Thursday, 19 July 2012

Off to New and Grander Vineyards


So just take a guess where I am? Let me give you a hint...I am not in Swinton anymore and I have a new companion. Also, I have finally left the Manchester or greater Manchester area. I know you are all just dying to know, so I am in Wales. I am currently serving in the Gaerwen Ward. We live in the town that is the longest word in the Welsh language (do not even ask me to pronounce it or try and spell it). Luckily, we are moving tomorrow to Bangor (another city in our area), which is clearly a bit easier to pronounce.
 
There is definitely a bit of a change of scenery. First of all, I am in a car area. You may wonder, am I driving? No, I am not. I asked the assistants who was driving, and they told me, "You're too old Sister Jack." Quite frankly, I have another 3 weeks where I can still drive legally, but after that there is a slight problem legally, so it is probably best that I don't drive. It just means that I get to make the phone calls and enjoy the scenery, which is absolutely beautiful! There are castles and lots of sheep. What you may have thought England looked like before coming on a mission and living in the city. I will be sure to send some pictures in the upcoming weeks.
 
Cyr’s baptism on Saturday was a beautiful sight to see. My favorite part of seeing someone be baptized is to witness the expression on their face just after they get out of the water. Once Cyr came up, he looked out to where we were all sitting and had a huge grin on his face. It is in that moment that you know all is well. You just know that the person feels the Spirit and is happy with the decision that he/she has made. The gospel truly does bring great joy! We went ahead and passed him along to the elders already serving in the ward for them to do the post-baptism lessons because, surprise, I whitewashed out of the area again (just this time it was to sisters). What does that make my record now, 3 out of 4? Not looking so good for Gaerwen...

I am not sure if I told you about Lee before, but there are just some investigators you grow to love (in a brotherly way, no worries), and Lee is one of them. Lee is definitely a bit quirky, but he is one of the most sincere people I know. I will admit I thought he was in his sixties, but later found out he was 45. He may look a bit rough at first appearance, but it is a perfect lesson about how to not judge a book by its cover. He recognizes the change that has occurred in his life this past month as he has met with us and come to church. The gospel is causing not only a spiritual change, but also a physical change in his lifestyle. He has quit smoking as well as drinking tea and coffee. You can tell that he is honestly happier and just has taken to the gospel. It is such a blessing to meet a variety of people along the way.

My new companion is Sister Orr. She is from Pocatello, Idaho. She is the youngest of 3 girls. She also went to BYU-Hawaii before her mission and was studying English education. She came out on her mission at the same time as Sister Howell. I think that is the brief overview I have for the time being, but I am sure there will be more to report in the future.

Well that is all for now. Hope you are each doing well. Enjoy your week!

Much love, Becca

p.s. The first is a picture of my district this last transfer and the second is a picture from Cyr's baptism.



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