The Sun is Shining

Dear Family!
It was wonderful to speak to you all yesterday :) I am grateful you all were able to be there, no matter how big or small the sacrifice was (specifically James and Gugu waking up at 3 am). I enjoyed seeing each of your smiling faces and hearing your happy voices. I hope you found the conversation equally as enjoyable.

In my study of The Book of Mormon, I read Alma 7. As we all know this chapter describes beautifully the Atonement of Jesus Christ. However, this time I was particularly struck by Alma’s first words. He describes how he has come to speak to the people and only has time to do so because he has given up the judgement-seat (Alma 7:1-2). While it is necessary for us to be concerned with the world and government, it can distract from spiritual matters. We are often taught “to be in the world, but not of the world.” Applying this quote into our lives means we need to be aware of the world, but we cannot get caught up in its everyday matters. If we become too preoccupied with the world, then we forget about what matters most. We soon find that we do not have time to tell others how much we love and appreciate them or share our life experiences. I am grateful that Alma was able to realize this in his own life and give up those things of the world for something far greater—sharing about Jesus Christ and his Atonement. I too feel that I am able to do the same at this time in my life, specifically by being a missionary for the Savior himself, even Jesus Christ.

I don't feel like there is too much else to report since I just talked to you all yesterday. I am enjoying Swinton; the city life is growing on me. It is nice to have a larger ward and have people everywhere to talk to. Furthermore, since there are more people, it is just natural that you have a higher proportion of people who are interested or at least willing to talk to you. It is always better when you find people to talk to and help them find greater faith, hope and love in their own lives. I am sure there is more I have to report, but at the moment, I can't really recall so I guess this is all for today. I will be more thoughtful next week though and see what exciting stories, thoughts and details I may have to report.

Love, Becca

p.s. Here is the description about the photos:

We had sports day on Wednesday. Twice a year we get together as missionaries and simply play sports for the day. It is great fun! It is a nice opportunity to be able to relieve stress and simply do more or less whatever you want. The first photo is of all the sisters in the mission. A little bit a of different picture than normal (we are all girls and we are not in Sunday dress). 

Then the second and third photos are of the elders. President Preston had us break up into groups and gave us a few minutes to make the highest structure. As sisters, we tried making a pyramid, which eventually collapsed. It was good fun and luckily no one got hurt. The elders had a few different ideas and they mostly worked out well, so I thought you may enjoy seeing the pictures as well.