Week 8: Simply and by the Spirit

Good morning everyone! The title for my email describes this week well and this email too. It's going to be a shorter one because I don't have much time. 

We had quad zone conference this week where missionaries from all over southwest England gathered to learn and to grow together. I had the opportunity to talk with my mission President about adjusting to missionary life and what I can do better. We also were counseled to follow the mission plan which was developed at the beginning of the year after much prayer and deliberation. We also had plenty opportunities to practice teaching. Let's just say I have much to learn. Like a lot to learn. It was really great though. Then we spent the rest of this week meeting interesting people. We taught many lessons and saw miracles in the form of willing listeners, directional promptings, and finding joy in the little things. 

I wanted to take a moment to share some cultural things about England and just about my day to day. Here in England:
- it's zed not zee 
- they are humped zebra crossings not speed bumps 
- no one here has their licenses and those who do shouldn't be allowed to drive
- I live in Devon and they hate the Cornish people, like a lot. It's okay though because the Cornish people hate the devonians so it evens out I guess
- many Brits hate Donald Trump 
- net ball is a thing (look it up)
- Sunday roast is a big deal
- they don't refrigerate their eggs
- Maccy D's is all the rage and kind of posh actually 
- the clothes are nicer and cheaper, plus the Brits have a pretty fantastic sense of style 
- every village has a village hall
- there are a lot of public toilets that are all gross 
- there are no stoplights, only roundabouts 
- two utensils are used instead of one 
- the roads are so small. Like terribly small. Like only one car can fit but it's two lanes small. And the speed limit is 60. I'm terrified.
- there isn't a huge sense of national patriotism but rather county pride. 
- there are lots of magpies 
- there are bus stops in the middle of nowhere 
- a lot of people have these stickers they put in their windows that say no cold callers because calling is knocking and the stickers make me sad because I just want to meet people 
- the houses are all built on top of each other. I can never figure out where one house starts and another stops
- there are churches everywhere that are super old
- the money is made of plastic 

Companion Comic: we went to youth group to help out and acted as obstacles. I got hit in the face. It was good fun. 

British Food of the Week: lemonade- it's not lemonade, it's like less potent sprite, everyone mixers it with Apple juice. It's quite good though.

British Word of the Week: jumper - sweater 

Scripture of the Week: Jacob 3:1 God will support each of us in our trials 

I love you all so much! Thank you for the emails and prayers. Keep them coming. 

I know God directs us if we seek His direction. I've seen it this week. As much as I love you all, He loves you more! Have a great week!

Elder McKinley 

One of the Methodist churches 
The car ride home from conference was fantastic 

My trainer (my "dad") and my trainers trainer (my "grandpa") Elder Neuendorf



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