Testimony

SURREAL: Haha when strange or funny or undescribable things happen to us-which is on like an hourly basis-Sister Barnes and I just turn to each other and say surreal? and the other one answers surreal!, and that is how i feel writing my last email SURREAL! It has been the greatest blessing to end my mission with Sister Barnes. We are seriously one when it comes to our reactions to things or just our humour or teaching. Heavenly Father has been so kind to me and I truly am so blessed to be able serve a mission and end in Bournemouth. This past week has been amazing. We were able to have 14 different members/families come on teaches with us. It has this tri-fect of strengthening missionaries, members, and investigators faith in Jesus Christ. This is what missionary work is all about. Uniting us all in understanding how blessed we are to have a compassionate, forgiving, consistent Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ who has restored the truth through living prophets.

Paulo: A special moment this week was when we were teaching Paulo at Mike's home with another member, Louise. We found Mike in the beginning of July on the street as he was delivering parcels and he was baptised in August. When we were asking Paulo who he wanted to baptise him,and he turned to Mike and asked him. Mike, very touched, accepted his invitation and so it will be a very special upcoming Saturday seeing my recent convert baptise my newer recent convert. I love that this gospel is perpetual. It never ends and I am grateful to understand the eternal perspective. Happiness really is the only thing that doubles when you share it. I got an e-mail from Chris who is back in Mexico. A year ago today he was confirmed a member of church and received the priesthood.

Lost Sheep: We were street contacting and off to the next appointment, but I felt specifically the need to talk to this certain man. His name is Remy. He is from an island off the coast of Madagascar I can't pronounce and we couldn't understand him completely since his native language is French, but we scheduled an appointment to meet. We realised he was baptised 8 years ago and is keen to come back. He works in a hotel and never has been able to have Sundays off, but said he would ask his boss in January. On Saturday, he texted us saying a miracle happened where he had Sunday off and would be able to come to church. He said this never happens and he loved really enjoyed being back at church. It is things like these that remind me how mindful God is of every person.

Hot chocolate and chapel tours: We set up a little table in front of oru chapel and invited people to come in for a tour and some hot chocolate. It was really effective especially since it is starting to get a bit colder. I would send a pic, but left my camera.

My testimony: I was reading a talk by President Monson this morning and the quote "decisions determine destiny" stood out to me. I was realising that this mission has been the greatest decision I have ever made in my life. It seems like yesterday I was in Jerusalem when I heard President Monson announce the age change. I knew at that moment that the Spirit was telling me I needed to go. I have never wavered from that thought as I have been called to serve here in England. I have had so many moments that have made me realise how important the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is in my life. I never understood the scripture that says how great your joy will be in bringing one and many into the gospel, until this past year and a half. The only way I can describe it is that it feels like you are a cup and you are overflowing with joy and you can't even catch it all or explain why it is happening. Well I know why it can happen, and it is all made possible through our Savior Jesus Christ. I have learned so much, but I have also learned that I don't need to know everything.That is where faith comes in. I think I have heard most anti-mormon questions and opinions being here in England, and it has strengthened my faith even more. I truly know that there is opposition in all things. Just look to the source of Jesus Christ who descended below all things because he loved us so much and knew in the end it would be worth it. I am confident in who I am as a daughter of God and disciple of Jesus Christ. I am confident in the doctrines of Christ which are faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy Ghost and enduring to the end. I know Jesus Christ died for us, but that He lives again and loves us. he knows us personally. The truth will always be battled, and that is why we need to stand firm in our testimonies of Christ and focusing on the things that matter most. I go to church because I know it is literally Christ's church here on earth and that the authority of God has been restored that opens the blessing and connection between Heaven and Earth. I sustain and support the leaders called in His church. I know they are called of God. I know these things by the small and simple things of prayer, reading the scriptures, going to church, and keeping the commandments. I know that the reason why we need faith is because we need to act every day to learn how to become more like our Savior. I love the family I have adopted here in England. I love these people. I will always treasure this year and a half, but I know my work is not done. This is only the beginning to helping me realise what type of person, mother, artist, sister, aunt, wife, missionary, etc. the Lord needs me to become. To anyone thinking of serving a mission I quote Elder Scott in the last conference with my finger raised saying "DO IT." I love all of you so much. I am excited for the next chapter of my life. I am not sure how it all will go, but I just know if I stay close to God, he will kindly guide me to where I need to be and who I need to become.

I love you all.

Cheers all me dears,

Sister McLeod

Miracles

Full up: Yesterday after church, I just was filled with so much love of the gospel, miracles, Newton Abbot ward, Teignmouth, the people, just everything to the point where I just started crying in happiness. There are these moments where it feels like there are so many blessings that literally you do not have room enough to recieve them. I had a similar experience one of my last Sundays in Bath. It renews my faith, and strengthens my testimony that God is truly a God of Miracles and of love. I feel like my understanding and sincerity of saying that grows stronger and stronger each day. 

Miracles:

1. Testimony meeting yesterday seemed to focus on the missionary work happening in Teignmouth. Bishop is just amazed about all of the people we are teaching and to think the Sisters opened the area 1 year ago. My favorite thing in missionary work is the progression. Seeing an area or person start from nothing and bit by bit, line upon line, growing each day. It parallels to my belief in God and this gospel. Everything good comes from God and the small and simple things each day. When many days go by and you are able to reflect on the progress, it is the best feeling.

2. There were testimonies born for the first time ever yesterday. They were so pure, beautiful and sincere.

3. A recent convert and her familly who had been away for awhile came to church. 

4. Kieron's grand-daughter and boyfriend decided to come to church with no invitation. I asked her why she came today and she said I have no idea, it just seemed right. Both her boyfriend and her have no concept or teaching about who God is and we are teaching them Tuesday at Kieron's. I have been praying for this opportunity to start sharing the gospel with Kieron's family. We had prayed that day that we could reach our goals for new investigators and that was truly a miracle.

5. Denise, who is the best friend of Judy and a member, bore her testimony for the first time in many years directly to Judy and Judy was in tears. She is getting baptized at the end of this month and you could just feel the love and connection. Denise is older and broke her hip, but made it to the stand. 

6. Judy's granddaughter Charly decided to come with her to church.

7. Our zone has been struggling in church attendance and and we fasted for a specific numeric goal that was way above any week we have had thus far, and we reached it exactly yesterday. 

I seriously could keep going and I don't know how meaningful all these things are to a person reading this, but these are people mean everything to me. I love and care about so incredibly much. They mean the world to me and to see God's hand at work helps me and humbles me to know whose work and glory this really is. I feel like the gospel gives us lens to see miracles. So if you haven't cleaned yours lately, clean them and look around to truly see the miracles. I love how the Spirit is constantly telling Nephi in 1 Nephi 11-14 to "Look". Look for the good in others and yourself. I love you all so much, and I'm grateful for your prayers. I really feel them.  

Missionary Leadership Council

Sorry: Sorry this is long, everything just kind of came to me

 

Elliot Miles: My sister Marina had her fourth child, a beautiful little boy and I cannot wait to meet him!

 

My Dad's Testimony: I loved the point my dad wrote to me in an e-mail about what he bore his testimony on in church yesterday-that we sometimes look at people and don't always know the back story. I was going to paraphrase it, but I'll just quote the best dad in the world because I think it is so true.

 

"Two days ago, our daughter Marina who lives in Santa Cruz, gave birth to a little boy. He weighed 9 pounds 9 ounces. He is our 15th grandchild. Ten years ago, we had zero grandchildren. So, little bundles of blessing come very quickly. As we were with Marina in the delivery room following the birth, the nurse Marina had saw her drooping lip and asked her about it, worried that it had occurred during the delivery. Marina said, no, she had a serious surfing accident three years ago and that the left side of her face was paralyzed.

I then remembered all that had happened three years ago and the hardships Marina had with an eye that would not close and a face that sagged. It certainly was a long ways from then, when she held this beautiful little baby in her arms. Sometimes in life, we see the beautiful picture of a Mom and her baby and think, what a perfect life. How come I have so many difficulties and other people have such perfect lives. But it is not true. Everyone has a back-story that we are not aware of. Everyone had difficulties and challenges in their lives.

The second experience involved my daughter in Folsom. She was sealed in the temple to her husband last Saturday. Now, if anyone could see the beautiful pictures of her and her husband and three children, they would say how perfect. I would like a life like that. But, they do not know the back-story. 6 years ago, my daughter learned that her husband was living a "double-life". Shortly, thereafter a divorce followed. Melissa was left without a car, a home or any support for herself and her two daughters. She had nothing. So, she and her daughters moved in with us and she went back to school and got her teaching certificate and then met and married a fine young man.

So too, each of us have a back-story that probably few know about. I think if we did, we would probably be a little more patient and kind. I think that is probably one reason our Heavenly Father is so kind, patient and loving with us--because he knows all of our back-stories, not only on this earth, but all in the pre-mortal existence."

 

Life Hurts and Is Happy: What I have learned in my life and what I am continuing on the mission to learn is that we hurt a lot, but through patience and the Atonement of Jeus Christ everything is made right. Maybe not even in this life, but we always have that promise in the life to come. Life hurts, but there is so much joy. Oppoisition in all things my friends. I have had a really hard week on the mission seeing a lot of people around me struggle in so many different ways. It hurts to see them hurt, but I know I have just got trust in the Lord and keep point them to Him and Jesus Christ. We can be healed.

 

Wisdom: I love King Benjamin so much and I have been studying his example of service to his people this week. I know we always read Mosiah 2:17 that says when you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God, but the line before that says I tell you these things that you may learn wisdom really hit me. From that scripture I realised wisdom and service are one in the same. The wisest of people who we love and revere so much (ie: Jesus, King Benjamin, Ghandi) are the ones who lived a life serving others. I think living a life of service is the most intelligent way to live. It not only brings happiness to the person being served, but it seems it is even more fulfilling for the person that is serving. I am learning that everyday on the mission.

 

MLC: MLC is missionary leadership council. It is when the mission president, AP's (assistants to the president), zone leaders, and sister training leaders get together and learn about the goals of the mission and how to implement them in our exchanges with other missionaries and in our own areas. They usually have them at president's house, but because the mission is getting so large (304 missionaries and 75 sisters), with more STLs (sister training leaders) and 2 chinese training leaders, we met at the Staines' chapel. So we in the Plymouth zone are in the boonies of the mission and it is like a 4-5 hour drive so our zone leaders picked Sister O'brien and me up the night before, while our comps stayed in Teignmouth. Sister O'brien is the other STL in the zone since our zone is geographically huge. I'll be over the sisters in Exeter and Torquay and she'll be over St. Austell and Redruth. In the morning, we went over to Staines, and sure enough I see good old Sister Cowley. We just laugh everytime we see each other because we somehow always end up doing the same thing at the same time in the mission, working out simialr issues. Always so good to see her. I learned so much at MLC, and it is interesting to see where the information and goals start and then branch out to the whole mission.

Pics: Sister Cowley and I - we have the weirdest sense of humor when we are together that I feel like no one gets around us. Man I love this lady. Here are some sister training leaders - Didn't get all of them and the other is our awesome zone leaders Elder Paulo (South Africa) and Elder Hsovoi (I am completely getting that wrong, but he is from Germany) and there is Sister O'brien with me.

Prayer

It is one thing to know truths intellectually, but emotionally learning those truths is another thing. The best example of this is change. We all know change is necessary to progress and grow, but when it comes around the corner it still emotionally gets to you. This is how I am feeling with Sister Barker leaving me next Sunday night or Monday morning. She has served faithfully 18 months and has been an amazing example and trainer to me of what a missionary and human being should be like. It seems like I love her more and more each day. And a lot of the emotions associated with change hit me last night. Feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty crept up. I'm learning on the mission and in life that these feelings may come, but it is how we respond to it that determines our ability to overcome and rise up to our potential. And our response always needs to be the same-turning to our Heavenly Father in prayer. I came across this amazing talk in the ensign and it let us know how essential prayer is.  

"Without prayer, there is no possible return to the Father. Without prayer, sufficient faith to understand and keep the commandments is impossible. Without prayer, the necessary spiritual power to avoid temptation and overcome trials and adversity would be unavailable. Without prayer, repentance, forgiveness, and the cleansing power of the atonement are unattainable. With the power of prayer, all things are possible"

Elder Kevin W. Pearson

I'm trying to be brave with this upcoming change, but I know to be brave I need Heavenly Father's help. I know we can do all things with Heavenly Father. I know that intellectually and from past experiences, but prayer is what gives us strength emotionally to accomplish everything we need to do. 

Why be afraid? That is what I keep telling myself. The Lord is on our side and we have had an amazing week. Our lovely Sonia is getting baptized on August 31st and Natalie is on track for September 14th! We are teaching so many people I love dearly and could keep writing and writing about each one. I know when we focus on others, our fears disappear because we are losing ourself in the work. Perfect love casteth out all fear. I know that through prayer and focusing on helping others we can blossom with the changes in our life that may overwhelm us. I'm learning that right now so I can testify of this truth. 

I love you all!

Cheers!

Sister McLeod

And this is the lovely testimony of Sister Barker

"The Lord is the head of this work, it is His work, and we are only called to serve Him.  Each and every day is an act of faith but it brings the greatest blessings, for when we are in the service of our fellow beings we truly are only in the service of our God (Mosiah 2:17).  I have come to know for myself more assuredly that God lives, Jesus Christ is our Savior, The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ, and Joseph Smith was called of God and given the authority to restore the Church of Jesus Christ as it was in former times.  If you contemplate as to whether to go or not go on a mission let me reassure you that you will never regret making that decision and that God can and will guide you to know if you are "called to the work."  I have loved and still love being a missionary and will be for the rest of my life, so no worries about being released, I'll then receive my new calling of being a member missionary and I am so glad to know that God will sustain me in that calling too :)  I know these things are true and say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

English 101

Oh my goodness, it is proper hot here! They said they didn't have a summer last year, and that this weather is supposed to last a month. I'm starting to understand how missionaries in hot places feel, the sun drains you, but I am getting a sweet farmer's tan and shoe tan line so I am counting my blessings. And the sun makes everyone friendlier :) Yesterday I was told I have a beautiful accent, so I felt pretty cool for a minute. The english accent is so normal to me and I used to think I wanted to have one, but I just like how I talk because it is me. My companion has mostly had foreign companions, and so her accent is kinda like a hodgepodge of something. No one can ever figure it out when they are talking to her, it's funny, but she says I am Americanizing her again, prepping her to go back in 6 weeks! 

Family: Marina sent me pics of the farm, and it looked so fun and made me so happy all my nieces and nephews are getting to have that experience we all had. Some of the best memories of my childhood were there :) Give all my love to the kiddos.

Here is a list of the differences or things I love about England I've started to make. And this is all my bias and I have only been in one place, Bath and the surrounding towns/villages for about a month and a half so ya it is just my opinion. Bath is a city and as you get further you get more in the country in places like Radstock, Mid Somer Norton, etc. I get the best of both worlds being in the beautiful countryside and in the city. 

1. They say Hiya, and I love it because hi is too short and hello is to formal.

2. When someone says "have a good day!" you respond "and you!" instead of you too.

3. Food tends to run on the bland side, it is still good.

4. Trousers = pants

5. Pants = underwear

6. Petrol station = gas station

7. They say garage gare--idge

8. Never seen so many different flowers

9. Eat everything with potatoes

10. May appear standoffish, but they are softies at heart :)

11. Chips = fries

12. Crisps = chips

13. Squash is their form of juice. It is like instant crystal light, you buy a high concentrated container and then pour mostly water and then a little of the squash.

14. Loo/toilet = bathroom

15. Men tend to be better dressed

16. Everything is crammed/narrow. Cars, roads, houses are so narrow. I have mad respect for bus drivers, I really don't get how they don't hit anything.

17. Everywhere is saturated with green. So beautiful.

18. Lack of trust of government/health system--I think that is a universal thing

19. Dental care = super expensive

20. The water is very hard. I don't know if that makes sense, but there are so many minerals in it and when I take a bath, I never feel very clean, and you need a ton of shampoo and soap.

21. Their beans in a can are in a tomatoe sauce base and beans on a toast is so delicious!

22. Roundabouts everywhere!

23. Everyone loves to talk about the weather. If it is raining, they says it is rubbish outside. If it is hot, they say it is too hot to do anything.

24. I love when they say "I can't be bothered." to let you know they don't care or are too lazy. I love saying this one.

25. When saying bye or thanks = Cheers!

Spiritual: I finished reading the Book of Mormon again! And you know what, it is still true, but I love to keep asking God again if it is because He will confirm that truth to our heart and mind time and time again by the Holy Ghost. We just have to ask. And so I Mackenzie Kaitlyn McLeod want to let you know that I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and was translated by Joseph Smith, a prophet called of God. Because I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon, I have a stronger knowledge of my Savior's love and know what I must do and become to live with Him and my Heavenly Father again. It brings clarity and companionship to the Bible. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God except us choosing to reject it. I know as we read the word of God, we are led to the love of God. I know that reading the Book of Mormon daily converts us more fully unto the Lord and so I look forward to reading it again. In fact I read 1 Nephi chapter 1 today and saw it in a whole new light even though I have read it countless times. The lessons we learn from the Book of Mormon relate to each of our lives. This gives me a further witness this book written 2 thousands years ago lets us know God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Although the standards of the world may change, His truth remains constant and enduring. The Book of Mormon is full of good, and that good comes from God. Until I read it again, and write another testimony I leave with you these words that are completely sincere and have come because of taking the time to read, ponder, and pray. Do those three things and you'll learn for yourself :) That is what I'm doing everyday, inviting others to learn for themselves.

 

Lots of loves,

Cheers!

 

Sister McLeod