Week 16: And I Would Drive 500 Miles and I Would Drive 500 More...

Good morning family and friends and loved ones! I hope you've had a great week. I've heard that some crazy weather has been going on around the world so I hope you are all warm and cozy. Let's get to it.

So this week we finally finished moving into our new flat. I'll have pictures next week when it's actually clean because we had to do a crazy fast move on Monday morning and then drive 5 hours to the London Temple for our mission temple trip. If I had a bit more time, I'd explain more about temples, but for now, just know they are really sacred places where we makes promises with God and He makes promises with us. Find out more on mormon.org :-) anyways, we are moved in now and that has honestly taken a big portion of our time this week. 

We had a branch Christmas party this weekend! It was super fun and we had so much food  it did make me think of the many church Christmas parties I've been to over the years and made me miss everyone a bit. But that means that they were good memories and experiences had :-) thank you to those who were a part of them. 

The temple trip was really fun because I got to go to the temple first off, but secondly, I got to see a lot of my missionary friends and we had a big Christmas dinner. Somehow, I managed to get no pictures at all this week. So sorry about that. But just know that I was enjoying it so much I didn't even think about taking pictures. We did take a big group picture in front of the temple but we won't get that until next week. It was nice to take some time and reflect on the year. It's been an insane year but a good year. I have learned and grown so much. I've seen a lot of sorrow and joy. I've been around the world. I've done a lot. I've been extremely blessed. I've had so much help along the way and I'm so grateful for all of those people who have been there for me for the past year and for my life. I love you all so much. I am excited to keep learning and growing through the next year. As we get closer to Christmas, I am reminded of how much Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father have done for me. Jesus Christ is the reason for the season this time of year. He's why I do what I do here in England. I am so grateful for Him and that He came into this world. Regardless of your faith, do me a favor and just take some time to reflect on the blessings you have in life this Christmas. I know you'll have greater sense of calm and peace this season as you do so. 

British word of the week: cheers - multi use word, another way of saying thanks 

British Food of the week: parsnips - now these aren't inherently British but I've had them more here than I've ever had before and they're amazing so there you have it 

Companion comic: this is where we get to the title of the email. It's not maybe so funny but it's kind of funny. Elder Moorcroft is in the process of converting his license from an Australian one to a UK one. So, until then, I'm the o my one that can drive. I don't mind it though. But, this past week, given all the stuff that has happened, I have driven over 1000 miles this past week. I might end up driving more here in the UK than I have driven in the US. So yeah, I think it's kind of funny. 

Scripture of the week:  Moroni 7:45, 47 check it out :-)

Sorry for the shorter email this week. Thank you for your love and for your emails and your prayers and your letters. I love them so much and I know that without your support I wouldn't be here doing as well as I am. I love you all and sorry for the kind of scattered thought process behind this email. Talk to you next week! Forgive me for the lack photos this week, next week will be better. 

Elder McKinley 

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