Opportunity, Obligation and Poutine to change the world

December 17, 2018

Ok so this week was another interesting one. 

Random things for the week! 

Had a lot of time to find because we have a bunch of flappers on our hands right now. A lot of the students are going back home so the streets of Glasgow are rather dead. At least in comparison with how it has been. That's ok though. Had some decent weather this week! The sun is up for a grand total of about 5 hours these days and that's if you want to call it up. More like to the side and covered by clouds, but again that's ok. 

Went out with the boys a lot this week. We are really always together which is very cool. Super blessed to have all of these awesome examples around me!! We went to a place called Bread Meats Bread this week. Got some poutine if that is what you want to call it. It was so good! Had chips, gravy, cheese curds, bacon, patties, mustard, and grilled onions. Oh man it was powerful. That thing could change the world haha

I stopped a guy named Lee this week. So funny. He is from China. I can't remember how I stopped him but he is my little miracle for the week! He ended up asking if he could come and find more people with me haha. He was so interested in what I had to say and what I was doing that he wanted to do it with me. So we walked around the town and worked together! Really never thought anything like that would happen. My dear friend Lee is now away for a trip to LA and NY but we are staying in contact while he is gone. He came to church with us and loved it and we were able to teach him too which was very nice! He has tons of good questions and wants to know why we do what we do. Very cool opportunity to try and share of the Savior and of His love! 

So been thinking a lot this week about where I am at and what I am doing. I was reminded of a quote that I really like, " If you are giving low effort you are most likely not focused on the opportunity but the obligation." I have been trying really hard to focus on the opportunity in all situations. The difference has been amazing!! Don't have life or the things you do just be a check list. Actually live!! Have a purpose with the things you do and give it your all. We are here to learn and to become better people. We are here to have joy. Although life may not always be easy or ideal we can make it whatever we choose! 

This is all possible through our Savior Jesus Christ. Remember Him in the things that you do. Remember to give your all to Him and He will do the rest! Trust in Him. Trust in God. Look for the chance to grow and to become who you need to be at all times!!

Love you all and am so thankful for the love and support! Really helps more than you know.

These are the wonderful people I am with most of the time. Very thankful for all of them! SO funny

December is rough because everyone just gives us tons and tons of candy 

A nice Chinese Poem

That's me.. We had to come home for dinner to dry our trousers on the heater haha really is lots of fun here 

Elder Hoaldridge really really wants me to be a model haha so he makes me pose with him

Do It With Purpose

 December 10, 2018

This week was good. Had our all Scotland Christmas Conference on Tuesday! That was super fun. We got up early and drove to the mission home with the zone leaders. Had a very nice instruction on being obedient by the Ap's and President Macdonald! He is the best. Favorite quote from him, 'If you don’t think I love you then there is something wrong with you!!!' haha so funny. He is such a kind loving and inspiring man! I love him so much:) 

Then we went in and had some good lunch. Did a snowball fight!! White elephant gifts haha and watched a movie!! It was a good time. Lots and lots of popcorn so that was nice. 

Lets see what else. This week was hard pickings with finding. Not a lot of people wanted to meet up or even talk to us. The weather wasn’t as bad but its finals time so everyone is really busy. These next few weeks will be fun! 

Went on an exchange with my dear brother Elder Smith this week!  He is so cool. He goes home at the New Year, which makes me very sad. I have learned so much from him! He is 'himself' all the time which I love. Has taught me to focus on and be thankful for the things that I have. It is really important to live the things that we believe. You can talk a big talk but that doesn’t matter at all if you aren’t living it. 

Had a great lunch this week. Went into Tesco and got myself some smoked salmon, cream cheese, cheese and bagels. It was powerful to say the least haha

For the thought of the week gonna share part of a wee thing I read every morning.....

Very simple, everyday commit to yourself that you are giving your best or nothing!!! 

I love this. When you do something, do it with a purpose and give it all that you have. Give it to God and know that it is good enough and it is my promise that you will see miracles unlike what you can even imagine. 

That is my invite for the week. When you do something, give it your all!! Don’t ever forget who you have on your side. 

I love you all so much and am so thankful for all of the love and support! 

Also, family day seemed like so much fun. I miss all those crazy peeps and love them so much. Just looking at them all makes me so happy. 

All tuckered out! haha love getting back to the flat every night and being exhausted.

Haggis and Blood Pudding

December 3, 2018 

The week was good. Had a lot of rain. Walked around getting soaked to the bone most of the week, which was really nice. Walked around a lot with the other missionaries ‘finding’ and we always make it a good time cause usually people are harder in the rain. haha

The teaching is a bit slow right now because all the university students have finals right now so that’s fun. But its ok we are still working hard. Have met a lot of interesting people this week. The language is still hard but it’s coming. So there are only 10 of us in the mission who speak Mandarin.  Was told by a friend Jesse that my Mandarin is improving really quickly so that made me feel better.

A lady in our ward who is less active gave all us missionaries a food tour of Glasgow. Usually it cost like 95 pounds but she loves us missionaries. The food was so bomb. So much great food. We went all over to a bunch of fancy places. Ate everything from haggis and blood pudding, to deep-fried pizza and ice cream

Mom asked how my birthday was. Not gonna lie, it started off hard. But it ended up a good day. After all our work we went to the church to 'teach', but really my district was there and they made dinner and had a party. They raided our flat and cooked our food. It was very nice. 

Ray got baptized!! It was super cool. Thanks so much for all the prayers, he is a legend!  The most humble guy ever. Makes me want to be so much better. Super cool too, my comps first bap in over a year!! So happy.