Bro. and Sister Murri,
As a senior missionary here in London we have had the privilege of meeting and visiting with your son quite often. To explain why we see your son so often is that my husband and I are the Public Affairs missionaries in the European Area. Our office is just down the hall from the mission president so we get the opportunity to visit with your son almost every day. He is truly a delight to be around but more importantly he is a very faithful missionary that is having a VERY POSITIVE EFFECT on many people her in the London mission.
We have had the opportunity to talk about our families and he has told us about his youngest brother missing him as we have told him about one of our grandsons that is very upset with us for leaving him and going on a mission, they are both about the same age.
I want you to know that I have observed him being a strong and very influential leader with the other missionaries with whom he is serving. They admire him greatly.
I had a unique experience with your son the other day that I wanted to tell you about. I have to keep cookies and drinks here in my office to serve in the event that someone comes to visit us and when the juice or cookies have expired I have to get rid of them. Anyway I had a quart of juice sitting on my desk and your son came by to visit with us and I asked him if he would like the quart of orange juice that had just expired. He acted like I had just given him the most wonderful Christmas present ever. He was so grateful. The next day I say him with some other elders in the Tube station and again he thank me for the juice that I had given him the previous day.
I want you to know that you and your husband have done a wonderful job raising a remarkable son of God. Your son (Elder Murri) is blessing the lives of many in the England London Mission.
Warmest Regards and Merry Christmas
Elder and Sister Burke"