Hello again!

Happy Halloween! I hope you all enjoy the festivities. I am sure that it will be a good week for everyone. As missionaries, Halloween means that we spend the evening in the flat (starting at 5 pm). We got to make sure everyone stays safe!

It has been a wonderful week as usual. There is always a lot to be learned and new experiences to be had. We had zone conference this Friday, and it was brilliant as usual. One of the seventy, Elder Kearon, visited and spoke to us. I loved how he emphasized being authentic. He talked about how we are people, not robots. We need to make sure that we still act that way. It is something that needed to be heard, and I feel I have truly been able to apply that into my work. For example, he talked about how it was strange for us to ask the first question of "do you believe in God?" Rather, we should ask "how are you?" Or "those bags look heavy, do you need some help?" We are people, so be real! Often times, we become so focused on our missionary goals and sharing the gospel, we miss out on being real. This reminder was perfect and I have been more aware of when I am just being that "robot missionary" rather than good old Becca.

Let me tell you about a funny conversation I had this week. Sister Loh and I approached two young men on the street. They were not interested but they were engaging in conversation with us. We were definitely being real--laughing and discussing the gospel. A few minutes into the conversation I realized I hadn't introduced myself, so I said, "Oh sorry I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Sister Jack. What is your name?" He responded, "Brother Jack. Oh wait, but I can't be a brother." It almost seemed as if he was mocking us. As a result, we were able to explain to him that we were all children of God, so yes in fact he is a brother. However, I was still unsure if he was mocking me with his name being Jack or not, so I asked, "Is your name Jack?" He responded, "Yes, it is Jack." It is always fun having a first name for a last name. Always keeps you on your toes and reminds you to never judge a book by its cover!

That is all for now. Have a great week!

Love, Becca

p.s. This is a picture of my companionship and another set of sisters before conference. They came and stayed the night because they lived so far away from where the training was being held!

Another Week in Manchester

It has been a good week, and the sun has even been out shining. What more can you ask for?

Two weeks ago, we met Joanne. She is the first person we saw once leaving our flat, and it was a focus that week to talk to the first person outside every door. As a result, we spoke to her. I am glad that we did because she is amazing! Her mother died a few years ago from cancer, so the message about eternal families hit home. Furthermore, she is just a great person. Joanne grew up in England, but she hasn't really ever had a strong faith. Although she does believe someone is there and leans towards Christian beliefs. One thing I love about her is her pro-activeness. She goes and does research to learn more. Whenever we see her, it seems she has learned more things on mormon.org, which have helped her strengthen her faith.

Joanne came to church again this week. As we traveled with her on the bus, she said she was wondering if she would feel the flutters (how she describes the Spirit) again. It is exciting to teach someone who is so prepared. Additionally, this week we invited her to baptism again, and she accepted. Usually we extend a date, for some reason we did things a bit differently this time. We asked, “When is a good date for you to be baptized?” To our surprise, she told us that she had been thinking of the 28^th of November. It is a significant date in her life (dealing with her mother and grandfather). We looked at the calendar, and since we usually do baptisms on Thursdays, we decided on November 29^th. I am grateful for the promptings of the Spirit. It guided and directed our actions in order to help us to know what to say and ask.

Additionally, we had trainings this week. The assistants talked to us about God's plan for us. We discussed the questions, Who am I? Does God love me? Why am I here? Is this all? What is my worth? The question that stood out to me the most was Does God love me? We just discussed the Creation for 10-15 minutes. The beauty we have all around us is a symbol of God's love for us. Growing up in our family, I have always had an appreciation for the outdoors. From camping to kayaking to hiking, there is always fun to be had. Nature is part of the joy we receive in this life. It is probably one of the best gifts we could be given. It also shaped my perspective to have an increased appreciation for all the small things that are part of the Creation.

That is all for now. Hope you are doing well!

Love, Becca

p.s. We went out for some fish and chips this week!

It's me again!

It has been yet another busy few days, and the work rolls forward. I will admit the leaves are falling and the weather is a bit cold. I am starting to pull out my scarves and gloves for the cold evenings. As a missionary, you just love the fresh air :)

On Wednesday evening, Sister Howell and Sister Bos came to stay at our flat while they were in route to the Isle of Man. Sister Howell and I went out for the evening together. It was so much fun! She got to our flat at 3:30 pm, and we basically talked until 6:00 pm when p-day ended. Then spending the evening together was very fun! I love being able to serve with people that I already served with because you see how much they have grown. Our missionary work was just natural because we already had that unity from when we were in Whitefield. Furthermore, we both brought new skills and abilities to the table. It made for a powerful three hours out speaking to people. You don't seem to get the opportunity to be with your companions again very often, so it has been fun to serve together, even if it was just for one evening.

When President Preston called to tell me my Grandpa Shelley had passed away, he told me that I would have opportunities to help others understand the Plan of Salvation. I want to let you know that I have had many chances to share my experiences and knowledge with others this week. Last week I told you about Helen, who had her grandfather pass away last year. We were able to teach her about the Plan of Salvation yesterday and help her understand eternal families. Furthermore, we taught Joanne, who had her mother pass away from cancer. Both of these individuals are lost without the understanding of the gospel, and as a result of my experience, I was able to testify to them of the nature of eternal families. While challenges are not easy, they always happen for a reason and there is good that comes from everything. God does have a plan for us and guides us along the way.

Last week, dad asked me about my companion, Sister Loh. I think I already told you that she went to BYU and studied geography. Although she was two years behind me in university, so we didn't know each other at all. Her mom is from Hong Kong and her dad is from Singapore; however, she was born in Hawaii when her parents were at BYU. She moved around a lot to different parts of Hong Kong and Beijing growing up, until she was about 11 years old because her dad often changed jobs as a human resource manager. Then her family moved to Singapore, where they live now. As a result, Sister Loh seems to have a variety of cultures mixed into one. Her eating habits are rather Chinese though. I have been getting used to eating more Chinese food, which is alright with me as long as it isn't too spicy. One goal we have for this next transfer is to tell each other two stories each day (one spiritual and one other story). It is good because we are getting to know each other that much more as a result. In some ways we are quite similar; however, we are both very different. She is always telling me that her mind is not that complex and she thinks very simply. Although, the Singapore schooling system tells me otherwise. Sister Loh tells me about how she used to have tutors for different subjects, and not because she needed the help, rather because she was expected to get straight A's. I'll admit that I am glad I never had that kind of pressure from outside sources. I always wanted to excel and do well, but never because I felt someone was forcing me to do so. She also worked at the Cannon Center (the freshman dinning halls) when she was at BYU. Just the other day we taught a Chinese young lady named Fan and she commented, "You are both so similar. You have that peace." After the lesson, Sister Loh turned me and said, "I don't think we are that similar." Bottom line, in some ways we are (like we both work hard for the most part), yet we are also different (I like sports and Sister Loh takes more of the Chinese vision of sports...i.e. table tennis). Hopefully, that gives you a bit fuller of an idea of things. I also attached some pictures of us, so you can see just how much fun we have together!

It has been a short week because of transfers, so that is all I have for now. Hope you all have a fantastic week. Look forward to hearing from you soon.

Love, Becca

Transfer Week. And I am...

STAYING! It has been a while since I have stayed in an area with my companion, but it happened :) Sister Loh and I are still in the YSA ward and having a wonderful time. We have been very blessed with good weather the last few days and joy in our companionship. Life and missionary work are good.

General Conference weekend is always amazing. As they say, it's "a missionary's Christmas." This year it was particularly spiritual for me. It may just be that I am that much more aware of the Spirit, but the Spirit constantly testified to me the truth of the messages that were shared. There were many messages that I enjoyed. 

I know a few of you are wondering my thoughts about the change in age for missionaries. To paraphrase what I wrote in my journal:

THE LORD NEEDS MISSIONARIES. Wow! When I heard that the age for males dropped to 18, I was shocked. I recognized the great need for missionaries in the world. My initial reaction was to start talking to the fellow missionaries nearby; however, I knew there was more coming so I waited. I thought the age for females would change to 20 or something, but 19! It is definitely a large change, but it is for good. I don't think I will be affected by the change since I go home in four months, and it usually takes about that long to put your papers together, receive your call, and enter the field. Although, I did tell Sister Loh, "You can have a 19-year-old companion!" The biggest impression I have: the Lord needs missionaries. People need the gospel, and we need missionaries to be able to share it. Not only that, but a mission acts as a protection against the world. The knowledge, experience, and conversion you experience while a missionary is irreplaceable. I suspect that there will be an increase in the number of sisters that go on missions. It is simple fact that a lot of sisters get married before the possibility of serving a mission occurs. This change will definitely increase the missionary force and benefit the world for the better. We may notice a change in the maturity of missionaries, simply because of the age difference. Also, the spiritual conversion preceding missionary experience may change. I don't foresee any problems with that though. Each missionary seems to reach similar maturity by the end of the mission, and as our ward mission leader said, "It doesn't really matter about the age, either the missionary is going to be obedient or not. The age won't really change that." There are great things ahead for the future, and I know the mission experience will provide many with an added layer of protection against the bad in the world today.

Walter Gonzalez's comments on applying our heart to the scriptures particularly stood out to me. I have pondered a lot about committing the scriptures to heart, since I was counseled to do so in a father's blessing. His comments built on that message and reminded me of the necessity of a spiritual conversion to the gospel. Furthermore, in 2 Nephi 16:10, it talks about how we understand with our hearts. It is when we apply our hearts that we are able to receive that full conversion necessary for understanding and application.

Between sessions on Sunday, we had a lesson with Grace. Grace is a university student from China studying English translation. We found her on the consecrated finding day, and we were able to teach her for a second time this weekend! It was fantastic. We shared about the restoration, and she asked if we had a prophet today. We were able to answer in the affirmative and invited her to attend conference. She came with us to see the prophet speak and stayed for the full two hours! It was a fantastic miracle and an answer to prayers to have an investigator attend conference.

We saw yet another miracle with the Chinese yesterday. A member, Felicity, came out finding with us, so we were basically working in a trio. It ended up that Sister Loh was having a conversation, and the member and I were waiting in order to catch the bus because we had an appointment in twenty minutes. While waiting, a cute Chinese girl was about to walk by. I’ll admit that because of the time constraints, I almost let her pass by. But the Spirit told me to stop her. I am grateful for that prompting. Her name is Helen and she is studying Human Resource Management. She told us about how her grandfather raised her, and unfortunately passed away last year. It has been difficult for her. We were able to share about how we can be with our families forever. Even though we only had a short time, we sat down with her and taught her about her relationship with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. We will teach her again on Saturday, so I am excited to see what happens. I know that she can use that message about eternal families.

Lots of excitment happening here in Manchester. I think that is all I have to report for now. Hope you have a fantastic week, and I will speak to you soon enough.

Love, Becca

Rainy Manchester

The rain has once again come back. There are leaves on the ground, but from what I have noticed we have missed the pretty autumn leaves. The seasons are definitely changing, and I pulled out my boots this past week.

One exciting thing is that I was able to go on exchange to Congleton with Sister Beaty. It was great to be her companion again, even if it was for only two days. I was able to see where she has grown as well as where she continues to struggle. I loved being able to go to an investigator’s home and teach the Plan of Salvation. She took the lead in the lesson—making transitions between segments—and even used a few scriptures. I know this is a large accomplishment and shows how much she has truly learned the doctrine. Furthermore, her planning is better. It still takes a while, but she is more aware of the areas as well as what efficient plans are. I was grateful to be able to witness those wonderful changes that she has been able to make. I know you truly do make some great friends while serving, and it is wonderful to be back around friends you have already made.

Besides that, we have continued to do good work. We taught a young man named Jack that we met street contacting. He is one of those people you meet on the street and tells you they are agnostic (they believe in God, but are not too interested in religion). Although, Jack said he watched some youtube videos about Joseph Smith (with that you are never sure if it is a good or bad thing). We taught him four lessons in the week and a half before he went home. He was in Manchester receiving his PhD and recently graduated. Jack is one of those "golden investigators." Surprisingly enough, he already knew a fair amount about our religion. He even thought about attending BYU for his post-graduate work because he liked the morals and culture. It was great to witness some of that transformation in his life as he was able to learn more about the truth. You could just see that he wanted it in his life. Moments like this one make missionary work worth it.

On a practical note: Our mission has recently put an emphasis on the Emergency Action Plan (i.e. having cash to use in an emergency, where to meet, having food and water for 3 days, etc.). Furthermore, at church yesterday, we discussed being prepared for disaster. It made me realize that you never know what may happen in the world, so we must always prepare. A lot of these things are actually quite practical, so it is good to be aware of them in case there ever was an emergency. We talked about food storage and 72-hour kits. Just a reminder that we need to be prepared for whatever may happen.

On another practical note, I recently asked one of the YSA what is one thing he learned on his mission. He responded, "Get a 4-wheel suitcase." (Apparently, he had to roll his suitcase up a few hills and it wasn't a pleasant experience.) Then he went on to say work through the 11th hour. A returned-missionary sister nearby said, the Lord doesn't always resolve your problems. You and your companion may both receive answers that your way is right, but it is up to you to work things out. I am sure this advice is applicable to all our lives.

That is all for now. Have a wonderful week!

Love, Becca

p.s. Here is a picture of my district plus the assistants (who are technically in the district since they share the same ward as us).