Hello from England! You know how we love the British accent? Well people over here RAVE over the American accent. Teenagers will stop me on the street when they hear me talk, and ask me if I am from America. I guess it's really cool to be American? Kinda funny.
Simone will be baptized next month!!
This week was busy. That's something every missionary loves, right? We met with many Slovak families (per usual) as well as our friend Simone. Simone is incredible. She had been investigating the church since 2011, and has such strong faith. She has quite a bit of opposition from family and friends, but has stayed true to her testimony and the confirmation she has received about our church and its truthfulness. We asked her to be baptized, and she accepted. We are so excited for her! She is already posting about our church, sharing The Book of Mormon with friends, and inviting them to learn more. Simone is such an powerful example to me.
Simone and Carlos, both getting baptized on October 12th
One night Sister Mottlova and I decided to throw a party. We made pizza and watched "The District." The things that make a missionary happy are quite funny...
Sundaes gelato with the district and a few people from our zone
Speaking of happiness, the concept has been on my mind a lot this week. You can check out my facebook post for a little more on my insights of the relationship between happiness and agency. But, now I want to talk about happiness in relation to selflessness. We are told time after time that when we stop thinking about ourselves, we are happiest. But then why is it so hard to be selfless? Abby gave me a challenge this week to really go out of my way to take opportunities to talk to people. When I focused on them and their problems rather than my own, I really was happier. So, I know that selflessness and happiness are related as I experienced it in abundance this week. But it's funny how being selfless is something we have to consciously decide every single day. It's not something that just comes naturally.
We saw brother and sister Morton in a train! We never see members in public!
I have also been working on improving my charity. My mission president, President Green, told us that the opposite of love is not hate, but selfishness. Think about that for a second. The less we think about ourselves, the more we are able to love. It seems obvious, but it's something we all need to work on improving.
Planning the ward Hoe Down
Nerf gun war with the Peggs
I just wanted end on my highlight of the week. On Sunday night went to the Peggs to plan the Ward Barn Dance. We somehow ended up in an intense nerf gun war unlike any I have ever been a part of. 9 of us, dodging behind couches, crawling under tables....it was the funnest night of my mission so far!
no comment. Honey goin a little crazy on my leg
Thanks for reading a bit about life over here in England. I hope all is well in the states! I'd like to ask you to think of one thing you can do in order to be more selfless this week, then DO IT. Write it down. Whatever you need to actually accomplish that. I promise that the more selfless you are, the happier you will become.
