Another Week in Whitefield

Life here in Whitefield is good. There is so much to learn, and I am enjoying the experiences I am having. The rain appears to have returned, but I guess it is just my friendly reminder that I am still in England.

First, here is a story about personal study (the hour between 8 and 9 am). We have one investigator that just asks TOO many questions. He is one of those people to whom you just want to say, “It does not matter, stop thinking so much.” However, since we are charitable, we do not put it in those exact words. We recently taught him the Plan of Salvation, and he had doubts that God loves each of us equally. Interestingly enough, the next morning I started my study of the Doctrine and Covenants and came across D&C 1:35 where it says, “I am no respecter of persons.” It was an answer to his exact question! Heavenly Father loves us each the same; there is no one favorite child. Heavenly Father may love us for different reasons, just as a parent loves their children for different reasons, but He loves each of us equally. Not only that, it goes to show how Heavenly Father is willing to speak to us today and desires to help us understand Him more fully. We are going to pray for the gift of discernment to know if we should continue to teach him, but if not, I am grateful for what I have been able to learn from my experience teaching him.

One of our investigators, Sid, had a baby born prematurely. The baby is not doing well. He is in the hospital again, and doctors even pronounced him dead for a bit since his heart stopped beating for 30 minutes. Fortunately, it started again and the baby is doing well. Sid asked if we could come and pray for him. With a little bit of work, we were able to bring some priesthood holders to the hospital and visit Sid’s family. It was wonderful to see the power of the priesthood work and have these members be so willing to use their priesthood. It actually reminds me of a priesthood blessing I received from dad. During my junior year of high school, I slammed my finger in the car door and it was black and blue almost immediately. That night, my thumb was throbbing and I could not sleep. In the middle of the night, I went downstairs and asked dad what to do. Dad told me to take some Advil and go back to bed. A few minutes later, he came upstairs and offered to give me a blessing. I can’t remember what he said exactly, but I do know that I was able to sleep (something that had not happened earlier in the night). That small experience helped me to know the power of priesthood blessings and how they do assist our everyday lives. I hope that this is a similar faith-building experience for their family.

On a side note, here is a funny story for you: When we were driving there, Brother Branch was talking about some building called the toe-rack. He decided to take a detour driving home, so we as well as his daughter could see it. Once we got there, I will have to admit I was a bit confused (probably because I have no clue what a toe-rack should look like). Everyone else was admiring it, and I was still confused. As a result, I asked, “How is this a toe-rack?” To which they responded, “A toad-rack? It’s a toast-rack.” Then Brother Mills commented, “No wonder you don’t have any baptisms, you can’t understand what we are saying.” Apparently I am still working on my English, but I am sure I will get a hang of it one of these days. It was definitely a situation that made us all laugh.

Well those are all the updates I can think of right now. Next week is transfers, so I won’t be emailing until Wednesday. I am not sure what will happen; it is like 50-50 whether I will stay or go from what I can tell, so you will just have to wait and be surprised on Wednesday. I will more than likely be getting a new companion though, so that will be exciting. Thank you for all your love and support. Have a wonderful week!

Love, Becca

Here are the photos from the week:

 

The first is when it started to downpour rain and hail. Luckily we were waiting for the bus under the bus stop covering. Missionary work takes place in all weather forms :)

 

The second is my district when we went to the driving range last Monday.

 

The third and forth are me golfing. Who ever thought all those trips to Cherry Hill would pay off? Especially on a mission at all times. We are still having fun while serving the Lord.

A busy week gone by, another one ahead.

It has been a brilliant week. We are continuing to stay busy and I know we have another busy week ahead of us. Sometimes I ask myself where the time has gone. The obvious answer is that it has gone blessing the lives of people around me.

 

One thing that I have noticed in particular is the beauty all around. The sky always seems gorgeous here. I do not know if it is because the often cloudy and gray weather makes the blue skies all the better or my eyes have just been opened, but I truly do appreciate all of the wonderful creations around us. Here are a few pictures to help you to know what I mean. The first is some horses. Sister Howell and I thought they were funny because we literally just went a few steps off the beaten path and there was a horse pasture. Plus it reminded me of Hamilton-Wenham.

The second is what you may consider a typical English house. There is always beauty around us--we just need to take the time to notice it. I am grateful for how this time in England has helped me to appreciate the good weather, God's creations, and the beauty that surrounds us. I hope each of you also appreciate the beauty that surrounds your life as well.

Next, I have been studying grace recently. Now grace is one of those topics that I think we often hear, but do not understand. In the Bible Dictionary, it defines grace as the divine means of help or strength given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ. Stephen Robinson wrote a book, Believing Christ, as well as gave a BYU devotional where he compares grace to buying a bicycle. He calls this story the bicycle parable. In the parable, he tells how his daughter wanted a bike. He told her to save up all her pennies and eventually she would have enough for a bike. She did exactly that and worked very hard. One day she came with all her pennies and wanted to buy a bike. Her dad realized that she did not have enough money, but said by the time she did have enough, she would want a car. As a result, he took her to the store and she found that perfect bike. Obviously, her sixty-one cents was not enough. The daughter was sad and disappointed that she did not have enough money. Hence, the dad said, "Give me all you have, a hug and a kiss, and I will make up the rest." Similarly, if we give the Savior all we can, then we can know that he will compensate the rest. Now this is grace. Interestingly enough, you can focus on two different aspects: working hard or making up the rest. Both are required, but depending on the person they may need to realize one part or the other. Some of us need a little encouragement to do better, while others need a bit of encouragement to rely on the Jesus Christ for their weaknesses. This message of grace can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual, and I am constantly noticing how the message of the gospel is also tailored to meet the needs of each and every person as well. I am grateful for my time to serve a mission and learn so many wonderful things.

 

Thank you for all that you do for me as well as others. Continue to bless the lives of those around you. Have a good day!

 

Love, Becca

 

 

Here is another Where's Waldo (or should I say Where's Wally because I am in England) picture. I should be pretty easy for you to find. Hope you enjoy it! 

 

Another week gone by

Hello!

Sorry for the delay of the email, Monday was a bank holiday and as a result the library was not opened.

The sunshine has hid itself this week and winter appears to be back in the scene with rain and all. I guess you can never escape the rain here in England? Nevertheless the work rolls forward and we have bright smiles on our faces.

Yesterday, I had the sweetest experience. I attended the temple, which is an amazing experience within itself and I learned so many things as a result of my eight months of gospel study. However, the highlight was the person I saw when I entered the waiting room—Sister Higham. She is a member in the Wigan ward (my first area), and it was a precious reunion. Seeing Sister Higham and her wonderful smile reminded me of the true joy of missionary work. I instantly felt her love as we hugged and could tell that the friendship we formed during those short three months in Wigan is one that would last through the eternities. It is these small joys of missionary work that make it all worth it. Sister Higham is doing great and I told her I would see her next bank holiday Monday at the temple.

This past week I was starting to question if I had faith in the right people, well investigators to be exact. The lessons we worked really hard to get members to seemed to fall through, and the lessons where we did not have members ended up being doorstep lessons. It was definitely a trial of my faith; it is hard to know who is sincere about wanting to learn or not from a two to five minute conversation on the street, bus or doorstep. As a result, Saturday evening in my nightly prayer, I expressed my concern to Heavenly Father. I then asked, “What does all this mean?” I almost instantaneously recalled Mosiah 28:3. Then the impression came to study the entire chapter. I followed that prompting I received. During personal study, two concepts stood out: I need to be desirous for everyone to receive the gospel (Mosiah 28:3) and all people should know about [The Book of Mormon] (Mosiah 28:19). I realized through a variety of experiences my faith in people’s receptiveness has dwindled. There is a constant battle in missionary work between being realistic and having faith. I am not sure there is a perfect balance of the two, but I did learn it is significant to have that faith and willingness to see potential in people they may not even recognize themselves.

Leadership training (This is where all the leaders in the mission gather together: leaders include assistants to the president, zone and district leaders, trainers and follow-up trainers) was a great time of learning. I learned a lot about the process of refinement and correction. Conference prepared me to receive this instruction because Elder Quentin L. Cook discussed the difference between sin and youthful mistakes or the need to chastise or teach. It helped me to be a lot more aware of the correction I give. First of all, it needs to be done when prompted by the Spirit; it is not something that should be done on a regular basis. Second, when correction is given, it needs to be noted and then complimented when changed. Third, only give correction in areas that you are on higher ground and, therefore, can lift the other person (Example: If you do not talk to people on the bus, then do not tell someone else they need to bus contact). As you follow these guidelines, it becomes an uplifting and learning process, rather than a degrading and burdensome one. I am grateful for this insight as well as many other insights I was able to learn.

I will go ahead and include some fun stories along with some photos, so you can go ahead for more of your latest Sister Jack update.



The first two photos are from the food we got one day from a man named Seth. He owns a pizza and kebab shop locally, so we go visit them. It is great because he is so friendly and nice. We have also been able to share and discuss about The Book of Mormon with him. One benefit is we also get free food. He told me that I could bring the whole family, so if you are ever in England stop by Bits ‘n’ Pizza in Whitefield.

The third picture is from Easter Sunday. We got some nice Easter candy from some members and bought a little bit ourselves as well. Easter was a wonderful opportunity to be able to discuss about the significance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and how he plays such a crucial part to our live here on earth. You will have to ask dad for more detail because, from what I hear, he gave a wonderful talk on Easter Sunday.

My next story does not have a photo, but is from the leadership training on Tuesday. We broke apart into smaller groups of about 10 (there was probably about 50-70 of us there total). In my group, there was a bunch of elders and one senior sister. We were doing an activity where we discussed Why? What? And How? Of being pure in heart. I offered to be the group’s scribe. It was a wonderful discussion, and we were all learning from each other. There were definitely a few times we seemed to be getting side-tracked from our actual topic of discussion, so I would just ask what we wanted to write, what our decision about our thoughts were, etc. It was funny though because one of the elders commented, “And that is why Relief Society and Priesthood work together.” It goes to show just how inspired the organization of the church was, and I could see Grandma Jack playing a similar role in things. (I hope that story makes sense.)

Thanks for all your love and support. Keep up the good work.

Love, Becca

p.s. In response to Annie's questions, I do not usually do anything too exciting on P-days. We have 7.5 hours total and some of that time is taken traveling. I usually spend about 2 hours on emails. Then an hour grocery shopping. Along with some traveling and meals, it doesn't end up being much time. I usually spend some time writing letters as well. Maybe once the weather gets a bit nicer, we will be more inspired to explore parks and some other recreational activities.

The work rolls forward

Hope all is well! The weather has taken a change for the worse and they are expecting snow later this week. It seems like the spring weather was just a teaser. Hope you are looking forward to April and the spring that lies ahead.

We started teaching a girl named Sofia! She is living with a less-active family. Since Sister Devany got called as Young Women President, both Kelsey and Linsey (from the less-active family) have been coming to church. As a result, their future step-sister, Sofia, has also been attending. Sofia has a rough background, but she is honestly one of the sweetest fourteen year old girls I know. I feel it a pleasure to teach her and know that it will also be a good time of learning and growth for Kelsey and Linsey. I am especially excited because during personal study I had this great idea to use the Young Women’s Personal Progress Program to teach some of the missionary lessons. As I reviewed the personal progress book, I realized that many of its activities relate directly back to the lessons contained in Preach My Gospel. I am excited to help them develop in the gospel through the lessons as well as personal progress. Furthermore, I know that it was a divinely inspired idea. Without my previous experience, it probably would have never occurred to me; I know that personal progress prepared me for my future and will now bless the lives of these girls.

This last week, the mission president asked for our conversion story and why we are here on a mission. As a result, you get mine as well. It is not a short story, so I hope you are sitting in a comfortable chair. Here it is.

As you may know it really started when I was ten years old. My sister, Annie, led the way and I followed her example in a lot of ways. We had the sister missionaries come and teach us. Since there is only a two year age gap between us, we listened to the lessons together. Eventually, my sister decided to be baptized on the 4th of March 2001. My dad’s parents flew out for the big day. I remember at the last minute (about a week before) I informed my father that I too wanted to be baptized. The arrangements were made and I told my grandparents upon their arrival in Boston.

The sisters were great, and I loved being taught by them. However, I remember being deathly scared of my baptismal interview with a strange guy (which I now understand was the district leader). It was a Friday evening during a ward activity that I had my interview. I knew that if I did not pass than I would not be able to be baptized on Sunday with my sister. I cannot remember what we discussed during that interview, besides one question that I will forever remember. From what I remember, the last question he asked was, “Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the only true church on the earth?” I confidently answered, “Yes.” Looking back I realize this is not an interview question, but it distinctly stands out in my mind. I remember being surprised by my confident answer of yes, but the spirit confirmed to me the truth of the answer I said. That day was the beginning of the next 11 years of my conversion.

The gospel was not easy for me growing up, but I always loved a challenge. During my teenage years, I did not attend church every Sunday or realize the blessing the gospel was in my life. I remember my sister telling me that I should be living the standards in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. Some I lived without questioning, while others I experienced the hard way. I fell down a few times, yet I always got back up with scraped knees and kept on running.

My youth provided me with a strong foundation. Annie, along with two other young women, Nikki and Ashley, provided good examples that I could look up to. My young women leaders also provided me wonderful insight to motherhood and faithfulness. There were also youth programs that solidified my testimony. There are a few specific experiences that carried me along during those years:
-I understood the significance of reading the scriptures. I remember one evening my dad came into my room and asked what I was reading. I told him the Book of Mormon. He was surprised since he knew we were studying the New Testament in seminary. My dad even joked around and told me to read the New Testament. I told him I was reading both. He was surprised but in a good way. While I did not recognize the entire truth and impact of the Book of Mormon, from a young age I realized its importance.
-A dear friend asked if I had prayed about a decision I had made in my life. I have to admit that I had not, so I determined in that instant that I would start. During EFY, the answer hit me and I knew what I should do. It was not an easy choice to make, but I knew it was what the Lord wanted me to do. From that experience, I learned that the Lord answers prayers and He also comforts us when we choose the right. I then read a verse in the scriptures that told me that maybe I made that decision not for me, but for the other person. Later when I read that verse, it did not say that in the slightest. I knew that the scriptures were inspired and provided us with words of comfort and answered our prayers.
-One year during youth conference we had the opportunity to go to Sharon, Vermont, where Joseph Smith was born. It was a fabulous weekend, and we had one of the best speakers. The speaker could have us in laughter one moment and tears the next; he always carried the Spirit with him. During one of the firesides, he spoke about the persecution Joseph endured. As he described these situations, I was filled with tears as well as the Spirit. I knew that Joseph Smith would not have suffered the way he did, if it was not true. At the end of that day, I could confidently say Joseph Smith was a prophet.

These are a few of the many experiences I have had throughout my lifetime that have converted me to the gospel. I often reflect back on these situations and once again feel the song of redeeming love that Alma felt (Alma 5:26). They have even led to me being on a mission today.

My decision to come on a mission started over a year ago in January 2011. Growing up, I wanted to serve a mission. Although in my teenager years, I realized there were many more options in life, so I determined to keep an open mind. When January rolled around, some of my girl friends were getting their mission calls. I realized that I soon would be 21 years old, and, as a result, I would be eligible to serve. I started praying that my heart would be softened to serve a mission if it was the Lord’s will.

My next step was meeting with my bishop, Bishop Holmes. He was wise and I knew he would have some good counsel. I actually thought he would tell me to start living the missionary standards and report back in a month as to how I felt. His advice was not what I expected. Bishop told me of his missionary experience and decision to serve. He was a convert and left on a mission in his mid-twenties. Once he was done, he told me to pray and ask Heavenly Father if there were people I needed to be teaching, and then have faith that everything else will work out.

I did just that. On that Sunday afternoon, I went out for a drive and prayed out loud to God asking if there were people I needed to teach. My heart swelled and I knew the answer was yes. I continued to ponder and realized that was not the right question. As a mathematics education major, how did I know those people were not my future students, my roommates, etc? I realized I needed a more specific question.

My prayer changed. I asked, are there people I need to be teaching by serving a mission this summer? This answer did not come right away. I was actually in another ward with my roommates for a long weekend, and it happened to be a missionary’s homecoming. The entire sacrament meeting was focused on being a disciple. I felt I had received my answer. However, I wanted a confirmation. That evening, I went into the quietest place around: the bathroom. I locked myself in there and prayed and asked God once more. I felt good and at peace. I knew that I needed to serve a mission.

It does not mean that the rest of time before I came and while I have been here was smooth sailing. However, I have the faith that everything else will work out. My bishop gave me the exact answer that I needed, and I was able to get an answer to my prayer.

As a result of Dallin H. Oaks’ talk from conference this weekend, I realize I am sacrificing a lot be here. I even made a list of all that I have given up to be on a mission. As I looked at my list, I realized that many of the things I am sacrificing are simply put on delay till a later date or will be pleasures I can easily enjoy when I return home. To be honest, I am happy to be sacrificing my time to be here and serving the Lord. I am gaining so much more from this experience than I could ever give. My faith in Jesus Christ is firmer and my testimony is growing. These experiences I am having will provide me with the faith I need to endure any challenges and remain faithful all the days of my life. For that I am eternally grateful.

I hope you have enjoyed reading that as much as I did writing it.

Sorry I do not have time to write more. As you can probably tell, I spent a fair amount of time writing my experiences down. I hope you are able to get something from what I have written.

Love, Becca