Week 67: Seasonal Wet

Howdy folks. It's been an interesting week to say the least and it's definitely been difficult at times but it has also been a blast and more. So let's just dive right in.

We had interviews with President and Sister Checketts and let me just say that they are some of the most fantastic people on the planet. I love every minute I have sitting with them and speaking with them. I understand them and they understand me and I feel so uplifted each time I get to visit with them. We also gathered together as a zone and had lunch and brownies, which of course added to the amazingness of the day. I got so see Elder Burton as well, which is always a good time. We reminisced about the times in Oxford and also gawked at the fact that we both have less than 9 months left. I don't know if I ever shared this, but I was the first person to approach Elder Burton when he landed in England. We chatted for a bit and then we talked to different people and made our way to the MTC. That was 15 months ago folks and it feels like just yesterday. Strange how the time flies and how paths cross and recross. Pretty soon it will be Christmas and then the next Christmas I have will be spent with family. But that is way to far away to be thinking about so let's move on.

After interviews I went to Winchester for exchange with Elder Shih. What a great kid. We laughed and had a good time and talked about the people we served around and how it is crazy how most of them are gone. We spoke with some cool people as well and we met a dog larger than him. To be fair, he's pretty small, but hey it was a pretty massive dog as well. 

Then the rest of the week I was back at it again with Elder Brown on my favourite island. I have gotten to the point in my mission where I do not like to leave my area. Early on I was excited to see different places and wanted changes of scenery often but as of late I kind of dread when I have to leave my island for too long. Call me crazy but it is growing on me. I will never live here permanently because it is not for me, and also it is not the usa #patriotism but I love being here now. 

Elder Brown and I are officially ready for Christmas. We have, count em, 5 advent calendars, christmas pjs, and a small but mighty Christmas tree decked out for the holiday season. There is a certain air that comes this time of year that I thrive on and it just fills me with a greater love for God and my neighbours. It is amazing what this time of year can do. 

That being said, it is getting darker earlier and colder quicker and people tend to be a bit closed off this time of year. However, we are working on trying to help all we know have an amazing end of the year. 

We had dinner with this spanish family in the ward and they are so fantastic. They have an adorable son who speaks fluent english and spanish and he is only 4. Anyways, he was having a blast throwing his poop emoji slippers all around the room while we were there. Funny kid. Also, we are going to start helping them practise english. I finally get a chance to teach someone english :-) they speak fairly well, but they want some help with vocab and grammar. We had probably one of the funniest experiences there though. The mom gave Elder Brown a bag of christmas marshmallows and a masive bar of chocolate and some candy canes. The reason she did is because she gave me an advent calendar of reese peanut butter cups :-) Elder Brown is allergic to nuts and avoids all things with potential traces of nuts. She gave us the goodies and she looked at Elder Brown and said "Now you make sure to share your treats with Elder McKinley" and then she looked at me and said "You, don't share." I love their family so much and am so excited to serve them more. Also shout out to mom and dad for the advent calendars :-)

Saturday was the worldwide day of service for light the world and...all of our service got cancelled. We were going to go caroling with some members from the ward in the square and then we were going to help someone paint their house. Well, due to weather and other circumstances both got cancelled. So we ended up helping with the primary craft activity and baking cookies for our neighbours instead. We made the best of it and saw some light spread along the way.

British Food of the Week: Yop - it is this yogurt drink and I love it. Imagine a giant danimals that tastes good. yeah I know it is amazing

British Word of the Week: go steady - informal friendly send off

Scripture of the Week: Alma 7:11-13

Companion comic: so this time it is actually about me. we didn't have any clean spoons for my yogurt and Elder Brown thankfully got this picture to help me remember

I want you all to know that I love what I am doing and I am so grateful to be serving the Lord here. I love the people and the time I get to spend serving them and sharing the love that God has for them, with them. I love you all and thank you so much for your love and support. Sorry this email is a bit superficial, but I want you to know that I have had some really profound experiences this week and I will gladly share them in person with you because writing them down does not do them justice. Have an amazing week and keep lighting the world!
PHOTOS: There's a pond that aptly describes the weather right now and the yogurt







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