Brilliantly Serving the British: April 2015

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

"Above the Lyne of Ashton"

Erm... Right, yikes. I know it has been ages. It feels like ages. Truthfully, there sometimes just isn't time! The last couple preparation days have been some of the most fun ones I've had. We got to go and play football (soccer) with loads of other missionaries. Boy, I did like that. I am no superstar by any means, but most of them aren't either! So that has been great fun! Ha, I told myself I wouldn't go so hard the second time because I was sore after the first. I can't help it! I'm so funny though when it comes to football. I can do really well things, but then I mess up and look like a doofus. Quite the clumsy one.. Big opportunities, and I just wreck it. Hah, anyways enough about that!

Sooo.. right, I am serving in Ashton-under-Lyne, and it is right about my first area (Hyde). It is the smallest area I have been in, and probably one of the smallest there is! Basically a suburb area, with a small town center, and then a village named Mossley to the north. Mossley! Yeah, don't even get me started how much I love that place. You'll have to check out the photos but even they don't give it justice by any means. Rolling hills, old houses and cobblestone streets. Surreal to say the least. Had a crazy experience just the other week there, you can ask me about it if you want to hear it, but its... a bit.. just yeah. Different?

Different would describe the work here I think. Not worse by any means, but just different than what I am used to. Since there are so many houses, we have to tract loads. It also just takes me a good while to get adjusted to the area, and learn the names of people in the ward. It was tough I think, but much much better now! I love this ward! The members are strong, and crazy enough, I worked some magic (or attempted), and we have a tea appointment every day this week except today! Booyah... Although sometimes it worries me, because they feed us so much and I am gonna get fat! Its a fear I may have. More weight is fine, but a big belly? No thanks! The weather has been lovely lately, so I can't complain there! Sunny enough to not wear a jacket, and one day it was like genuinely hot. Like I actually wanted to be in the shade! English people love the sun. Everyone is so happy, and out on the streets which is great for us!

Time has really run out, but the lesson I have learned lately is doing something when it is toughest to do it. It is sort of based off a talk by Elder Bednar called "The Character of Christ." It really shows how true one is to their discipleship to our Saviour Jesus Christ. Even He kept going when it would have been so easy to not do the right thing. Perfect example for us as always. We may not be to keen on something, but as you pray and rely on The Lord, you will get through and can get through anything. Persistence and dedication alone are omnipotent. Keep moving forward. Keep seeking revelation to look outside the box and guide you through the tough times. I will admit, I thought similar to the man in the New Testament when he said "Does nothing good come from Nazareth/Ashton?" Now I am more dedicated than ever to come up triumphant, to work above the line, relying on God's hand. Hopeful that great things will come to pass, and searching for those golden eggs like I would an Easter egg hunt. Changing our perspective really does do so much! I feel like I have just splat words on here, but I hope they find some use. Time is of the essence!

This is your (wacky) captain speaking, to your right is Ashton. You may notice many miracles abound,

- Elder Bennett

"What is missing? Heheh..."

Look at that wonderful little district photo. Aww..

Had a sports day a few weeks ago, contains my companion, district and a zone leader!

Another picture of Mossley village, and a plant..? :)

Just had to take a quick swanggg..

Quick snap over looking over Mossley!

Careful when you step out the door of the flat!

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

"Happy are We!"

Right, so.. the title just says it all. It is a little sarcastic, yet mostly true? Let me explain the sarcasm. My dear, wonderful father whom I love so much would often sing that phrase from "We are All Enlisted" when I didn't particularly want to do something, but did anyways.. Oh fond memories! So this applies right now because.. sigh, I am Wigan... out... sad. Only six weeks in this area. Not only that, but only six weeks with Elder Konyana, my South African pal! It is such an absurd thing, that I know it was called by revelation! I know that the place I am going (Ashton-under-Lyne) must be in need of some wacky redhead! Ha, at least, I hope so. I sort of know my new companion, Elder Olsen. He seems really great, and I am excited! I hear he is from Logan, so that is two companions now from there. Woohoo! This new area I believe has a higher concentration of members than most except Chorley, and it is right above my first area, Hyde.

Now how can "Happy are We!" still apply? Well! Let me tell ya! Last week on P-Day we went to Trafford Centre. It was a long bus ride, but I got a nice, proper nap on the way there. Now this is like a giant shopping centre, maybe like.. City Creek, but more inside? It was brilliant. Oh I loved it so much! Although I wasn't there to buy anything, it was so much fun! There are a variety of pictures after that show some things that were there. It was nice to have a good ole adventure to someplace! My favorite bit was... probably this little mini art gallery! I took note on the artists' name for when I come home! Then I can see their other artwork!

Also this week the weather greatly improved! At first it was about 25 mph wind, and because the humidity, it just goes right through ya! Back to no longer feeling in the face! However, Easter brought around some sunlight and warmth! We loved it. Not only does it make us happy, but the Brits as well! We headed to this gorgeous park, and there was just loads of people! A proper ice cream stand, kids playing football, and people walking dogs! You name it! Good success with people always brightens my day! For General Conference, we watched the SaturdaySession at a recent converts home from 5-7, and then the Priesthood Session Sunday morning at the Liverpool Stake Centre from 10-12. Boy, wasn't it just wonderful??

After being in Liverpool, we caught a train into Manchester, and had a nice dinner with loads of other missionaries and President and Sister Ulrich! Now, I had never been to the mission home before, but it is now one of my most favorite places in England! It felt like Utah in the regards of everyone was taking some yummy food, and passing it along. It was basically one giant family, and brought happiness to my heart. I love them all so much! Oh it was great! I know it sounds silly, but its great, okay?! Then we went to the Manchester Stake Centre and watched the Sunday Morning Session, again from 5-7.

Perhaps the greatest happy moment would be from yesterday. You see, they celebrate "bank holidays" over here. Basically, no one goes to school, has to work, the bus times are rubbish, the libraries are closed, and the temple is OPEN! Mhmm! I went to the temple!! Marvelous! That is all I can say! Truly remarkable! I LOVE THE TEMPLE. Seriously, it truly is home. It is! I'd weep if all my family and friends were there with me! I just die inside when I finally leave! It really breaks my heart not knowing the next time I get to attend.

I remember there was a talk given this weekend, and he talked about how we don't appreciate the things that are right before us. We see, but we don't truly notice. Sometimes we may hear others, but we don't really listen. You get the point. All of yous who are close to the temple, why don't you attend more often? Why? What would be holding you back? Yes, I am sure it is a sacrifice, but in life, the greatest blessings require the biggest of sacrifices. Think of the greatest, and most sacred sacrifice of all. Worth it? Yes. An enormous, resounding, yes. You don't realize how great you have it. Please, just go. Peace will be yours, nourishment from on high shall fill your soul and you too will join me in singing "Happy are we!"

Forever thankful for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,

- Elder Bennett