Swinton's Absolutely Insane, But I Love it Just the Same!

Swisters and Swelders

Hi Mom, Dad, Jenika, Jaden, and Family :)

I love you so much, but I don't have much time this week to email...
because I got transfered.  Hardest transfer ever.  I told everyone...
'I feel like I'm leaving home again!'  I love Swinton so much, and I
love the people there so much, and I loved everything so much and I didn't want to leave.

Mom, you did guess that Swinton and things were really hard for me. Super hard, in fact.  President encouraged me to wait and tell you how things were with my companion and area when it was done... so maybe on Mother's Day?  Because I don't have much time right now. (PS  What time is church... I need to sort out skype).  But I learned most of the lessons the Lord needed me to learn, and it ended up being such a good experience, I was sick to leave.  Like I nearly threw up at the thought of leaving and I only slept like 4 hours the night before transfers.

But... I'm in Preston!  With Sister Shen, one of my absolutely best friends in the mission!!!!  I can't believe it, and neither can she, the Lord loves us so much! It is her last transfer, and we never thought we would work together because we had both been here so long, but the Lord had different plans.  S. Shen's companion has been sick, and she hasn't been able to work as hard as she would like, so President basically told me that we were going to run around like crazy people for a transfer because we both like working so hard.  I'm
excited.  He also told me I need to contribute to the Chinese culture in any way I can because a lot of the Chinese missionaries are leaving soon.  So hopefully I learn some Mandarin... hahaha.  But I'm so excited to serve with Sister Shen, Sister Beaty said it is a present from the Lord for training her.  It will be a wonderful transfer.

But I'll miss Swinton so much.  I was in the best district ever.  Our District Leader told President that... and appearently President agreed... ahh President is so great.  'I'll miss Swinton cuz I love it very much.'  (I wrote an ode to the creepers in Swinton to the tune of 'God Be with You Till We Meet Again.'  I recorded it, along with Elder Ashcraft's song about the Sisters to 'Ye Elders of Israel.'  I'll send them along sometime.)

The picture I'm sending is of the Swelders and the Swisters.  We are tight, and we had a lot of fun.  Ah.  I miss them.

I love you.  I know that the church is true, and the Lord is looking out for me.  Don't worry about me... Sister Shen makes fried rice. I'm happy.

I love you.

Sister Hull

Life here has been crazy

Hello Everyone!

 

Thank you mom and dad for your emails... they were so wonderful!  I love hearing about everything that is going on at home and that everyone seems happy and well.  I had no idea that Luke was getting married!?  When did he get home from his mission?  I'm sure it was since I've been gone.  I think he had a girlfriend before he left, so that is probably why it was so soon.  But it is still weird to me, because he is my younger cousin... and a married RM.  Super crazy.

 

Life here has been crazy.  As always.  I'm so tired, to be honest.  Sometimes I wonder how I'm supposed to get up off my knees in the morning when I'm praying... it's rough to be honest.  Sister Low told me there was a point when you were just perpetually tired, but I didn't believe her.  It is pretty much just exhaustion all the time.  I think it might be a bit better when I'm done training, because it is really hard to be a trainer... I didn't realize how hard it was.  But the Lord compensates somehow, and even though I might be a zombie sleep walking, I'm able to at least make it outside to talk to people.  I'm really hoping this lets up soon.

 

I have a bit of a texting stalker.  Weird, I've never had one of those before, because I've never had texting before.  At first he seemed interested in the gospel, but then when he asked if I had a boyfriend, I turned him over to the Elders.  I honestly can't even remember this man!  His name is Robert (or 'Creepy Robert' as saved in the Elders phone.)  He just keeps texting incessantly.  It's more annoying than anything.  I don't feel like I can tell him to just go get a life (which is probably what I would have done pre-mission) because it would be bad for the church.  So he just keeps texting... and I don't respond.  Anyway, the Elders rang him last night and apparently he is an alcoholic and so he doesn't know what he is doing half the time.  So that has been a bit of a gem in my life.  The latest text was asking me out to coffee... I haven't been asked out for coffee since I worked in the deli, I think.  Anyway, nothing to be worried about... he doesn't know where I live or anything, it's just been on my mind, and the Elders have made it into a funny situation anyway.

 

I do have some people I would love to have you pray for!  One is our investigator, Anna.  She is dated for baptism on 12 May, but I'm concerned about her conversion process.  I have no doubt that she will 'do' everything she needs to be baptised, but I don't think she understands the 'why'.  Her friend told her that she has to be baptised to have her wedding in our church, and so we think that might be the reason why she is doing it- even though we have explained to her (even had explained to her in French) that that is not the case.  She is Prisca's friend and has been coming to church off and on since like January or something.  You could just pray that she gains a testimony.

 

Also... you could pray for Amos.  I don't actually know Amos, but he is the husband of a recent convert here named Florence.  Florence is so converted, and has been sharing the gospel with so many of her friends, and quite a few have been baptised. Her husband, however, lives in South Africa, and wants to go to our church there, but can't find it (the chapel locater online is still working through some kinks).  So if you could pray that the Elders in South Africa could contact Amos, that would be great.  It would be so lovely for Florence to have an eternal family.

 

Martin is doing great.  He was already a part of the ward, so it has been pretty smooth sailing.  It has been a great opportunity for us to help strenghten the Gbamy family as well... what a blessing.

 

We have been teaching loads of member lessons because President encouraged us to do so.  Because of certain things he thought it would be good for Sister Beaty to work more with the members and for us to strengthen them.  That has been a lot of fun... the members here in Swinton are so amazing.  I'm so grateful for them.  We have been able to visit some that I think are visited less frequently than others and so that has been a nice experience.  I'm grateful for the members.  They have to be so strong here in England, to be honest.  There are completely surrounded by immorality and they live amoungst people who don't have the same standard.  I mean, technically we do too, but it is quite different for a missionary compared to a member, you know?  We are pretty much seperated from the world, and that is nice.

 

I've been struggling a bit with Babylon music again (that is what I call music that I listened to before my mission).  I don't sing it, but it gets stuck in my head all the time, and I don't need that there.  Most of it is rubbish, and what isn't can wait.  There are some songs I just miss, you know?  Blarg.

 

We had an exciting P-Day last week!  As a Zone we went to Old Trafford.  Have you ever heard of it?  I'm sure Elder Bennion has... :).  It is Man U's football stadium!  It is huge... seriously.  It holds sooooo many people.  We were unable to go inside, but you could tell it was a big deal.  It was fun to walk around.  Afterward, Heather, one of my best friends here in Swinton, took us to eat... Mexican food!  Mexican food!!!???  I love Mexican food... I never realized how much I loved it until it was so hard to come by.  Just like a taco would be nice sometimes...mmmm... Anyway, it was very anglicized Mexican food, but it was still lovely.  (Fun Fact:  Manchester has one of two Taco Bells in all of the UK.  This makes some Elders believe that they have a duty to eat there.  I didn't eat Taco Bell at home... like I'd eat it here.   So no, we didn't go there.)  After we had mexican food Heather showed us where the BBC was.  I was like, 'Oh, the BBC... my friend love Dr. Who!'  Heather's mom works there, and so she knew that there were daleks and a TARDIS in the BBC building.  So she took us in... and I hugged a dalek.  It like moved and spoke when you pushed this button, and I kept pushing it like a little kid.  And then screamed like a little kid.  All the BBC employees were amused.

 

 

I love you.  I know that the gospel is real. 

 

Loves, Sister Hull

 

 

Manchester Zone in front of Old Trafford
-Manchester United Stadium-

 

The mission is Fantastic

Dear Family,

 

Mom, I have to first say that I am so thankful for the way you have taken care of my friends since I have been gone.  It means so much to me that they trust you and they call you and follow up with you.  It really made my day that you were the one who took Jenny to the Temple for the second time, it was really special for me to think that she trusts you enough to ask you to go with her.  I'm so excited that she has finally been able to go to the Temple!  I remember standing in the car park of the Bountiful Temple and she was asking me questions about the Temple and I couldn't tell her and I was so sad.  But now she knows!  Amazing.  But I am really thankful that all my friends feel comfortable in our home even when I'm not there, and now that my new mission friends are coming there too.  What a blessing.

 

It sounds like you had an exciting week.  I'm not sure how you fit so many things into everyday, to be honest.  You sound like a missionary :)  Just how Jenika was like at track, and then soccer, and then rushing to get ready for the dance, I couldn't believe it.  You all are crazy with your time.  Jenika was very lovely, I love the dress... where did you get it again?  I was going to say I want to borrow it to wear to and IWA dance... but IWA doesn't exist anymore, and with all the comfort eating I've been doing recently, I'm not sure that I could. 

 

Anyway, let's not talk about my weight.

 

The mission is fantastic, generally speaking.  Somedays it is just really hard to be honest, and I struggle, but most days it is really great because I'm able to see how the Lord blesses my life.  It is really hard to describe things sometimes, because they are just so potent and so real and any description seems faded.  I do hard things every day... I speak to people on the street and on buses and knock on their doors, and attempt to teach them things.  That isn't normal.  Normal people don't do that.  So maybe I am more freakish than I thought, but I know that I'm blessed for the good things that I do.

 

My mind is pretty blank right now.  Sorry.

 

I went on exchange this week with Sister Howell, who is being trained currently by Sister Jack in Whitefield.  It was a lot of fun, exchanges are so amazing.  We have been able to go and several mini exchanges this transfer and will be able to have 2 more actual exchanges I think.  It has been a blessing.  It is always good to see how other missionaries work and to have a change of pace (sometimes literally) for a couple of days.  I had no idea what exchanges were before my mission.  I remember them being mentioned in emails and by my friends, but I didn't really have any clue what they were.  So here is the definition of an exchange... When you trade companions for a few days.  That is pretty much it.  District and Zone leaders switch with missionaries in their district and zones.  Sister exchanges are a bit more difficult to set up before, we are few and far inbetween, but since we are in the heart of the mission, and since we have been requesting more exchanges we have been having more this transfer.  Anyway, the exchange was lovely.

 

A Miracle.  When Sister Howell and I were on the way home for the night there was this infamous bus driver.  Every time we get on the bus he tells us we can't preach to the people on the bus.  Well it was a 20 minute or so bus ride, and we were heading in for the night, so we had to take it.  So I just motioned that we should go upstairs, and when we got upstairs I saw someone I could talk to.  I just sat in front of him and started a conversation about his work or something... and of course he eventually asked me why I was here, what I was doing and things.  I told him that I was a missionary and asked if he believed in God.  Eventually the discussion moved on, and I was able to teach him the Plan of Salvation on the spot.  I didn't use the scripture because I was a bit afraid that the bus driver would see what I was doing, but I did teach him about the purpose of life, the Spirit World, judgement, resurrection and the Kingdoms of Glory.  He was very interested and I set an appointment for him to meet with the Elders in Ashton on Sunday.  I hope it went well, because he was really great, and it truly was a miracle from the Lord.  I can't believe I use to be afraid of bus contacting.  There is no way I would have done that a couple of transfers ago.

 

**Missionaries have been kicked off buses for proselyting.  One was my current Zone Leader Elder Cai.  When he and his companion got kicked off there was a write up about it in the newspaper and things, so that was good... not.  But everytime someone gets kicked off a bus they usually are revered by the mission, because we know they weren't usually like yelling or anything... well, I hope not.

 

I'm really tired since I started training.  It has really taken it out of me.  Generally going to bed at 10:30 doesn't seem early enough for me.  Can you imagine me going to bed at that time when I was home.  Oh how things change.  And how grateful I am for that change, because life is a lot better this way.

 

I know that God is real.  I know that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the World.  I love them. I want to follow them.

 

Loves you,

 

Sister Hull

 

March 2012 Leadership Training

PS  I'm super excited about Carrie's mission call.  That will be perfect.  When will Katie get hers?  I told President my best friend was putting in her papers and he said he hope she comes here... but if she goes anywhere in the UK he will let me go and see her in the MTC.  Also, when are Jake and Emily getting married?  I'm so excited about that... but I also can't believe it sometimes.  I did get the package from Danea, she sent me parmesan goldfish which were amazing.  I'm grateful.  How is Grandpa Danny? 

 

Loves JH

 

 

 

 

hello :)

Hello,

 

Sorry if the email is short today.  We had a bank holiday on Monday and Specialised Training and Interviews for the Manchester Zone on Tuesday, and so that is why it isn't coming until today.  And I don't have much time, so that is why it will probably be a bit short.

 

I'm so thankful for your email, Mom, Dad, and Jaden.  I especially loved Jaden's play by play of important events, it was so good.  He really let me know what was going on, and I loved it.  I'm glad to hear you are still doing so many good things and had such a wonderful Spring Break.  It is Easter Holiday here as well, everyone is off for two weeks and all the children have been very excited about it all.  I'm glad you got to go down south for the break, and it sounds like the weather has been nice, so that is good.  I also got a letter off of Jenika this week, she bore powerful testimony.  I was very thankful for the quote she sent me by President Monson.

 

My favourite quotes right now are both by President Eyring,

 

'As hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day, if you choose to serve this day.'

 

'[Trials seem] to make clocks slow down, and then appear almost to stop.  There are reasons for that.  Knowing those reasons don't give much comfort but they can give you a feeling of patience.  They come from this one fact.  In their perfect love for you, Heavenly Father and the Saviour want you fitted to be with them to live in families forever.  Only those washed perfectly clean and changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ can be there.'

 

 

I love it.  So much.  I love that the reason we go through trials and tribulations in our lives is not because our God hates us or wants to punish us, but really that He is perfecting us so we can live with Him and those we love once again.  I'm so grateful for Him doing that... as hard as things seem.  He loves us with an eternal love.

 

It has been a busy week.  The training went well, but my policy nerves kicked in and I pretty much spewed my training.  I was talking soooo fast.

 

The baptims was so nice.  The Gbamy's had invited a lot of their nonmember friends, which was amazing.  Martin was really happy that it was finally his day.  The confirmation was also nice on Easter Sunday.

 

We also went to the Mission Home to teach the Beehives from the Ashton Stake who where having a sleepover there.  I never had a sleepover in a mission home!  But President and Sister Preston's children are grown up, but the grandchildren come over often, so they are their 'mission family.'  We did a skit about Abish with them and they loved it.  They especially loved when everyone passed out and when the queen said she didn't think her husband stunk.

 

Yesterday was interviews.  President Preston is one of my best friends.  I respect him so much, and he has helped me so much as well.  I also had the opportunity to kind of have a mini interview to talk to Sister Preston- President had told me that I should just chat with her during part of the training.  It was amazing.  They have been called of God, I have no doubt about that.  And a huge reason why I am in this mission is because of them.

 

I love you so much.  I hope you are well.  Keep me updated.  I love hearing about everything, even if I don't respond to it all :)

 

Love you.

 

Loves,

 

Sister Hull

General Conference

Okay, so I have to start with this.  A lot of times your emails make me cry.  Today I started tearing up, and I look over, and through my blurry vision, I see Elder Ashcraft.  All the sudden Elder Sutton pops around the corner of a computer and waves, big smile on his face.  I am so confused because they generally go to a different library, plus my eyes were full of tears and so I was trying to focus without showing them that I was crying... so that was cool.  Yup.

 

Anyway- Hello Everyone! 

 

I love you all so much, and I'm so grateful for each of you, especially for my mom, dad, Jordan, Jenika, and Jaden.  You are so important to me, and I want to say it on public domain so the whole world (if they search hard enough) can read it :)  You are great.

 

My birthday was fantastic.  The Isle of Mann sisters were staying with us so they could go to their Zone Conference, so it was fun to have more than just us there in the morning and night.  Martin passed his interview for baptism, and I don't think anyone could ask for more than that on their birthday.  And investigator being baptised, what a great birthday present :)  Plus, I had told Mama Helen that I wanted to come to hers for tea that night (because it was my birthday) and so she threw a little party for me with Sister DoCour and Heather.  It was great, I love them so much.  They have seriously taken such good care of me since I go to Swinton... I love it.  Mama Helen gave me a little necklace that said, 'We are Daughters of our Heavenly Father', Sister DoCour a handbag with the Union Jack on it, and Heather gave me brightly coloured clothes.  It was lovely.  I also receive lovely things from you, Donna and Kallen, which I'm so grateful for.  I'm so blessed to be born into the family I was born into.  Wow. 

 

I do have to ask... who wished me a Happy Birthday on facebook from over here?  I'm just really curious who has added me and things :)  I generally don't care, but you mentioned it!

 

General Conference was amazing... it went by so fast!  I swear they cut each session down to a half an hour this year!  What really surprised me about conference is what they were teaching.  They taught the Restoration, the Plan of Salvation and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Those are the lessons that we teach!  The prophets and apostles testify of the same things that I do!  It made me realize how big my calling is, because I will probably be the first one to tell people about these things.  Wow.  I couldn't believe it.

 

I was very grateful for President Utchdorf and President Eyring's talks.  I love President Eyring because dad loves him, and I love President Utchdorf because he is German :)  But it was their talks that I really felt like I needed this time, although any talk that talked about missionaries make me cry.  Oh!  I also loved Elder Oaks.  He is one of my favourites, but I haven't heard him talk forever what with the Priesthood sessions, working at Lee's and the time difference.  Sacrifice is so sacred to me.  It is so important.  The mission is the first time I have looked for more things I can sacrifice.  I love it.

 

I also saw David Archuleta :)  Sister DoCour told me he was singing, and I said, 'they are going to show him in the last shot at the very end.'  Called it.  He is a visa waiter, appearently.  I think he is coming here... not :)  He wouldn't be in the MTC already with our transfers and things.

 

I'm going to Leadership Training tomorrow and giving a training... woo-hoo.  There is a lot of confusion because most of the sisters who don't know they are supposed to be going, because we forget that trainers are leaders.  When Elder Smart called me to do a five minute training I was thinking, 'You want me to go an hour and a half to Wythenshaw for a five minute training?'  Then I found out I'm supposed to be there for the whole thing.  That will be fun.  I'm excited to train my Zone Leaders and things :)  I'll probably mess up so the Lord can teach me humility.

 

We went and visited a less active recent convert at the hospital.  She had a tumour removed from her brain.  I heard the nurses say something like they were surprised about all the visitors she was receiving or something... then another said,' Well, it's the Mormons.'  Yup- that's us.

 

I know that the gospel is real.  I'm so thankful for it.  Bless.

 

Loves, Sister Hull

 



 Sister Shen and myself.  We have gone on exchange before and have been really close since then.  She is an amazing missionary



A pub in my area.  I couldn't believe it.

 

Life is for Joy

Dear Family,

 

I love you so much.  Recently I have been fascinated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I want you to know that I know that Christ lives.

 

One of my favorite miracles has always been when the woman touched the robe of Christ.  I don't know if you knew that, I don't think I have told many people.  I love it because it was by her faith that she was healed, but my favorite part is when Christ turns around and asks who touched Him.  She was already healed and he knew that, but He took the time to speak with her and to tell her that it was by her faith she was made whole.  I love that- I've always loved that He took the time. But today I was reading about the context.  Christ was in a rush.  He wasn't just going to call by a friend, or home for tea.  He was on the way to heal Jarius' daughter... she was on her deathbed!  This was a very important thing He was going to do... but He still took the time.  He still turned around and spoke to the woman.  And guess what?  Jarius' daughter died... she died while He was administering to the woman.  They basically told Him, 'there isn't any point in coming anymore, she is dead.'  And He was probably accused, and Jarius and his family was probably hurt... and it was all because our Saviour was taking the time.  But- because he administered to the one, doesn't mean that He would leave another behind, never.  He went and performed one of His greatest miracles at that point, showing that He could also break the chains of death.  I love it.

 

Christ is the champion of the one.  He took the time.  He taught thousands, but His most important miracles where always done for the one.  Even His great Atonement was performed for us each individually.  We should each reach out and strengthen the one, and take the time.  Then after they are strong, they can invite one, until all have been invited to come to the Lord.  I love it.

 

Not a whole lot has happened since last Wednesday.  We had a Sisters Meeting on Friday with all of the Sisters in the mission.  It is so weird because our mission is young for Sisters.  It is pretty appearent because there is only 1 companionship I think that isn't either training or follow up training.  Crazy.  We had a nice time at the meeting... one of the Elders that was going home with the last group, his mom is a singer/songwriter of Mormon stuff so she came and played us some songs and spoke to us.  It was nice.  I'm not sure who she is, I didn't really recognize any of her songs because I didn't follow Mor-Motown before my mission (haha, I just made that up...), but it was nice.  Her surname would be Hanks, because it was Elder Hanks mother.

 

Speaking of pop culture.  Since I've come on my mission I've realized it isn't that important or great.  I'm not saying I'm not going to follow it when I get home, because I'm sure I will still will, but I know that I am going to be a lot more picky about what I put into my brain- and speaking of brains, I don't think I'm going to watch 'Heroes' anymore.  I can't believe I was watching that.  It is so violent and not very moral either to be honest.  I've realized that Satan uses media to lull us into a fall sense of security.  Even if the media isn't super bad it dulls us and we aren't able to be as spiritually inclined.

 

'The Lord can't bless us with miracles if we are vegging on the couch watching The Office.' - Sister Hull.  I have that hanging up on my wall (along with a lot more profound quotes) to remind me that my mission is a hard thing, but I would MUCH rather prefer it because I am able to see miracles in my life everyday... and I didn't when I was watching tv all the time. 

 

I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR MY MISSION!  I wish I could say it million times!  It has blessed my life so much, not only because it has taught me so much, but it has called to my attention what you have been teaching me my whole life.

 

I love you.  I'm grateful for you.  I'm grateful I was born on a Thursday night in March of 1990 to goodly parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.  And I'm grateful that along the way the Lord has blessed me with siblings, cousins and friends to build me up and bless my life.  Life is for joy.  God is love.  I love Him more than words can express.

 

Loves,

 

Sister Hull

I love you

Dear Mom,

 

I opened the email from you with the pictures of you and Sister Low and I started CRYING!  Sister Low was at my house!  I can't believe it!  The only cognition's I have of S. Low is in England, and it is so crazy that she is now home and that she came and visited you.  I love it.  And I hate it a bit because it feels like everyone I love really is at home now.  I'm so glad she is coming back up to go to the Temple with you, and that she is going to read my blog from the time I'm with her... I can't remember what I said ;)  The Lord knew I needed her as a trainer, 100%.  I told President the other day that I have such a strong testimony of missionaries and their trainers, because no one trains right after they just finished training in the same area.  No one.  Not even Elders.  President just said, 'I know.'  Well, Sister Low did, and it was because I needed her.  And now you can probably tell why.  She's amazing, and she better not get married before I get home because I need to be there!

 

Here is another miracle.  Today is transfers, and Sister Beaty and I are still together.  Surprise Surprise.  Anyway Sister Do Cour and Mama Helen are going to transfers to say goodbye to Sister Suaybaguio.  I wanted to go so bad, but I felt compelled to go to the Temple, and we couldn't fit both in.  I was really sad, but really happy that I was getting to go to the Temple.  I wondered if I made the right choice, though, because I'm pretty sure that I will be able to go to the Temple before I see S. Suaybaguio again.  We get to the car park of the Temple today, and there is S. Suaybaguio, standing in the car park with the other sisters and Elders that are going home today.  I jumped out of the car (pretty much while it was still moving) and ran over to her.  I couldn't believe it.  I didn't think I would be able to say goodbye.  We were both nearly in tears because we were both so happy (and sad).  She is a great missionary. 

 

And that means I've said goodbye to all of my companions until I go home.  How weird is that?

 

By the way, President sent me an email from Sister Low saying that Spencer, who she and I taught together, is still going to our church in London, although he hasn't been baptised yet.  Amazing!  Seriously, when we taught him the Plan of Salvation I felt the Spirit so strong, it was amazing.  I realise now that the Spirit was so strong because he was tapping into the knowledge he already had about the Plan, and that was allowing the Spirit to flow freely.  What a miracle.  We needed him at that time- the Lord knows us so well.

 

This week has been a roller coaster.  I can't believe it.  The mission flies by.  Last week we had our Training Camp for the new missionaries and their trainers.  It was really great.  There are so many missionaries in this group!  And they aren't the new missionaries anymore.  Something President told me at the beginning of my mission that I told all the new missionaries (and some of them remembered) was, 'Sister Hull, you can't be a 17 month missionary after only 2 months!'  I believe I responded with, 'But I want to be!'  We can't be the best, but we have to be our best.  It is absolutely vital.

 

This was absolutely adorable.  The other day I approached an African woman, who was pregnant and had a two year old son.  She was trying to head home because she had just been to the doctor (her baby will be born next week) and she seemed really tired.  She was telling us she was heading home, and in reality, she had a lot more valid excuse than most people give us.  But her young son, who was holding her hand, grabbed my hand with his other hand, and I started walking home with them.  I was talking to his mom about the church, and her family, and he was just happily plodding along, holding on tightly to my hand.  She invited us to come back in a couple of weeks, after the baby was born and they are settled.  When we got to the door of his house, the little boy wouldn't let go of my hand.  He motioned for me to go inside, and started trying to drag me to come in.  I kept telling him, 'We'll come again when you have a new baby at your house... don't worry, we'll come again.'  He wasn't appeased.  Finally his mum told him, 'They will come back another day!'  He was still not happy, but he let go of my hand, and they went inside.  First of all, it was adorable because I love African children sooooo much.  They just melt my heart.  Second, he wanted to hold my hand so bad.  And third of all, I think he still knows how to listen to the Light of Christ, because he really wanted us to come into his home.  It was amazing.  We'll go back in a couple of weeks with some cookies or something. 

 

We thought everything would stay the same here in Swinton for next transfer, because both us and the Elders were training.  But Elder Hengst has been called as a Zone Leader and as such transferred.  So we will be getting Elder Ashcraft in Swinton as Elder Sutton's follow up trainer.  It is so crazy, because E. Ashcraft was my Zone Leader when I was in Stafford, and he always made reference to Sister Maughan and I about Utah State, because all three of us went there.  They released quite a few leaders to be regular senior companions, which I think is great, because it will train the next generation of missionaries to be leaders.  'Go Aggies.'

 

It sounds like Jordan is doing great.  He has already had his first baptism!  Oh my goodness!  I have to say, I expected it since he got his call- our missions are completely different!  I also can't believe he teaches 4-5 lessons a day.  We are lucky (like seriously, luckily blessed) to teach that many in a week.  But each to their own.  I have to admit, one of our shortcomings as missionaries in the EMM is that we can get prideful and pretentious.  I do, anyway.  Even though other missions are having loads of success and tons of numbers we are like, 'Well the first missionaries came here, and the apostles and President Hinckley, and blah blah blah.'  Okay, so yes they did.  But one of my companions said (I can't remember which one it was) that one of the assistants said something that was basically (not word perfect), 'Just because a missionary doesn't serve in the EMM doesn't mean they aren't urgent, or exactly obedient or that they aren't a great missionary.  The Lord needs ALL of His missionaries to be great, and in every mission in the world there are amazing missionaries.'  That is so true.  We are all on the same team, the Lord's team.  And any time any missionary succeeds anywhere in the world, whether it is a baptism, whether it is a lesson, whether it is an appointment set on the street, or a mormon.org card passed out, at that time EVERY missionary succeeds.  We are so blessed by the efforts of every other missionary.  None of us could do this work without the others.  I have met a few people from Brasil and every one of them has heard of the church.  Score one for the missionaries in Brasil- and thereby the missionaries in England, and Japan, and Russia, and Pocatello.  We each need to just go and do our job, and that will bless someones life, and that will bless a missionaries life.  I love it.

 

I've realized that the Plan of Salvation is a part of who we are.  The church isn't trying to take over our lives, the gospel is our lives.  It is ingrained in who we are, and it makes us each the person we are today- and the immortal we can become in the future.  The Plan isn't just a drawing of circles and lines on a page, it is multidimensional and all around us, and in us.  We are living the Plan of Salvation right now.  We are making the choices that will lead to the consequences in the furture.  And Jesus Christ is the one who enables the Plan.  If it wasn't for our Lord and Saviour the Plan would have ended when Eve took the bite of the fruit in the Garden of Eden.  But because of Jesus Christ we can overcome both Spiritual and Physical death.

 

I have realised recently that the thing that hurts the most is separation.  Of anything, or any state, the state of being separated from someone you love is the worst thing ever.  We realised that a lot as missionaries, because we have to say goodbye to everyone we ever knew, and then come and meet new people, only to say goodbye to them as well.  But not just that.  The separation of family at death, the separation from God because of sin.  I dare say the physical separation from God that comes at birth.  It all hurts.  A lot.  We don't like to be separated from those we love. Christ wept when he was separated from his friend Lazarus, and to feel the complete misery of the world he had to be separated from His Father. But that is why the Atonement is so amazing.  It overcomes both the physical and spiritual separation that we all had/have to go through.  Because of His Atonement the Plan of Salvation is possible and we will see those we love again.  I have no doubt that I will see Grandma Neeley again, that I will see best friend from kindergarten (whose name I don't even remember), I will see my YSA investigators from Stafford- even the foreign ones.  I know I can, and will because of this plan.  I know that I will see God again, and my one true desire is that when I do my Saviour will be at my side as my advocate.  I love Him.

 

I love you.  I know it is bad to ask for things for my birthday, but if I could ask for anything, I would ask that each of you (and I mean everyone who reads this blog- no matter how well I know you) send me your testimony, send me what you know about God, about Christ, about the restored gospel.  I would love to hear it so much.  You don't have to worry about writing a novel- just send me what you know.  Because I know that God loves you.

 

I love you.  I miss you.

 

Loves,

 

Sister Hull

 

 



The Swinton District.  Elders Hengst, Sutton, McFadgen, Palmer and Sisters Hull and Beaty.  We are wearing Manchester Red.