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
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