Progress

Transfers: President called Saturday and told us he thought about moving Sister Andersen, but felt like we should be together in Teignmouth one more transfer. We were both happy because that means we would see Kieron get baptised this Saturday and our other 2 baptisms we have planned in this transfer. A lot of people are leaving our zone and district and it is always a bit sad because you get attached to people, but then great new people come and go and it is just the circle of the mission and life and the memories last forever-cheesy, but true! 

Maxie: We gave her scriptures (the quad) yesterday we had someone get at the temple and it was so endearing to see how excited she was. I love new scriptures, they are so fresh and ready to be learned from.

Kieron: Love this man to death. His baptism this Saturday will be so amazing. The ward is so involved and he is just the best.

Good week: We got 2 more baptismal dates, Judy and Alan, and had 10 lessons with members. This ward is so great in helping us out with teaching.

                                                                                         Haha, okay so funny. This is Sly. It is Kieron's iguana and                                                            

                                                                                in the middle of a teach I just started laughing because it 

                                                                                      turned his head dramatically and just gave us this face the rest of the time. Oh Sly, what a character.

Funny: We were knocking doors on Tuesday and found a girl named Daisy (by the way I am naming my first girl that-in love with that name) who was really interested. At the end when we were exchanging numbers, her brother who is about our age came to the door and just stared at us without speaking. The awkwardest thing ever. We said bye, and that night we got a text from an unknown number saying "my liahona pointed to you." (FYI if you're not Mormon it is this compass type thing that Lehi's family in the Book of Mormon use to show them where to go in the wilderness) We were like what in the world, who is this this person? Well turned out it was Daisy's creepy brother and he had researched a lot about Mormons and must have come across a Mormon pickup line website. Anyways, that was pretty funny and gave us a good laugh. We said if he was really interested he could talk to the elders.

Sponge: Being a missionary is like being a sponge. You are constantly absorbing a variety of emotions/issues from others and yourself and it can be quite overwhelming at times. One moment you feel so much joy for someone progressing, and then seriously your next appointment you feel so sad for another person's heartbreaking situation in life. I was people watching at church yesterday, and it is so interesting to know a lot of the back stories to certain individuals and families and what they are going through. Everyone is at a different level, and it can be very emotionally and spiritually exhausting as a missionary jumping up and down and here and there for each investigator, less active, member, or person you meet on the street. In likening myself to a sponge, I am understanding that through prayer at night and in the morning (and i guess at any moment) you just need to squeeze out(for lack of a better word) everything to the Lord. Jesus Christ has absorbed all the pain of sin, sorrow and physical trials in this life, and we need to give our and others peoples "stuff" (for lack of a better word) to Him. Why? Because he is the only one who knows what we are going through and He can help. I love the trials that we go through and asking the question what can I learn from this? I think we are all sponges and the same principle of prayer I talked about applies to all of us. I love you all so much. like really i do. i miss you all so much. Remember you are loved and remember to pray.

Love,

Sister McLeod

So Pumped!

Man I cannot even focus, I am so pumped right now!!!!!! So bear with me if this is letter is scattered in exictement everywhere. I was having a pretty hard evening last night and I was looking forward to reading e-mails and it has uplifted me so much! So thank you all for helping me.

 

Reasons I am Pumped:

 

1. Billie was baptised in Bath on Saturday!!! On President's letter each week it tells you who was baptised and where and so I was dying to see if Billie was and to see her name made me starting crying with joy! But it gets better! I opened my e-mails and saw an e-mail from Billie! She found my blog and haha will read this now too (so hopefully you are appreciating this shoutout), and wow that made me feel so happy. Billie is such an amazing person and has strengthened my testimony and I cannot wait to meet up with her after the mission in London! Love you Billie.

 

2. It gets better. Chris e-mailed me too and bore his testimony and man, he is doing so solid in the gospel! He is teaching me now! Reading those two e-mails made me realise how special it is to meet these two amazing people that I would have had never met unless I was on a mission at this time. The mission is all about the people you meet and special experiences you get to have as you both are strenghtening your understanidng of Jesus Christ and loving one another.

 

3. We are headed to the temple today for a sleepover! WOOT! WOOT! So since we live so far away we get to take a coach with our zone and the Bristol zone to the temple accomadations. We are supposed to get to Plymouth at 4 and are heading from there. I am so exited to go to the temple to learn and feel of the special spirit there.

 

4. On Saturday, I went to my first English wedding. Steve and Terina are the elders' investigators and they are getting baptised at the end of December. How funny is this. Elder Blackner was the best man and Elder Smith was ring boy and then the witnesses to their wedding. It was so fun to go to a wedding, and Terina looked so beautiful and happy. They have two cutest girls too.

 

5. Kieran, who we have been teaching for awhile is progressing and we taught him 3 times this week and is working toward December 28th for baptism. He is this awesome, older English man who is so sincere and thoughtful.

 

6. Maxine and George. After church we went to our ward mission leaders' home for a meal and a lesson with Maxine and George. They came into church 2 weeks ago and George is a member. They were married in April and are so cute together and in love. I love when people hold hands all the time. They are in the elders' area, but requested sisters to teach them and Maxine asked us so many wonderful questions and is exicted to meet with us again on Thursday. I'm so grateful for the member support here. The Maddock's are the ones who invited them and us over for dinner and now we have the opportunity to get to know them and share this beautiful message of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

 

7. I am obsessed with the Mormon Message, the Christmas Spirit. You should attach it to this letter. It is so cute and humble reminds us what Christmas is all about. It is all about the Spirit of Christ and I am trying to remember everyday.

 

8. We went on exchanges this week. I went over to Redruth in Cornwall and got to serve with Sister Moulis who I absolutlely adore. She is from Nice, France. I don't know if that is spelled right but it is pronunced like Neece. She has been out 3 months and we got along so well and I would love to serve with her again. We laughed so much and her English is amazing from just learning it at the MTC.

 

It is so nice to have this time to write all of the wonderful things that happen throughout the week because it helped me see the joy and grander picture. I am not going to lie, there are so many tough moments on the mission especially this week. BUT, I am so grateful to be constantly learning that there is opposition in all things. I want my misison to be hard because I know I will grow and learn the most that way. Sounds crazy, but I know it is true. Regardless of eveything that goes on, I write 5 things I am grateful for each day in my journal and truly know that the Lord remembers us and blesses us in every season of life.

 

Love you all and hope you enjoy that mormon message.

 

Love,

Sister McLeod

 

P.S.: I don't know what I am turning into! I say my o's so funny now. It is not even an English accent. It is like Scottish or Irish or like someone from Minnesota.

 

P.S.S. Way more pics to come, couldn't today because I forgot my camera.  

Chris

MEXICO: I LOVE MEXICOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! So let me tell you about the miracle of Chris. 

Sunday: We were waiting at our bus stop and were just stopping everyone. We stopped Chris and he said he knew of the LDS church and had been to a priesthood session of conference back in Mexico. We scheduled an appointment at the chapel on Tuesday.

Tuesday: We had Rachael, (RM (return missionary) from Argentina who just moved into our ward for a masters degree - from Bay Area) come on the teach with us and it was so incredible. He is teaching spanish at secondary schools (high school) for 9 months and has been in England for 3 weeks. He humbly said how teaching and helping others gives him such purpose in life. He learned of the church by a friend inviting him to play basketball (SHOUTOUT TO MEMBER MISSIONARY WORK! WOOT! WOOT!). That friend also invited him to church, but quickly after that he moved and lost in touch with the church. This was 10 years ago. We taught the Restoration and he accepted the baptismal date of December 7. We gave him the Restoration DVD to watch to on his own. Right after the teach we both felt he could get baptised sooner, November 9th, and were decided we would pray about it and see how he progressed. We also remembered how we fasted and prayed for someone to be baptised on that day, and just had this feeling that it could be him.

Wednesday: He texted us! K that never happens on the mission. He said "Hello sisters, thank you for the dvd, it's just so wonderful :). Have a great afternoon." We just look at each other and are like is this real life? It gets better.

Thursday: We texted him to see how he is doing with the Book of Mormon and to ask us any questions. He responded "Yes I am really enjoying it. I really liked from the very beginning when Nephi says he was born to goodly parents, you can tell how much he loved his family. And you know, I just told my friend I'm learning about the church and he told me that that's the best decision I could ever make because I'll learn how families can be together forever. Wow!" We responded after with a happy dance "I'm so glad you are enjoying the story of Lehi's family. One of my favourite verses is 1 Nephi 2:16 because it shows how important prayer is for Nephi knowing if what his father has been saying is true, I love how we can discover truth and revelation for ourselves." He responded "I am reading that verse once again and it makes perfect sense to me now. Because now I know and I feel that I am doing the right thing. I just found another reason why I am here, to learn more about the restored truth. Now I know that our Heavenly Father had this prepared for me. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me on Sunday!" Seriously is this not like out of a story from preach my gospel?????!!!!

Friday: We had dinner at a member's home and after taught the plan of salvation. He said he felt like he was home. He was sharing insights on scriptures and gladly accepted being baptised November 9th.--- amazing!

Saturday: He came to the baptism of a little 8 year old in our ward. He loved it and said he just envisioned himself getting baptised.---!!!!!

Sunday: Absolutely loved church!

Monday: TODAY we are having an FHE at the Bishop's home with him and meeting him with 2 more times at member's home.

Seriously, Chris is truly a miracle and we can learn so much from his story. First, the power of inviting friends to church activities and how no effort or invitation is in vain. Second, how important it is for missionaries to talk to everyone. Third, how this work is covering all over the earth. We find it pretty funny that of course the first Mexican we meet in England is ridiculously prepared. We joked that this is how the missionaries feel like in Mexico everyday. And fourth, how important it is for missionaries to develop solid relationships with your ward. I have been here in Bath for almost 6 months and can tell you something about everyone in the ward. Every Sunday it is my goal to talk to everyone - remembering the details of their lives. Love is all about remembering the little things. There is around 120 people that come every week too. Mom- I know you asked that. Because of the love and relationship we have for one another, members have been amazing at being so willing to come on teaches and open their homes our investigators. I know I have had so many ups and downs being on a mission, but it is so special to look back and see everything that has happened in the Bath ward. The work is really hastening. The transfers are on November 16 I think, so we shall see If I go or stay. Sister Chamberlain will be done with her training and I just have a feeling I am going, but who knows! I definitely will cry. I love Bath so much, but who know knows maybe I'll stay. 

I love this gospel with all my heart. I know it is true. I am learning everyday. I love you all.

Like Christmas Morning

Time: I'm in Bath still with Sister Chamberlain :) I cannot believe in 6 weeks, I'll be out on my mission for 6 months. It is amazing how time flies. Last year I was in Jerusalem listening to conference and as soon as I heard the age change, I knew I would be somewhere in a year's time on a mission. It is so crazy that I am here in Bath, England serving a mission. Pretty surreal. Life is so crazy and unexpected and beautiful.

Baeza Family: Thank you so much for that awesome halloween/birthday package! It really made my whole week. I kept pulling things out and it seriously was something I needed or wanted, definitely an inspired package :) I'm still tripping out how cool that e.o.s lip balm is.

Cult: We were talking to this uni student outside her flat, and her 2 roommates and one of their dads came up to come inside so he seemed really nice and they invited us in. We sat down for a good 15 minute sermon how we were going to hell and were apart of a cult. You can tell the 3 girls were so embarrassed/felt awkward, and he just kept wanting us to get offended or contend back. But we just smiled, bore testimony that our whole goal is to love others and follow Jesus Christ. He was not having it all, and by the end we asked if we could pray with them, and he told us our prayers are to the devil so then we just smiled and said okay will you pray for all of us then. There are experiences everyday where we get to stand up for the truth and explain what mormons are and I'm grateful to be so many peoples first contact with a mormon. It definitely is a responsibility, but such a privilege. I love spreading the gospel here in England where so many people still haven't heard of mormons or have untrue thoughts about us.

General Conference: General Conference in the mission is like Christmas morning. We were looking forward to it all week. On Saturday morning, we went to the Bristol Stake center to watch the Relief Society broadcast and they had loads of food. I'm so thankful we mormon sisters value our food. Our investigator Lauren came too, so that was sweet. Later that day we went to the Broads' house (the best ward mission leader ever) to watch Saturday morning which we saw from 5pm to 7pm. The next day we went to Bishops' house for lunch and then watched the Saturday afternoon, and then headed to Bristol again to watch Sunday morning from 5pm to 7pm. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait for the Ensign to read Sunday afternoon. But seriously how could you watch conference and not know the church is true. I am so grateful for inspired leaders who direct us closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for their emphasis on missionary work because seriously I can speak for the whole 80,000 missionaries, we need your help. Pray for missionaries and their investigators by name in your ward. Invite them and their investigators over to your home for dinner. I didn't understand the importance of missionary work when I was in high school. There are so many missionary opportunities whether that be inviting friends to church activities or so many things I missed because I dismissed missionary work as something missionaries only do. I want to slap my old self because that is not how the Lord wants it to be. It is not simply a good idea for missionaries and members to work together, it is what the Lord has commanded us to do by his prophet, apostles, and leaders. A lot of times, we like to pick and choose things from conference, but this message cannot be overlooked. It is so important! I loved the exclamation talk too! :)  But I love conference because it reminds us of the blessings of the gospel and once again it is all about the love God has for us and how we in order to be more like Him have got to love and serve more too. I think I could go on forever about conference and my thoughts. I was really touched by President Monson's love for his wife. They really became one, and so your heart goes out to him because he really is dealing with the loss of part of who he has been for 65 years. But how grateful that we know it is only a temporary separation, and all those who we love so dearly we will be able to see again because of the plan of salvation. I know President Monson is a prophet of God and I'm thankful for the confirmation of the Spirit that I can feel as he and his leaders speak. They speak truth because they are speaking in behalf of God.

Sujata: I love her and her husband and little baby. So we have been teaching her since June and she finally accepted a baptismal date for December 21st. She is going to India for a month, but to see her progress a little bit more each week and finally accept a date is amazing.

Cheers, 

Sister McLeod

Sister Chamberlain and I at the royal crescent :)