Staines-Upon-Thames

This place is great! It's already left a mark on me for the better and the ward is spectacular!

I've felt super welcomed this week and we had a lot of fun activities we got to participate in. When I arrived on Tuesday I got to meet a couple of the young adults at volleyball and one of my favorite people I've met is Cameron. He is the sweetest and funniest person I've met. He has down syndrome but the ward wouldn't be the Staines ward without him. He keeps everything lively and positive. 

 

We had a lot of referrals this week and were able to start teaching a lot of people. One of them is our friend, Jason who wants to have the Spirit more a part of this life. He's a really humble guy with great intentions. He's had a lot of physical health challenges and he's lucky to be alive. Please pray for him!

 

My companion Elder Ojala is a legend! He's quiet but hilarious. He always cracks a joke when you least expect it. He's also a super good teacher. I like serving with him. He's taught me a lot and I'm excited to learn more from him. 

 

We have a lot of lessons set up this week that I'm excited for. Today on P-day we went to Kingston to play monopoly with the District. We lost but didn't go down without a 2 hour long fight. We aren't quitters.

 

FYI "Thames" is pronounced "Tims" in England. Sorry if that ruins the title of this Email for you. 

 

The Answer Is Jesus 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/52olsen?lang=eng

 

"When we have questions or doubts, we may feel that the solutions are too complex or that finding answers is too confusing. May we remember that the adversary, even the father of all lies, is the architect of confusion.

The Savior is the Master of simplicity.

President Nelson has said: 

'The adversary is clever. For millennia he has been making good look evil and evil look good. His messages tend to be loud, bold, and boastful. 

'However, messages from our Heavenly Father are strikingly different. He communicates simply, quietly, and with such stunning plainness that we cannot misunderstand Him.'"