January 29, 2019
Heyooooooo everyone!
That's right, it's me. Ya girl. In England. Living my best life.
I don't even know where to start or what to say. I don't think I can promise that any of my emails will be super in depth every week, but I suppose I'll try.
Let's start with Tuesday/Wednesday? Flying is miserable, but at least I didn't have to fly as long as the sisters from Tonga or Australia. The plane that we took to England was pretty neat. I think it really hit me I was going to the UK once I was on there and nearly everyone but us had accents. It's kind of weird to be half awake and have some guy wheel an airline trolley by saying "Rubbish? Rubbish?" It took my brain a quick second to go, "Oh. He's asking for our trash." Even the babies cried in British. If you're wondering whether or not I have an accent already, the answer is no? I sometimes catch myself saying things similar to what I've been hearing, and then I immediately feel silly, especially since we have an English Elder (Elder Stirling) in our district. I try not to humiliate myself as much as possible. My companion Sister Clark is always speaking with what is called "The Queen's English" and it's horrid. I don't like it that much, but just smile, nod at her and think to myself, "Bless her Soul." The only acceptable accent switches belong to those who aren't American. Hearing them try to say things in our accent is quite funny. This morning one of the Australian Elders successfully said butter. It was a good accomplishment.
We got into England around 9:00am Wednesday and thankfully I had no visa/passport issues. None of my luggage went missing and I made it all in one peace. The bus ride to the MTC was lovely. It's very beautiful here. I don't quite like the roads...everything's opposite and it's really thrown me for a loop. I'm also proud to say I haven't seen a single white pick-up truck or minivan (but then again it's Europe. Why would they have those anyway?)
To all my buddies in the Provo MTC or for those who went there: My MTC is cooler! Ha! I'm sure Provo is nice. You've all had friends there....but, I just have got to say that I am just a little bit blessed to be here. I'm very curious to know about living quarters, food, washrooms and all the rules that accompany living at the Provo MTC, so please write to me about it? Our food here has been very good, except the other night they had Haggis and I was too afraid to try it because of Elder Stirling. He is from around London, and went on and on about how awful it is. So long story short, I just watched everyone else's disgusted faces as they tried a bite. Our dorms are nice and so are the washrooms. Since there are only about 50 missionaries here it's never a rush or hassle to get in the shower or worry about counter space. I've really enjoyed that. Working out hasn't been as bad as I was expecting. We went for a jog around Chorley about two days ago and I saw a bunch of baby cows and sheep, and I also saw, like, little house boats out on the river? Very cool. My shoes also got a bit muddy, soooo I'll probably just stick to staying inside, so that I don't have to wash them again.
My companion is named Sister Clark. She is from California I think? She's thrown out so many names of places she's from or lived I'm not really sure anymore... oops! We get along quite well and I've really enjoyed having her with me all the time. She has such a lovely testimony and is just a lovely human. She also likes Austenland, so my quotes do not go unnoticed!
I'm learning lots. It's funny to reflect on the past week and recognize I am indeed growing. For one, I can say, "Hi, How's your evening and My Name is Sister Sellick" in Greek now. (Our teachers, Brother Craig & Sister Rotteman both served in the Adriatic South Mission Greek speaking, so they've taught us a few things.) I've noticed I do very well in our teaching situations. Sister Clark and I both really feel we're being guided by the spirit. She'll be saying one thing and the thought will come into my mind to add on with another example and she'll just know I'll have something to share and let me speak (and vice versa). I'm not sure if that made any sense, but still. I find myself constantly praying, asking to be guided by the Spirit. In return, I am. I think I've prayed more here than I ever have in my whole life. I think it's safe to say I have a testimony of the power of prayer by now, haha. I have yet to forget to pray before teaching, studying or going about my day, but I know that when/if I ever do forget something will be off. I really wish I'd established a better habit of prayer before I left because I really have noticed a difference in my life.
Here is where things get crazy. Yesterday we had the opportunity to go into Manchester to find people. By people, I mean anyone who speaks English and will listen to us. We started with a prayer and headed out into a very, very busy area. All sorts of people everywhere. It was very nerve wracking and I felt pretty uncomfy. One guy just yelled at us, calling us religious freaks, but we didn't care that much. Sister Clark and I just laughed to each other and moved on to find someone else. We did talk to quite a few people, gave out a Book of Mormon and even ran into a very friendly member. Sis. Clark and I got so excited because the guy looked so happy to see us, but after he told us he served in Kenya we knew he was member, haha. He told us to just keep smiling, even if not everyone we meet is as friendly as him. It's not often you run into a member over here, so it was a nice encounter. Honestly I should've figured he was a member because literally no one else smiled at us or even approached us. There was one person that passed us and my mind immediately started going, "Go say hi to them! Quick!" So Sis. Clark and I ran after them to say hi and share a quick message about Christ with them. We did get to say hi, but we were politely told that they didn't believe in God and needed to get back to Uni. At least we said hi, right?
It was kind of difficult after this experience to feel good about myself, because so many other missionaries had actually gotten contacts and were all talking about their successes. I hadn't felt too successful because most everyone we tried speaking with told us to leave them alone (Politely. Surprisingly no one was rude to us!) I quickly had to come tomy senses and remind myself that these people weren't rejecting me and if none of them would talk to me now, then maybe I'll be able to talk with someone next week. I still have the whole rest of my mission to look forward to! Eventually someone has got to listen to me, because I didn't come over here for nothing. I do feel a bit successful from my trip yesterday, because I didn't cry or throw up from being nervous, soooooo yeet. Later, Brother Craig reminded us it's not necessarily numbers that make us successful, it's our efforts and desires to serve that do. That statement makes me feel quite a bit better.
Today we got to go to the Preston, England temple, and it. is. GORGEOUS! I've already said this to both of my parents, but I swear I have never seen more beautiful temple grounds than these in my entire life. So green. So perfectly manicured. Just absolutely gorgeous. It was very nice to be apart of the session today that Sister Cobby (New Zealand) and Sister Ershova (Russia) got to go through. Seeing them so happy to be there and have those blessings/feelings just made my heart happy.
I suppose this email is getting a bit long, sorry! It's just that so much has happened and I'm just bursting with happiness about my life right now! This gospel really does bring joy into my life and I can't believe it's taken me so long to actually see how much I really do love it! I've been so blessed to have had this truth my whole life, so hopefully I can bring it to someone who hasn't.
Well, please write me! I'd love to read your stories & see pictures from all of you. (Just know I can see them throughout the week, but won't reply until Tuesday)
PS- Elders & Sisters that I also like to call my friends, PLEASE put this email address on your email lists! I really would love to hear about your part in this great work!
I love love love you all! : )
