"Today is a Gift!"

What a week! Man, I would wish anyone to be in my shoes right now. Being a missionary is the greatest! The weather has been getting colder but nothing nasty yet. Each week I feel my luck running out. Here are another couple English words for you curious folks. Dodgy and proper. Dodgy means that something is sketchy, just not right. Theres an area that is very dodgy. Just rubbish everywhere, chavs running about, ahh, I don't like that place. Although, we have found success there this past week. Proper means like very. That meal was proper delicious. That was a proper spiritual lesson. Things of this sort. I love it! 

A week ago we went to the best chippy ever! Ahh! It is called Kongs, and I'm sad because it is going to be closed today by the time we get done. I just devoured the fish and chips, and I also got Vimto! Vimto is the soda I had loads in the MTC! Proper good drink right there. Oh the memories it brought back, you have no idea how happy it made me! We also got loads of food, that day, I felt like we were eating like kings! Not really of course, but I dunno, just budgeted well I suppose? Got a nap in on P-Day as well, that was heavenly. Goodness, I remember taking naps after high school loads. Forgot what they felt like to be honest. Time permitting, I hope I get to take another today!

This week we had some truly fantastical meetings. Wednesday we had a multi-zone conference with Elder Dyches from the 2nd Quorum of the Seventy. Him, along with his wife, our mission president and his wife, and our stake president spoke. He had been fasting to receive more personal revelation, and boy did it work! I don't believe there had been a time where I went to a meeting, and just was taught by the Holy Ghost more than the speaker. Thats one thing that I learned and definitely applied over the weekend when we had Stake Conference. One of many. So first, listen to what the Holy Ghost is teaching you, so that you can apply it into your own personal life. As I said, these meetings really were fantastic, and thats what I'll be sharing, is some things that I learned.

The majority is going to be on revelation! Personal revelation, who doesn't love some of that in their life?? Lets begin by changing what you think. Any kind of meeting, whether Sacrament Meeting, or the classes, conference or fireside. These need to be interpreted as "revelatory experiences". This is an opportunity to receive personal revelation as I did! President Henry B. Eyring can explain much better the importance of revelation from his talk this past October called "Continuing Revelation". He says, "We all know that human judgment and logical thinking will not be enough to get answers to the questions that matter most in life. We need revelation from God. And we will not need just one revelation in a time of stress but we need a constantly, renewed stream." Did you catch that? If not, read it again, because that was incredible. Do we understand who said that? An apostle of God! And where does he get his words from? Inspiration/revelation from our Heavenly Father. "Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." D&C 1:38.

So what is it that I learned about personal revelation.. here we go! Most us know that revelation is not a light switch that turns on and off. It comes as a sunrise. Light upon light, here a little and there a little. Revelation is dependent upon our obedience. If you feel like revelation hasn't come for a long time, I would encourage examining your life and ponder how obedient you are. Are you rationalizing any habits or choices? Revelation is to be cultivated in an environment that depends on your desire, your worthiness, and your preparation. We must search for it. Not simply glance under the bed, "Nope, not there. Its lost. Can't find revelation. Oh well. Boo hoo." Oh no. No, we need to search for what we need help with! Strong desire, and a righteous life will bring revelation. Elder Dyches stated that some of us would love for an angel to come down unto us, and tell us what we need to do. I'm sure we would listen and do what the angel would ask, but do you know what the angel would say? He would quote the scriptures! Bet you didn't see that one coming, because I sure didn't! At times we may think that we need to always be seeking revelation for the simple things. Well one thing that was pointed out is that revelation does not substitute common sense. We know what right and wrong is. We know the standards of the church, and we can easily figure out the small things. When in doubt, the answers can be found through scripture study and prayer. As I talked about earlier, pay close attention to what the Holy Ghost is trying teach. Satan is turning up the fire, and we need to increase our righteousness. We need personal perspective and individual vision to guide us through life.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I would say a few things about gratitude. Gratitude is a divine principle and opens the door for further blessings. When we express gratitude to our Heavenly Father, He sees the humility in our hearts, and knows that we acknowledge His hand in our lives. President Thomas S. Monson said, "The things that provide deep and lasting gratitude are the things that money can't buy. We often take for granted the very people who most deserve our gratitude. Let us not wait until it is too late to express that gratitude." Not expressing our gratitude but feeling it is like wrapping a present but not giving it. Well thats just sad. Think about this; who feels good after gratitude is shared? Both the person giving and receiving. Let us always be grateful for the time, place and trial we may be in. There is always a purpose, and a way to grow in every aspect of life. For "yesterday is history, and tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." (Yes, I did just quote Kung Fu Panda. Great quote!) Enjoy your Thanksgiving! There isn't one here in England, and how sad that is. 

With gratitude in my heart for this gospel, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to be a missionary, and my incredibly family and wonderful friends,

- Elder Bennett

 Elder Dyches (2nd Quorum of the Seventy) with Elder Nelson, and I

Elder Sleepover

 Yep, we eating like kings!

 Elder Sorenson and I being goons. The straightener is another Elder's!

 Still being goons. Oh my... we are weird!

 Walking around and came across a dodgy tunnel.
 Pretty sure thats where we lost our route.

"Marvelous is His Work!"

How is this even possible?? I feel like I was just here! This week has flown by faster than the last! This is scary.. I don't want time to speed up! Things are too remarkable over here, and I'm just loving it! England is just a great place. The skies are grey, the rain is pretty, and the double decker buses never get old. The people can be so funny at times, and serving Heavenly Father is just so humbling. One thing I've learned is what the word 'posh' means. You see, posh is an adjective meaning something seems fancy. In olden times, the royalty would try to stay as white as possible. This would show that they don't go outside to work like the others would have. This all comes down to what posh really is. It is an acronym. When they would go on ships, they would stay on the port side on the way out, and starboard on the way home. This can be shortened to Port Over, Starboard Home. Pretty interesting things I guess. I'll have to share some others that I learn. Enough jib-jab, lets get to the exciting things!

This week we had a zone meeting. Goodness me that was wonderful! I've said this before, and I'll say it again: I love being with other missionaries! There is always such a wonderful Spirit knowing we are all serving and doing our best to bringing others unto the truth. We really talked about how obedience is the foundation for all blessings. It says so in the scriptures. D&C 130:20-21, "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated - and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."

Basically we talked about having 100% obedience. Simply, if you are even 99% there is still that 1% of disobedience. It is so easy to justify our actions, and be rebellious. Well goodness me, what does that do? It just brings sorrow and pain to our spirits. For every thought leads to action, actions to habits, habits build character and character in turn, determines our destiny. Think that through again, and think of what good thoughts can do and then think of what bad thoughts can do. All of this begins with our thoughts, which comes from our desires. We cannot afford in this day and age to be justifying our bad habits. We can do so much better, and always be improving. I know sometimes we may not want to change, but just do it. Do it and reap the blessings that come from obedience. Change your desires through prayer and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Onward to the most exciting thing. Wayne's baptism! I don't even know where to begin. We know that baptism is simply the gateway to the straight and narrow path, but it truly is one of the most marvelous things to behold. Wayne was so prepared, and just an incredible example. Always feasting upon the scriptures and talks from modern prophets and apostles. He is a great friend, and I am just so happy for him! The anticipation really built when we filled the font with water, knowing that in an hour we would watch as his sins were washed away. It was a great service, some really wonderful talks, and a truly incredible musical number. I really am standing at a loss of words when it comes to the joy of seeing the change is someone's life. Change is real. So very real, it can do the most glorious things to people. The joy the truth brings is indescribable! The confirmation of Wayne was just as incredible. President and Sister Ulrich even came out for it. Again, I can't express how lovely they are and how much joy fills my heart when we get to be with them. After church, Wayne just fits right in. He is so righteous and willing to do anything. I love it! I just look at him, and want to cry with tears of pure joy. He is going to be one of many I get to see changed, but I'm so happy he is my first one to witness. His story is just purely miraculous. 

I can only conclude this by saying how honored I am to be a missionary and a servant for our Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. This is always so humbling, and the amount of happiness it fills my heart leaves me at a loss of words. I know that this is the truth restored. I know that being as obedient as we can brings an

out-pour of blessings into our lives. No more justifying our bad choices with wimpy excuses. Just do it! Change and become happier than you can ever imagine! We must build our foundations firm, so when the whirlwinds of life come raging, we will be true to the faith. We cannot expect to go through the motions, and be really good one day and poor the next. Think of it like a plant. It needs nourishment daily. Daily watering and sunlight, not a gallon full of water once a week. That won't allow the plant to grow near as glorious as it can. Keep reaching for a higher ground. I love you all so much, and I know that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will always love you with an unconditional love. 

Properly blissful,

-Elder Bennett

Wayne before his baptism! Goodness, glorious was that day! 

The view outside the other Elders' flat! Pretty canal, and lovely town square past it.
 As English as it comes!

Elder Kissell and I on exchanges. Great missionary.
 We love teaching Ironman (Brother Stark) the truth!

Elder Kissell, Sorenson, Nelson and I simply being goons before the baptism.

We made some truly delicious pizza! My rather brilliant idea.

                          Glad it "pan"'d out well. Hehe..

"Time Truly Flies By!"

It really does! I've been out on my mission for a month?! Sorry? I know, some may say that is like nothing, but still! That's mad! I've been in the field for two already, and this week just zoomed by. Faster than the people who see our name tags, ignore us, and speed walk by. Good analogy there? Thanks, I try. 

Alright, so! Great week, we did so much! Last week, for P-Day we rode on a bus for.. an hour and a half to the stake centre. Yep, to play basketball with all the other Elders! That was loads of fun, to get exercising, and just be with other missionaries. I really love to see those I was close with from the MTC and just catch up like we always do! 

On Wednesday,we actually found someone to go fellowshipping to an appointment with us! During the day too! Honestly, it may sound quite silly, but its a miracle! The lesson went well, and the member really helped! Afterwards, he even treated us to lunch at a cutlery! Yes, a cutlery! What is that?? Heh.. basically a sit down place, where they have loads of different meats and cut you some slices. That, along with lovely potatoes, vegetables, and salads. So blessed! Honestly, we were grateful out of our minds! That was a great time. That evening, we had to return to our flat by 5 because it was a holiday called "Guy Fox Night"? Again, I'm sure you are wondering what that is. Ahem, some man back in the 1600's was going to blow up Parliament, but he got stopped, so you can now celebrate. Fireworks going off all through the evening and I'm sure many were getting drunk. So sad. We'd rather be out doing the work, but going to bed an hour earlier than usual was pretty great. 

Thursday we rode into Manchester City to the new YSA building for a specialized training. Boy was that nice! Not just the building, but the training was so insightful! Again, it is always so lovely seeing other missionaries, especially my MTC mates. The lady really emphasized how to find better, and how to work with the members. Two things that I am so grateful we got help on. One thing that she talked about that can really be applied to anyone is this: It isn't what you do, but how you do it. Read that over a few times, let that sink in. Lets use prayer for an example. We can simply say a prayer, and just go on and on, saying the things we always say, or we can change the how. We can really talk with our loving Heavenly Father. Say how things are going. Talk about things we may be struggling on. I can go on and on with suggestions, but basically, pay more attention on how you do things. Finding people can be difficult at times. No one will listen, teenagers will revile, but you just let it go over your head, and keep that attitude up. Great things happen, when a great attitude is involved!

That evening, we were again, blessed out of our minds. We had baptism interview for a man, and we'll call this man Wayne. Wayne is just way too incredible. I guess you could say golden. Golden meaning, he is teachable, humble, and thirsty for more knowledge on the gospel. Well, our Mission President was in the area, so he did the interview. It was so great talking with the Mission President's Wife while we waited. The spirit the both of them bring is fantastic. Wayne is going to be baptized this Saturday, a week earlier than we had planned! President Ulrich gave him an incredible blessing, and Wayne definitely felt the spirit overwhelm him. Wait, things get better. As we leave, President Ulrich pull up in his car, and asks if we want to go out for tea/dinner. Of course we do! Who wants to go back to the flat and make rubbish, when you can spend time with the President, his wife, and go to a decent place. Ha.. so we took them to the same cutlery we had the day before. We couldn't think of any other place, we rarely eat out! Such a marvelous evening. I love President and Sister Ulrich so much, it as close to home as you can out here. 

I learn loads each week. The mission is the best thing ever. I love forgetting myself, and just serving our God. One thing that I feel like sharing is relying on Him. Lets get something straight. Many think missionaries are incredible, and do incredible things. Well, guess what? No... not that.. its that it isn't about us! We can do what we are asked to do, because we rely solely on the Holy Ghost, and Heavenly Father. We constantly use The Atonement of Jesus Christ to improve, and become better. We use Jesus Christ as our Exemplar as we represent Him. There is no way on Earth I could do this by myself. One thing I'd share with anyone, is that you cannot get through life by yourself. You simply can't. Life is tough, trials come our way, the adversary tries pulling us down. You need God on your side, and more importantly, He needs you on His. Talk with Him is all I ask. He has blessings already lined up to give you so long as you come unto Him, humble yourself, and keep the commandments. It really is that simple. Our Heavenly Father knows all, He knows what is best, and He knows what you are going through, so let Him help. I know this to be true, because it happens every single day. This isn't about me, its about them. Its about people needing the truth in their lives. All I do is walk, and open my mouth to everyone. Well, maybe a bit more, but I'd say that's basically it. We need the Holy Ghost as our constant companion. "Do this, and joy your hearts will swell."

Forever on God's side,

-Elder Bennett

 Me trying to be fancy in my coat and scarf

 Myself with Elder Kissell and Elder Sorensen 
(he forgot to smile.. heh)

 Elder Kissell (district leader/wrestler) and Elder Nelson
 having at it after basketball

We got a bit bored on "Guy Fox Night" while cooking

Yes, this cheeser is my companion.
 He enjoys stealing my camera

We got soaked.
 For once, it actually rained hard, and that was just an hour.
 Makes you enjoy the sunny days

"Reach for the Hyde!"

Why hello hello! Its been only a week and a half, but it has felt like ages! Oh my goodness, my companion says ages loads, I believe it is rubbing off onto me.. I'm doomed. Right, well, loads to say, so here we go.

I have left the MTC for good! It was terribly saddening saying goodbye to all those Elders and Sisters that I got close to; especially the ones that headed over the the Leeds Mission. Life moves on, and we all know the actual mission itself is where its at! Such anticipation arriving to the stake centre where we would meet President and Sister Ulrich, receive further training, and be assigned to our trainers! Firstly, I cannot express how incredible President and Sister Ulrich are. They are both from Sandy, and just the happiest, most loving people. I don't think I can express how much I love them. If there was a love meter, it would break. The further training was visions we have for our mission, what we need to become, and how to make contacting much simpler yet effective. The anticipation peaked, as we walked out of the building, and walked back in another door. Packed in the halls and chapel were loads of missionaries from around the area singing "Called to Serve". We sit on the stand, President Ulrich gave a few remarks and then started pairing up trainers with trainees. I was literally shaking, it was just so exciting and nerve wracking. Finally, I got called out, and my trainer's name is Elder Nelson.

Elder Nelson is just a fantastic missionary. He is from Logan, UT, and has been out for 3 months. Quite young for a trainer, but I guessed he had been out for around a year to be honest. He knows so much, and really is very obedient. Thank goodness! Being strictly obedient just pours out the blessings. He can be quite crazy at times in the flat, and is always singing some hymn. Oh, and by flat I mean apartment. Speaking of the flat, we have a really nice one! I love it! No mold, or breaking things at all!

The area I'm serving is in Hyde. Hyde is just outside the big city of Manchester. I believe it is to the southeast? I'm rubbish with the maps, and knowing where all the different towns are. We cover quite a big area, so we have to walk loads, and take the buses everywhere. The first few days were tough, the muscles around my shins were just aching so bad. Thank goodness Heavenly Father provides a way to strengthen me. The ward we serve in is the Hyde ward, yeah, bet you didn't see that coming. HEH.. and man are they fantastic! It is odd going from a single's ward back to a home ward, and it is loads smaller than the one back home. They are so welcoming, and just a joy-some people. That first Sunday was the primary program. Yeah, can you imagine cute adorable English boys and girls singing? Thee most adorable thing EVER. My heart just melted! I do love the people here, but I will be honest. Sometimes I haven't the foggiest what they are saying. The accent here is so thick, and all I can do is be like: "sorry?" "pardon?" "one more time?" Its so awful! I know, I'll get there.. but still!

As for actually doing the missionary work. I have to be quite vague, but you will get the main point. The actually teaching is the best thing ever. This mission isn't about me, it isn't about the culture, or the places I go, just no. This truly is, finding those that are willing to listen, those that want to know the truth, and want to make changes in their lives. Sure it is hard when atheists try to write you off saying you don't know, when I in fact do and keep testifying. Sure it is difficult when young teenagers just revile and say the most awful things, and you just have to turn the other cheek. It is sad when people straight up say, "Go away. I don't want anything to do with you." Or perhaps the most frequent response is "I can't be bothered." Meaning, they simply don't care. It breaks my heart! We have the truth! We have the way to experience for yourself true, and everlasting joy and peace! We have a great amount of investigators we teach a few times a week, and a few of them are dated for baptism! One thing that really has struck true is how different everyone truly is. We all have different personalities, trials, worries, anything! However, one thing reigns true, and will always help. This is of course, we are all a child of God, and He loves us, and this is His gospel. This gospel will bring joy for everyone. Everyone can truly be forgiven from their sins and mistakes, and change. Little by little, everyone can come closer to Christ. It is all about becoming. Nothing is better than seeing someone honestly seeking to change, and to leave all that bad behind in the past, and move forward. It is such an honor and a blessing to help, teach, and love the people here in England.

I am a missionary. I am a representative of Jesus Christ. Some may read this and think "Wow, he's really just gotten so religious." No. This is the truth. I admonish anyone to make those simple changes. Just please, find the time to pray and ask what Heavenly Father would have you do. For example, last night we prayed and asked where we should go finding today for an hour and a half. I'll be honest, I was worried we would come up with different answers! As I prayed, all the names of towns ran through my mind. "Denton, Hyde, Hattersley (gorgeous place fyi), Glossop, Audenshaw, etc." After the prayer, I scanned over our map. One particular area caught my eye, but I wanted to make sure there wasn't another that would prompt me. As I scan at other places, my mind just was reminded of the area that caught my eye. Elder Nelson asked where I thought we should go, and I simply pointed. "No way?! That's where I thought!" It isn't a coincidence. It was inspired. So inspired because before finding, that is where we will be teaching a man that is completely willing to change his whole life. My point is, God will answer you! Take that first step, no matter how big or small. We can all do better. I would also invite you to go to lds.org and read the article that is titled "Surprising Science behind Supremely Happy People". It is wonderful!

Right, well, I wrote way too much. After all, it has been a week and half, with loads of changes. Makes sense. I love you all so much, and keep moving forward!

With excitement for your changes,

- Elder Bennett

The missionaries at the Preston MTC

President and Sister Ulrich and Myself

Elder Nelson, my trainer and Myself

After a haircut, so short!

Bennett Street, It is meant to be!  I'll go there someday

My flat (apartment)

The inside of our flat

And this is where I sleep