Busy Days

It has been a good and busy past few days. Between adjusting to the area, moving flats, and the concert in Liverpool, we haven’t had too much time for much else. I am sure things will pick up this week, and I will get to know the area a bit better. I haven't taken any photos yet, but next week our district is planning to go on the tour of one of the castles in our area so that will be exciting.

We moved flats this week. I will admit the move was definitely work. After some cleaning, moving, unpacking and cleaning again, it is finally feeling like home. While at first glance the apartment did not seem suitable, it has now become home and it is a pleasant place to dwell. The office elders even were able to bless the flat, which added to the Spirit that resides there. I attached a picture so you can see how much fun we had (no worries, we didn't wear our proselyting clothes when we were actually working).

I have also been thinking about seeking the will of the Lord. We know that prayer is a means to align our wills with Heavenly Father's will for us. Here is an experience that relates to the thoughts that I was having: A few weeks ago, I kept thinking that I was about ready for a change. I figured that I would just talk with my mission president and ask for some more excitement or prepare myself for another transfer of study time. Basically, I was struggling a bit within and while it all may have appeared to be alright, my heart secretly desired something else. As I continued to think about it though, I realized my opinion didn’t really matter. While I may have wanted something in particular (i.e. a companion who liked finding, to whitewash an area, etc.), I knew at the end of the day I would do whatever the Lord would ask of me. It may have been nice to receive some words of comfort or a bit of advice, but it all would have been short-term. The bottom line is that I was already prepared to do the will of the Lord and that is what really mattered. In gospel principles this week, we studied about gifts of the Spirit. Some are given the gift to know Jesus Christ is the Savior, and others are given the gift to believe the testimonies of others to know Jesus Christ is the Savior. I acknowledge that I have been blessed with that faith to accept the Lord’s will. Anything that I am asked to do by him, whether it be through himself or via his leaders, I am willing to do. I know that this acceptance will continue to bless me all the days of my life. It doesn’t mean the journey will be easy, but I will an effective instrument in the hands of the Lord and become who he needs me to become.

I am still getting used to everything being in Welsh and English. It is almost like being in a foreign land, but not quite as scary. Welsh honestly doesn't even sound like a language, but I am sure by the end of my time here I will be more used to it. The countryside is beautiful, and there is lots to be grateful for. Hope you all have a good week and I will be sure to report back more next week.

Love, Becca