Hello beautiful people,
It’s a new email, a new week and a new year. 2017 is here, and I’m not really a fan of odd numbers, so it hasn’t been such a positive beginning.
I am really excited for this new year as although we can make changes all year round, it really is a checkpoint for progression and goal setting. I am very motivated to work on my humility and diligence. Do I have a desire to be in Manchester South ? Of course, however, I also have a desire to be here and work hard in Crewe. I have realised that maybe I am Lot’s wife, I look back and stop my progression. I’m really trying hard to look forward, identifying the little things I can do better, implementing them one at a time and through the Atonement, I know that eventually the attributes and skills I will have learned and applied, they will become apart of me and my missionary work.
Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
Moreover, let me update you all on Christmas and New Years. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any emailing time last week as we were asked to work on Boxing Day, however, we weren’t paid time and a half. That explains how long this email is.
On Christmas Eve we went combined carolling with the Crewe and the Stoke District. As we all know, I am definitely not a singer, neither is most of the missionaries, however, we still were offered money donations. We then went to Carl and Val’s house in the evening with the Elders. OH AND I WAS ABLE TO SKYPE MY FAMILY. I’ll insert a photo for you all as I was so happy. You will also notice I have given up on my appearance. Enjoy my natural curlzzzzz.
Christmas, wow. The Crewe Ward spoiled us missionaries. Although it is not the meaning of Christmas, we received so many gifts, but ultimately there was so much love amongst the members. It was really nice having a Christmas service and it was a lot of singing. Despite not having a constant piano player, the Crewe Ward can sing. We had a traditional British Roast with our friends Sue and Nicole and then went to the Boydell’s in the evening so all the missionaries can skype. It was nice spending time with people who have a connection with Australia, and in particular, people that I know. Felt so much like home, however, it was f r e e z i n g, as per usual.
NYE was crazy. We went to bed at 10, slept in until 8. I wouldn’t of had it any other way. There was an alarm that went off at midnight, but it failed to wake me.
Yesterday or New Years Day was really nice as we went to our Bishop’s home, Bishop Lucas with the Elders again and the senior couple, The Curtis’. Their home is so warm and cozy, however, we went to Sue and Nicole’s where we watched Miracle on 34th street. SO REFRESHING TO WATCH A FILM. Also, it was featuring Tim Tam Slams.
Now, it is the time that you have all been waiting for. Let’s meet the people that are in the photos on the week.
We have Sister Steele from Johannesburg, and now Cape Town, South Africa. And yes, she is white.
Elder Zuniga, from California, United States of America. He refuses to take photos and loves to claim that he is Mexican, however his last name is in effect because of adoption.
Elder Cottle, from St. George, Utah, United States of America, as Utahrians are different depending on their area. I disagree. He is the virtuous one of the four.
Then, we have Andrew Tom Palin from Crewe Ward, the chauffeur of the missionaries. He can drive, however, he dangerously multitasks by eating cake, sweets and the occasional beef jerky while taking photos and speeding along the ‘dual carriageway’, for those normal people, he means any road.
My dear mother, Andrea emailed me this week and told me that I received an invitation to my High School 5 Year Reunion which I’ll miss. Too bad, so sad. Guess I’ll just wait until the 10-year reunion.
Anyway, I hope that you have all had a wonderful start to the New Year and I look forward to seeing your new years resolutions in effect as I am excited to receive more updates from you all.
Please and thank you.
Much love,
Sister Turnbull
Mads in Manchester 