"It's the Little Things"

Hiyya, yous alright? I hope so! I'm doing quite alright myself! This last week was a great one, and I really do love being a missionary! The weather has gotten a lot better, no more snow, and it barely ever rains, which is nice. I have even stopped wearing my warm lining jacket because it has been so nice. I'm crossing my fingers that March will be a bit nicer, who knows how the weather works now a days. 

This past Tuesday, we had a multi-zone activity. We headed over to the stake centre and we got to watch... wait for it... extended alphabet letters for the suspense.. with some dots.... Meet the Mormons! Oh! Goodness gracious! If you haven't seen that movie, you must, must, MUST go see it! Now the question that all those that have seen it want to ask, "Well Elder? Did you cry?" "How can you not?" would be my reply. It is just marvelous! I couldn't pick a favorite person from it, but the beginning was quite hilarious! They are hoping to send it to the cinemas here this summer, which would be brilliant! I guess we'll see..

We got treated to Subway for lunch, and then split up into little teams for our "Olympics". My team was really nice, I had my old district leader from the MTC, Elder Boehme in it! Love him, he is a proper bozo! We chose to be Egypt in our competitions. Not too sure why, but I love our flag we made! So lets see, we started off with Around the World Ping Pong tournament thingie. I won our team a bronze medal, and was well chuffed/pleased with myself. Then after that... we played like World Cup football/soccer? Yeah, it was just madness, and we didn't get a medal there. Oh well, still great fun! I love spending time with other missionaries.

So this month we have been studying charity, which is quite ironic considering it was just Valentine's. I have loads of quote and insights about charity that I will write next week, but this week it is just going to be about, heh, the little things..

Here is a nice little example. A certain day this week had been a bit tough, appointments being cancelled, no one stopping on the street, etc. So I was just on the bus, looking for some solace in the Book of Mormon, when this young lady and probably her boyfriend come up the stairs and came to sit in front of me. Well the young man like hit his head, baha, and it seemed like it hurt. I simply checked if he was alright, and then complimented him on his hair color. Yes it was red... No surprise there. Well, he said something like redheads aren't too liked, and I said same for me in the States, but I think we are great anyways! I then got a phone call by someone, and that killed the conversation. This is the great bit, as he gets off, he gets my attention and says like "Hey, here you go pal." Handing me a paper crane he made! I was just taken aback, and replied, "Thanks!" Thinking wow, he made this for me? All I did was like, compliment his hair..? haha

I guess that is what inspired this to an extent. It was the little thing that made my day. Sometimes all people need is a genuine ear to listen, a smile, a thank you, or some time. I remember learning something in my communication class a couple years ago called "The 5 Love Languages". These five things are ways how people feel most loved by others. Things such as service, gratitude, gifts, quality time, or physical touch. The trick is, not loving others as you are best at, but going to their specific "love language." For an example, I love spending time with people. (It kills me having to leave members' homes!) I notice that they sacrifice their own personal time to be with me, or I guess as a missionary maybe even time to write me! I feel loved when others express genuine gratitude for things that I may do. Of course all the other ones I do feel loved, but we all are different! My challenge to any reader would be to have one, simple act of love a day. One a day! Pray for and vigilantly seek opportunities to provide that to another. Make specific plans each day of the week if you need. "Tuesday, I am going to empty the dishwasher for my mom. Friday night I'm going to spend time with my brother instead of going to a movie with friends." Easy. 

The other day at church, a champion, young boy came up to me and gave me a pen. I was utterly confused. He replied, "The other week, you asked if I had a black pen, I went to give you a blue one, but you said you needed a black one.." Right he was, I am OCD and want my planner to be one color.. I cannot believe this young lad remembered! I then replied, "Thats right! Thank you, but I have a black one now!" "No no, take it.", he insisted. I took it with a brightened heart. Simple? Yes. It is the little things that can uplift a soul in time of unknown struggles. You never know when someone could be of use of your gentle love. Thank you for all the support, it means the world to me to be this blessed. 

I simply love you. I really, really do,

- Elder Bennett

 Proper pancake mix! Oh goodness, I love the Lee Family SOOO much! Such bliss. 

 Our Olympic flag! Egypt! Hah, our motto though.. love it.
Of course I am the only one who DIDN'T write in pen. C'mon..

The simple, yet very meaningful paper crane. It was made out of the bus ticket stub. :)

"Sumptuousness of the Spirit"

Howdy. That's how people speak over in America right? I'd say 90% of the time when I say hi to someone over here I say "hiyya!" not sure why.. Its quite fun. Anyways! This past week just flew by, and boy it was a great one. Wonderful lessons with some investigators, great encouragement to the members, and just good ole work. 

One thing that is quite interesting here in England, is when others talk about their family members. This is quite silly to me, but it happens all the time! For example, say I was talking to a friend about my future niece, I would say something like.. "Our Ella is just beginning to walk." The "our" is always put in when families talk to others about a family member. Its like implying that if I just say Ella, you wouldn't know who I was talking about...? Hah, goofy things, but its fun. 

Right so, I guess one thing that I've noticed as a missionary is how wonderful it is to always have the Spirit to be with me. We know that is what we strive for, and that we need it in the missionary effort. When it comes down to it, the Holy Ghost doesn't help me teach, I help Him teach. Some converts have said they didn't really understood what the missionaries were even talking about, but the feelings they felt was what had them keep having them back. I find that rather interesting. I won't say I am perfect, and always have the Spirit. But boy, can I always tell when I don't have it. It feels so empty, and alone! 

This next paragraph is from a talk that I recently read that inspired this topic. It is from Elder Neal A. Maxwell, from the Ensign Oct. 2001 titled, "Testifying of the Great and Glorious Atonement". He says, "After the cleansing and emancipating effects of baptism, we experience further fortifying effects by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. We desperately need the Holy Ghost to help us choose the right. He will also help by preaching to us necessary sermonettes from the pulpit of memory. He will also testify to us of the truths of the gospel." Oh man, I love that!

At times we may think, I do choose the right. I don't do anything bad. Sometimes, it isn't between choosing right and wrong though. It is between choosing what is of the most importance? Which choice will lead help me become like our Saviour? Is this the best choice on my steady course of improvement? I know that the Holy Ghost can be our constant companion, if we hold true and focus on the sacramental covenants throughout our week. Are we keeping the commandments? Are we always remembering Jesus Christ and His Atonement throughout the day? This should be our daily strive. Seek the Spirit so that you can receive help to make the best of choices. I would also most certainly encourage anyone and everyone to study "The Most Important Things".  https://www.lds.org/ensign/2015/02/the-most-important-things?lang=eng It has really helped me focus, and re instituted the whole "Good, Better, Best", a classic from Elder Dallin H. Oaks.  

Wishing you all the very best in all that you do,

- Elder Bennett

The greatest picture. Chillin' on a pillar. Wow, hardcore. (I'll strive for more pictures next time!)

"Oh my Stars!!"

Oh my stars! (Is my new catch phrase) I am so sorry it has been awhile! Honestly, it has been a madhouse these past couple preparation days. Two Mondays ago, the library just decided to up and move, so they were closed. Then last week we had a wonderful, exciting day planned and just didn't have time to write for another hour. Yet, here I am, and it shouldn't happen again. Overview of what has been going on? Sure, why not. 

Basically, the weather has gone even more downhill. Got a truly terrible snow blizzard, a couple days ago, and a couple days before that we were out on the streets being pelted by chocolate chip size hail. Yeah, picture that would ya? Hah, no but really, I was just laughing my head off while being pelted screaming, "What is this madness??!" All good things.. Erm, my new companion's name is Elder Sidhu. His family is from India, but he is from Coventry which is near Birmingham, which if you don't know where that is, it is in the middle of England. Ta. He is great, quite a bit different from my last companion, but very motivated which is great! I have really learned how to be even more casual with people and being more personable. 

So last preparation day was probably my favorite so far. Well, the Christmas Markets was great fun, but that was a once a year type of thing. So we headed down into Piccadilly (inner Manchester, aka the city part), and went to this brilliant library to write. It reminded me a lot of the Salt Lake Library, but definitely more old, grand looking on the outside. After that we just went to a bunch of different stores and looked around. Good fun, but death at the same time. Maybe if I had like £300 to spend, then I would have enjoyed myself, because everything costs so much! I was dying a bit inside. However, I did buy myself a proper flat cap. Yeah buddy, well chuffed on it. Its funny because only the old men with canes wear them around here, but its not like I can wear a snapback or anything! Lets see, after my companion bought a well posh suit, we met up with some of his recent converts when he served in the YSA ward. They were both nice, and I knew he had fun to hear how things were doing. We went and ate at an incredible place called Nandos. Boy, American is missing out until it gets Nandos. Soooo good! Basically there is chicken served in different ways with wonderful sauces and sides. I had a rather mild sauce, and their famous peri-peri fries. Oh boy, SO good! Quite spicy, but lovely. 

So, as far as a little message at the end goes, this one I may just love the most. We have a variety of different talks inside a binder at our flat, and this one caught my eye. Truth be told, I basically wrote the whole thing down in my notes, because I loved it so much. The talk is called "Beware of Pride" by President Ezra Taft Benson in April 1989. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1989/04/beware-of-pride?lang=eng Read it if you want to full blast of this talk, but I'll just mention some of the things that I loved. Keep in mind, I am for the most part quoting the talk, because I am no author, nor can it be said as well as he did. 

"Pride is a very misunderstood sin, and many are sinning in ignorance." Um, wow? I'll admit, I thought I knew what pride was. Those cocky kids, who think they are better than others because they are on top, or people that like to brag about something or think only of themselves. Boy did I learn even more. Basically, pride/enmity is competitiveness whether with God or our fellow man. We sometimes put our will versus God's, our minor knowledge against His omniscience, our talents (that he has blessed us with) against His priesthood power, and some of our achievements next to His marvelous works. Rebellion, hard-hearts, stiff-necks, unrepentant, puffed up, and easily offended would also be a form of pride. Essentially, the prideful wish God would simply just agree with them!

C.S. Lewis wrote, "Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man.. It is comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone." Very often, it can be noticed in other people, but we neglect the beam that is in our own eye. Pride is probably more often found on the bottom looking up than the up looking down. For example there is faultfinding, gossiping, backbiting, murmuring, living beyond our means, envying, coveting, withholding gratitude and praise that may lift another, and being unforgiving or jealous. A proud person is often disobedient, thinking that someone in authority over them somehow lowers them. They don't want to be told they are wrong, so they become defensive to rationalize and justify their weaknesses and failures. 

So the question stands, "What can I do to obliterate pride in my life?" The healing formula for this overarching sin of sins can be found in Mosiah 3:19, '..becometh a child, submissive, meek, humble.' Humility makes all the difference, and if we do not choose to be humble, we may be compelled to be. We must actively seek and choose to make humble choices all around. Some ideas may be to forgive others, accept help or advice, give selfless service, find weaknesses to become stronger, share gratitude, serve a mission, praise another, go to the temple, repent, or put a loving Father in Heaven first in our life so we can receive His counsel. 

In end, before you start thinking, "Oh boy, who can I go share this great talk with? I know so-and-so could use this", take President Uchtdorf's advice and ask "Lord, is it I?" Christ wants us to lift us where He is, and we should have this same desire for others. Choose to be humble. Let me know how it goes, yeah?  If you haven't watched the new Worldwide Devotional, go watch it now.  https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/archive/worldwide-devotionals/2015/01?lang=eng This talk was, BRILLIANT. Really, accept this humble invitation, and set aside time to watch it. You won't regret it! I promise! I know this has been a proper long post, but hey, it has been a couple weeks. 

Your red-head English lad (who is now working a flat cap), 

- Elder Bennett

Gotta love that flat cap after walking in a blizzard.

Our flat complex.

Got my nice little jug of Kool-Aid! Oh yeah!

 Made myself a proper smoothie, I still got it.

 Elder Sidhu and I waiting for the bus.

 "I though I escaped this snow!!!"

 Gorton. Thee most dodgy place, yet we love it.
 Picked up some trash with another church, got a free shirt. Jackpot!

"Miracles in the Master's Hands"

Oh goodness! What a week! This one really great, and ended marvelously! The weather has actually been alright. The past few days have been very windy, but luckily not too rainy. It is so weird to think that it is January, because there is no snow on the ground. 

This week was good work and fun. I went on a couple exchanges with some other missionaries, and it was great to learn from them as well as share things that have helped me out. We found out this morning that I will be staying here in Hyde for at least another six weeks, but my trainer is going up to Preston. I am so excited for him; he is going to do such a good job up there! My new companion I believe is from Birmingham? He has been out a good while, and I am excited to learn new things from him and become a better servant. Tad nervous, because adjusting to new situations isn't exactly a forte of mine, but I know that with prayers filled with faith, heavenly help is sent.

This past Saturday we had a baptism for a young lady. We have been teaching Annabeth since the beginning of November, and it has been an incredible journey to witness. She has had many confirmations of the truth, and many miracles that paved the way for her to be baptized. It was a wonderful service, and President Ulrich even came! It meant so much to me, because this is the first baptism I have been for the whole journey. 

I can do my best to express what it was like to actually perform the ordinance of baptism for Annabeth, but it really does leave me at a loss of words. First, it is just remarkable enough to know that I am a personal representative for our Saviour Jesus Christ. That I had the great blessing to step in on behalf of Him to do this ordinance. When we stepped into the font, such the anticipation just peaked. I just said the baptism prayer and submerged her under the water. All went well, thank goodness for not repeating on a mistake. The feelings afterwards were just overwhelming. The best way she could explain the feeling was "floatie..?" Haha, it is the greatest! For some reason, my face afterwards was just flushed. I probably looked like I had ran five miles in the middle of winter. It was just the grandest feeling of joy and adrenaline I have ever experienced in my life. The two of us were just smiling from ear to ear, and it couldn't be stopped. I know that this church is true with all my heart, for there is no way on Earth that those feelings aren't from God. I am so grateful for that experience, it was truly one of the greatest highlights of my life thus far.

I know that miracles happen, that Heavenly Father prepares people just like her all around the world. I know that He will prepare a way that we may accomplish all the commandments we are given. This leads me into the miracle that we all are. To become and receive all that the Father has. This next bit, I would like to forward a challenge that was given to us missionaries in our newsletter by our assistants to the president. Forewarning, if you whole-heartedly give this a go, it will be an incredible experience. If you don't, you will indeed be missing out. Please, find the time this day to do this. I know that you will have a great experience! Here it is right from them:

"Everybody go grab a pen and your study journal, (or at least a piece of paper.) We want to ask you some questions that we hope will provoke thought and inspire change. Get a mental image of yourself in the your last few days as a missionary, (perhaps the last few days of this year for you all), only we don't want you to ACTUALLY picture yourself. We want you to picture the person you could become by that time. Try to capture in your mind the absolute best that you could possible become. Powerful, filled with light, charitable, humble, not a particle of fear in your body, you are a walking testimony. Close your eyes, and envision it for a minutes so that you can really get the mental picture. (No but really, do it. Trust me!) Now, write down all the phrases, words, and characteristics that came and are coming to your mind.

After several minutes of pondering about this, go to the mirror. Really go. Oh and grab your study journal or paper. Write down what you see in the mirror. Not on the outside, but really look into your own eyes, and into your own soul and write down the words, phrases and characteristics that describe you. 

What you have just done is looked through the Lord's eyes into your own potential. You have seen what He and He alone can make you. The things that you saw in the mirror reflect your "raw materials". All you have to do is give those things to God and He can turn them into everything that you envisioned yourself to be. Lets make 2015 a year of smashing potential!

Potential is a great thing to have at the beginning of any process, but a bad thing to have at the end. We hope and pray that as you put your heart into this, and give God everything you've got, that you don't have an ounce of potential left when that day arrives, (end of the year). If you haven't really gone through this activity but rather just read these paragraphs like every other week, repent and start back from the beginning, (or really find some time to do this!)"

To be truthful, I did that and it was one of the most marvelous things EVER. Tears were almost coming down my cheeks as I typed this up to send back home. I love you all so much, and I know that in the Master's Hands we can really become what we, but more importantly He would want us to be. Please, if you did this, I would love to hear how it went. 

Don't be afraid to give up who you are for who you can become,

- Elder Bennett

 Elder Butterfield and I with turbans. We be bozos

 Elder Hammond and I reading Green Eggs and Ham, missionary edition

 I love the city of Manchester, ahh! It is too great!!

Beautiful view of the hills pretty close to our flat.

.Elder Jageklint (Swedish!) just chillin. You know how it is.

Oh what joy filled our hearts! Way too happy!

"New Year, New You!"

Hiyya!
 Happy New Year's to you wonderful people! I hope this answers a lot of questions many have been asking concerning my Christmas and New Year's. Last week the library was closed, so I didn't get the chance to write the blog post. Oh well, control what you can. This one may be a bit longer than usual, I guess we'll see!

The Tuesday before Christmas, my zone met with two others and had a wonderful Christmas Dinner. There was turkey, potatos, gravy, carrots, and mince pie. Pretty great if I do say so myself! Beats cooking in the flat, thats for sure! It is always so much fun to be with other missionaries, and the happy spirit everyone is in. During this meeting we played a white elephant game, I ended up with two Frozen posters (jackpot). Heh, and then each zone did a skit of some sort. The other zones' were great, proper funny, but ours... well.. was like a bad joke. We did the 12 Days of Christmas, missionary edition, but.. yeah. Just didn't work out too well. Bad joke meaning, it went so poorly you just kind of had to laugh? So embarrassing. We had a great training by our mission president as well!

Christmas Eve was great as well! Our ward's primary put on a Nativity, and my companion and I were asked to be the innkeepers. Costumes and all, it was quite the entertainment. Afterwards, many of them said I was like so mean to little Joseph and Mary, but hey! I'm just becoming the character, and I'm sure they were all nice and kind. Hah, I love the Hyde ward. Christmas was truly brilliant! Everyone, myself included, I think worries a missionary would get home sick, or be disappointed to one degree or another, but I really wasn't! We went down to the chapel for a choral service, then went to a member's home for Christmas Dinner. Similar foods to the one at the multi-zone dinner. We had an absolute blast! We imitated some accents of people in the ward, and played a game called pass the parcel which had some crazy things you had to do. It was a very good time. That evening, we headed over to another member's home. Best Christmas present arrived, and that was of course seeing my family! Ahh, nothing compares to family. I just can't even describe how wonderful that was, and how much I love my family. They are the greatest! Had a good talk after Facetiming my family with the member's home we were at. They are great, had plenty of laughs there as well. Don't know what else to really say, feel free to ask me any specific questions, but it really was great!

So yeah, the past week has been a good one! Hard work is the greatest, and there is nothing quite like finding those who are interested in learning the truth of our message. The weather has been quite cold, always bundling up with gloves and a scarf. If the wind blows, the cold just blasts, and you won't know whether you still have a face or not. Hah, we keep moving forward, face or not, there are people who need to hear about the Restoration! New Year's Eve was fun! Of course we didn't stay up til midnight, wouldn't want to have done if even given permission. We watched Frozen at the chapel, and some members brought loads of sweets. As nice as it was to have a holiday break due to everyone being busy, it really nice to just get back to the work. 

I think a great thing to write about would be.. (no surprise here) goals! With a New Year at a start, we each have the great opportunity to start it out great, and really become something! It would be wise to not simply have a check list of things to do this year, but rather, things to become. Little wonders we can look back in a year and be astounded by the changes we have made. I guess I could use myself as an example. Not to boast in any way of course, but just to show how it can be done. I know, I know, I'm a missionary, I have all the time dedicated, but, this can nonetheless be applied! This year, I have a goal to become a better representative of Jesus Christ. To do my best and have my words to be His words. My acts His acts. Do as He would if He was personally ministering to the people of England. Quite the goal at hand! However big or small we want a goal to be, it starts out with simple, applicable steps. I will do this by studying Christlike attributes, then setting daily and weekly goals on opportunities to apply what I learn. Many of you may have worries, or think you may slack out a couple months down the road. Still, were those month not good ones? We aren't going to be perfect, but we can surely set goals and do our best to achieve them! Frankly, that is what we are here to do. To become something, and chisel out the things we don't want. "One of the biggest barriers of man is starting." At least give it a go! I hope that we may all find something we want to change. I know we can do this through prayer, consistent goals and actively applying.  I am absolutely excited for this full year of service as a missionary, and to better become what Heavenly Father wants me to become. 

These little wonders,

- Elder Bennett

Bennett Street!! I knew I'd get to it!

Christmas Dinner with my district!

The wonderful Innkeepers for the Nativity

The Nickerson Family. They were loads of fun!

Christmas Crepes, yummy!

 Typical English street of a foggy day

Evening view outside the Lee's lovely cottage

"Oh Come Let Us Adore Him"

Hello my dearest of friends! What a wonderful season this has been! There is nothing like being a personal representative of our Saviour during this season. I can never express in writing how incredible it is to be a missionary. The happiness, and the wisdom gained is just indescribable. So with the loss of words, I'll attempt to share my week!

A week ago, after emailing and shopping, we headed into inner Manchester. We've been hearing about this thing called "The Christmas Markets" for ages! All month long, over and over, and I've been dying to go. (It was a great conversation starter for bus contacting though, hehe) Anyways, we finally went! It was glorious! Pictures never give anything justice over here, so I hardly attempt at view. Basically, there was just a whole square full of wooden shacks with loads of bits and bobs. There was wood carvings, sweet stands, Christmas decorations, you name it. Quite really reminded me of the Utah State Fair to be honest. Only better, because it was Christmas! The theme was quite German, so there was some proper beer going around, which is quite saddening. We ate some German sausages, which were delicious, but even more exciting I tried me some black pudding! Black pudding, is well, basically pig's blood fried up. Mhmm... shocker I tried it huh? You just have to though! It was a sample, and it came with half a boiled egg, so why not! It was... interesting. Quite sweet, but the flavor was too much. Bleh, anyways... that was such a blast with all the other missionaries. 

The next day, we went to the temple. Again, pictures never give any of the sights justice. We rode into Manchester's main train station, and it was just incredible. Load of platforms and trains coming from every which way, and just packed with people. I love the city, its just great! Then we hopped on another train, and headed out to Chorley. On the train, when you peer out the window, its just rolling green hills, with sheep in the distance, and the most beautiful cottages just past them. How I wish I had the world's best camera with me. Ahhhh! Sorry, I'm sure you are getting quite jealous. The temple trip was just incredible. As Utahns, we are so spoiled. Truly, we are! How I wish I could go to the temple every single day! I love it so much, and especially the Preston England Temple. I will restate again from last time I was there, I've never felt as at home as I did in there. It was proper devastating to leave, and I would say it could only be compared to leaving Heavenly Father's presence to come to Earth.

This week was a great one. I love to teach our investigators so much, and witness the change the gospel brings. I love to talk with people, and share with them my testimony of what I know to be true. Knocking doors is just super cliche, but again, I love it! You never know who will answer, and who may be interested. The ward here spoils us so much. We've gotten loads of Christmas cards, and little gifts as well. I love Hyde, and I love being in the service of Heavenly Father.

I will end by sharing the Christmas message we share with members. We first read in 3 Ne. 11; where Christ shows His love and compassion by healing the people. What a miraculous event to behold. Think of the following phrase: "The highest form of adoration, is emulation." Another similar but simpler phrase may be "The sincerest form of flattery is imitation." A rather basic analogy I share is sports. If there is an incredible footballer, many young players may watch, study, and copy them so that they themselves can be incredible. 

How is it that we can emulate our Saviour? Simply love. Show your love to someone. Spend some quality time with a family member or a friend. Give service to another. Share gratitude. I'm sure you can think of a whole list of things. Jesus Christ physically healed the people, but whom is it that we can go to spiritually heal? I give an invitation to any reader, whether before, during or after Christmas to think of a few people who they can heal in some manner. For the season may past, but the Spirit need not. May we constantly remind ourselves of the Christ throughout the year, and live in the true Spirit of Christ. I promise the joy this season brings will not end in our lives. 

With love, I wish the merriest of Christmas to you and yours, 

- Elder Bennett

 Elder Nelson, (flat caps all the way), and myself

A single market stand, with the town hall behind.

. Our wonderful district at the Preston, England Temple! Love them!

Typical missionary bits and bobs

 I cannot wait for Christmas, bn wearing that jumper all month!
 Oh and my mother is the best! (His words, not mine)

"Adjustments with Hope Brings Peace"

Hello dear friends! 

Another week come and gone. This week was such a blur, and I can't remember much of what even happened. Loads of talking with people, and preaching the truth is all! This week has been quite frosty, no snow yet (thank goodness). The wind is very bitter, and I just have to load on the layers. Scarves are miracles, and hats are good, but my face is freezes over at times. It is quite tough in the winter because many people won't stand outside and talk. I've learned loads this week, so why don't we crack on.

One thing that was fun, was going on an exchange with our zone leader, Elder Christiansen. Wonderful missionary from Pleasant Grove, and he taught me loads. The missionary work in inner Manchester was so different. There is this road just outside the YSA building called Oxford Road. Loads of people walk up and down it, and you can just talk with people for ages. We did that for about an hour, and I'd say... 4 out of the many people we tried stopped. So sad, but when those people stop, you know they will have a proper listen to the message of The Restoration. It was very fun to have a change. I suppose it can be related to the winter. It may seem hard at first, but simply adjust and it will be better.

Erm, another thing I learned this week was hope which came from disappointments. Life is full of them, and many of them come from the choices of others. We all have those we love and care about, but the choices they choose we know will bring sadness. It is sad when people straight up turn down the chance to learn the truth. However, it is more sad when those you know and grow to love don't hold on to the promises they make. Proper devastation. Whether it is when investigators drop us, or cancel appointments, or none come to church, it gets you down. 

So how would this come to learn hope? Hope to me came to mean happily trusting Heavenly Father will bring to pass His righteousness.  Ether 12:4 states, "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." 

I love that! We learn that we cannot have hope without faith, and faith is trusting in God's will. God is all knowing, and He knows what is best. Learning to trust Heavenly Father, and doing so happily really has brought me that anchor of peace in my life. "Trust in the Lord in all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5) What incredible advice! Trust me when I say, it sets you free. We are mortal, we cannot understand all things. God knows the end from the beginning. I love praying to our loving Father in Heaven, and asking for help to always strive to align my will with His. For a wonderful example of trusting Heavenly Father, here is a great Ensign article I read: https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/10/learning-to-trust-the-lord?lang=eng&query=learning+to+trust+in+the+lord+ensign+october+2013

With brighter hope,

- Elder Bennett

Just hanging with Elder Christansen (lovely uke right there), Elder Rongo, and Elder Olsen

Got a letter from the First Presidency. I'm sure all missionaries do, but still! So thankful!

 Found this painting on the exchange to Stretford. Van Gogh-ish?