Sometimes you just have to be pooped on to get a return appointment! -- February 20, 2017

Hey everyone! How's it going?!?

I'm having a ton of fun here in England and am really enjoying that the weather is finally warming up! Although we had sleet and snow earlier this week, it's now jacket weather. But apparently that's England for ya.

So Monday we had a Zone PDay. We hung out and played frisbee and caught up with some friends. I got to catch up with Sister Tautkus and so that was really nice! Then we all had ice cream and hot chocolate when we came inside. Then it was pretty much time for everyone to leave, so we went out to proselyte some. We did a little street and bus contacting, but we got to go to the Family Home Evening lesson with the Millers, our senior couple! We met a less active named Anne there and it was such a good lesson! The lesson was on being able to rely on God through our hard times and learn from it. We watched a video from a program called 'Hope Works' about a girl named Cambry who fell off her horse and severed her spinal cord meaning she was now paralyzed. But through a lot of prayers and hard work, she was able to get back on the horse. So yeah, it was a really good lesson! Then we came home for the night.

Tuesday we went to a care home to visit a member who fell and broke her knee so she hasn't been able to go to church. We had a good conversation with her and we're able to cheer her up a little bit. Neither of us were feeling very well, so we did the only logical thing and got free subway for lunch and then we did some street contacting in town and saw "The Blade" which is a windmill blade to symbolize the restart of the economy in Hull. It's huge. Then we went back to subway for dinner and went to go to our missionary Coordination meeting.

Wednesday we had interviews with President Turvey. We had a Zone Training type thing while interviews were going on. So basically, one person would leave for their interview, and the rest of us would do role plays and discuss different techniques together. Then at the end, we watched the Mission Presidents Devotional that apparently the Quorum of the 12 wanted us to watch since there's a lot of new changes with the schedule and whatnot. But it was really good! Then we went out to visit some elderly people in the Ward for the rest of the evening. So it was a good day and very productive :)

Thursday was amazing! We had a lesson with this lady who referred herself to Mormon.org. We gave her a Book of Mormon and talked with her a little bit about it and how it could help her in her life! So that was a great lesson! Then we went back in for lunch and went out again. Then we went to see Sister Ford and have a lesson with her and then we headed out to a city called a Brough to have tea with the Oakleys. 

Friday was crazy. So we had the sisters from Grimsby over and our toilet backed up. So Sister Tanielu and I went to town to get a plunger. Well we went into the store and the guy had no idea why we would ever need a plunger for a toilet...how is that not a thing in England!?! Well anyways, we wound up having to go to another store to get the plunger. Than we had weekly planning. Well by the time that was finally over, we left to go get tea with a member in the Ward. Then there was another member across the street, so we went to see them as well and they drove us back home for tea. So it was a very, very short day...

Saturday was interesting...we got a blessing from Elder Miller since we're both still getting really bad headaches. Then we had a lesson with a less active at their house and headed out afterwards to see a recent convert in the morning and were talking to her in the street when a bird pooped in my hair...so luckily, she helped me clean it out. While Sister Tanielu took pictures. What a great companion ;)

But yeah, we're going back next week. Then we tried by a few people, but none of them were in. So we went to tea and then came in.

Sunday we had church in the morning and then after lunch, we went to visit a part member family who talked to us the rest of the night...so yeah...then we came back and synced our iPads and went in. So another short day. But good nonetheless.

My spiritual thought this week is one that our Ward mission leader shared with us and I thought was very profound, so I wanted to share it. So in 1 Nephi, when Nephi is talking to his brothers, He's talking about the power of God and how God could do anything and make the sea dry ground. And I'm sure in his head he's thinking "why do I have to make a ship?!? Moses got to walk across HIS problems!" Well just remember Heavenly Father knows the best way to get across a sea is walking, and the best way to get across an ocean is by boat. He knows the best way to get over our challenges and even when it may seem we have the same challenges, He knows the best way for us individually.

Hope you all have a great week! Love you all!

Sister Hope

Christ is my Valentine! That's why I wear His name over my Heart! -- February 13, 2017

Hey everyone! Hope all is going well for you. Things are starting to pick up here in Hull, so we're thankful for that!

On Monday, we had our PDay. We did shopping and got lunch and then did our emailing at the library and I did some practice driving theory tests since our mission President still wants me to get my license. So I'm preparing for that. Then we came back home for dinner and went out. We talked to about 50 university students and invited all of them to FHE. None of them wanted to come. So that means we didn't get to go. So we walked around and did some more street contacting until the end of the night.

Tuesday was a weird day (but then again, what's normal?!?) we did some street contacting in the morning and then went for lunch and headed out to see this guy who had called us and said he'd been reading the Book of Mormon and was confused, so he wanted us to come answer some questions! So we headed over and he lived in a hospital. So we talked with him for a little bit, but had to go pretty quickly because of the nurses and such. We answered most of his questions and gave him a Restoration Pamphlet to help answer the rest. Then we came in for tea and companionship study and then headed out to teach that lady we met last Sunday. She didn't show up. So we had a lesson with Steph instead and I think that was what was needed! We started with the Restoration and then for one of the questions she was like "actually I've never understood that" so we had a lesson with her just on that principle and she said at the end that she had really needed that explanation! Then we had Ward coordination to finish off the night.

Wednesday we had district meeting in the morning and that was really good! We talked a lot about teaching simply and for understanding. Then we Bus contacted home and up to Sister Everitt's house. She had lunch for us and we had a good chat. Then we went up to Sister Young's house and got to know them. Then she offered to drop us off wherever we needed to go. Which was good because the elders needed me to pick up their car. They had to go to Leeds and it was in the shop and I'm the only one in the area who is allowed to drive in the mission already (I'm the only one whose taken some lessons and have driven before). Well she got lost. So what should've been like a 10 minute drive, took about an hour. But that's ok! We still got the car. We could tell it was an elders car though because...well...

So we had a good time making fun of them for that when they took the car back! But anyways, we went to see a less active and it was actually the only day she would've been home! So that was a tender mercy! And she wanted to come to church! Then we drove out to our tea appointment with the Ward mission leader and his family. They're so sweet! Anyways, then we went home for companionship study and then went to pick the Elders up from the train station so they could have their car back.

Thursday we had exchanges. So I spent the day with Sister Van Zyl. We had a lesson in the morning with an investigator who knows everything is true but is having trouble giving up the word of wisdom (not because she doesn't want to though) so we reviewed and personalised the Restoration for her and then did finding the rest of the day. We did a ton of street contacting and tried by a less active. Then we went to a tea appointment and were late because we knocked on the wrong house...we were on the avenue street, not the street street. Whoops! We found it though and we're only five minutes late. Then we switched back and Sister Tanielu and I went to Ward Coordination. They gave us a whole bunch of names of less actives, part members, and people who just need a visit. Such a great and productive evening! We're so excited to be able to have more of a direction in finding!

Friday we had a miracle! So we were calling as many people as possible during weekly planning and one guy answered and said he wasn't sure if he'd have time next week, but that he had time that day and was wondering if we could meet with him that afternoon! So of course we did! It was so great! He said he really felt at peace and wanted to love Jesus Christ as much as we do! Ah! It was so good! We finally have a new investigator! Anyways, then we went to tea and that was really good! This member has asked us to teach her son (he's 7) but he wasn't too interested. Until we told him we'd talk to him through his Spider-Man Walkie-Talkies. So we did. We had the lesson over walkie-talkies and he listened the whole way! We mainly taught through primary songs too. It was so fun! 

Saturday we had another miracle! We got a referral from the office that a lady had asked for a Book of Mormon! So we went out to visit her and she wasn't in. But she answered our text! So we know it is actually a legit referral and we're going to see her next week! So anyways, the Ward gave us a bunch of names to try by of less actives. And there was one near this lady. So we popped by and she let us in. We had a great conversation with her! Then we came in for lunch and went to try by a few more people. It was a really productive evening! One of the less actives wants to come to family Home evening with us! So that's exciting! Then we came in for companionship Study and then went out to have a lesson with Jayne. We talked about the stripling Warriors and how we need to be a good example for rising generations (she's a primary teacher). Then we came in for tea. Also...Saturday was my official nine month mark. So apparently I had to take a "nine-month" photo. My companion had fun...

Sunday was good. We had church and then all our appointments cancelled. So we called the elders and got the names of a bunch of formers in an area and went to try by them. Most said they weren't interested. But we did get in with a part member family and they want us to keep coming back! So that's always good! Then we came in for companionship Study and tea.

My spiritual thought comes from John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

I love Valentines Day! I love that not only can we remember how much we love others, but how much we're loved. And there's no one who loves us more than our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They love us so much that Christ volunteered to come die for us that we may return. None of us are perfect, but we're all loved perfectly.

Enjoy your Valentine's Day tomorrow. And try to do something to show your love back to the Savior as well :)

Sister Hope

Living the High Life in UK's 2K17 City of Culture (Hull) -- February 6, 2017

How's everyone doing!? I had a pretty good week as a start to my time in Hull.

It started out a little stressful and crazy on Monday with saying goodbyes and all that to all my friends in Louth. I've grown really close to the people there and so saying goodbye was a little rough. But we made it! We got to Grimsby around 9:30 to spend the night.

Tuesday we woke up bright and early and packed the car with my stuff and another Sisters stuff and then all four of us crammed in the car and drove to Hull. We got there around 7 in the morning and the train took most of the missionaries away. Then those of the Sisters who had been in Hull, Sister Tautkus, and I went to the flat to pick up their stuff and for me to start unpacking. Then we got back on the bus and went to the train station again to get Sister Tautkus' new companion and our third companion. Then we went back to the flat again to drop off her stuff and the new Louth sisters drove home. After about half an hour, we went back to the station and got one of the STLs, took her back to the flat to drop her stuff off and then went to get the last sister. So five of us in a flat...fun. There's Sister Van Zyl (fun sail) from South Africa, and Sister Pro from Russia. Her real name is a lot longer and everyone just calls her Sister Pro. Then I'm in a trio with Sister Gjikaj (gee-K-eye) from Albania and Sister Tanielu (tan-E-L-U) from Australia. Then we unpacked a little and got organized to go grocery shopping. We got a little lost, so it took us longer than planned. But all's good! We got our groceries and then finished unpacking and having lunch. Then we did about an hour of street contacting and then had Ward Coordination. It was a little weird not knowing who most of the people are...but that'll change for next week!

Wednesday was crazy too. We did our planning in the morning and then left to go to district meeting. It was a great meeting! We got to know each other and the area a little bit and came up with some action plans in uniting the Ward. Then we did some street contacting to an investigator's house to meet her. But she wasn't in. So we did a little knocking and then went to have a lesson with a recent convert, but the member who was going to come with us didn't show up. So we had to reschedule with him. Then we went to visit an older lady in the Ward who's blind and we talked with her about her conversion story and talked about the Tree of Life and the importance of sharing what's made us happy...aka the gospel. Then we tried by another recent convert who also wasn't in. So we went back in for tea, 12 weeks, companionship Study, and language Study. So crazy having studies in the evening...but also so nice since it gets so dark so early now!

Thursday we officially started the new schedule. We did planning in the morning and determined it's best to do planning at 8 and then have a half hour break than do planning at 8:30 and no break because we decided we'd need to pack a lunch. So we were a little late after personal study because we needed to pack our lunch...but we did that and then did some more contacting by the university before having lunch at the Miller's house. Then we had a lesson with a recent convert from Latvia. We talked about the importance of inviting and recognizing the Spirit in our lives. Then our other lessons fell through. So we did some more contacting and went to try by a less active in the area who wasn't in. And then came in for companionship Study and then went to a tea appointment with a single mom. She has the most adorable children! It was so great! Then we came back home for the rest of our studies.

Friday was especially short. We had weekly planning in the morning, but that got cut short because Sister Gjikaj had an appointment with the Stake Patriarch to get her Patriarchal Blessing! We got there a little early so we decided to go say hi to some horses in a field nearby.

So Sister Tanielu and I waited in the chapel while she got her blessing. Then we came back and finished weekly planning and headed out to have a lesson with another recent convert. Then we tried by a less active again and she wasn't in. Then we came in for tea and then went to visit another recent convert and talked to her about the importance of scripture study. Then we came in to finish our studies again.

Saturday we had an early day trying by people. We tried by an investigator and  are members to introduce ourselves. Then we came in for lunch and went out again to try by some more people. We met a less active with bearded dragons! and we talked with her about the importance of doing the daily things and coming to church. Then we did some street contacting and went to tea at a Members and talked with him about the importance of the priesthood. Then we did our studies and had a shocking phone call from the Assistants. Our trio is now a duo. Sister Gjikaj got transferred up north. So we ended 12 Weeks early and helped her pack her things.

Sunday we went to church and got to meet a lot of the Ward members. It was so weird being in an actual chapel. This is only the 2 time in nine months I've been in a proper chapel...but it was good anyways! Then we ran home and got Sister Gjikaj's luggage and went to the train station to say goodbye.

Then Sister Tanielu and I went in for tea and then walked around street contacting and met some amazing people were hoping to teach next week! So excited!

My Spiritual Thought for the week is from President Gordon B. Hinckley

"We are here to assist our Father in His work and His glory, ‘to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man’. Your obligation is as serious in your sphere of responsibility as is my obligation in my sphere." Let there be cultivated an awareness in every member’s heart of his own potential for bringing others to a knowledge of the truth. Let him work at it. Let him pray with great earnestness about it”

Love you all! God Bless

Sister Hope

We made Facebook! And my Little Girl is growing up!! -- January 30, 2017

Hello everyone!

We had another great week here in Louth. It was such a wonderful way to end my time here in Louth. We had Transfer Calls yesterday and it seems I'm being called somewhere else!

So Monday we had a great PDay. It was just the Grimsby Sisters and us at the chapel this week. We watched a few movies and then Sister Tautkus and I went back to Louth to proselyte until 9. We stopped by the Elliot's and returned a movie to them and then popped by Jane and Andy to see how they were doing. Then we did some street contacting. I'm really ready for it to stay light outside again...this whole dark by 5 thing is getting old. But we did have a good conversation with a few people, but none of them were interested in meeting up again.

Tuesday was pretty good. We tried by a few potentials but none of them were in again. Then we had lunch and had more driving instruction. I think we're almost ready for the test! Hopefully! Then we came in because the guy who was going to fix our water heater was going to come, but he didn't...so we went to see Kate again! We read from the Book of Mormon with her and talked about the Liahona and how that relates to following the Spirit in our life. It was a really good lesson! Then we went over for tea and Family Home Evening with the Fox family! We played UNO! And I lost big time... but that's ok. Then we went and had a lesson with Jane and Andy on overcoming challenges through Christ's help. Another pretty good lesson!

Wednesday was a day of surprises! So we had a lesson with Stuart in the morning about the Plan of Salvation and then came in for lunch and 12 weeks. We went knocking in a village just outside Grimsby and had a long conversation with this guy that has a best friend who is LDS and just got back from a mission. But he doesn't think that was meant to be...that it was just a coincidence. So anyways, then we left to go to the missionary broadcast. It was so good! They talked a lot about the doctrine of Christ and how we need to apply that in our life in order to teach it more effectively. And they made some changes to our daily schedule and key indicators. So we now do planning in the morning instead of companionship study and companionship study can be anywhere in the day. But the most exciting part is we are now allowed to go to bed at 9:30! We're not starting this schedule until Wednesday though. President Turvey said to wait until the new transfer comes to apply it. But yeah! Also, were only counting a few key indicators-number baptised and confirmed, number with a baptismal goal, number attended sacrament meeting, and number of new investigators. So that's quite different! Then we came in for tea.

Thursday was another day where things seemed to fall through. We had a lesson with Michael and Josephine in the morning about Matthew 15-19 and then came in for lunch. Then we tried by some potentials. All of them were in. And all of them had the same "oh no" look on their face when they opened the door...so that was sad. But then we went knocking in another village and this one lady let us in for about 45 minutes. She had something called a pianola. It's a piano, that also has recordings in it you can play with your feet. Anyways, it's really old and really cool. She knew the members we were going to see really well, so she let us in and we talked about family history and faith in Christ. So that was really good! Then we took a picture outside the old church in the village. Why not, right?

​Then we had tea with the Scott's and their son told us to come by next week! Then we had our Branch Missionary Meeting over Skype and that was really good.

Friday we had weekly planning and lunch after studies. The guy who was coming to fix our water heater showed up...and stayed for almost 4 hours...luckily he came before we started weekly planning. So he was here during all our planning, all our lunch, and then some...but we finally have hot water again! So then we went to see Jackie and finish talking to her about temples and what we do there. Afterwards, we went back to Alford and did a bunch of street contacting and trying by less actives. We did go to another village because it's the birthplace of John Smith and we wanted to see it and get a picture over there.

We were going to knock, but it was starting to get dark, so we decided we'd be better off going back to Alford and doing some street contacting. We had some really great conversations! Then we had tea with Sister Harvey and then went to see Keeley and Martin! We talked with them about the Atonement and how Christ wants to help us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It was a great lesson! On the way home, we got a text from one of the members and she said her friend just texted her that her husband was stopped by two Mormons and it really inspired him. Apparently it inspired him so much he posted it on Facebook! So that made our night that we made his! Now the member is going to see if they'll let us come back (he'd told us no on the street but obviously something sparked...) so we'll see what happens!

Saturday we went to deliver some goodies to Jackie and then went to the library to practice for our driving theory test. Then we came in for lunch and went out to Manby. We did some knocking and then saw Stuart. We couldn't find a member to go with us, so we thought we'd have to teach him outside. But the member he's staying with called one of his neighbors and she came to sit in on the lesson with us! He told us we couldn't try to convert her...but that's not our job anyways. So we talked about the last part of the Plan of Salvation and she had some good comments! But yeah, she wasn't interested in learning more. But anyways, then we came in for 12 weeks and then went out to have tea at Josephine's. We taught her how to hold a Family Home Evening, so hopefully she can do that with Ben now! Then we went to have a lesson with Chris. We talked about the importance of real intent and going to church and about how the church can become like a family and committed him to come to church with a question.

Sunday we had church of course! Chris came, but he only stayed for the first hour again :/ but it was a great day! We had a great talk in sacrament meeting and our Branch President promised us that if every member would do 100% home and visiting teaching, then we would become a branch the Lord can trust and the branch would grow so much in the next year. I think that's a promise that can apply to every Ward and branch in the world! Anyways, then we came in for lunch and did some street contacting until Jackie's lesson. We talked to her about the Priesthood and then David gave her a Priesthood Blessing. Afterwards we went to the library to sync and then came in for tea, 12 Weeks, and transfer calls! So as I said before, I have been called elsewhere. I am now going to be in a trio in Hull 1! I get to serve in a ward finally! I'm excited for a new adventure, but it's going to be so hard to say goodbye to all these wonderful people here in Louth. But Sister Tautkus is officially out of training and I know she will continue to do great things for the Louth Area!

My spiritual thought for the week comes from President Eyring's talk 'The Holy Ghost as Your Companion'

"The companionship of the Holy Ghost makes what is good more attractive and temptation less compelling"

I've noticed this week as I've tried to be more and more worthy of the Holy Ghost that I've been able to work harder and much more effectively!

Love you all! God Bless

Sister Hope

Found the BEST pick up line EVER!! -- January 23, 2017

Hello everyone! It's been such a busy, busy, busy week!

Monday we spent PDay in Grimsby and then came back to Louth afterwards. We popped by a few potentials and our lesson cancelled, but that was ok. We went through town and street contacted the empty streets for a few weeks. It seemed a little unproductive, but it was obedient. And that's what's important! Oh and Not-So-Funny Story. Our apartment complex got egged. It wasn't just us, it was pretty much the whole building. So we got to try and get the egg off the window. So we used a mop. Didn't go too well. Any other advice
​

Tuesday we went to have a lesson with Josephine. She is starting Personal Progress and so we went over a few value experiences with her in the Faith section. We talked about the mothers of the Stripling Warriors and encouraged her to pray about how she can encourage that same courage and strength in her children! Then we rushed home for a quick lunch and had a lesson with Kate. She's been reading quite a bit. We went over the Tree of Life with her and she agreed to meet with us twice a week! We're so excited for that! Then we rushed home for our driving lessons. We had an interesting lessons and learned some of our 'American driving skills' are illegal here. Such as what they call dry steering, or moving the steering wheel while the car isn't moving. Then we came home and did a little street contacting to have tea at the Elliot's. It was a great meal and then we went to pick up Jackie for her to join us in her first lesson! It went so well! We had a lesson with Chris about The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the importance of baptism and church. She bore her testimony so well! Made me feel like a proud momma! 

Wednesday we had district meeting. We went over practicing inviting people to church and explaining what's different about it. It was a great meeting and we learned a lot! Then we drove back to Louth and I had another doctors appointment. After the appointment, we went in for lunch and 12 Weeks and rushed off to teach Sheila about the Restoration! Funny story, apparently she was baptised about 60 years ago...so our investigator is actually a less active! Then we had a lesson with Jackie about home and visiting teaching and tea with the O'Grams! We finished off our evening with our Branch Missionary Meeting and Branch Council. So another rushed, but very productive day!

Thursday we went in the morning to visit Michael with Josephine. We went over more in Matthew and it was a really great lesson! Then we came in for lunch and went to see Kate. We discussed the Restoration with her and it went really well! She's not already a member though so that's good! Then we came in for 12 weeks and we're hoping the repair man would come to give us hot water but here was running late so we had to reschedule so we could go to exchanges. So yeah, we drove to York, which is about 2 hours away by car, and had exchanges. I went with Sister Berg and we had a tea appointment which was a little weird because first of all, I didn't know any of them and secondly, their daughter in laws name is Megan. So the whole tea appointment they kept saying things like "Megan's the craziest", "Megan, can you do the dishes" etc. I was a little jumpy but oh well! Then we went out street contacting and met this guy who seemed really normal at first. So we started in on the Restoration and all of sudden he asked us out. It was weird. As we were walking away, Sister Berg said to me "The Restoration, gets 'em everytime. Guess we found the best pick up line ever! 'I saw a pillar of light...'" then we popped by a recent convert and shared a scripture with her to encourage her to continue coming to church. She has a 7 year old daughter who will be 8 in a few weeks, so they're really excited about that!

Friday was sooooooooo short! We had weekly planning in the morning and then lunch. Then we headed out. We did some street contacting near the uni and then waited for a lesson at the library, but she didn't show up. So we knocked about 5 doors and came in for follow ups and then we drove back to Louth. We put our stuff inside and went to see Chris and shared a scripture with him to invite him to church. Then we came in for tea and planning!

Saturday we had some strange turns of events. We went to do some online driving tutorials and then had to quickly call a member to go with us to visit Stuart. Apparently he moved and forgot to tell us. So the plans we had fell through. But we got to have a lesson with him anyways! Then we came back and did some street contacting in town and then headed out to Alford, a smaller village in our area. We got there just as the sun was going down:/ but we did some good street contacting and really feel we need to work this town. We're so excited because it feels like opening a brand new area. Nobody had seen missionaries before so there were no preconceived ideas! Ah! Such a relief! But we came back in after that for tea and twelve weeks.

Sunday was fast, but great! There were some amazing talks on Sabbath Day Observance and the Temple. The temple talk made me a little homesick, but that's ok. Then we went back to Alford and did a little knocking. We had some great conversations with people, but unfortunately no return appointments. But we've only knocked half a street! Still lots more to do! And this is the Alford Church. Apparently Captain John Smith taught here before going to America...

​ Then we went to lunch at the Harvey's and went to teach Jackie about the temples. She was a little distracted because her son showed up, but we got through most of it. We'll just go finish later in the week. Then we came in for Area Book Finding. We went back through all the records we already had and confirmed they were in the app and then had a shredding party. Jackie lent us her shredder because she needs shredded paper for her rabbit. So it's a win win! We get cleared space and she gets shredded paper! Then we had our tea and did 12 weeks.

My spiritual thought comes from Elder Neil L. Andersen's talk 'Thy Kingdom Come'

"God's miracles are not happening just in Haiti, Thailand, or the Ivory Coast. Look around you. 'God is mindful of every people...;yea, He numbereth His people, and His...mercy [is] over all the Earth."

Especially being able to go out and visit a new area this week has made me think quite a bit about what all Heavenly Father does for us. He knows all His people and wants to give all His children the opportunity to know Him and what He can and will do for them. He loves you, He's numbered you, and He will perform miracles for and through YOU!

-- 

Sister Hope

Well we got a Little SNOW!!! -- January 16, 2017

Hello Everyone!

I hope you're continuing to have a marvellous 2017! Because we are here in the blessed land of Louth, England!

Monday we spent our PDay in Grimsby again watching movies. It was so great to be able to relax and spend some time with the other missionaries. Also, it's so nice to have a car since we could come and go as we pleased and didn't have to wait in the cold for a bus. So we left a little early and went to have tea with the Fox family. We had tea and played a game for FHE. we were there a little long since the game went over, but it was still good! We got to do a little street contacting and then came in for the night.

I had a doctors appointment on Tuesday morning, so we went to that, came in for lunch, and then went to try by a potential who wasn't in. So we sat on a bench to make some calls. Along came a teenager in our branch with a girl. So we wave and say hi and he looked a little embarrassed to see us. So we finished our calls and then went to go to an area we wanted to knock. Well up ahead, we saw them again. So we decided to go down a trail that cuts to another neighborhood, and down the steps from halfway down the trail, came these two teenagers. So we decided to try and follow them (because we knew this wasn't the way to his house...and we thought it'd be funny) we'll we lost them, so we decided to continue on with our plans. All of a sudden, they were up ahead of us again. So they literally zig zagged the entire town of Louth. They took about an hour to get what should've only taken 15 minutes or so...so we had a good laugh and then we went out knocking a cute little neighbourhood near our flat that we wanted to knock before. Then we went to have a lesson with Jackie and rushed off to tea at Neil's house. We stopped by Chris afterwards and he said he was expecting us because he'd seen us walking on the side of the road twice and since he knew we saw him, he knew we'd come by (his car looks like an old fashioned ambulance, I'll get a picture soon I hope!) anyways, he had a present ready for us. He had made some homemade jam and gave it to us! So that was nice of him! 

This is us taking a selfie to give the teenagers a chance to get a head so they wouldn't think we were stalking them...

Wednesday we had district meeting and then came back for lunch. It was an interesting district meeting though because both the Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders came. But it was good! I had gotten a call Tuesday night to make and bring my cookies, so I made some cocoa cookies before personal Study and was so thankful they'd set up before we had to leave! The Zone Leaders are lucky; I almost didn't listen to them. But we enjoyed the cookies anyways! Then after lunch we went to visit a less active. She said she didn't want to talk to us...and then talked to us for about 45 minutes..and invited us back. So I'd say that was a success! Also, because we finally have a way to get out there we decided to go today. And everything seemed to come crashing down that we weren't going to have time. We were going to knock in the area and then stop by, but ran out of time and we're debating if it was worth it to go out there to visit her. We decided we should and this was the only day she had off work this week. So glad we listened to the Spirit! Anyways, then we drove back and I got a blessing and we had tea at the Fox's again. Then we came home for 12 weeks.

Thursday we went to see Michael in the morning with Josephine. We went over a bit of the bible again with him and then came in for lunch and 12 weeks. Then we drove out to see Stuart and went over the Restoration with him again. So that was a really good lesson. Then we drove out to have tea at the Scott's and Skyped in Brother Izzard for our Missionary Correlation meeting. It went really well and we're really excited to see what this new year brings the Louth area! Then we drove back home and did some street contacting. So not too shabby of a day!

Friday it snowed. But it was all melted by the time weekly planning ended. But anyways, we had weekly planning and lunch. Then we synced at the library and came in to have a driving lesson. So after two hours of driving, we ran a few more errands and then popped by Kate to give her a Get Well Soon card and invited her to church and then we had a lesson with Jane and Andy about the Plan of Salvation and eternal marriage. It was another interesting lesson, but it was really good!

Saturday we went to have Mormon.org time in the morning and then had lunch. After lunch, we went to help Chris on his allotment (which is just a garden) for an hour. We pruned blackberry bushes and dug up some ground. Then we cleaned up and stopped by Sheila to see how she's doing. She's doing well and set a return appointment with h us! Then we had tea at the Harvey's and came in for 12 weeks.

Sunday we had church, of course. Chris came to sacrament meeting! So that's progress! We had a great Sabbath Day worship and then had lunch. After lunch, we went to visit a member in our branch who left church early to make sure he and his family were ok. They said they were actually really down and then had a lesson with Jackie and Josephine. Then 12 weeks. So another quick day, but it was still really good! 

My Spiritual Thought for the week comes from Elder Quentin L. Cook's talk 'The Lord is My Light'

"For those who feel they are alone, you can stand resolutely in righteousness knowing that the Atonement will protect and bless you beyond your ability to fully understand"

Ive been studying a lot about the atonement lately for some lessons we were going to have but cancelled on us. I've come to have a greater appreciation for the Atonement and look forward to continue studying it! It is amazing what Heavenly Father has to offer us because of His son. Christ wants to help us in any way we can. Whether it is spiritual, physical, emotional, or mental. He loves us perfectly and will help us because only He knows exactly how we are feeling individually.

I love this gospel and I love this work. God Bless!

Sister Hope

From Weddings to Baptisms. We had it all!! -- January 9, 2017

Hey ya! This week has been so great!

We had quite an interesting PDay. We started the day with shopping and then went to a wedding reception! The couple met on their mission in China about five years ago and decided to get married! The reception was beautiful and we loved it!

After the reception we went to Jane and Andy's. We did a lesson on scripture study that didn't go quite as planned, but was still good! Jane said she'd made it a New Years Resolution to read the entire Book of Mormon by the end of the year! So we're super excited about that. Now if only Andy would follow in her footsteps...

Tuesday we went to the library and made the program for Stuart's baptism! Then we ran a few errands in town and then had lunch and went to go pick up a book really quick from the Fox's. Well really quick turned into an hour because...well yeah, it just kinda kept going! But we rushed off to go have a lesson with Kate. She read six chapters in the Book of Mormon! We went over chapter seven and answered her questions. It's so great to see how much she really wants to just know everything! Then we went to catch the bus to go have tea at the Harvey's. Then we popped by Chris to see why he didn't come to church and to set a return appointment.

Wednesday was long. So we were supposed to go see Michael, but got a call that a members son was in the hospital. So we had to cancel with Michael and call to see who could go give him a blessing. Well the blessing was finally given and all was ok. But we were pretty stressed down in Louth since the hospital is in Grimsby. But all was good! Then we went to teach Stuart about the priesthood. He said he's excited about it! And he's had a blessing as well and he said he could definitely feel something different from that. So that's good! Then we had tea with the O'Grams and went to the Elliot's to get the program printed. That really quick turned into an hour as well. Must run in the family (the Elliot's are Sister Foxs parents)...;)

Thursday felt like a late Christmas! We had interviews with President Turvey in Grimsby  and instruction from the Assistants while we weren't in interviews. The Assistants really focused on us and helped us answer so many questions for our investigators! Such a blessing! But the best part...we got a CAR!!! Watch out right hand side of the road! ;) but it was great! We got to go to the hospital and see the members and let them know how much we loved them and still make it back in time for our lessons! We had a lesson with Jackie and answered her questions about fasting. Then we went to the Wilsons for tea and had a lesson with Jane and Andy again about the Tree of Life and promises of God!

Friday we had weekly planning all morning and then had lunch. Then we went to sync at the library and then had a lesson with Stuart. The car is such a blessing! We wouldn't have been able to have the full lesson with him if we had to catch the bus! But we talked about temples and baptisms for the dead. He was a little confused at first, but Brother Lover answered his questions perfectly and answered his concerns. Such a powerful lesson! Then we drove back to Louth and had tea at the Dodds and rushed of to have a lesson with Chris about the importance of reading the scriptures and praying. It went really well! 

Saturday was the big day! We went to do Mormon.org time and street contacting before going to Grimsby. We helped clean up the chapel and set up. The baptism was at 4, so it was a little early, but a lot of people showed up! Stuart was so happy and said he felt like he finally had his eyes opened to the truth. Then we cleaned up and had to wait at the chapel for the elders to get back to lock up since they had the key. Then we got pizza. From dominoes. Because I have good memories of Dominoes Pizza while in Rotherham...

So we ate and then had 12 Weeks.

Sunday, Stuart was confirmed. It was such a great blessing! Then we taught Gospel Principles and had a joint lesson about self reliance in 3rd hour. Then we came in for our lunch break and went out to see Jackie and then Josephine. Then we came in for tea, area booking, and 12 Weeks. So it was a pretty fast day, but a good one nonetheless! 

Fun story! So we have a neighbor who was using our parking spot, but we didn't know which one. So we wrote a note and left chocolates on her windshield telling her we got the car. Well she showed up Sunday night with flowers to thank us for letting her use the spot and for being so nice about letting her know. We felt a little bad...but we got roses!

Anyways, my spiritual thought for the week is from Elder D. Todd. Christofferson's talk 'Why the Church?'

"We do not strive for conversion to the church, but to Christ and His gospel"

I've been thinking a lot about this, especially because we had a baptism this week. We need to be converted to Christ and He will guide us to the truth. His gospel is restored and as we come to know Him, we will know His truth.

Love you all!

Sister Hope

2017?!?!? Where has the time gone?!?!?! -- January 2, 2017

Happy New Year’s Everybody! Can't believe we already made it to 2017! Time sure goes by so fast!

So Monday was what we call Boxing Day over here in England. It was originally a day when the mail men would collect little boxes of money or gifts as a thanks for good service throughout the year...but it's turned into a day off to do nothing. So in spirit of the new meaning, we got to sleep in. All the way to 8:30! So Sister Tautkus and I rolled out of bed and did our studies in our pajamas! Then the cleaning bug hit both of us. We swept and were moving furniture to make sure we got everything nice and clean. Once we were satisfied, we got ready for the day and went to a members to use their wifi and email. Then we rushed off into town to try and hit up some of the after Christmas sales. Well the store we wanted to go to said it would close at 4, but we got there at 3:30 and it had already shut. So we just did grocery shopping and then went to Sister Stephenson's for tea and a quick lesson with Stuart. She ordered us Indian Takeaway so that was delicious! Then we taught Stuart about callings and the organization of the church. Then we went to Jackie's and had a chat with her. We didn't have really a proper lesson because our mission President told us to just brighten people's day since it's Boxing Day. She seems to be doing really well though. So that's good!

Tuesday we had another lesson with Stuart at the Wilson's house. We taught the Law of Chastity which was interesting, but it went really well! Then we had a mock interview. We told him we still have one more lesson but his interview should be on Friday. It was so good to have the Wilsons there. We found a few concerns and Sister Wilson did such a eat job answering them for us! So that was a huge blessing! Then we went in for lunch. After lunch, we went to a natural park formed by glaciers. We figured since it's a school holiday, we'd find a few families and could do some good street contacting. And we wanted to see it...so yeah! We went and it wasn't entirely what we expected. We found a guy who threw anti Mormon stuff at us and then got mad we wouldn't argue and he wouldn't let us go! We tried excusing ourselves like 10 times and then finally got away. Then we ran into this really nice couple and we talked to them for quite awhile. But they weren't interested just nice. 

Then we tried by a few people. We stopped by this one girl named Kate and talked with her about the Book of Mormon and talked about where it came from. She asked us to come back the next day and read with her!

Wednesday we had district meeting and it was so good! It was the first one we've had in about a month! So that was nice! We talked a little about everything which was such a great reminder how the little things are so important when it comes to missionary work! Obedience brings blessings. Exact obedience brings miracles! Then we had lunch in Louth and went to Mablethorpe to have a lesson with Stuart. There was a mix up in communication though. He had texted this morning he was heading back home so we told him we'd see him later...we'll we were about half way there and found out he was still in Louth. Well we had one more lesson to teach before he could have his interview...so we did a Skype lesson. Only instead of us being in Louth and him in Mablethorpe, we were in Mablethorpe and he was in Louth! But it went well. We discussed tithing and Brother Izzard did such a great job testifying! I just love members! Then we went back to Louth and read from the Book of Mormon with Kate. We read the introduction and 1 Nephi 1. She's an English major and has already read the whole Book of Mormon, but wants to read it again and understand it better. So we went over it in pretty good detail and then came in for tea and 12 weeks!

Thursday was really good! We started out the day by going to Josephine's house and then taking the bus together to Michael's house. He said he wants to understand the Bible better, so we're doing a mini scripture study group with them. We read through Matthew 1 together and went in depth on that. We're basically doing the same thing with him that we were with Kate. We're reading a chapter together, assigning the next few and then we'll answer questions and read another one and so forth. So it went really well! Then we came in for lunch and then went out to do Mormon.org time. But the library closes early on Thursdays. So we missed out. But that's ok! We had a lesson with Jackie afterwards about setting New Years Resolutions and bettering ourselves in this coming year. Then we came in for tea and went with Josephine again to teach Chris. We went over the sacrament and the purpose of church to invite him to come again! Then we did 12 Weeks at home and went to bed!

Friday we had weekly planning all morning again. Then we street contacted to the bus station and talked to this lovely couple on the way to STUART'S BAPTISMAL INTERVIEW!! We waited in the hall and then about an eternity later (45 minutes) they finally came out and he PASSED! So we walked him around the chapel and gave him a chapel tour and explained the process of baptism and confirmation and made sure we had the right size clothes and stuff and then caught the bus back to Louth. We got in and caught another bus to go have tea with the Harvey's. 

Saturday we went to teach Keeley and Martin. It went really well! We taught the Plan of Salvation. We gave them a Family Proclamation too. So I really hope they'll read that and decide they want to be an eternal family...then we came in for lunch and 12 weeks. We then went out finding for a few hours. Knocking doors. So much fun. But then we went to meet up with Sam for a lesson. He didn't show up. Again. So we went and did more street contacting. We had to go in early since it was New Years Eve. So we did planning early and then cleaned and organised the flat. 

Sunday was New Hears day! We had an excellent talk in church about how our mind works with New Years Resolutions. We over indulge in something and decide we want to change that. Then we make a plan and go for it. After a few days or weeks without immediate success, we start to lose motivation and eventually give up. Then she talked about how despite knowing we won't keep our Resolutions, we still set them because we want to better ourselves. And that's exactly what we should use the sacrament as. The sacrament is our time to make weekly Resolutions. And we should make daily resolutions so when we take the sacrament, we are truly aware of what we need to work on that week and we can ask for Heavenly Fathers help. When we have His help, we won't fail because Christ has already overcome the weaknesses we are trying to overcome. So yeah, it was a great talk! Then after church,we went knocking and then had a lesson with Jackie. Then we went to a friends house to sync our iPads. She gave us a chocolate Santa. So sweet! Literally!

My Spiritual Thought for this week is from President Boyd K. Packer's talk "The Key to Spiritual Protection" 

"Just as chalk can be removed from a blackboard, with sincere repentance the effects of our transgressions can be erased through the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

This is a New Year. Let us resolve to be better, to repent, to change. This gospel is truly a gospel of change. I'm so grateful for this upcoming year. This year I will be a missionary for almost the whole year. I have the privilege of telling people they can repent. They can change their lives. This can be the best year of their lives because they can choose to follow Jesus Christ-some people for the first time in their life. I hope and pray each of us will take advantage of the wonderful gift repentance is this New Year. 

Sister Hope