Lessons Learned

Temple Reunion: I think my happy place in my mind will forever be the grounds of the London Temple. It is the most peaceful and beautiful place and we were able to go there with a few of our investigators with the ward. The ward hired a coach and it was especially special because Dan Williams went through the temple for the first time. He is going to serve a mission in Provo in December. A cool story behind that is that Elder Bradshaw was actually trained in Bournemouth and and was here a year ago. He helped Dan have the desire to go on a mission and start his papers. When Elder Bradshaw left, Dan was praying for him to come back, and a year later he did. This doesn't happen too often, so it truly was an answer to Dan's prayers. The Elders got permission to go through with him. How special is that? I love the Williams' family so much. They have been through a lot, and are such examples to me. It was the prettiest day ever and I'll send loads of pictures. Out of all the days to be at the temple Sister Schimdt and her companion came with an investigator and I was so excited to see her. Also, it was the stake temple day for Bristol so I saw loads of the Bath ward. It was the sunniest day-weather wise and happiness wise. Heavenly Father is so kind to me.

I am supposed to write 5 valuable lessons to submit that I've learned to the mission and thought of these 11 things that I have learned on my mission. I could elaborate on them, but I'll keep it simple.

1. My mission never really ends.

2. People who fall away from the church just need to feel sincere and consistent love to come back.

3. We need to be conduits to the Spirit in order do the Lord's work. 

4. There is opposition in all things.

5. True Faith in Jesus Christ leads to diligent, consistent action.

6. The small and simple things are actually the largest and most significant in spirituality. If you are struggling, go back to the basics.

7. We all have weaknesses, but when we rely on the Lord they can become our strengths

8. Use your talents and the unique person you are to share the gospel.

9. The Book of Mormon opens the door to truth, personal revelation, and Jesus Christ.

10. The worth of every soul is great in the sight of God- leave judgments at the door. Like my good friend Mother Theresa said "If you judge someone, you have no time to love them."

11. Obedience brings happiness. Disobedience does not. Obedience is the only way to progress.

 "for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Phillipians 4:11

Content: I came across this in my scriptures this morning and I felt like it really spoke to me in how I am feeling at the moment because everyone loves to ask you how you are feeling as your time is dwindling on your mission. I honestly feel content with life, and I know that is a choice that we can make every day in whatever situation and location we may find ourselves. I have 2 weeks left and am going to work hard and enjoy this time, but I know my mission is just starting a new chapter soon that is exciting and different. I am so exicted for Paulo's baptism coming up and we are teaching some amazing people who I love so dearly. I love you all so much and hope you are content where you are at this moment:)

Rodney and Mark, our invetsigators at the temple. Rodney is too cool for school to smile, haha. Me and Sister Schmidtyyyyyy!!!!!!!

The Elders and us with Dan Willaims and his brother, Josh, Halloween! The ward did an awesome trunk n treat even thought they call the trunk boot and I carved the temple in my pumpkin :) Justine (dressed as a pumpkin) is amazing! She is a recent convert's friend we are teaching

I Love to See the Temple

Temple: We were able to go to the temple with Mike and Brenda. Mike is just loving the gospel and is such good friends with so many members already. Brenda is hilarious, she is a member who came along and we had such a wonderful time. I have loved being able to go to the temple at different seasons literally and metaphorically on my mission. The first was at Christmas when the frost covered the grass and we were able to do a session with all the missionaries. The second was in spring with Maxie, George, Eve, and Sister Andersen where the flowers were blooming. And the third was with Mike, Brenda, and Sister Sargsyan where it was sunny and warm as ever. Everytime I walk the temple grounds there is a overwhelming feeling of peace, and it really is a slice of perfection. The sweetest thing was to see Mike by himself buy a large picture of the temple at the distribution center and say he was going to get a frame for it. He remarked on how simply beautiful the experience was and how special it was to enjoy it with him.

 

The best 24 hours: I was able to go on exchanges with Sister Walmsley from New Zealand in Weymouth this week and it was AMAZING. We were instantly best friends and it is weird, I feel like I've known and served with her for ages. Already planning to go visit her. The cool thing was she had a dream a couple months ago that she was going to serve with me, so she is pretty much a prophetess. But really, it was an answer to both of our prayers because we were able to see so many miracles and talk so openly about everything. She came out at the same time, but she is a visitors center sister and so she was there for the first 10 months and then has been out for a couple months. And she will be famous one day in the world of Mormon music, because she is seriously so talented in singing and playing the guitar. Our mission has been really into thinking of creative ways to find and so Sister Walmsley and I took her guitar out to go finding all day and she was able to touch so many people's hearts by singing songs she has composed on her mission. I was tearing up and the people were too because it was so beautiful. Music brings the Spirit quicker than anything. Pretty much we were on fire the whole day (well Heavenly Father was blessing us of course-not getting prideful) and we found the coolest people and to top it off one of their members owns a hotel and told us to come for a proper English roast for dinner. From this exchange, we learned so many things from each other and I really am learning that the whole point of this gospel is to help one another. It is not just about giving service, it is also about receiving. Jesus taught us this as he washed all of his disciples feet. Peter first objected, but Jesus reminded him that he needed to let him serve him. I helped Sister Walmsley with things, and she helped me with things and it makes the whole world go round. I am so mad I didn't take a picture, but ill send on next week.

 

I love you all so much! I love England! I love being a missionary! Just pretty much feeling the love

 

Cheers,

Sister McLeod

Mother's Day

Mother's Day: I spoke at church, and though it is not Mother's Day in England I said that Moms should deserve 2 days. Anyway so I wished everyone another Happy Mother's Day:) Bishop Vousden's son, Joe, got home from his mission from Leeds and spoke as well. I love how he said toward the end of his mission that he started to only write people that he met that day in his journal because those are the memories he wants to remember forever. I want to start doing that as well. I loved skyping to some of the fam and meeting Elliot! He is my nephew I have never met him and I seriously wish technology was that progressed where I could reach my arms into the computer to hold him. One day! It just made my day that he knows my voice now and smiled :) I'm grateful for the ability to adapt to situations on my mission. My ward mission leader and the elders and ward missionaries were in the other room when I finished skyping and they were all ready correlate about the missionary work. I just had to take a moment and be like wow, thank you Heavenly Father for letting me talk to my family, but now help me just focus on the people and work here. And boom went into the other room and was fine. This is a tremendous blessing because I know how hard it can be for a lot of missionaries.

Temple and Family History Miracle: The Martins in our ward hold a family history event twice a year for anyone who is interested in the community and gave us flyers to pass out. We were determined to find someone to bring to it and on Monday we met Joy. Sure enough, she was super into family history and recognised the church's name from past experiences. We ended up being able to teach her twice that week and she came to the event. It was amazing to see the connection family history has with the gospel.

Jasmine and Christina: I love genuine, thoughtful, and inquisitive young people. Jasmine is Kieron's granddaughter and is so sweet and sincere. She has seen the gospel bring so much happiness to Kieron and had been inside the chapel before for his baptism, a musical fireside, and his talk. She said that she felt such a peace and as we met with her twice this week she continued to feel it and said how much she wants to feel apart of the church. When we extended a baptismal date, she was just smiling and we asked her how she felt and she said excited. She has no religious background, but it is amazing to see that it is our feelings that really helps us know the truth even if our mind can't understand yet. She has such a willing and open heart. The same applies to Christina, who is a student. After meeting with us last week, she was saying how there were so many things that suddenly made her realize how much God was a part of her life. A poem about repentance she had to annotate, a sign on the street about God. She said she felt like she was on the right path and also accepted a baptismal date. I love the sincerity of an honest seeker of God. Both these girls are so humble and striving to be the best people they can be in life. I feel uplifted every time I talk to them and so grateful for this opportunity to share the gospel.

I love you all, it was such a blessing to see your smiling faces yesterday. I hope you have a lovely week!

Love,

Sister McLeod

Pictures: Dartmoor p-day, we stopped at Pixie land, this cute little place where there are a million little pixies and gnomes

On the way back from MLC, Sister Godard recieved a package from Hawaii and got li hing moi flavored thing---best thing ever!!!!!!!!!! We were excited!

Travel, travel, travel!

Travel: I passed Stonehenge 6 times this week. That is a new personal record for me that I don't think I will surpass another time my life. I was in the car for 22 hours this week!!! That is what happens when you live in the boonies, but I am so grateful for it because I love the green and pleasant country side of England.

Temple: On Tuesday, Sister Andersen and I drove to the temple with George, Maxie, and Eve. So typical that I got my camera out and took one picture and then it died. But the picture I did get was so beautiful. Sister Andersen has all the other pictures, but unfortunately her new area doesn't have a place to send pics, so you'll have to imagine them. We walked around the grounds, the visitor center sisters gave a little speal, and then we had lunch. I love the peace of the temple grounds and the newness of spring in the air with the dafodills blossoming all around. They had a really lovely time and George said he didn't want to leave. I didn't either. You just feel so safe and secure. It was the best way for Sister Andersen to spend her last day. I feel like Maxie and George are family. I love them and Eve (who is a member and has become bff with Maxie and us) so much.

Staines Round 1: On Wednesday morning the McMurteys (senior couple) picked us up in the morning and we travelled to the Staines chapel. That is the central meeting and switching spot for missionaries who are moving that transfer and there were so many. We did some training, ate lunch, and the new missionaries were all sorted and my new missionary, my child, is Sister Schmidt from Germany! She is so great and hilarious. Full of fire, enthusiasm, super outgoing, talkative, and blunt. She is 19 and has a twin who is nannying right now in Australia at the moment. She is from Leipzig which is in the eastern part. She has been adjusting wonderfully and is ready to work and she is loving how the members are so involved with us. She is so amazing, and I have a lot to learn from her.

Staines Round 2: Less than 24 hours of being in Teignmouth, the zone leaders picked us up Thursday night for Missionary Leadership Council on Friday in Staines. We slept over in Staines because it starts at 8am and that would be ridiculous traveling that early from the Plymouth zone. Sister Schmidt stayed with Sister Pollidario's companion for that day. The AP's called earlier in the week to have me speak about resolving concerns on exchanges and discouraging gossip. I had so many thoughts about it throughout the week, but I could never compile it or organize it, and it was so frustrating. I learned a really important bit on personal revelation from this experience. I prayed so much, and I just felt like I kept hitting a barrier/mental block. I continued to think about it up until Thursday night, but still nothing. I just prayed that night that the Spirit would help guide me when I spoke, but I was so nervous. This is MLC, AP's, all the zone leaders, sister training leaders, and mission so a bit intimidating. BUT the Lord always answers our prayers, and I woke up at 5:45 with a scripture and story, and from that point on, I was able to focus on specific things I wanted to share. I felt more confident, and when it came for me to speak, it just felt so natural and I didn't even have to look at anything, I just knew what to say next. Seriously so grateful for the Spirit, and I love how we just have to trust in it and know it will come even if it is last minute. I'm the only STL Plymouth zone now since Sister Bereno from Colombia is going back to a Spanish branch in London, so now I've got sort out 4 exchanges that are so far away without a car and most of the trains still not wroking. I've got my work cut out for me, but it will all be good.

Well I love you all loads and loads and hope you have a great week.

Pictures from MLC and this is Sister Santo who is from the mission district in San Francisco...so we bonded.

 All the STLS

This is Maxie, George, Eve Somerville (love that lady so much!) and me and Sister Andersen

Christmas!

Pictures: Evidence we are being taken care of. Our beautiful little tree. Our decorations, Sister Andersen is the angel on the top. we keep on meaning to write Christmas miracles as ornaments. That is the little nativity I painted at the Turveys in Bath.

 Merry Christmas and Happy Anniversary to the best parents ever, Barbara and Bruce McLeod!

Phone Miracle: I dislike the phone immensely. I don't know why, but I have this tendency to lose phones. I wonder if this will be a life long trait. I hope not, but I guess the Lord keeps testing me to see how I respond in the situation. And usually that means freaking out, so hopefully I can keep learning from these experiences. I don't know what it is about this transfer, but I have lost the phone 3 times temporarily and then recovered it. This third incident happened on Friday when we were headed to meet Maxine. I looked at the phone for a text, put it in my pocket, and then 30 seconds went back to retrieve it and it was gone. It must have fallen out of my pocket or whatever, but we were already late to Maxine and after freaking out and searching everywhere, Sister Andersen kindly and calmly said a prayer. She gets a kick out of my freak outs about losing the phone. I really thought the phone was lost forever this time, so we just went to Maxine and I was just praying to not think about it and focus on her. The Lord really does bless us because that teach Maxine told us she had read up to Alma 22 (she started reading last week) and when we extended her a baptismal date she glady accepted and had even circled Mosiah 18:8-10, that talks about baptism being a desire of those people's hearts. Man!!! The stress of the phone was melted away and as we went to the next teach we borrowed their phone to call the elders to call the office and tell them we had lost it. The elders then called us right back saying they called our phone and someone had it and would wait for us nearby to get it. MIRACLE! Seriously, this situation was so crazy awesome. Life is all about patience and relying on the Lord, and I am trying to learn it slowly, but surely. I'm being patient with my own patience.

Rain: It has been pouring lately. Sister Andersen and I have never laughed so much because there is something so weirdly funny about being completely drenched and not being able to do anything about it. It is the oddest thing. That day in particular both our umbrellas blew out and broke, Sister Andersen's bag broke, cars kept on splashing us, and we were completely lost. We could just look at each other and scream and laugh and run. Oh the joys of being a missionary in England. I really can't complain though, it has been pretty great weather since I've been here.

This is Teignmouth from the bus at sunset. So pretty!

Christmas: At church during Sunday school, they did this full nativity little play and sing-along with all the kids dressed up. It was really well done and so fun to see all the cute and hilarious kids. We have been really well taken care of. The members have been so nice and have showered us with cards, chocolate, cookies, and little gifts. This week we were able to watch Joy to the World and Finding Faith in Christ with our investigators, and so that was awesome to help them focus more on who Christ is to them on a personal level. It is one thing to know the story of Christ, but another to feel its power and personal relevance to each one of our lives. I love how in all my studies about Christ that He is always inviting everyone to come unto Him to receive the greatest gift of joy in this life and in the life to come. I really have been loving 1 John 3:7-9, 2 Nephi 26:33, and Mosiah 5:15. There are so many things about Him that I am learning everyday, but I always come away so overwhelmed at His love for us. I love you all, and hope that you can think of Christ everyday this year. I love Him so much and I think about last year sitting in the field of Bethlehem and having that quiet time to contemplate about His humble birth and life. I hope we all can take that quiet time each day to think of Him. 

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!!!! I just love life and the gospel!

Love,

Sister McLeod 

Sister Chamberlain and Sister Steffensen

Sister Moulis (I went on exchanges with her and she is from France) 

Sister Gunnel and I at the temple

Temple

Kieron: MAN! It is so awesome have people to teach and I especially love our invetsigator Kieron. Just think of a proper yet hippie English older man who is so insightful and delightful. He loves his boots and was a biker back in the day. That is Kieron. It has been amazing seeing him progress so much these past weeks and we had one of the most powerful lessons on repentance that renewed my testimony of it. I love daily repentance! It is so liberating to know we can change and be better each day. He is making changes in his life and has loved church. He is hungry for more and more each time we teach him. Kieron, what a great man. He even flew the American flag!

Hair: Mom, in regards to your question I actually have not gotten a haircutt and do not think I will on my mission. I have heard horror stories from other missionaries and therefore am going to play it safe. Don't worry,when I see split ends I cut them.  

Temple trip: Wow...I don't know what to say. I loved every second of it. We took a train to Plymouth where a coach with all the Bristol zone picked us up and we headed on our 5 hour journey to the temple. It was so nice to talk to all my missionary homies especially Sister Chamberlain. I got to hear how Bath was doing (still so awesome) and Billie even called so I got to speak to her on the phone for a second. We got to the temple at about 10:30 and stayed in the accomodations with 6 missionaries to a room. In the morning, they made American pancakes...oh how I miss them... and our session began at 11. The temple grounds are so beautiful and the inside was even more beautiful. It was such a sacred experience and I am so grateful for the feelings of peace and safety of the temple. After, there was a lovely Christmas dinner and then we headed home.

My beautiful companion, I was getting artsy

Luke 2: President Millar encouraged us to read Luke 2 and put ourselves in the place of the shepherds this Christmas season. They too, were away from their families that night as they tended their flocks. But because they were away caring for those sheep, they were able to see the sign of the star pointing them to the little baby Jesus. It was them who went directly to see him, and then went abroad letting everyone know that the Savior had been born. I loved thinking that I get to be watching over and helping people learn of Jesus Christ continually this Christmas season. This is my only Christmas as a missionary, and it is so special. I've been thinking a lot about how everyone looks forward to Christmas and comparing it to the thousands of years that the prophets looked forward to Christ coming. I am so grateful we get to continually look forward to the moments of joy in this life and in the life to come because of what Jesus Christ did for each one of us. I am grateful for this knowledge and being reminded of the blessings and gifts He so freely gives to us each day. 

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.