Across the Pond: 1 Year Mark

...Can I just take a moment...

Oh dear. I can't believe that it's been a whole 1 year since I was first set apart as a full time missionary to represent the Saviour here in England, London. My mind hasn't even completely comprehended that fact yet... the time has absolutely flown by! What an adventure it's been so far though! :) A crazy, incredible, spiritual, beautiful, adventure. I honestly couldn't be more grateful for the people that I've met, and the experiences I've had in these last 12 months. They made me more of who I am today!

48 weeks. 4 areas. 6 companions. And more memories than I can count! :) I can't wait to see what the next 6 months hold for me here in London.

This week was good. :) Granted it did start out a bit rough because I got a nasty cold, and Sister Wai wasn't feeling very well either. We did a lot of finding recently because some of our most solid investigators have been to busy to see us. We weren't seeing much success at the beginning of the week, and by the middle we were really starting to get frustrated. In nightly planning one night we got to the point where we set goals for the next day, and the goal of new investigators we were going to find for that next day. We looked at each other and both said "3!" For our mission that's a lot of new finds for one day, but we had some serious faith that we could find those prepared people. The next day right after shift a man in our area came into the visitors center, and the other sisters gave him a tour. Afterwards we met with him, and we will be seeing him next week too! That left 2 more.

After this, we went to visit a less active member family in our area. We had never met them, but when we got there the mom opened the door and said we could come in. She told us to come and sit down in the kitchen, and as she was on the phone she called her son to come and talk to us. But... he wouldn't come into the room... He just popped his head around the door and talked to us from there. Then a few minutes later we heard his mother yell "R---, go and put some trousers on, and sit down and talk with them!" What?! Sister Wai and I were laughing so hard until he came back into the room so that we could teach him. It was a very weird, but also absolutely hilarious experience! He also became a new investigator, although the Elders will most likely start teaching him. Then on our way home another man stopped us on the street and we ended up talking with him for a good 45 minutes! The whole day was full of small miracles so that we could hit this goal, and find these people who are prepared to hear the gospel! The Lord is definitely in charge of this work.

On Tuesday we had a specialized training with President and Sister Stevens. We talked about a lot of things, including the culture in the England London Mission, and the power that the Book of Mormon has in teaching and finding. The training that stood out to me the most however, was one called "My Soul Was Filled With Love." It was all about the first vision of Joseph Smith and how we could gain a stronger testimony of it so that we could teach it more effectively. It was powerful, and I can say without a doubt that I DO know that this event actually happened. I know that that humble boy did see God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and this knowledge has taught me so much!

On Saturday we went on exchanges to London North Area, so I got to spend the day with none other then Sister Mussman! :) It was so fantastic to be with her again, and to laugh through the entire day while seeing so many miracles. We met so many amazing people while getting lost, and making our way towards appointments.. I learn so much from that girl, and couldn't be happier that she is my STL.