Elder McKinley's Stint Across the Pond

Sup all you evil people. That's what you'll think I'm calling you if you literally translate this from Albanian. The actual translation is basically "I take the evil from you". Basically imagine an old lady (nona) seeing a little lid trying to tie his shoes. She would say "o Të keqen". So yeah it's my new favourite phrase.  This week has been a bit crazy but it's been crazy good as well. Monday was a bit difficult. I was in denial that I was leaving the Isle of Wight. It was a really great day though. We went around visiting all of the people I had come to love. And packing. Way too much packing. But yeah. It was rough. I maybe cried like 3 times. But no more than 3 times.  Then the fateful day came and Elder Brown and I had to part ways. Tears. But, that kid is tearing it up down in the Isle of Wight and he is so ready for anything. Love that kid.  So here's a bit about my new companion: Name - Elder Allkja  POB - Albania

Good morning everyone. It's been a quiet morning full of packing and reflection. That's right, I'm moving. The Isle of Wight will no longer be my area as of tomorrow morning. I am sad to go and sad to leave Elder Brown, but honestly, I feel like this chapter of my mission is closing quite seamlessly. Let me tell you why. Firstly, this week was amazing. Elder Brown and I saw so many miracles as we tried to talk to everyone we could. As a result, he and his new companion have 5 lessons scheduled for their first three days together. I was able to go on exchange with Elder Toro Diaz. He has been in Portsmouth as long as I have been on the Isle of Wight. We have become good friends and brothers (the night we were on exchange, he turned to me at one point and said "Elder McKinley...you're my bro" haha I love that kid so much) and he was the first and last person I had exchange with during my time on the island. I also rode the car ferry across to the island with

Hey everyone. So, this is a more take it easy, we have nowhere to be, let's deep clean the fridge kind of a preparation day. So I have a bit more time to email today. I am going to be shortening these emails just a bit for time's sake starting today, but I'll still give you the spiritual low down of what's happening in my life each week :-) Honestly, this week was really fantastic. We worked really hard and saw miracles come from our faith. We also did a lot of work with different people in the area and have made so much progress. I know that's kind of vague, but with out disclosing personal info, know we had an amazing week.  Sorry I just lost my train of thought. We just got haircuts and there's a really poorly constructed song playing on their big tv. It can't decide if it's going to be electric or pop and it's caught between regular tempo and syncopation but in such a way that makes you hate it. The barber apparently felt the same because

Okay everyone. This year I come home. I love God and know he is there for each of you. I also know I have zero time to email today. Sorry bout that. Anyways, I love you all and know that basically all we did this week was concrete. Yep. That's right. Concrete. Also our microwave blew up. And I can cook good Mexican food now. Love you all!  Elder McKinley Scripture to look at: 3 Nephi 11:30-33 Comp comic: I am terrible at concreting.  British food: licorice candy - I can't stand any of it