Week 19: "So this is the New Year and I" actually have resolutions

Good morning and happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a great holiday season and are now ready to start this new year right. I definitely have seen so much growth and experience this past year and know that as I work hard, I can make this year a great one for the books. My goals include being less irritable and getting more into exercising. This is where you say that goals are supposed to be realistic and not impossible. Well I'm going to try anyways.

Getting into the week, it was a crazy one. I don't have a massive amount of time today, but I'll share some interesting things. First, we had a nice walk through the forest with our neighbors, some who go to our church and some who don't, and it was a nice change of pace for a bit. England is a beautiful place. 

We had a really cool experience where we were able to meet someone who has been a member of the church for 40 odd years but hasn't been in about 20. He said that he had a bad experience and blamed the church, but then realized it was a person's fault, not the church's. At that point, he didn't know where one was and was in an assisted living home so he couldn't get to one even if he knew where it was. He met missionaries who live in a nearby city last week and was so excited. He asked them to come by, but we are the closest missionaries to him, so they sent us. His name is Chilton and he's pretty chill (haha). He's a really nice guy though. I was humbled to see how after all this time, the Lord was still looking out for him and helping him make his way back. 

We had dinner with Brother Manners and his extended family on Sunday. They were super nice and it was a mini new years celebration if you will. We had a feast of an assortment of food that they purchased at Tesco the day before, all for under 9 pounds. I was impressed. It was also comforting to spend time with people on a day where my family usually celebrates. It's the little things like that that help me see God's hand in my day to day. 

Monday we had the zone leaders come to Holsworthy and help us out for a few hours. I was with Elder Still and we were knocking a road. One man answered and said "happy New Year. What do you want?" So naturally, I cut to the chase and asked him if he wanted to be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God? He said "no I (bad word) don't, I'm an atheist, now (bad word) off". We tried to keep talking to him and just share that the reason we asked is because it brings us blessings but he just closed the door in our faces. So that was different. Not the craziest thing that happened that day, but definitely one of the more crazy things that's happened on my mission. 
said "happy New Year. What do you want?" So naturally, I cut to the chase and asked him if he wanted to be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God? He said "no I (bad word) don't, I'm an atheist, now (bad word) off". We tried to keep talking to him and just share that the reason we asked is because it brings us blessings but he just closed the door in our faces. So that was different. Not the craziest thing that happened that day, but definitely one of the more crazy things that's happened on my mission. 

said "happy New Year. What do you want?" So naturally, I cut to the chase and asked him if he wanted to be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God? He said "no I (bad word) don't, I'm an atheist, now (bad word) off". We tried to keep talking to him and just share that the reason we asked is because it brings us blessings but he just closed the door in our faces. So that was different. Not the craziest thing that happened that day, but definitely one of the more crazy things that's happened on my mission. 

We also had the opportunity to do some finding as a district in Exeter. It was kind of fun and different to be in a city where there's a fair few more people to talk to than just a small little town. I loved it. There were a bunch of people that didn't want to stop and chat so we just walked and chatted with them. I love being able to testify of Jesus Christ to anyone and everyone, regardless of their response. The best part of the evening was when Elder Moorcroft out of the blue said "let's go look at that Christmas tree". Normally I'd say why, that's not our focus right now, but I felt I should just go along with it so I did. Then as we were walking up to it, I saw this person and felt I should talk to her. Her name is Amy and she's a really awesome person. She lost her mom at 13 and lost her dad last year. She's seen some challenges in life and has tried other religions but never found one she felt was right. She described herself as agnostic but willing to hear out what others have to say. We told her about the Book of Mormon and about the joy we have found in our lives thanks to Christ. I specifically testified about how I know how hard losses like that can be and that my faith was really and truly the main thing that got me through. She said she'd be open to hearing more! It made my night. While we won't be the ones teaching her, I know that God has brought me to this place to find people prepared to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

British Food of the week: pigs in a blanket - here they are sausages wrapped in bacon, not bread. I like them better here (no offense America)

British Word of the Week: blimey - an expression indicating awe or surprise

Scripture of the Week: D&C 84:88

Companion Comic: Elder Moorcroft had me cut his hair this morning. This is in part why I don't have a massive amount of time. Considering I've never cut hair before and we just had a few razors and odd pairs of scissors, I'd say it could look a lot worse. Checked it off the bucket list (even though it wasn't on the list beforehand. 

I love you all so much and I'm so grateful for your letters and support. Sorry if I don't get back to you right away. Know that I really truly appreciate you all and love the emails and letters you send, even if I take a while to get back to you.

Till next time, 
Elder McKinley 

DLC and Pineapple Elder Allen courtesy of Elder Moorcroft

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