Jan 5-12

 "No Habla Inglés" -bus stop man

I don't even know how these come up so quickly anymore. You already know the format if you're a long time reader so I will jump into the week 

 Monday was a P-Day to remember and not in a good way… we spent the whole day in our flat waiting around with the landlady who made herself at home waiting for someone to come fix our heating. She asked us for coffee or tea which was extremely disappointing for her when we had to explain that we in fact had neither of those things. We have heating now though which is great so good things come to those who wait 

 Tuesday we helped a lady catch her runaway dog because we took a wrong turn off a roundabout and saw it running down the street. God works in mysterious ways 

 Wednesday we had our exchange with the Sisters in Bracknell! I got to spend the day with sister Andrianarivo from Madagascar and it was so much fun! She got to experience the joys of Camberley as a man told us he only spoke Spanish and no English. My mama didn't raise no quitter so I told him the only words I knew in Spanish and it must've scared the English out of him because he only spoke in English from that point on! Gift of tongues??? We then got to have dinner with some members and had such a fun evening calling so many people and then playing 5 cards and speed! If we're to gamble, I would be broke. 

 Thursday we had a district council meeting and I was reunited with my beautiful companion sister Shaban! That is all I remember. 

 Friday amazing lesson with Matthew again in person and we got to have a very spiritual lesson about tithing which was cool! 

 Saturday we hit the streets and they hit right back… finding went crazy in Farnborough. Met a man who told us the origin of the Bible and more things I cannot repeat as a servant of God. Another man who literally jumped up and down excitedly exclaiming “oh, Mormons, MORMONS!” I must admit for a moment I felt like a bit of a celebrity until, while still jumping in the air, he says with gladness in his voice “you're going to burn”... bless him. It was quite entertaining to see though! 2 minutes later we met a woman who casually admitted that she's had 3 exorcisms because she has had legion and tried to kill her mother… Never a dull moment in Farnborough! We had a dinner with the Morgans once again though which is always amazing! I love being a missionary! 

 Sunday was miracles!! 6 weeks ago, sister Bird and I met this group of people on the street and we all shared our testimonies of Christ which was so cool! We invited them all to come to church and they told us the usual “oh well try and stop in one day”. We had no contact info for them and I had forgotten about the experience until 3 of them came to church on Sunday And absolutely loved it! It was so cool to see and they're excited to come back next week! We then went to visit some members who haven't been able to make it out in a while and it was so great getting to stop and chat with people who need the company! All in all, good day! 

We had one of the best lessons of my entire mission this week as we taught one of our friends about the temple and how baptisms can be performed on behalf of those who have passed away. As we had this lesson and I got to testify of how much of a blessing it is that God has made this way for those who have never heard nor had the opportunity to in this life, I felt so grateful for the knowledge that God has given and the comfort it brings. Our friend shared how they had lost a lot of people in their life before they knew of Christ and now she's so relieved that there will be an opportunity to do those things on their behalf so they finally have the choice! I'm just filled with gratitude this week for everything and all of the tiny things I sometimes take for granted. I'm thankful to know that because of Jesus Christ, family truly can be together for eternity! 

I hope you all have an amazing week and look for the small and simple things to be grateful for this new year! 

Clean your toaster,

   Sister Russell