Hello beautiful people,

I am officially in my final transfer and it is moving by fast.

Transfers were the most difficult thing in the world.

The plan was the following:

Sister Wilko and I would take the bus to Chester Railway Station, we would travel on the same train heading to Manchester Piccadilly, however, I would get off at Runcorn East to meet my new companion.

Although it sounds simple, this did not occur.

There were two trains running to Manchester Piccadilly of which only one passed through the Runcorn East train station and we failed to realise this. Therefore it meant that I had to be in a trio with the Zone Leaders, Elder Hargiss and Elder Jensen. They were kind enough to drive me to the train station in Runcorn.

Sister Turnbull – 0 Zone Leaders – 1

Initially, the satnav was giving directions, but because I served in Runcorn, I thought I could lead them to the train station. I lead, was very content with myself, only to forget that Runcorn has two train stations and I lead them to the wrong one. However, it meant that the Zone Leaders could connect to WiFi to help with the other transfer plans around the zone.

Sister Turnbull – 0 Zone Leaders – 2

The Runcorn Sisters, Sisters Libron and Thompson gave us the address of one of their friends that lives in close proximity to the station. Thus, we put the address into the satnav and all Elder Hargiss would need to do is follow it. Next minute, we find ourselves on the new bridge, travelling towards Liverpool, out of our zone and with a £2 toll charge. The worst part is that to turn around we needed to drive over the bridge again and that incurred another £2 charge.

Sister Turnbull – 0 Zone Leaders – 0

We finally arrived at Runcorn East train station and Elder Hargiss made a reverse park.

Sister Turnbull – 0 Zone Leaders – 1

I was able to meet my new companion, Sister Arthur, Sister Limb, Sister Thompson and Sister Libron. Plus, the Elders were ever so kind to take Sister Arthur’s suitcases. They were massive as she arrived at the MTC by train and any sort of weight limit was invalid. We said our goodbyes but needed to be in a trio with Sister Libron until her new companion and the Moreton Sisters arrived. And they had not even left Manchester Piccadilly yet, so we convinced the Zone Leaders to take us for lunch.

Sister Turnbull – 1 Zone Leaders – 0

However, the persuasion came at the price of not being able to feel my legs as I had to sit with one of Sister Arthur’s suitcases on my lap.

Sister Turnbull – 0 Zone Leaders – 0

In the time that we were able to drive to the shopping centre, have lunch at McDonalds, and fill up the car with petrol, the Moreton Sisters had not made any headway. I had the idea of the Zone Leaders driving us to our flat in Wales to drop off Sister Arthur’s belongings and to then meet at Chester Railway Station.

Sister Turnbull – 2 Zone Leaders – 0

In conclusion, after visiting 2 countries, 2 zones, 3 railway stations and £9.25 later, all 11 missionaries were able to arrive in their newly designated areas. #bringbacktransfermeetings

Furthermore, Sister Arthur is a blessing and a curse. I have been waiting for the opportunity to have jaloff rice and plantain again, and because of her Ghanaian roots, she is able to make it.  I kid you not, our first meal together we did not hesitate to make this African feast. I appreciated it, however, my physical appearance did not. The positive is that I’ll be great at dinner parties.

Unfortunately for the past couple of transfers she has been predominately in the flat, as she injured her knee. The Chester Ward finds it hilarious that I receive all the ill companions, and I am just grateful that I have a mother who is a nurse that was a great example of hospitality. Shout out to Andrea.

Anyway, Sister Arthur is definitely a fighter though, and it hasn’t ceased our hard work or the fun. In fact, Brendan had his baptismal interview during the week and is one step closer to entering the waters of baptism.

Moreover, It is absolutely f r e e z i n g, and I have transitioned into my Russian mafia mode with my fur headbands. But, the streets of Chester have been warming up with the many Christmas lights and decorations. Also, I was offered another job working in a stall in the Chester Christmas Markets. They sell really lovely watches, and ironically I don’t have enough time to work there. So yes, I turned down £8 an hour, plus commission to serve faithfully until the end.

During my mission, I have recognized my inquisitive mind and a great desire to master the gospel principles. Thus, this week I decided to study agency. I probably went too in-depth with the resource of Jesus the Christ, but I definitely learned a lot. My district leader asked if I understood it, and I replied with ‘I feel like I am studying my masters without my bachelor’.

One gift that will help us navigate our lives is the gift He has given to all, the ability and power to choose.
Our choices have the undeniable power of transforming our lives. This gift is an extraordinary sign of trust in us and simultaneously a cherished personal responsibility to use wisely. Our Father in Heaven respects our freedom to choose and will never force us to do what is right, nor will He impede us from making mediocre choices. His invitation, however, concerning this important and vital gift is clearly expressed in the scriptures: ‘But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.’

I really thought about how God gives us agency, and how he truly must feel as he watches our lives unfold. We make decisions every day; some have temporal consequences, other eternal, but it is a comfort to know that there is a plan for us. He has provided us with a Saviour, Jesus Christ whose sacrifice makes it possible for us to be forgiven through repentance. We know that we are not alone in our decisions, but with it, we are “free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil ( 2 Nephi 2:27).

As of now, I am needing to make many of decisions in regards to my future, but I am grateful to know that I have a Father in Heaven who is aware of me and my potential. He knows what will provide joy; not short-term happiness, but divine gladness.
In the words of our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson:

Decisions determine destiny.

I hope you all have a wonderful week, keep smiling and make good choices.

Much love,

Sister Turnbull