Hello beautiful people,
I apologise for the brief email last week, however, we did actually go bowling. I have attached the photo as evidence, but know that I have tried very hard this week to include some random stories that could only happen to me to make up for it.

Firstly, Sister Elgueta and I were tracting in Crewe when we saw a family van with the letters CTR on the number plate. To your average law-abiding citizen those letters mean absolutely nothing, in Mormon terms it stands for ‘Choose the Right’. Next minute, the owner comes running out of her house yelling ‘What are you doing to my car?’. Already now I have had an experience on my mission that testified of the only take photos on Monday rule. Instantaneously I began explaining what her number plate meant, and I took the unconventional opportunity to introduce ourselves as missionaries. I was surprised how understanding she was, especially because she was a witch. You heard it correctly, I met Victoria the Witch, but don’t worry she is a good witch who is very family oriented.  In fact, she has two sons by the names of Xander and Griffin who had slightly pointed ears and glazed blue eyes, and they were beautiful. They looked like majestic elves which just added to our curiosity level. It didn’t lead anywhere, but it was nice to openly exchange beliefs despite our differences of faith.

I was rebuked by the Assistants to the President for dog walking. We had arranged to do some gardening for a part-member family, however last minute they just asked if we could walk their dogs as the wife was physically limited to do so. Sister Elgueta and I reluctantly agreed, and because I was so excited I mentioned it to my District Leader in passing. Next minute, we were on the phone to the Assistants, explaining as to why it was an inappropriate act of service. Of course, I jokingly commented, but as President was in Germany, Elder Ellis did not take it and replied with ‘Sister Turnbull, let me finish’. Brutal.
To all past, present and future missionaries, babysitting the white handbook can be exchanged for dog walking. Don’t make the same mistake as I. 

Nevertheless, it was really refreshing to serve physically rather than spiritually. Nantwich is a lovely town in our area that is so green. The dogs are Daisy and Bella, and obviously being colour coordinating Mads, I had to choose the black dog for my black outfit.

The Sabbath is a delight. I was enthused to attend church and during sacrament meeting, I really took the time to observe where I was; I am so grateful to be still in Crewe and I genuinely have such genuine love for these members. I have learned many lessons during my time serving here, and I couldn’t have been surrounded by better people. The talks in sacrament were centred on the scriptures, and the whole time a quote was going through my head, it was a talk that I heard back in Wrekin. I am paraphrasing, however, it went along the lines of ‘Nobody goes inactive when they are prayerfully studying the scriptures each day’. It reminded me of the first time that I read the Book of Mormon. I didn’t comprehend anything, but I felt everything. I instantaneously knew that the verses are special, that they are truly divine. I know that as we read, we can draw upon the powers of heaven, and can understand exactly what the Lord expects of us and the blessings that we are entitled to.

On another spiritual note, today I was able to attend the Preston Temple in Chorley. House of the Lord. The spirit, the peace, the security, the comfort that can be felt in the temple is absolutely irreplaceable. I am very grateful that I have been called to serve in the England Manchester Mission whereby we are blessed to have a mission that we can attend on bank holidays.

Pinch and a punch for the first day of the month, no returns.

Until next week,

Much love,

Sister Turnbull