Who says mission work isn't interesting?!?

Pi.....e?

William Jones was known for his pi symbol.......not his pie baking!   The Greek letter pi, of course, in a mathematical reference representing the ratio between the diameter of a circle to its circumference.

What's In a Name??

Wales proudly holds the gold-medal for the world's longest name.  If you ever travel to Wales, you must take the time to travel north to a small town named...

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyll-llantysiliogogogoch

The name in Welsh translates as "The church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool by St. Tysilio's of the red cave."   

Love Spoons?!?

The Welsh love spoons are fascinating. In fact, I loved them so much, I purchased one for my wife before our marriage.

The love spoons in Wales were at one time the equivalent of giving an diamond ring in America. A would-be suitor would present his love with a wooden spoon especially carved specifically for her. Traditionally, these spoons were carved from a single piece of wood, and would include one or more of the following, specific to their unique love and bond.

* A Single Heart = My Heart is Yours.
* A Double Heart = We feel the same way about each other,
   Love is returned, Two people living as one.
* A Cross = Faith.
* A Key or Keyhole = My Home is Yours.
* An Anchor = Home to stay.
* A House = My Home is Yours.
* A Flower = Courtship.
* A Vine = Growing together.
* A Knot = Everlasting Love.
* A Chain = Captured Love.
* Ball in a cage = Captured Love, Number of 
   children wanted.
* A Ship = Safe voyage through life.
* Heart shaped Bowl = Fulfilled Love.
* Double Bowl = The Loving couple.
* Triple Bowl = The couple and hoped for family.
* Wheel = I will work for you.
* Horseshoe = Good luck.
* Feathers = Symbol of Wales.
* Bells = Marriage.

Today, love spoons are given for a variety of occasions including marriage, birth of a child, anniversary, Christmas, etc. Whatever the occasion, they are a joy both to give and receive, as you have one carved specifically for you and your family.