Week Twenty One: Ponte, York and Eastwood

Leaving the trio. Sister Schreiner and Sister Saulle...A trio was HARD but I still love em.

Pontefract town center. If you look closely at the lights they are Haribo gummy Christmas mix themed.

This week was...crazy. I jumped to 3 different areas of the mission because of my Emergency transfer! On Monday my new companion came to Pontefract then Sister Pegg took us to the York Christmas Market for pday. So fun! I ate the yummiest meatballs of my entire life.

too much stuff. Abi drove me so I didn't have to take the train. I LOVE HER

Yummiest meatballs at York Christmas Market

Candles at Christmas Market

My New Companion Sister Whitby from Clearfield, Utah!

Betty's Tea Room with Sister Pegg and Sister Whitby

Special Christmas Tea Menu

The Shambles (from Harry Potter Street) with Sister Whitby

Sister Pegg took me and my new companion to our new area in Eastwood in Nottingham.

On Tuesday we had a lesson with Al and his daughters. We invited Sophie (9), and Al to be baptized on December 13th and they accepted!!! Sadly I will not be there as I have been moved to Eastwood, but I am so happy for them.

Emmy, Sophie and Al

They have such strong faith and are beginning to develop a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I wanted to thank my mom's 11 year old primary class for sharing their testimonies with Sophie. That will help her so much! Please keep Al and Sophie in your prayers!!

My Mom's Primary Class in America. Each of them participated in missionary work and bore their testimony to Sophie in England.

Wednesday was spent in York on an exchange. I had the COOLEST opportunity to go to lunch with my Uncle Bill and some of my dad's co-workers. A few came over from Utah to meet with the ones that work in York, and Sister Schut and I were able to share a little bit about what we do as missionaries. We explained why the gospel made us so happy. It was also my daddy's 50th birthday so we ate lots of cake in honor of him!!!

My Uncle Bill took this picture of me and my new comp Sister Whitby

Bill and dad's Neutraceutical coworkers took me to lunch

Me and my Uncle Bill in York England

We finally arrived in my new area, Eastwood, on Thursday afternoon. Since then we've settled in and had tea with a few members. The ward is heavy on the elderly end, but they are all so cheeky and I love them already!

My New District in Eastwood

I feel like I'm finally starting to get the hang of things in the mission field. I still have so much to learn, but there's a few things that have helped me start to enjoy what I'm doing. I want to share them with you, especially if you are having a hard time on your own mission or are preparing to serve. First, work. You just need to work. It's hard to open your mouth and talk to strangers, especially when you don't know how they will react. But there's a satisfaction that comes from knowing you tried to give them the opportunity. The second is to love. Love the people by listening to them. A good friend told me that the more sincere I can be in listening, the stronger that love will grow. So that is what I've been trying to do. I try to be interested in whatever they are telling me, even if it's not something I'd normally be interested in. As I've done these two things, my love for the work has increased.

Seeing past friends! Saw Hadfield and Mottlova today.

Musical Fireside

In my personal study this week, Helaman 5:6 stood out to me. Helaman is talking to his two sons, Nephi and Lehi. He says, "Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good."

Similarly, we have taken upon ourselves Christ's name. We did this so that we will remember him and follow in his ways. This past conference, Lisa L. Harkness talked about the importance of honoring his name. "With covenant identity and belonging, we are called by the name of Jesus Christ." I invite you to listen to this talk and reflect on the importance of his name. Even though you may not have the nametag of a full-time missionary, it is your responsibility and blessing to wear Jesus Christ's name upon your heart.

Cheers! Sister Eliza Jones

Fun fact: people here call honking pipping. HA!