"Not just One-Brooke, but Tuebrook!"

Hiyya! Ya'alrigh?

Yeah, I'm not just alright, I am doing splendid! Better than splendid, immaculate! I don't even know what that word means... so why don't I scratch that and say I am hygge! (hoo-guh) Ha, I know what that one means, because my previous companion taught me! Its a Danish word, that means... like cozy, blissful, and every other good feeling combined! Its crazy! But hey, thats how I am feeling at the moment! Why is that? Well.. its because I am loving my new area loads! Don't get me wrong, I was very sad saying goodbye to the members in Ashton-under-Lyne, as well as my son Elder Paulsen. Tears were indeed shed, but Liverpool is incredible!

Lets see, what can I share with you so that you can understand more-so why I love it... Theres a few things that come to mind. One being street displays. Oh goodness, they are so much fun and great! Basically, we go into the city centre where it is just packed with people. Then we set up a table with copies of The Book of Mormon on it, set up a pull-up banner, and get talking with everyone walking on the streets or chilling in the square! When I did it for my first time I was kind of nervous because we couldn't ever do it in Ashton. The council wouldn't allow us to. But once I got started, everything just flowed and loads of people stopped to talk with me. I can't believe how kind everyone is over here. Ha, its something that I mentioned yesterday when I introduced myself to the ward. There seems to be a rival between Manchester and Liverpool; so when I said they are a lot more friendly over here, a few people gave a chuckle. Oh well! That is another thing that is just super great over here: the Liverpool Ward! The bishop is an incredible man, who puts ideas into action and loves the missionaries. I guess he feeds us a big breakfast every third Sunday to see how we are doing on our various assignments. Like what?! Goodness, and the ward mission leader? One word for him: CHAMPION. Brother Andre loves missionary work and us missionaries. He is very passionate in the gospel, and I can truly feel his love for all of us. Oh yeah, forgot to mention that bit. There are EIGHT of us missionaries in ONE ward. That is just mental! We cover a pretty big area, but all in all, we have the zone leaders, the district leader, a great pair of sisters, and us! It is crazy how unified we all are, and I just love that. Of course, every area has its pros and cons. Here are a few things that aren't so well.. Our flat in Tuebrook is next to a dodgy park.. definitely won't go through there at night! Erm, the first night I was told we have a little mouse as a pet? What?! Yeah.. no worries. He dug a hole inside some bread, and we caught him! Released him a couple days ago, but then again.... he was only the baby. Theres another one!! We'll get 'em. It kills me though. Although our street is quite Victorian, and the flat is pretty nice, its on the third floor. Walking up flights of stairs isn't fun for lazy ole me. Erm.. oh yeah. Haha, the people here have thee absolute craziest accent that is notorious in England. At times, it can be hard to understand people. Especially when they speak dead fast. Its called the Scouser accent, soo.. maybe if you have some spare time you can try to find it on YouTube or sommit. 

Well, I believe that is just about it! Oh der, haha, some of you may also be wondering about my companion. I'll share a bit about him, and then leave it at that. I'm going to try to write shorter posts, but more frequent ones. Sharing my goals with everyone, yeah, thats a smart thing to do because then I actually gotta do it! So my companion, Elder Carre, is.. from France, but he has also lived in the US for a good amount of time too! He is really easy to get along with, works hard, and loves to teach people. I am grateful to be his companion. He has just been for about three months, so I aim to keep his diligence and obedience strong. Yeah! Oh right, yeah, get this! When I went to meet the bishop for the first time, his wife totally thought I was from England! She said I sounded like I had an accent? Then while we were waiting on someone at the chapel, this young lady heard me talking and was like, "Hey, excuse me, do I know you?" Very confused, I was like "Uhh.. nooo..? Why..?" Then she said "Wait, you're from Ireland aren't you?" Bahaha! What is this?! I promise, I don't have an accent. Occasionally I'll say things on purpose with a Mancunian or Scouse accent, but sadly, its mostly American.. Oh yeah, thats another thing about Liverpool I forgot to share! Quite a lot of Irish people come over the water to visit, and.. supposedly there are also some of The Beatles places to check out. Yes! Can't wait. I hope that I stay here for a good long time. More on this later, I'm out! 

In the service of our King,

- Elder Bennett

"Its a Boy! Welcome?

Top of the mornin!

Boy oh boy, there's quite a few things that need mentioning! Crazy how much things can change in about one months time! Overall, life is going pretty swell. Of course there are challenges, ups and downs, but that's life for ya I suppose. Right now we are in week four of six in the transfer, and yes, I am still in Ashton. Oh blessed Ashton.. It'll be six months of being here at the end of the transfer. After looking at the calendar, I'll be hitting my year mark in.. Five and one half weeks. Ouch! I know I will be asked by many, "Can you believe it's been that long??" Which my response would be a typical... "Yes! But at the same time, a big, resounding, no!" Yes, it has gone by quickly, but because I have changed so much, it seems like who I was is like a dream..? Hard to explain in words really. 

Anyways! On to the substance of this post! Perhaps I'll begin by explaining the title. Haha, basically.. I'm a daddy! Most RM's will know this, but for those who don't, when a missionary is asked to train a brand new one, you call him the trainer, and the new one the trainee. However, things get goofy away from home, and somewhere, someone decided to call it the dad and his son. Really feels like it in ways! When I first began training, I would make a silly joke to people where I said "I was really hoping for a girl.. But I guess a boy will suffice." Ha, it makes people think I'm a dodgy badger for a moment. Flip! I forgot to tell you where my "son" is even from. Elder Paulsen is from Copenhagen, Denmark. Brilliant young man, lots to learn from him. He is 18, loves to have fun, laugh, be happy, help others, is a master at football (soccer), and... erm, he is the oldest in his family with three younger sisters! He learned English when he was in third grade so there isn't really a problem there. Has a silly desire to gain an English accent.. Ha, one quick story to share so you can kind of get a feel for his silly personality. I was explaining to him that if he wants a good start to this accent he has to use words only England uses in a specific way. This is the example I gave him, and he made a dumb joke with it. So there are three words that, for the most part, mean "very" but can only be used with certain adjectives. These are: well, proper and dead. So I gave him three examples. "That chippy was well nice!" "That bus ride was dead boring with no one to talk to!" "He looks like a proper chav." Then I asked him to give me an example of his own, to see if he understood. He explained that he could use this following sentence when someone declines our invitation to learn more. "No thanks mate." "Well.. you're proper dead to me!" Hahaha.. so now we'll say that under our breath when people walk away.. He'll get the hang of things the longer he's out in the mission field for sure.. So that's Elder Paulsen. Very loving, energetic, love him to bits. Only was homesick the first few days which is normal when he spends a lot of time with his sisters and is really close with his dad. He told me to include that bit so it doesn't sound like he is an allstar or sommit. Even though he is, and I am very blessed to be his trainer.

Right, on to something I have been dying to speak about for quite some time and it basically surrounds the question.. "What is it like to live in England??!" So sort of like the culture.. the people.. the silly way they do things over here, etc. Please note that these are some things that I have noticed over time, and can't possibly help you picture everything perfectly. Feel free to ask more questions about England and I will do my best! Ready? And boom! You are beamed over to Ashton! You open your eyes, and you are outside. You see a bunch of doors across the street with numbers above them. These are my neighbours. Basically in this part of the area, there is one, two story building on a slight hill, where we share the same walls. Its like this in a lot of England. You only see houses that have their own walls/yards/driveways/roofs to themselves in the posh/nice areas. You notice many cars are parked on the side of the road, most people don't have driveways, but simply park their car on the curb! You then walk down towards the town centre/bus station. Every town in England has one of them. You hear an ambulance somewhere in the background and some crummy kids about 12 from across the street yell over to you "Bible Bashers!" Never gets old that..  Then, this lady, who is from the Muslim faith is approaching and you say good morning; she greets you with a slight smile. They are nice people, probably.. one sixth of the people that live near you probably because there is a Mosque that doesn't live too far from you. Time to cross the road. You press the button that will give you the signal, but still wait. A fancy, yet loud car zooms past you, obviously quite reckless, driven by some chav, but that isn't anything new to you. Happens all the time, and you usually think.. "idiot.." The indicator for you to walk hasn't changed, but there are no cars approaching, so you, along with other people cross halfway across the road. Nothing is more embarrassing than waiting for the indicator and then have someone cross the road from behind you. 

Near the town centre, you see lots of people walking around the markets and outside the various stores. They come with many looks. A lot of the ladies dress quite stylish, thats England for you. Everyone got mad style! However... many of the women also wear too much makeup, have fake tans, wear their hair in this.. "chavette" up-do, and have defined, basically black eyebrows. I guess its the thing? Its odd.. no likey. Not all look like that, but its definitely a stereotype. You can see some poor, rather raggity older people having a smoke (the smell is a lot worse than back home), a few Hindu families walking around, some Africans with their adorable kids, and a couple chavs "swaggin" around in their trackies (sweats) and Adidas shoes. You then go to catch a bus up to try-by someone who said would be in around that time. The bus is a few minutes late. Someone lets you go ahead of them in the queue/line because "you were there first" (I swear, everyone does this! So funny!) You show your bus pass to the driver, he greets it with a "cheers" and you look at where you should strategically sit down. Walking slowly, you notice most everyone gives you the weird look, probably the look of praying you don't sit by them. Most of the old people sit in the front, and love to chat amongst themselves so you go to the middle-back. Right when you are about to strike up a conversation with a man, his phone goes off and he answers. Others in front of you are reading the Daily Metro Newspaper, and you can't help but wonder who is doing well in football at the moment. Yeah, you can't bring forget football in this country. Its the life for all males. Most either support Manchester United, or a Manchester City.. I got to end it just about there. Hopefully it was entertaining to some degree! Remember, that was all quite stereotypical, not precise! I know there are loads more things I could have shared, but for the sake of my time, and yours I'll get to the point of a few other cultural things. Many critters in England. Snails and slugs are a plenty after rain for sure. (It is the worst!) I've seen.. both frogs and toads. Many different dogs that people walk, most the time I can guess which kind and get it right. Many cats wander on fences, or lie about in small gardens. Erm.. Ran into a couple foxes! The second time, it came out of nowhere, and was probably five yards away from me, then it ran away!  Still dying to see a hedgehog, but they are nocturnal I believe. Many homes have cobwebs somewhere on the outside, so yes, spiders sadly roam around here as well.. Birds flock wherever and many bridges/signs/lamp posts have spikes on top so the birds won't land on them. People eat a variety of foods, like.. kebabs, curries, fajitas, fish/chips, chinese.. also more "normal" dishes like.. pasta, roasts, meat pies. The other day I had a wonderful tea which was sausages, with mash (potatos), and baked beans to put over it all. Sounds mental, I'm sure, but its well nice. I know I could keep going, its hard to mention it all! Sorry not sorry!

The work is going wonderful for us here. Got a few people progressing, good number attending church, met with some former investigators, going by some less actives, and finding more potentials! Great things are in the making, but it does come slowly, yet surely. I found myself reflecting on the things that I have changed, and what other things I still would like to change. Its crazy who I have become and becoming. I love it! Pondering was something that Joseph Smith did a lot before he prayed and received the First Vision. A simple invitation I would love to extend would be for you to sit down at a quiet place with notes at the ready, and reflect on how you have changed over the past year. Are they good changes? Are you a happier person? Are you on the right path that God would have you be? What more do you want to change? Are there habits that need breaking and others that need forming? How can you slowly, but surely have things things come to pass? These are just an example of some questions that you can ponder about. I love yous all very much. I know I'm a goofy one, but I mean well... 

Have a good day, and I hope you've enjoyed your quick stay here at England.

- Elder Bennett

           

"Oh beautiful Mossley... Sigh. You're great..."

Elder David (Germany) and myself after an exchange. BIG smiles!

"Elder Honorio (Brazil) loves the golden "duck face.."

"The sisters in our ward got around to heart attacking us like they did many other members!
Hopefully you can read their good jokes/quotes! Haha!"

"Elder Nelson (my papa), and Elder Paulsen (my son) with me after transfer meeting."

"Ye Old Trafford. Man United. Banter!"

"Oh the fabulous Fletcher Family! Love them to bits!
Bottom starting from left: Naomi, Matthew, Rebecca, Rachel, (grandchild) Beth. Middle: Naomi's man Lorenzo,
Elder Lauener, Brother & Sister Fletcher, Eve, (grandchild). Top: Myself, Isacc, and Jared!

"Hardcore service. Loved swinging that pick axe!"

"Twas Marvellous Ole Chap!!"

To my dearest family and friends,

I believe there are many a things to talk about! Honestly, I don't even know where to begin with it all. All I know is it'll be one of my best posts ever. Erm..  I should mention that preparation days here in Ashton are a blast! A few weeks ago I organised a basketball tournament for basically our whole zone and a few other missionaries from another one. So probably a total of about 28 missionaries? It was crazy, especially because there are many from different countries where they don't really play basketball.. so it was a bit like street ball. Heh. Then last week, we heard of some people getting together to play some volleyball down in Manchester. Luckily, we got a lift with the Manchester Zone Leaders so it was easier but still took a while. It was a bunch of fun, complete with some great spikes, and even more impressive some blocks on those attempted spikes. Today we had planned to go on a hike to a place called "The Dovestones", but it is raining pretty bad so it got cancelled. Perhaps next week? I do love me a good hike!

A very exhausting (physically, spiritually, socially) day was last Wednesday when we went on our Mission Historic Tour! We woke up at about half five in the morning, barely caught the train and rode all the way up to Chorley near the temple. About half the mission was there, so the Ashton, Liverpool, Preston and Chorley Zones. I love to see my past companions, and other great missionaries from past districts. I think best to see of all was my first companion, trainer, and current Zone Leader, Elder Nelson. He is just the greatest and makes me feel so good about myself. We had a proper chat on our bus ride up to Preston about how things were doing and funny memories we had in Hyde. Erm.. So the first stop was President Hinckley's old flat where he had his "day of decision", and received that famous letter from his father saying "forget yourself and go to work." Crazy, innit? Next was the place where the Vauxhall chapel was located along with "the cockpit"or in other terms the Temperance Hall. The chapel belonged to Elder Joseph Fielding's brother. He allowed them to preach a good number of times but then kicked them out because so many converted from his congregation heh.. The cockpit was exactly that, a chicken fight arena, but also a place they had a conference and other meetings. Oh, quick side note. When referring to "them" I mean the missionaries/apostles, which were Elder Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Orson Hyde, and others.

We walked a bit more down to the Preston town square where they used to stand on top of soap boxes and preach sermons to huge amounts of people. Near there, was the flat they stayed in which is infamous for when they got attacked by legions of evil spirits. Here's the experience in Elder Kimball's own words.. "My agony was so great, that I could not endure...and could distinctly see the evil spirits, who foamed and gnashed their teeth upon us...I shall never forget the horror and malignity depicted on the countenances of these foul spirits.." (Truth Will Prevail p. 77) Proper disturbing that! However, it was a big testimony builder to me on how hard the adversary tries when we are on the verge of doing grand amounts of good. Certainly, if Satan could have stopped the "Cradle of the Restoration", it would have been a big win for him. He didn't though! Carrying on, we then travelled through this beautiful park to where the River Ribble is located! This place was where many saints were baptised. The funny story was a certain man who literally raced others down to the river, getting quite thrashed doing it, just to be first one. Yes, I know, quite the experience so far, but it doesn't end here! I also acknowledge I am probably sounding like quite the historian. Please, let me bask in the moment as history is my utmost worst subject! 

After a little bit of travel on the buses, we went to a place called Downham. It was a place where they had a lot of success and most of the village were baptised. It's also particularly an extravagant place simply because it hasn't been "modernised" except for the cars. The cobblestone paths, trees, etc. are the same as when the first missionaries were there. President Ulrich also told us a story where basically, Joseph Smith told those apostles that it was indeed holy ground because some of the ancient prophets had walked and dedicated that exact area! Mind blown! I am so blessed to be in this mission!! All in all, it was a very spiritual experience for myself. I think my next and possibly last church site will have to climax where the Saviour walked Himself! Until then.. I'll continue onwards with how the work is going.

Perhaps most exciting is a young man we have been teaching every week now and he is progressing slowly but very smoothly. First met Carter (as always, not his real name) at investigator sports where we play some football. He got involved with mutual, and I don't think he has missed a week! Pretty shy kid, but he's opened up as time goes on, especially when we have fun activities. We always teach him at the Fletcher's home which is probably the best place. Their family has five teenagers, and all are great examples. It's overall been humbling to see his faith grow from just a spark to a small flame. I also went back to my old area a few weeks ago to see someone I taught get baptised. Hector has had a tough life to this point, and I remember talking to him pretty late at night in Wigan's town square. At first, it seemed a bit dodgy, but he just looked kind of lonely on the bench so I just decided to talk with him! Ha, funny how that all worked out. Basically, if you see someone that seems lonely, they may just need the gospel in their life! 

Okay, I got two funny stories to boot and one brilliant Saturday to mention. Ahem, Elder Lauener and myself were waiting at this bus stop and this mother and little girl joined the queue. Well, the little girl smiled back at my companion, and let's just say I wasn't expecting what happened next. Surely, she has got to have a sweet spirit, but something was up with her teeth. Basically they looked pointed, with gaps between each one? Like a shark or.. devil-child? Taken aback, I just laughed inside out of pure shock. Not done yet. We get on the bus, ride back to the station and my companion gets off. The lady and the girl get off, and as I get off I see the girl like run towards my companion, arms out, ready to embrace him as if he was her daddy! Haha, that scared him away with a half jog to avoid her. Oh I was just dying inside! An inside joke of ours is making a shrilly violin music that you might hear in scary movies, and that was the perfect timing. Another time, we went by this couple and the mother answered, and in her arms was a naked baby boy. Again, quite surprised, but thought "eh, I can handle it..". We get talking about they're weekend, church, work, etc. Then, while my companion was sharing a joke, the boy just started to wee right towards him! Bahaha, all three of us lost it! Luckily, my companion didn't get wet, but I could tell the mum was quite embarrassed..

So! What made last Saturday so brilliant? We got to go to a stake activity with Carter! It was basically a track and field meet, where all the wards competed. Primary, deacons, priests, older adults, and everyone in between competed. The events were the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m runs, high jump, long jump, and two relays. It was loads of fun cheering on the Ashton 1st ward and socialising with the members. Just for fun, I went and did the high jump and long jump with Carter. I don't think I did half bad at the long jump! My companion and myself got asked to help in the 400m relay, which is a full lap. I am not the best runner, but did it anyways. I kept up the pace, but was still second when I passed the baton. Our last runner, one of the Fletcher boys, is very athletic, and bolted through for first place. Overall, our ward just blew the competition away, and this was their fourth time in a row being crowned champs. We are the first ward after all.. However, participation came with two prices. One, my thighs are very sore, and two, I got a sun burn on half my neck. Yeah, no clue how at happened! It's England for one reason, and how was it just half my neck?! Whatever.. still worth it. I believe that is enough to share for now. Hope you've enjoyed!

It's all one, big, crazy rollercoaster innit,

 - Elder Bennett

South African Sunshine, Elder Konyana, along with our man Hector

My companion caught me having a good read out of a great book.

Brilliant tree that is special to Elder Holland. Received revelation here as to where to build the Preston Temple.

The Ribble River. Pretty grand innit?

Beautiful? Yes. A workout? Bigger yes.

Right, Elder David from Germany (1 month), Middle, Elder Suriyachen from Thailand (23.6 months)
Left, I think is.. Elder Redhead from the moon..? (10 months)

Picture with a plaque day..

Ye old flat that has the evil spirits. Nope, no vacancy. Fancy a new home?

Stampeding group of missionaries, A.K.A., a Brit's worst nightmare.

My trainer, Elder Nelson! He's so great..

I cleared it!! It really isn't even that high.. Heheh.

My favorite, the long jump. Landed where the rake is at, jumped where my foot goes down

Sneaker photographer shot this one of me sprinting in the relay.. hardcore

Volleyball squad. Elders.. Ding, Peterson, Bennett, Turner, Lauener,
Stetler, Strebel, Cain, James, Judd, Kissell.
 Sisters.. Miller, Black, Guymon, Carol and Elder Ählstrom. Banter!

"Mentions over the Month"

Yeah... its been quite some time. Crazy how time flies, innit? I can't believe I have been out as long as I have, and boy did last transfer just flash by! It was even seven week one! I don't believe I have just one major thing to mention, but a variety of things to touch on. I suppose keeping people in the loop should be nice? If you are reading this, please, let me know some things that you would like me to talk about more. Often times, when I am emailing, I just don't know what to mention to back home! I'm sure I could think of anything to ramble on, but this is for you. Please, don't hold back!

One great day I had was about three weeks ago on a preparation day. We went to a place called Piccadilly Gardens, inside Manchester. Met up with loads of other missionaries who came out the same time I did. We are really great friends because we spent so much time at the MTC together! It was nice to see those who had been in completely different zones as myself. Got there at about 2:30 to eat some place together. Needless to say, I was starving! Luckily, an Elder who is serving in the YSA knows Piccadilly quite well and led us to a place called Peachy Keens. Quite a silly name, but a wonderful place! Brilliant buffet of various foods from different countries! Thats England for ya, so many different cultures you have no idea! Had some Chinese, some Italian, and other bits and bobs. The desserts were very good as well. My favorite was probably this strawberry mouse thingie? Yeah.. we just hung around, caught up, and laughed at memories from the MTC. 

Then the week after that, we met up with other missionaries serving in the Ashton Zone and went bowling! That was great fun! I did not do well in the least, but I did get better as time went on! Its always nice to do things that one would do with friends back home I suppose. Lets see, and near the bowling place there is a brand new Five Guys. If you think it is expensive in the states, hear this. We went out with one couple, spent about.. £50? I think that is $80 or so. Then the next week, we got invited by a different family! This family is quite big, but not all of them came. In total I'm guessing... £100? So.. perhaps $170! When we tell them how much cheaper it is in the states, they are dumbfounded. Haha, they all say they have never had a burger that good. I am so spoiled here in Ashton! 

Hmm.. oh yeah! One thing that was quite the different experience was being in a trio for the last couple weeks or so. Elder Lauener was serving in the Ashton 2nd ward, and long story short, he had to come over with Elder Olsen and myself. It was LOADS of fun being in a trio. Great to have yet another person to talk with. I think proselyting was a bit more of a challenge because we didn't want to like, surround people..? All in all, I cried of laughter twice, broke a bed (fixxed it too), learned the American/Italian accent, made plenty of inside jokes, got hit by a falling door and loved it. Well, I didn't love the door to the face part, but the trio. You know what I mean! Sadly, Elder Olsen did get transferred out, but at least I get to stay with my Swiss companion, Elder Lauener for longer! He's such a goofball. A bit about him? Erm.. he can do parkour, plays the uke,loves music, and.. speaks German? Haha, its great! I can't really think of anything else to mention..? We're working with some members, teaching some of their friends.. May have found a couple new investigators, but there aren't any attending church currently.. Mm.. should be going on a hike or two in the coming weeks, so that should be quite beautiful. 

One gospel principle that I have become keenly aware of is having the Spirit with me. There is such a big difference in my attitude, teaching, and words. For example, this one chav-lady was quite rude to us because we were cutting someone else's lawn and she wanted us to do hers? I have no idea how I handled it so well, but with the help of the Holy Ghost, I was just super polite and loving. Next day, did her lawn and her heart was super softened. She was grateful, and quite shocked we remembered.Overall, I just feel so empty when I perhaps haven't prayed as much or haven't studied the scriptures as well. Thankfully, I am blessed with such uplifting music that I can invite the Spirit so quickly in the mornings. Music truly does have power. If you want to witness it for yourself, I would challenge you to listen to only Mormon Tabernacle Choir songs (hymns preferred) every morning this week. Maybe write down how you feel before you "start your day". Next week, listen to the music you would normally enjoy listening to (I'd be shocked if it was MoTab) and pay close attention to how you feel. 

Here are some more things that can help you invite the Spirit more fully into your life. Ask in every prayer to be filled with it. Purify your life, meaning to rid things that aren't in harmony with the churches standards and seek better things. Keep the commandments, and might I add in, your covenants that you have made. How easy it would be to always choose right if we truly "remembered Him, and took His name (thoughts, words, deeds) upon us. Study the scriptures, and remember what you can apply that day from it. Having the Spirit in my life right now is very important, but how could it be a blessing in your individual circumstances? I'll leave that for you to answer. I know that anyone can gain so much more guidance, strength, inspiration, peace and joy when they have the Holy Ghost as a best friend. Hope you enjoyed that spiritual snippet of sorts!

With love,

- Elder Bennett

TWINKIES?!! Boy, those were delish

All the coins put together make a shield. Neat-o!

Yeah.. our ward mission leader works at an American Candy store.
 It was like a second Christmas.. no big deal..

Well look at this, its Leslie the Ladybug! I hope she is still in our back garden.
(Even though its a mess)

 Oh just a goofy picture at the temple with Elder Rongo and Elder Olsen

Elder Lauener and I back on an exchange.
Breaking news! He is now in a trio with us!

Oh boy, look at the sky with all them clouds! Beautiful, innit?

"Holding Fast"

Heyy!! It has been ages! But yes, I am still here, and still doing the good ole missionary work! There are some great things happening here in Ashton. We are having both a stake and ward activity. Both of them we will be viewing "Meet the Mormons". I really hope that the members will bring their friends, and that their friends will want to learn more about the gospel. My companion and I work really well together. I am so grateful to have such a hard worker. We have the tendency to find really great people, except the problem is, they live outside of our proselyting area, so we transfer them over to other missionaries. Its alright, as long as they get taught! 

The weather has surely followed what Utah has had. Quite the rainy week, which means not as much contacting on the streets and more tracting. We are trying even harder to meet with each family every other week and help them with their own missionary work. It is a great area for this, because they all live pretty close. We really love to give service to the members as well. So far we have helped strip wall paper, fixxed up some lawns, and even build a trampoline! Its a lot of fun! Another exciting note is that we arefinally receiving the Ipad mini's tomorrow during district meeting. More to come on if those make a difference, and how they do exactly. Should be quite interesting. Probably will share some principles that they have been sharing with us concerning technology in a future post. 

One basic principle that I have really come to love is studying the scriptures! Honestly, I wish that we had two hours for personal study. It never ever lasts long enough. I know, it sounds crazy, but I said it anyways. There is just so much revelation that is in store! I know that The Book of Mormon was definitely written for our day. There was an article that I read from Elder David A. Bednar this past week called "Lehi's Dream, Holding Fast to the Rod". For the most part, it describes the three groups of people that go on the journey to the tree of life. The first group, there is no mention at all about the iron rod. Naturally, they quickly fall away and don't make it to the intended destination. The second, as Bednar describes, occasionally cling to the rod. They do make it eventually to the tree, however, are caught ashamed and are then lost into forbidden paths. (I especially love to pay attention to the word choice in the scriptures.) The last group of people hold fast to the iron rod. These people have done what I believe is quite difficult to do. Continual, diligent study. It doesn't need to be huge and drastic, but just a simple, day by day, 15-20 minute study at first. I know that he makes a huge, compounding difference in one's life. President Ezra Taft Benson has said that "the proud let go of the iron rod." Which makes sense, if one doesn't think that they need the power of the scriptures in their daily life, if they don't believe they need spiritual nourishment and the revelations available; they have been fooled by the adversary. Begin a pattern for studying the words of life, and enjoy the bliss that comes.

Just do it,

- Elder Bennett

P.S. Pictures will be coming in a week's time.

"The Constant Compass"

Well, hello there yet again! 

Things are doing quite alright here in good ole England. So many good memories and adventures to be had. Great people to meet, and fun, little surprises are always around the corner. I can't even begin to describe how great it was to see my family yesterday. Words will never give justice how much my family means to me, nor how much I love them. Even my little niece, little Ella Mae! Boy was that great! She is the cutest! Always brings a smile to my face knowing that I am an uncle.

First, I would like to share some lyrics from an English hymn we sung a couple weeks ago. I loved it very much. I believe this is the second verse, but feel free to look it up and listen to it. "Bring me my bow of burning gold! Bring me my arrows of desire! bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! I will not cease from mental fight, nor shall my sword sleep in my hand, Til we have built Jerusalem In England's green and pleasant land." My sources tell me this was comprised by William Blake around 1804? Can you just hear that enthusiasm and determination? I love it!

This week, I noticed a compass on my journal and thought how we are all much like that. It is so hard to stay focused on what really matters. To maintain that eternal perspective of what the eternities behold, not what occurs in the world. Say one is only 2 degrees off

course, but that course is miles away. Given time, that person is going to be miles and miles way from where the intended destination was supposed to have been. Thank goodness we get reminders from our Heavenly Father to make course corrections, no matter how small they may seem.

Some may think, well gee, I don't do anything really wrong.. Yep, most of us don't! Satan can't get us to go directly to breaking a commandment like that. Little by little, that deceiver may get one to not pray as fervently, or merely read their scriptures instead of studying them. Distraction is enough for the devil when it comes to returning to our Father in Heaven. We must not forget to do the necessary good that is asked of us. The sin of omission can easily be overlooked by us who think life is oh so peachy. Reflect on these things we are asked to do that we may not be. Are we doing our family history? Do we have family home evening? Do we pray for missionary opportunities? How much are we really magnifying our calling that God has entrusted us with? How can you best serve those you home or visit teach?  I strongly believe so many lives would be changed if we turned outward more than inward. Forget yourself, and show your love for God and appreciation for our Saviour. This is not an easy task, to deny oneself. However, it is the course of discipleship, and most of us have made those covenants with God. Align your will with God, and the blessings you seek will not be deflected. 

Now to end with one of my new, most favourite quote. (excuse that grammar please?)

"Your happiness now and forever is conditioned on your degree of conversion and the transformation that it brings to your life." - Elder Richard G. Scott

Your dear missionary,

- Elder Bennett

Keaton did not send any photos this week but thought you would enjoy his first glimpse of his niece,  Little Ella Mae