"My Christmas with The Cain's!"

Wo.

I cannot believe it.. You are telling me my full year as a missionary is over? Gone? Done for? 

Kah-put? Yikes.. Fastest year ever! Boy was it spectacular and marvellous. I never could have imagined it to have been what it has been. How blessed I am. So yeah, things are doing great like most missionaries would say they are. Ha, I don't even remember if I wrote on here that I've moved from Liverpool to Crosby, but.. there it is in case! Literally one area north of my last. If you remember, I did love Liverpool and was gutted to leave but things have still been good regardless. Adjustment came quick, and although the ward here is a lot smaller than my last, they are still just as lovely. We got spoiled for Christmas for sure! Another way I got proper spoiled was with this posh flat we are in. Two bathrooms, lots of space, right by the chapel and train station. Oh, and the heating comes from the floor, it is amazing! Ha, all the little things add up. Another thing that I guess is new to some is my companion. Elder Cain is originally from Milton Keynes which is in the south of England. Yes, he does have a more posh accent. His family moved to New Zealand and he spent a year there before his mission. He is good fun and we are actually from the same group so that makes things even better!

Now on to the main questions.. "How was Christmas?" and "Did you have a good New Year's?" Well, I would again say it was more lovely as a collection of small things over the season than two specific days. Here is the run down for ya! The Wednesday before Christmas, half our mission met together for our party. There was delicious food there, and brilliant desserts. We had a small talent show, white elephant exchange, and picture takings. Of course, some good remarks from others in our mission about the holiday season. On Christmas I opened up some truly brilliant gifts from my genius mother and other great ones from Santa. Then we got picked up by our ward mission leader and went to his house for breakfast! That was absolutely INCREDIBLE. I lovveeee breakfast. Eggs, sausage, bacon, why yes. It gets better! His wife made proper pancakes, and cooked American bacon! Ours is more crispy and small, English is more.. chewy like ham almost? Had a fun time playing with their adorable dog after eating. Then.. down to the chapel for the traditional Christmas service. Mostly just scripture readings and hymn singing. I think that is an English thing that all the various churches do here. Afterwards, we got a lift to a lovely family's home, The Cains! No relation to my companion, as great as they would be. There was a massive feast similar to the one our mission party had. Turkey, mash, mixed veg, roasties, and pigs in a blanket (sausage wrapped in bacon)! All that topped over with gravy. You best believe I ate as much as my appetite would allow! We hung

around a bit after since we were all so full. Finally the time came where I could Skype home! Took some time setting up, and the connection was a bit wonky until I changed rooms. It was quite clear after that. I think the best things about Skyping home is hearing my family's voices, laughs, and seeing their smiles. I really loved watching them open my packages to them and have them try the English sweets. Just like last time, it was a great highlight seeing my sweet niece! She's so cute! Sad to say bye, but Mother's Day isn't too far, and that'll be the last call home! Crazy!

The day after Christmas is called Boxing Day. Very similar to Black Friday, everyone gets up early and goes shopping since there are many deals going on. We went to a couple member's homes that day and had some lovely food there. Both, again, similar to the Christmas meal at the Cain's. Erm.. We went over to a less active's home for New Year’s Eve. It was good to enjoy their company. When we came back to the flat I spent the evening pondering back on the year. Reminisced on the highlights of my year, thinking of a variety of favourite things. It was nice and refreshing! It was something I haven't done that much, and that I now want to do more. I think of Joseph Smith's example of pondering and how essential that part must have been in the Restoration. I've spoken with some people who are Buddhist because they enjoy meditation so much. For me, it seems like a healthy habit to develop and I know that doing so will bring a clear channel to revelation and motivation to act. Who wouldn't want that? We all think of resolutions at this time of year. Some, like me in the past, think it's too cliche and don't even attempt. Some may simply be afraid to fail. Well, you don't need to be perfect, just keep trying! For those who haven't made any or struggle to think of some I would encourage you seek revelation through pondering. The following questions may help! What are your highlights of the past year? What are someways you have changed? In what ways do you hope to change more? Where do you hope to be at the end of the year and what are you willing to sacrifice to be there? What potential does God see in me? Ask God in prayer which habits need establishing so over time you may come closer to Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. I love and miss you all! Let me know through email of anything else you'd like to hear more about.

Happy Pondering,

-Elder Bennett

Ready for Christmas with my hat, jumper, trackies, and socks! :)

 Classic elf hats, how fun..

Photograph with most of my group and Santa! Yay!

 Christmas Dinner with the Cain Family!!

Wonderful breakfast at Ward Mission Leader Slaughter's home! Yumm..

Boxing Day with the Standley's! Oh yeah!

The Slaughter's adorable little doggie name Poppy.
Ha, we had a lot of fun playing with her.
 No worries, she didn't get trapped.. she just yaps a lot.

Look at all those Christmas cards. Boy do I feel loved!

"Giving Some Good-Ole Thanks"

Brrrr...

Bit chilly out there, innit? Oh how one must love England.. Where it is either raining or about to rain. Not gonna lie, I definitely took summer for granted. The sun stayed up longer, the people were happier, and it was warm enough to not wear a jacket. Best day of the year for sure Heheh.. Well, just letting you know now that this should be a fun post to read. Maybe difficult for me to write up cause there are so many bits and bobs to mention, but let's just hope it all comes together well.

So yeah, as previously noted, the weather here has gotten absolutely brutal! Like the rain I can handle, but when it is dead windy too, that's when I hate it. Ha, just the other night we got stuck out in it. Too windy to use the umbrella so I just soaked in the experience, literally. It was then that I remembered what others have said about missions.. "It'll be fun!" they said. "You'll learn so much!" they said. Well, where was the realist person who began to laugh, "Hahaha.. Oh man, you're going to suffer big time!" ;) Ha, nah, missions are fun, and I've never learnt so much. I will love it til the very end. However, getting drenched did provide quite a funny memory for us! We went into a members home, soaked, and the young wife was kind enough to lend us a pair of dry socks. "Just toss them in the bin when you get back to your flat!" Okay..? It was a bit silly, because we both got super girly, pink socks, but it was a kind deed and how can one reject such a sweet offer. But then... after the tea appointment, we get on a packed bus, and something caught my attention! Mhmm! My companion's bright, girly socks were screaming for attention. Oh it was so obvious! I was struggling to hide my laugh, while at the same time, attempting to hide my own adorable footwear with my bag. I can only imagine what others were thinking when they noticed.. Ha, suffices me to say, I'll only be learning that lesson once.

Now, at other times, I don't mind getting some extra attention! For example, last Sunday during sacrament meeting. The young men's president gave a brilliant talk, and quoted quite often from a general authority who spoke at the last general conference. What was the
general authority's name you ask? Elder Randall K. Bennett. Hah. Let's see if you notice where this is headed.. He's up there, you know, speaking away to the congregation and then something catches my ear. "Elder Bennett continues with the third principle which is to 'counter
the natural man’s tendency to procrastinate, to put off, or to give up.'" Come again? Since when did I say that?! Haha.. It happened like three or four times! Each time, I could just feel that people noticed and looked at me. Well, what can I say? I must have some pretty dang good insights! ;) Or do I? Some may never know..

One thing I do know is that I am super thankful to be in this mission and particularly, the Liverpool ward! We've had two fantastic mission trainings over the past few weeks and a brilliant, ward youth musical that I must mention as well! Firstly, was our All-Elders Day. That was a lot of fun. President gave a powerful training on wearing the whole armour of God, and some other missionaries gave great trainings on more temporal, but much needed things. I loved it. Then we split up and everyone played whatever sport they fancied. There was frisbee,
rugby, football, basketball and American football. Yeah, that's what I have to call it for the next year or so.. haha. I didn't know some were playing basketball til the very end, so I mostly played football and was on the same team as my son/trainee, Elder Paulsen. Love that kid What a jokester. Our team did quite good too! Ha, President Ulrich even came out for a bit, and had a shootout with us all. That was good fun to see him having fun with his missionaries. I'm so grateful for my mission president.

As for the second amazing training.. that was at our Mission Tour with Elder Paul V. Johnson visiting! What a champ! I particularly enjoyed his visit because he is from my home stake, and has kids who are friends with my siblings! Haha, over the stand, his lovely wife even told half the mission that one of their daughters used to babysit me. No, not embarrassing in the slightest because he's amazing! Another reason I loved his visit, is because of what he used to do for the Church Education System. I found that utterly fascinating, and worthwhile because I love seminary/institute! He taught about how we can learn to submit to God's will over time, how to teach more efficient, and how we can choose why we should do what we should. My
favourite part of the Q&A he opened up was when President Ulrich bore a crystal clear, pure, and powerful testimony of God's love for who we are and what we strive to become. It's leaving me speechless. I can't put words to how profound that was.. wish you could have felt what we
had.. Oh! And we also had a catered, Thanksgiving meal for lunch that day! So that was a bonus! No worries, I did not miss out this year. Man, pumpkin pie is mighty fine!

Lastly, was the Liverpool Ward's very own, Youth Musical Night. Oh how I loved that! Bravo! What a performance! I was so proud of how well they did. My favourite performances out of the eight or so musicals they danced to was.. Sound of Music, Fame (never heard of it, but they
killed it), Annie, and Thriller. Ha, too great! They are so talented! No worries, I literally got their signatures, so I'm covered when they get famous. Not only that, but they had a cake auction to help fundraise money for the next time they go to FSY/EFY! Oh my goodness, now that was funny. One of the young men was the auctioneer, and didn't a brilliant job. He made each one someone had brought sound amazing. Haha, one of the cakes sold for about £40! You could tell that some really wanted a certain one, and so some people would purposely keep raising their auction number so the price soared up. Hahaha... too great. I heard they got well over the amount they had planned for, so that makes me happy cause I loved going to EFY! Overall, I just love it here so SO MUCH! Transfers are.. next week, so I am just praying, and hoping, and somewhat expecting to stay. The Christmas season has been going on for a while here because they don't celebrate Thanksgiving, and boy would I love to continue to enjoy the season in Liverpool.

To finish, I once heard that "God commands us to be thankful because He knows it'll make us happier". You are blessed, whether you realize it or not. Not a lot of people have what you have, and most of those things are probably things that matter most; ie. Family, the Gospel, a working body. Not many people even realize that they have a Saviour, Jesus Christ, on whom they can depend on always. How thankful I am.. for what He did in his mortal ministry and what He is now doing in His living church today. I testify that I would not be who I am today without my Redeemer. Words will never be able to express my gratitude. All things are possible with Jesus Christ. Tis the season, my lovely people.

Looking forward to seeing my family, who I am thankful for and love, in twenty and five days,

Love always,

- Elder Bennett

"Hey! Look who I found! My companion!" :P

"Look at all them poppies. Happy Remembrance!"

"Matching companionship sockies! Soo fuzzy!!"

"Oh yes.. these are the infamous socks we wore.. in public. Work it!"

"Something is wrong with my hand.. best pranking tool ever. Thanks mom!"

"Then Things get Even Better!

Hope everything is going swell o'er there in America! For me, everything is marvellous in Liverpool! Mhmm, yep, yep, thats right; I'm staying here for another transfer!! SOOO happy!! As very grateful I am to stay here another transfer, my thoughts are on the future.. I now pray to stay til Christmas!! Oh goodness, that would just be amazing! Lets see, what else is new? Well, my past companion went to another area, and I got one named Elder Sanches! He.. has been in the field for a half a year, and.. is from Portugal, but also lived in the Grand Canneries in Spain! He is very nice, diligent, and goofy. Bahahaha, yeah, get this.. He has this technique when he gets hurt. This happened just the other night.. After planning, he accidentally whacked his knee on the corner of a table. And well, in my family, we have a crazy habit of laughing when others get hurt, and so.. yeah.. I started to laugh, but what he does is he exclaims "Ooo! Ow! It doesn't hurt! It doesn't hurt! It doesn't hurt!" Ahaha, just to try to trick his mind..? Oh my goodness, I'm busting up so hard just going over the memory of it..  He's a funny one, that is for sure. As for the work, we are pushing on, finding new people here and there, but the others we used to teach have gotten busy, so they aren't progressing as much as they once were. Its okay, all in good timing, which is what I've have learnt lately and will share a thought on soon. 

So what else has happened worth mentioning..? Well, here's like the top 5 that come to mind that happened over the past few weeks.

1. Transfer Meeting. I just love seeing all the other missionaries that I have served around. It always feels like a family reunion, and I just love them all so much. Its crazy! So many fond memories and inside jokes. Its the greatest. I never thought of making so many great friends in the mission field. 

2. We visited with a wonderful Brazilian family here in the ward, and they were waiting for a Portuguese missionary to come so they could teach their friends! So yes, five referrals received in one sitting. A whole family. Wowza. The most I've ever gotten. Plus, they even got us Domino's pizza! "Woohoo!" (Elder Sanches says that exclamation all the time.. love it.)

3. Elder Sanches and I visited a member neither of us know. Got a surprise English breakfast for tea, which is great. Elder Sanches even said he "eat" black pudding. (He's working on his English..) So when it came time to eat, I was purposely avoiding the black pudding (cooked pig's blood), and then the member realized he forgot to get us a drink. As he turns around, I move like a lightning and dish my black pudding over to my companion's plate. His face was priceless. Hahaha, I was dying... inside. I had to hide my laugh through fake coughs. Afterwards, he was telling me he barely got through his black pudding. I guess.. he meant to say he has "eaten" it before, but doesn't necessarily like it! That is when grammar mistakes brings disaster.. for him though. Aha!

4. Halloween! I actually did something to a degree for it! A great member invited us, and other missionaries over, to eat food and sweets. A rule over here is to be in a members home or in your flat by five because it really isn't too safe in the evenings. Fine with me, had a great time there! :)

5. We've found a brilliant new investigator! Pablo. He is new to the area, and had been looking for a church to go to. It was a crazy experience when we found him. So! I had gone through the area book, written down names under the potential investigator area to go by sometime. We walked SO much that night to get to that home, and when we knocked, the person who answered wasn't the one we were looking for! So what do we do? We teach/talk with his friend! That friend's name is Pablo. He has a date for baptism in the middle of December and loved church yesterday. He's a great man. 

So yes. Here is a topic that I have enjoyed studying lately, and that is about timing. Its great!

'.. To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone.' Or more simply, TRUST. This goes along with this gem I came across: "What do we do when doubt seeps into our hearts? Are there really answers to those hard questions? Yes, there are. In fact, all the answers--all the right answers--depend on the answer to just one question: do I trust God above everyone else?" '[The Answer to All the Hard Questions' By R. Val Johnson] The writer continues to share these following principles that can help our trust in God. "God Knows Infinitely More Than We Do. God Shares Some of His Knowledge. We Can Trust in God’s Love. We Need to Seek Spiritual Affirmations. We May Need to Wait Upon the Lord." How wonderful it is to have an all-loving, Father in Heaven who desires what is best for us.

So, at times, we need to faithfully wait. "Wait for the opportune moment", Capt. Jack Sparrow repeatedly says. At times, the biggest effect will happen in a certain circumstance, and when we try to force things upon ourselves or others at the wrong time, it won't be as effective, if at all. Elder Oaks informs us that, "We should remember that when is just as important as who, what, where, and how." Its about doing the right thing, at the right time, and also for the right reasons. How is this all possible? Seems kind of daunting..? The quick answer is: the Holy Ghost can reveal it unto you! Hence, you need to always be doing the things you should be, because you never know when the time is now, and will pass you by if you haven't been seeking the Spirit. Doors open and close in life, and if you miss the opening, and it closes, who knows when it'll open once more.

Elder Oaks encourages us that, "We prepare in the way the Lord has directed. We hold ourselves in readiness to act on the Lord’s timing. He will tell us when the time is right to take the next step. For now, we simply concentrate on our own assignments and on what we have been asked to do today. Wise are those who make this commitment: I will put the Lord first in my life and I will keep His commandments. The performance of that commitment is within everyone’s control. 

If we have faith in God and if we are committed to the fundamentals of keeping His commandments and putting Him first in our lives, we do not need to plan every single event--even every important event--and we should not feel rejected or depressed if some things--even some very important things--do not happen at the time we had planned or hoped or prayed. You do not know what will happen. Do your best on what is fundamental and personal and then trust in the Lord and His timing."

Everything has its time. My trainer shared the importance of that just over a year ago. He said, "When it is time to study, study. When it is time to teach, teach. When it is time to sleep, sleep." Overall, this life is the time when we need to prepare to meet God. Now. One day at a time. This last quote I love SO much, because of the truth that lies inside of it. "Why waste your time, your talents, your means, your influence in following something that will perish and pass away, when you could devote yourselves to a thing that will stand forever? For this Church and kingdom, to which you belong, will abide and continue in time, in eternity, while endless ages roll along, and you with it will become mightier and more powerful; while the things of this world will pass away and perish, and will not abide in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord our God.” [President Charles W. Penrose] To finish, think of what the Millennium will be like. One thousand years of missionary work and family history work. One. Thousand. Years! Thats indeed a very long time. So, if you haven't gotten started on what the Kingdom of God will be doing for those thousand years, do you think you should prepare to do so now..? Its what truly matters. When you realize this, that is when things get even better. Life gets more rich. Your level of joy is increased. Your very nature becomes more what it is destined to become, and your ability to help others realize this is strengthened.

Time is very precious,

- Elder Bennett

"Doers of the Word, and not Hearers Only"

Hello there wonderful person who may be reading this! 

I hope your life is going almost as great as mine is! If not, no worries. I know that things get better. Just keep doing the good things, and have trust in God. I know that He loves you! I absolutely love serving here in Liverpool. Oh my days, if only every ward a missionary could serve in was like this one. I am sooo blessed on how quickly I have learnt names and grown to know and love these members. One thing special about this ward compared to other ones, is that we are racially rich. There are people from a variety of countries, and it is super great! The work here is great and exciting! I especially love working with the members. One lady we are working with in particular has felt the Spirit strongly two lessons in a row! Now she knows what it is, and knows how it feels to her. It's just the greatest to hear that because the Spirit truly is a master teacher. Haha, there has also been some very interesting experiences. For example, last night we were walking back to the flat, and randomly, from out of a car, an uncooked sausage just pelted me on the arm! Haha, I thought someone had ran past and just slugged me on the arm, but nope, it was a sausage! Haha, no worries, it was my first time getting hit by something. No damage done, just laughter at the randomness. Definitely worse than getting hit by flying sausages is having dreams of coming home. It's only been a year for goodness sakes! I've perhaps had a few this past month, and always wake up close to tears. I know when that time comes, I'll be more ready, but being heartbroken will be inevitable. I just love being a missionary so much! Very thankful to have so much more time left! But, anyways...
I think that's more or less what I can think of to share about what has been going on for me!  So yeah! Let's move on to something very special that has recently happened: General Conference. Woohoo! We love it! We get super great quotes from it! It's so uplifting and revelatory! We get answers to questions, feel the Spirit, and before we know it... its over. :( But that's okay, right? We'll have the same or similar experience in six months time..? Well, not exactly. There's one, big concern that quite often can happen to us. A scripture in the New Testament describes it perfectly. Romans 2:13; 'For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.'  Is it great to hear the words of living prophets? Yes. To read the scriptures? Of course! But the whole intent of both of these are for us to turn those words into actions. Actions, repeated over time form habits. Oh yes, and then habits become a part of us, and that's what we want! For the gospel to become a part of the way we live!

The best way that I usually describe this principle to people is relating it to university. We don't attend uni to simply listen to lectures, maybe do some assignments or pass exams and then leave it at that. Ask most people why they are attending uni, and they will say, "I'm studying film so I can become a director." "I'm studying medicine so I can be a pharmacist." "I'm studying Spanish so I can be a Spanish teacher!" Notice how we listen, learn, and do certain things so that we can become something/someone? If we keep on the forefront of our mind that we are children of God, and that our eternal destiny is to live with Him in the Celestial Kingdom, it will help us realise how important forming righteous habits are. So what righteous habit do you need forming after listening to General Conference? 

Now that really is the question, innit? Well, that's not something I can answer for you! However, using things I have learnt this past General Conference may provide some guidance! First thing would be to seek what God knows you need most at this moment. It may not be something you want to work on, or even think you do, but certainly God knows you best. This is what Elder Larry R. Lawrence spoke about! The Holy Ghost is perfect at revealing such things to you. So, after praying, seeking, and received by the Spirit what you need to do, then what? Might I suggest that you simply K.I.S.S. that principle. Keep It Simple Silly! President Uchtdorf spoke about in one of his talks! Small, applicable steps over time, have a greater, more lasting effect than one massive, single instance. One speaker whom I enjoyed listening to, but sadly cannot remember, spoke of the blessings he has received from pondering scriptures. At first, it was perhaps tough, but years down the road, he is very thankful for that small habit he has formed. Not only did this bless himself, but it has blessed many others as well! Set yourself reminders. Share with others your goal. Record in a journal your progress. Ask me how I can help you, because I surely would love to! I'm so thankful for the time I've had to serve my brothers and sisters, my Saviour and my Heavenly Father. I also want to express gratitude to those who have written emails to me. I love to hear that you enjoy reading the posts on here from time to time. It really makes me feel loved. Overall, thank you for everything you do for me and others. Keep it up!

I'm working on charity, and maybe a teenie bit of Chinese,

• 碧 長老  (Bì Zhânglâo, Elder Bennett)

Harry the Hedgehog!
FINALLY! I've seen one out of nowhere!
 Look at him! He is just too cute! Wish I could have taken him home.. :)

Missionaries with wonderful members

The street that we live on

The library that I emailed from in my last area

It was saddening, but that mouse just had to go.. we couldn't let it multiply. RIP.

From the Mayan Exhibit. They would play a game, getting a ball through this hoop with their hips! Wha..?

Super great serpent head!

Ahh! That's a scaly, green mask! Creeeepyyy..

"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!"