I love you!

THis week has been a bit crazy and just a little overwhelming. Ah it's so hard. I laughed how you both mentioned it probably was a little rougher with having a new comp and everything- a mission has taught me a lot of things about myself including that I don't love change too much. I just need to be patient and relax but every time it's just a bit crazy and the weeks are harder. I went back in my journal and looked at the first week of being with sister steed and it looks like it was about the same - so that made me feel better! By the end things were the best so there is hope. I just Flippin need to calm down and have faith. It's so hard to keep that perspective all the time. 

Okay- I need to vent. I've needed to all week long. So sorry but here I go! OH this week has just been hard. I always joked that I didn't train Sister Steed and this week has just confirmed it to me. My cute new comp is great but oh it's so different than last time around and so much harder and requires years of more patience. All of it just makes me a little mad at myself because I know that I just need to change and be better - it's not her but me that needs to be more like Christ. But it has just been a little crazy. I think one of her bonuses with sister steed was since we whitewashed we met all of our friends together so we knew the whole story but this week it has been a lot of trying to get her updated on all of the friends (well enough that she can go on exchange and teach them! Yikes!) and helping her get to know the ward and trying to stay positive when finding has been rough and oh man. It's just all hitting at once. BUT I kind of knew it would happen. The last transfer was incredible - and I think that is part of the problem. Things were just running so well it was silly of me to think that things would be exactly the same with a new companion. We have just had to have really long talks of explaining things over and over and praying for help and charity and OH see!? Even as I write this I just see how I am the one that needs to be better. I'm just stressed out a bit. We have 3 friends set to be baptized in the next couple of weeks that all need a lot of help if they are going to make it but we have exchanges coming up and so I have to figure out who she knows well enough and who she is comfortable in teaching, it's also seemed like the miracle weeks of finding new investigators has gone south and it seems like no one is interested and I just feel a lot of pressure almost - the last transfers were incredible with people found and baptized and the Lord has given me the responsibility to train and be an stl again and I just don't want to let him down or president... and so I want to keep the people up but it doesn't seem to be working and then that makes me question myself I. Wondering if I am doing something wrong.... and then I get upset becuase I Flippin have less than 3 months and I want to ENJOY it. I know in my head this is truly the best ever and all I need to do my best and love my companion and things will work out but I guess it hasn't sunk into my heart. I say that everyday- just do your best and be happy- but it is hard with a lot of things going on and I feel the weight of it all. But I guess that is my problem too... I should trust her more. Just because she is newer doesn't mean that she can't help and recieve revelation. Ah. Anyways, I just need to be better. I need to be more like Christ and love her and just be patient. And I set this wonderful goals and have the plan to do it all but then some comment or situation or something makes me frustrated and then it's all down the toilet. I'm just trying to keep the bigger perspective and stay happy and positive about things and it's just been a hard time doing it this week. I always heard training was hard but I just laughed and had a good time with sister steed where now I am understanding it a bit more. BUT I only have a short time left and I want to come back a better person and changed and if this will help me to become better and change in the process then that is great!:) 

I guess do you have any thoughts of just staying focused on what is important - loving my companion and being a good companion, loving the people, focusing on the one, versus the pressures of results and outcomes? It's so silly and I probably should have learned it by now but I need a reminder this week. 

Wow sorry. That was crazy.  I'm just stressed.and I hate being stressed. Life is to be ENJOYED! And I need to remember that! And all I keep thinking is that inneed to be the companion that I want KY to have. It's really been what I have been thinking. I need to be the comp he deserves. So that's my goal this week is to stop stressing and enjoy missionary work. Then I will be a better less crazy stressed sister Gwilliam which my sweet companion deserves. I want her to learn more than anything that missionary work is the best!! And to enjoy it. 

BUT like we all know this happens to me and I'm sure by next week I will be laughing at the craziness I felt this week!

So yes. It's been a crazy week but I already feel so much better. Getting to write each week is the best therapy I could have. Any ideas or thoughts would be so wonderful though! I did open up the "need a pick me up" letter you sent with me and it was picture of cute tyse. I almost cried. Oh I love that boy and that smile is the biggest pick me up anyone could have. I love him so much! Thank you again for sending those they help so much. 

 It SISTER BARNES! I can't BELIEVE IT!. She didn't give me too much info- the last time I heard something she had broken up with him and now they are engaged? But she did say that they are thinking of the wedding in December. Oh I am PRAYING they hold off until January. How fun would it be to be there? But we will see! Keep me updated if you see things too. So weird though. Remember them both being here. 

This week too the clocks go back. Bonus is getting extra sleep - such a good bonus too! Ive been super tires lately. BUT the not so good part is that it will start getting dark - like really really dark - starting around 4 now. Ah it's the worst. People just don't love you knocking and people aren't outside. BUT we will be and we will still knock because they need it. Luckily I still have some hand warmers from last Christmas that I can take out with me! But yes. Pray for us. ;) 

I got a super short email from KY. He sent like 2 paragraphs and then had to go for the nap thing and I never got another one. Oh I'm praying for him though. I'm hoping he is really feeling as positive and he sounds. I told him last week about some experiences but I know how it feels to have to stay when hoping there is a change- it's the hardest. BUT it also taught me so much  and once I switched my mindset it was a great transfer. So it's so good. And a blessing his comp goes home soon!:) there is a light at the end of the tunnel at least - but oh man. I was hoping there would be a change. But the lords plans are always better! Grateful he knows so much better than we do! But has his mission president been funny about it? I feel bad everyone can't have president Gubler as their mission president. I love him so much. Honestly so so great. But we have interview about every 3 months.... not enough. But he responds to our emails every week and we can call anytime. And I do!:) but yes! I'll encourage KY too but if there are issues I would definitely tell him to talk to the mission president! And just his Zls. He seems to really like them and they are great on exchanges and they are there to help as well! But KY is so great! Such a good attitude and good example to me. So grateful for him! And can't believe he has been out 4 months! Crazy crazy. 

Today we are going to the imperial war museum with the zone leaders. Apparently there is an awesome exhibit on the holocaust. You will love it here mom. So many museums on history and they all are free!! 

But I just love you! I hope you both and everyone back home is doing well! Thanks for letting me vent!:) I just will be better this week. I just need to get the bigger picture back and stop focusing on results but enjoy the journey of it all. Sometimes we aren't here to achieve something but experience. And to find joy in that! PLUS there are still so many miracles. 3 friends set to be baptized. That is AMAZING! I just need to be more grateful too... ahh so many good things to do this week. It will be great! 

Well I just miss you like crazy. Love you so so much. 

Doing my best to stay focused and work hard and be positive!:) 

I Love you!

Sister Gwilliam 

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Begin forwarded message:

From: "Megan Gwilliam" <megan.gwilliam@myldsmail.net>
To: "lindseygwilliam@outlook.com" <lindseygwilliam@outlook.com>, "denisegwilliam@outlook.com" <denisegwilliam@outlook.com>, "brucegwilliam@yahoo.com" <brucegwilliam@yahoo.com>, "kyle.gwilliam@myldsmail.net" <kyle.gwilliam@myldsmail.net>

SO HAPPY!!! Thank you so much! I love you!!!

Trainers and departing missionaries at the temple!

Sister mataiia from Samoa

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Fwd:

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Begin forwarded message:

From: "Megan Gwilliam" <megan.gwilliam@myldsmail.net>
To: "lindseygwilliam@outlook.com" <lindseygwilliam@outlook.com>, "denisegwilliam@outlook.com" <denisegwilliam@outlook.com>, "brucegwilliam@yahoo.com" <brucegwilliam@yahoo.com>, "kyle.gwilliam@myldsmail.net" <kyle.gwilliam@myldsmail.net>

Waking up after the BEST nights sleep at PRESIDENTS.

Just studying at presidents house.

The leaves are changing. So pretty but pray for me this winter...

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Begin forwarded message:

From: Megan Gwilliam <megan.gwilliam@myldsmail.net>
Date: October 20, 2016 at 6:45:54 AM MDT
To: denisegwilliam@outlook.com, brucegwilliam@yahoo.com,  lindseygwilliam@outlook.com, kyle.gwilliam@myldsmail.net

Ishas happy face just melts my heart!

Went to dinner with Suman before sister steed left!

Sweet sister Ray - cutest English member that lives right across the street from the chapel. We teach in her home ALL THE TIME. and on the right is our investigator Freddie. We have been working with him for about 2 months... has a rocky past and feels unworthy of baptism. We are working with him a I have so much faith he will make it!!!!

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Fwd: Her first 12 weeks and my last.

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Begin forwarded message:

From: Megan Gwilliam <megan.gwilliam@myldsmail.net>
Date: October 20, 2016 at 6:04:42 AM MDT
To: denisegwilliam@outlook.com, brucegwilliam@yahoo.com
Subject: Her first 12 weeks and my last.

MOM AND DAD!!

Oh I have been dying SYING to talk to you. I always am but this week
especially. Oh I just look so forward that in 12 weeeks I will just be
able to talk to you ANYTIME. Oh that will be the day! But yes craziest
week of miracles and changes!

So glad that you got the email yesterday from president Gubler! Yes! I
have a new companion. OH how I loved sister steed but this sweet
sister is great. Her name is sister dörich. She was born in Germany,
moved to France and lived there, but has lived in England for the past
2 and a half years. She can speak all of those languages too so that
will be super great and helpful serving here in London!:) no more
excuses of I can't understand English... :) but she seems great. She
is super super sweet. So tiny too! When we were talking she said how
she doesn't eat very much - or it is hard for her too- and I just
LAUGHED at the thought that I'm pretty sure the plate of rice that
grandma feeds us weighs more than she does. SOO.... yeah. Might be
interesting. Pray for us!;) but she is really kind. A little more
quiet and sweet which will be an adjustment serving here as well - a
lot of bold, loud, hug you all the time, big Africans. It will be
great! I'm excited about it though. She seems really excited to be
here and is ready to learn and work hard. So as long as she is
obedient and willing to make this the BEST hardworking 12 weeks then
we will get on fine. It will be great!:)

But the email was a little misleading. She typed out the first part of
and is from up north so we are actually still in Peckham!! It was just
south for her! But yes! Still in Peckham! YAYYYYY!!!!!!!!! I'm so so
SO grateful! If I were whitewashing and training again I think I would
just be crying to you in this email. I always struggle with transfers
- with new companions - but especially with new areas. It's just hard
for me - like you said mom I have always looked back and LOVED it so I
have learned that god always does know what is best but it's just
hard. So I am grateful it is only a new companion this time around.
But with that being said - and you get these every time things
changed. It is just hard! I just get worried of wanting to be my best
and be a good trainer and president and the Lord most importantly has
put a lot of trust in me so I just want to do okay and life up to
their trust and expectations - and I know that's just silly satan- but
I just get nervous. AND it's always just a little hard when sister
steed and I worked so well together. Honestly so so well. We had the
best balance and key indicators (not that it is about the numbers) but
we're honestly crazy. Best of my mission. We just worked hard and well
together. So it's just always a challenge getting to train a new
missionary but sister dorich seems so ready to learn and I have no
doubt that in 12 weeks I will be saying the same thing about us! If we
have faith all things are possible!:) BUT along with that - I am also
still the only STL in Wandsworth zone. So I am still going on all the
exchanges with all of the sisters and helping them and training here
in Peckham. So I'm grateful she seems ready to go becuase as of next
week she will be going on all the exchanges and leading the area as
well. So yes. It's so great. So busy but great! I'm so grateful
though. I love being a sister training leader - just to know all of
the sisters so well  and get to help them - and focusing on others
helps us SO MUCH! Like you were saying about serving mom. I have seen
by having positions to serve on the mission has helped me becuase I
dont have time to think about myself but only on others and that makes
THE WORLD of difference. So yes! That is my exciting news! I'm still
in Peckham, still the sister training leader, and training sister
dorich. I get to finish where I started!:) and Her first 12 weeks and
my last 12 weeks. They are going to be the BEST!

I have been pondering on it too and I am so grateful for the
experiences on my mission but so grateful for the point I am at now.
Missions are hard. Literally the hardest points of my life have been
here and being away from you has made them even harder but I am at e
point where I just love being a missionary. I have failed and
struggled but now I understand that this is just meant to be enjoyed.
I am her to experience something - not only just accomplish something.
And I love it. And so these next weeks I have decided I want to teach
sister dorich that missionary work is the best! I want her to love it
and to see how much I love it. Becuase it will be hard but there is
NOTHING better than getting to represent and share with others all day
long about our saviour.
I'm excited.

I was also thinking back and it is crazy to me how fast training went.
I feel like I just got Sister Steed. Especially with so many exchanges
and trainings and MLCs and everything. It's just so busy which means
it just goes by so quick. So yeah, I just feel like it will fly.
Crazy. I just can't believe it. Feel like I just got here.

Oh and sister steed was called as a stl as well! Which means I will
still see here at mlcs every month! YAY! So that is great!! She moved
out west to Christchurch.

BUT with the other MOST EXCITING NEWS!! Zasha and her family got
baptised and it was the BEST EVER. oh so so great. They were just
glowing. Seeing cute little isha so excited and get into the water and
then Ricardo and Zasha. A FAMILY!!!!! Oh I have been so blessed. So so
blessed. It was the best. And we had so many members come which was
incredible. So much support which just added to the night! I saw your
comments on facebook as well which is the best. I love the comments on
Facebook - I just feel close to you!:) and dad! I'm so sorry! I swear
I invited you to the baptism on FB  as well. Pretty sure I did... but
if not or something happened so sorry!! You definitely were invited as
well!:) wish you both could have been there but we will just have to
come back so you can meet them! But it was so great. We had treats and
a party after which was fun. Spent all of our free time baking which I
love so that was exciting. And yeah they are the best! They were
confirmed in sacrament meeting on Sunday and are just the cutest new
members of the ward. It was the best.

And also something exciting because of that... I didn't mention it
before becuase I didn't want to jinx it. But after every transfer
those that baptised the most in each zone get to go to presidents
house and have a baptism dinner. We all celebrate talking about their
stories and miracles we saw and eat sister Gubler AMAZING food. Oh I
forgot how yummy home cooked meals were. That weren't rice and fufu!;)
it was so great. BUT EVEN MORE EXCITING is the missionary
companionship that baptises most out of all of the missionaries that
transfer gets to SLEEP OVER AT THEIR HOME. I know. I know. And guess
who had the most with Zashas family being baptised. THATS RIGHT! So on
Monday sister steed packed up her bags. We left around 1 from Waterloo
went to presidents house for dinner, got to sleep over!! Oh and those
mattresses and pillows. I was in heaven. Can not wait for the good
mattresses back home. I slept so well. And then even got ready in the
general authorities room (there is a room where they all stay when
they come and visit the mission :) ) it was great. We just got to hang
out with president and sister Gubler. Got interviews with president
which I love. Heard about their life and family and tips for us as we
moved to our different places. It was awesome. He jersey sisters
stayed over as well so it was fun to get to talk to sister aubuchon
who is in my group all about BYU and working things out that way. Then
in the morning we had the yummiest breakfast and president studdied
with us which just always blows your mind. We dropped off Sister Steed
at the train station and then headed to the temple becuase of training
I got to do a session - the best- and sleep over at the temple. On
Wednesday we got more training and then met our new companions! So
it's just been a great week! I will send the pictures over of all of
it! It was so great though. Zasha and her family were reward enough
but it was so so fun to get to spend time with president and sister
gubler. So it's been a busy but fun week! :) a good recharge to start
off the new transfer strong.

BUT I finally got the package too! It killed me when I got the email
from you dad with the picture of Westmorland road. It was SO CLOSE to
where I stay. So crazy Eric was so close. He is the best for going to
all of that to try and drop it off. Did he say Anything about the
area? Super fun he has been here so when I tell crazy stories maybe it
will make more sense to him. But tell him thank you for me! But with
being away I didn't get it until last night but OH MY GOODNESS THANK
YOU!!!! I have been crying over the trail mix! Thank you so much! And
all of the cutest decorations. They are getting hung up. Oh it just
made my day. I was feeling a little nervous and overwhelmed with it
all and it helped me so much. You both have no idea how much you help
me out here. Thank you for all of you love and help and the packages
and emails. It just helps so so much. I love you both so much! But I
love it! Thank you! And excited to open up the present later next
month!

Joy sent me an email thanking for the flowers. Oh you are the BEST!
Thank you! I can't wait for you to meet those two as well. But thank
you. I know that would have made her week. You're just the best. And I
have no idea what's going on with sister Barnes. I will have to email
her. But yeah. It's crazy. Expect to go to the wedding with me.... :)

Ita so crazy that you are going to lake Powell! How long are you there
for? I will pray that the weather is good for you! I was cracking up
reading about tyse and the wet suit. Oh he is so funny. Cutest cutest
boy. He will be in heaven! I can't wait to hear about it. Hope he
sleeps well for both of you too! But I can't wait to see pictures!
PLEASE send them over! And update me on all of it! How long will you
be there for? Hopefully you will have wifi soon so you can get this...
I'm sure you are just DYING to hear the updates!:) but yes! Have the
best time! Are we going next summer? If we are I'm definitely in!!!!

But thank you for your help with scheduling! I hope it all goes well.
Do you have any other questions on the classes? Sister dorich doesn't
have her iPad yet so she is using the computer today but I will look
next week and make sure you have all the info and send it over if you
need it. But thank you! And if any of the classes are full by the time
you get them will you just wait list them (WL) almost always kids drop
out by the beginning of the transfer and I can get in. And if not we
will figure something else out... :) and I haven't asked around about
housing. I honestly have no idea. I might be able to buy out Sister
Barnes at this rate... ;) but I could ask in the next couple of weeks
but I love the idea too of asking around and finding a place cheaper.
I know a lot of people do get a little desperate and I bet we could
find something for cheaper and I am all for it! I would think there
are people trying to get rid of contracts too becuase of missions and
getting married so I would think we can find something! If not we get
to party all semester!! I wouldn't even be sad AT ALL!

I'm so glad things are going so well with tyse at Alta. I always knew
Alta was the best... so funny about Zog too! Tell him he better be at
my homecoming. And he and Scott. Isn't it a little scary? It freaked
me out all the years playing there. They are so similar at times.

And I love LOVE the idea of KY and mace. Maybe it could happen. OH MY
GOODNESS what if it did? I could actually see it. All these years of
just being "friends..." and mAce is super upset about that WILL guy.
Apparently he has just been silly since they broke up. So hey! Keep
her tied down for another little bit and we might be having that
Hawaii wedding. Oh I would be so happy.

But I hope everything goes well with KY and transfers. I haven't been
able to read all of it but I will and then email you back thoughts.
PRAYING he is just happy. Sounds like the elder Holland talk helped a
lot. Elder Holland - you can always count on him. So I hope he is just
happy and whatever happens with transfers will be the best for them -
doesn't his comp go home soon anyways? But yes I just love him  and
want him to be happy!

And mom I also loved your talk about serving. I loved it as well with
the idea we don't know the background story of people. That is
something that has helped so much out here. When people are short or
just rude when on the street or knocking or anytime I have leaned on
the fact that they are probably just having a really hard day -
something I don't know about - and I just stopped them at the wrong
time. I know back home it would happen to me even with all of you.
Just a crazy day that would make me not the nicest to be around. So
having that perspective has changed things so much for me. Just loving
people and realising we are all doing the best that we can. Love it so
much. And you BOTH are incredible examples of selfless service. Thank
you for teaching me how to love and serve others. I love you!

But yes! Things are good. I feel so much better after writing this all
out. So thank you for letting me vent through email!:) I have missed
you all a lot the past couple of days. It was incredible being at the
temple but I also have a lot more time to think and that is what it is
a little harder - serving and work are always the key to happiness!:)
but I just really love you so much! Thank you for your support and
encouragement and being with me while I'm so far away. Crazy that it's
jot much longer though so I will do my best over here and love it but
super super excited to be home with you both and Linds and tyse and
then can't wait as well when KY will be back with us. Oh I just love
our family.

Have the best week in Powell!! Can't wait to hear about it!

I Love you!

Sister Gwilliam






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Begin forwarded message:

From: "Megan Gwilliam" <megan.gwilliam@myldsmail.net>
To: "lindseygwilliam@outlook.com" <lindseygwilliam@outlook.com>, "denisegwilliam@outlook.com" <denisegwilliam@outlook.com>, "brucegwilliam@yahoo.com" <brucegwilliam@yahoo.com>, "kyle.gwilliam@myldsmail.net" <kyle.gwilliam@myldsmail.net>

Waking up after the BEST nights sleep at PRESIDENTS.

Just studying at presidents house.

The leaves are changing. So pretty but pray for me this winter...

Sent from my iPad

Things just keep getting better and better...

THINGS ARE JUST SO WONDERFUL! I just can't even believe it. Things are so good here. SO GOOD. Im just really so happy. I remember Kenz would send these emails home of how happy she was and how great life was and I just thought she was crazy (sorry to kenz:) ) There was no way someone could be so happy away from family, in a crazy place, being a missionary all day, all that good stuff. but oh its just too good. This last week has been incredible! 

First off - ZASHA AND HER FAMILY! We finally got pictures. Get ready for your Heart to MELT! OH i love them so much! And they actually haven't been baptized - the baptism was officially scheduled for the 8th but we found out Isha (the 7 year old) turned 8 on your birthday mom! So we pushed it back a week and they are all set for this Friday! Yesterday we had a big party for Isha! It was the best. She was so cute - you will see the pictures! :) And had a blast. It was the best because Zasha wanted us to have the party but we had to do a lesson on baptism first! OH they are just golden. So we had the party and celebrated her turning 8! Last night all 3 of them had their baptismal interviews and... THEY ALL PASSED!!!!!!!!!! OH MY. We were dancing and screaming and oh its just a dream. Honestly every missionaries dream is to teach a family and I just feel like I'm still dreaming with all of this situation - they are just so perfect. BUT it is still 2 days away. Satan always works the hardest right before so we are making sure to see them everyday (its the best:) ) and just keep lifting them and keeping them focused on it! So please keep praying for them! BUT on Friday night at 6:30 they will all be baptized - A FAMILY! Who i just love so much. You are all invited! :) 

So they are the biggest news. I just love them so much. Sister Steed and I were laughing at not really knowing what to say to our families this week besides how much we love Zasha and her kids. They have been the main focus - just getting everything ready for Isha's birthday and getting them taught everything and ready for interviews and getting the baptism all planned. IT has just been so fun. I can't wait for you to meet them all someday. 

The neatest part is just how converted they are. They were just SO prepared. Zasha just bares the strongest testimony of how she has always looked for a place she felt right with - a church that helped her feel at peace - and always wanting to draw closer to god. How she looked for it her whole life and never felt satisfied until she came to church here. She says over and over just how much peace she has and how happy she is and how much it is blessing her sweet family. It really has been one if not the highlight of my mission so far. I just love them so much. And you will too! Cute Gibberel jumping in the video - ah isn't he the cutest thing. 

So things have been great with them... still a lot of nerves to make sure everything runs smooth until Friday so a little bit of stress but just so much excitement! :) CRAZY STORY TOO! Zasha made food for the party - Jamaican Jerk Chicken - SO yummy - and soup.... soup is always dangerous here in this area because heaven knows what they put in it. There was something weird in it too but we love Zasha so much we just plowed through it. It was rubbery and purplish as well.... lots of chunks of it in the soup. Found out after it was intestine! AND I ATE IT! Are you proud of me? Remember when I gagged anytime eating green beans? Well, They are like candy to me after serving in Peckham! ;)  

You asked how things were going with our investigators. And the craziest thing is even with Zasha and her family we are also working with SO MANY other incredible people who are progressing as well. We are just so busy - its incredible. Right now we have 6 people set for baptism - SIX PEOPLE! And they are all SO SOLID! People that are actually coming to church and progressing. Joe is the miracle that we met on the street, came to conference which confirmed that the book of mormon was true (miracle!) And then came to church on Sunday! The YSA boys in the ward were AMAZING with him and he is now going to institute with them tonight and we are seeing him tomorrow! He is so great and so excited for baptism at the end of this month! We also were emailing last week and got a call from someone we had left our number with - inbetween emailing ky we got the call so we ran downstairs taught him the restoration and extended the 29th to be baptized - he said yes! Has been wanting to for a while. ( how convenient! ;) ) Well we met with him again on Saturday and he had pages of notes that he had taken while he was reading the book of mormon. He knows it is true! His mom and grandma want him to baptized into the baptist church but he said he read it and he knows that this is what is right so he is going through with it. He is amazing. We also have been meeting with a LA who has a little girl who turns 9 next month. The little girl is Isha's friend at school and with Isha getting baptized really wants to as well so she is working towards beginning of November. We are also working with friends Freddie and Norman who are SO GREAT! Freddie after weeks has finally stopped drinking coffee and wants to be baptized as well so we will hopefully get him on date for the end of this month and norman is eating up the lessons - the last time it was so fun becuase everything he has struggled with in other churches- like the idea of having the original sin, having us go to hell, repenting without changing - we were able to tell him that he was right! The way he just naturally thinks and believes is actually what we believe! Oh its just so cool. So dad, things are ON FIRE! We have 6 friends on date, averaging around 10 member presents (crazy for London), and have the 3 going for baptism on Friday. I JUST FEEL SO BLESSED. I just don't understand honestly. I really am just so so grateful that Heavenly Father has been so kind. I know that none of this is because of Sister Steed and I. These people have been prepared and so ready for this and I am just so grateful and feel so blessed to be the lucky missionary that gets to be apart of their process of coming to the joy of the knowledge of Our Saviour. Its just so good. so so good. Please continue to pray for our friends!! 

BUT with that  things have been going So well that it makes my stomach sink thinking about transfers coming up next week. Apparently the Assistants talked to our ZLs and said that they might just keep the zone all the same because of how well things are going but they also said that they might have both sister steed and I train. I WOULD BE SO SAD. SO so sad to leave peckham and sister steed. THings are just going so well and thats what makes me so nervous. Learning from the past I know that is usually when things change.... but i am hoping they just call sister steed to be the STL here with me and we can finish being together! 

I got my "dying" letter in the mail yesterday. Saying how great to have made it this far and encourage me to stay focused and finish strong. I don't know how i got here. Crazy just 3 months - 2 transfers. So whatever happens this move will probably be where I end my mission. So crazy to think about. 

Kind of on the faith over fear topic... with all of transfers and everything as well! We were talking with a member this week who just got bad news about her grandmas health. I was saying how we would keep her in our prayers and she responded saying how she was praying for strength no matter what. She said she never prays that her grandma will be okay or become healthy or the situation will be different ( I thought she was so silly that she didn't) but she followed it saying that she didn't do that because she felt that by doing that she didn't trust god and his plan. All she did was pray for strength and understanding and peace no matter what the situation is - no matter what his plan is. It really stood out to me. It reminded me of the bible dictionaries description of prayer- how we pray not to change the will of god but to align our will with his. I think that is so important with having faith vs. fear. Just accepting that he does really know what is best - i loved your example with linds and chores - so spot on. He really does know what is best for us and we just have to choose to have faith in that. That is wont be easy most of the time but it is what is best. So with transfers I have been applying it. Just praying for a lot of peace and comfort no matter what. My stomach is still a little bit in knots over it... or it might just be the intestines...  ;) BUT i know it  will be great. We find out on Friday or Saturday if we are moving. So i\ll be excited to tell you all about it next week! :) 

MY GOODNESS!  ERic better bring by the package. I was wondering if he was still here.... tell him he has to! WE will be home tonight after 9! Or he can just buss in and leave it outside out door. Door 6 on the second floor. OH i am so excited!! CAN NOT WAIT!!! 

Sweeto Burrito in DRAPER! Oh no! We will just have to go all the time now. I actually miss Mexican so much. They don't do it in England- so weird. So yeah. lets all go after i am home! And then we will go get shakes after! :) 

OH I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE ENGLANDS TO COME STAY!! Are you both? I just can't wait for you to meet them and catch up on all the funny mission stories and show them all around Utah! Oh it will be so great!! And all of those ideas will be perfect! WE will have to come up with a lot of ideas. I think it would be so fun to go to a lot of temples... that is something that they don't have here! The mountains are so fun for sure! Its super flat here. As well as shopping for sure! It is SUPER expensive here and Sister England always commented on how she wants to go to the cute modest Utah shops! So we will have to show her around. I think she would die in Downeast. OH it will just be so fun!!! I can't wait! THey have a son out serving his mission too so it will be fun to be in the same spot with that a little bit as well! And get ready for the accent. Good thing they will have one because I think you will be disappointed with mine... 3 months though! I will try and pick it up! 

AND SISTER BARNES! Oh my goodness! ISN"T IT CRAZY! YES! He was the AP when we were here together and she talked about him ALL the time. When he went home they started dating - about 6 months ago - but she wont give me any details on it! I could see them getting married... its so weird though! As long as the wedding isn't until after January I am happy! but its so weird. So many people have dated after the missions now... there is another 2 that i served with that are dating/engaged. freaks me out. 

BUT Im glad that the classes looked okay for you! I think it will be SO great! I saw that registration isn't until the first of Novemeber! That will be great! Yes! If you or mace or anyone would be willing to get those for me I would appreciate it so much! I could ask hannah or sam too - i am sure they would be willing! But i am really excited about only 2 days a week! I was thinking about living as well... I am planning on spending a lot of time at home but I think with just school and hopefully working in provo having a place to stay there would be best. I honestly don't know anything about housing though- i know south campus is supposed to be a great place! But i don't know how to go about finding it. especially with it being in the middle of the school year. I am guessing we will have to buy someones contract? So yeah - if you could look into that for me I would appreciate it so much! Just somewhere to stay but yes planning on ALMOST ALL of time at home with all of you!!!!!! 

And i can't believe Linds and her braces. She honestly looks SO OLD! I just can't believe it. The mascara on her cute little eyelashes. It will be so crazy! She just looks grown up. When we teach Isha and Ricardo and Zasha I always picture her Isha - even tell Isha that they would be best friends and then I realized that Linds is Ricardos age - it freaks me out. OH it will be crazy. I can just tell from the pictures how grown up she is now! 

SO happy to be here and staying focused but giddy that i can give you the biggest hugs in only 3 months! it will be the best day. 

I LOVE YOU!

Sister Gwilliam 

Fw:

Ishas birthday party! The one in the front is the LAS daughter that is set to be baptised in November!

Ricardo is the best.

CUTEST isha!

Sent from my iPad

 

His is grandma... the woman that feeds me 20 servings of rice. It's a
good thing I love her so much!

Ready for your heart to melt???

Zasha, Ricardo, isha, Ishmael, and gibberel . ARENT THEY JUST THE CUTEST?????

Sent from my iPad

 

Fw:

 

Every time we teach we have a lesson and then a treat (they love
treats- skittles are the favourite so far) and then play a game.
Aren't they so cute? And gibberel? Oh it takes everything in me to not
just hold him and cuddle the cute thing.

Fw:

Love the decorations so much! Thank you!! We love Halloween!:)

I love you!

Sent from my iPad

 

Jolly Old England

Hope you are so excited to hear about all the exciting things happening here in London! things are still so great! Just really blessed.

FIRST OFF THOUGH silly Ky didn't give me anything either! Ill send over what I got but it was only a couple paragraphs and then he would come back later... sounds like they might have been doing something fun for Preparation day and I'm guessing they didn't have any time after to come back and email again. THAT BETTER BE IT! So help me if he spent the time emailing other people.... But I'm still so glad he seems to be doing so well! Miss him but glad he is so happy! Hopefully he loved conference as well and it just motivated him. I remember my first conference  I LOVED it but It can also tug at your heart a little bit seeing Utah on the screen and realizing thats where all of you are! But hopefully he just loved it! 

I loved conference! There was so so much that just stood out to me.  I love that God is so merciful and wonderful in knowing that we need reminders. That we forget and need little pick me ups and so having these every 6 months is that way to help us reevaluate and get back on track! I also loved all of the talks and how so many questions were answered.

 I think the thing I loved most was the theme of JOY that seemed to come from all of the talks. I loved President Nelsons talk on how the gospel is joy! How we are here to be happy! How wonderful is that? I feel like I reference it a lot but I really do love that and have gained an even stronger testimony of that while being a missionary - that when we put the gospel first we are HAPPY! It doesn't matter if we sin - we can be happy we can repent. Doesn't matter if we have a hard day - we can be happy because the saviour understands. With death and loss - the saviour made it possible to live with those we love forever and all of our losses will be made up! Its just so wonderful the peace that comes into our loves when we trust and rely on our saviour. I also loved president Uchdorf's talk - it related to the same thing. I went into conference with the question of how I can stay focused and continue to work hard through the last few months and I loved how his talk was all about just what we have been given because of our saviour - all that is possible because of him - and when we remember that we are always focused and serving him is a joy and privledge. I know that to be true. It was such a great reminder to always just focus on him and remember all that he has done for me and for our family and I wont struggle at all staying focused these last few months - when I think of those things It just makes me want to work as hard as I can to thank him for everything he has blessed me with. I also loved the emphasis on prayer - I felt that was a huge theme the Saturday morning. it is something I really want to work on. Really MEANINGFUL prayer - taking time to talk with him and counseling with him with all of the big decisions and just thoughts from the day. I am going to work on it! And it is going to be AWESOME! Ive started it and already seen the difference - so great how the gospel is all about the little things. But how the little things like study and prayer make all the difference! BUT YES! I loved conference! LOVED that god has put us here TO BE HAPPY! he has commanded us to BE OF GOOD CHEER! And I fully intend to be obedient to that! :) Just like President Hinkley's talk on it... I Love that idea of not taking things to seriously, not getting overwhelmed with things we can't control, but just trusting God and enjoying the journey of it! I thought that was a beautiful message as the world is in complete CRAZINESS right now! Realizing to just trust him and be happy and realize that things will work out perfectly as long as we are anchored to him! 

BUT funny story with conference.... So Zasha and her family came! YAY!! THey LOVED IT! We taught zasha on monday after and she said how she just loved it and has been watching all of them after becuase she found them on lds.org. Apparently has been getting up even in the night to watch them. OH SHE IS AMAZING. we are so blessed. BUT yes! They came to conference! So we were all in the chapel watching but Gibberel (her 1 year old) was making a lot of noise so she went to the primary room and that left Sister Steed and I with the 3 kids. a 12, 8, and 6 year old for A WHOLE SESSION OF CONFERENCE. Goodness sakes. MOm and dad I now understand why church - and especially conference - was so crazy for you when we were younger. All of the sessions on my mission have FLOWN by but when I was trying to entertain 3 kids the whole time it was the longest 2 hours ever. Ricardo did really well - he actually got his answer that the book of mormon was true from watching the preisthood session! How incredible is that?? AH i love them - but isha and especially ishmael struggled. We brought skittles becuase he loves them and were prepared with paper to draw on and that entertained him for all of.. oh i dont know... 2 seconds. So then sweet Ishmael got bored of drawing so he decided instead it was a good idea to start ripping up the paper and then throwing it on the ground. It was great. We then gave him some gum thinking that was a good idea becuase it lasted a lot longer than skittles. good idea right? WRONG! He chewed it for a minute but then started getting tired of it so he started taking it out of his mouth - I was sitting by him and was trying to whisper to tell him to keep it in his mouth - when he takes it all out and THROWS THE GUM BEHIND HIS SHOULDER! TENDER MERCY is that it hit the pew behind us which then meant it got all over the bench and his suit jacket though - but it was a tender mercy because guess who was sitting right behind us. the stake president. SO we were grateful it hit the bench over the stake presidents face. So we spent a lot of Saturday afternoon in the bathroom scrubbing gum off of ishmael and his jacket. Oh my goodness. We just laughed at the whole thing. After they left we also jsut laughed as the pew we were sitting on looked like a WAR ZONE! Gum in the carpet, shredded paper everywhere, oh it was awesome. SO with it all I just want to THANK the both of you! I have so much more respect now for both of you and any parent who has little kids and has to keep them entertained for church or conference or anything. So with the insights I actually have no idea what was said during the saturday afternoon session and we didn't get to watch the sunday afternoon with the time difference SO like you mom i can't wait for them to come out and I can read them all! :) 

But the whole situation was just funny and SO worth it becuase Zasha loved it. It is incredible to me how prepared she is. She just loves it and believes it all! PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM! Zasha. Ricardo. and Isha! THey are set to be baptised next weekend as a family! OH its every missionaries dream and they are just so wonderful. I just love them so much. But i know satan always works the hardest right before. Please pray for them and that they will continue to progress and make it to next weekend! So excited. 

Another thing I was going to ask for your advice on is with Zasha. We found out that she is going through a divorce. It sounds like her husband has abused her for years... and maybe even the kids at some point. its been really hard for her. She has a restraining order against him and everything... we weren't supposed to know all of it but while walking the kids home from an activity the other night we ran into him on accident. He went off saying how she was ruining everything and telling lies... it was awful and scary. But yes. The last lesson we were with her on she asked us for advice on how to forgive. OH she is so wonderful. But she said it is just really hard when he has hurt her and she does't know how to do it. Do you have any good conference talks on it or scirptures? We are teaching her tonight so if you have any ideas please send them over asap. Something about the saviour and how the atonement is there to help us with not only sin but for pains as well? I would appreciate it so much!!

The rest of the week has been great as well! We had the conference on thursday! And it was actually a tri zone conference... so we dont have that many in our actual zone! OUr zones are about 20 missionaries in them! And then yesterday we had MLC! I love getting to be with president and sister gubler! IT was a great day! We also have another miracle of meeting our friend Joe the night before conference. He is SO prepared as well! Taught the restoration - he ate it up. said he has been praying to know what is right and felt like this all made sense. He came to conference with us! Said it answered a lot of his questions and then taught him the plan of salvation which he loved as well! We are meeting him again tonight! It is so neat how god is preparing people. And how just 5 seconds changes someones eternity! Just stopping to talk to him for just a little bit has changed everything for him now! ITs just so great to be a missionary and I really recognise the value of using every minute I can! You send the quote over one time mom but the idea that just a single phrase of testimony can affect someone for eternity. Just 5 seconds can do that! OH its so great to be apart of something so important. 

And You got sumans video! Isn't he the best! He has been trying to figure out how to send that over! I dont have his email... but if you go on Facebook you can message him that way and he will see it for sure! If not I will go and try and get it! But im so glad you got it!! 

 I got a cute email from Emma Carver last week! It will be weird going home and having everyone get bigger. It is funny how being here you just feel like time stops for all of you..And I got a cute birthday card from Greg and Jess! Will you tell them thank you! It made my day! Gregs comments were so funny... Goodness. I
think he was trying to sound English? But yeah tell them I love them!!

And wanna hear a crazy story? We were emailing and got a call from a
guy sister steed met on exchange. He wanted to meet and learn more so
we ran down and met him - he wants to be baptised - wanted to know if
our church did that. OH DO WE EVER! So we taught the RESTO and he is
now on date for the 29th! HOW AMAZING IS THAT? Oh Peckham is just on
fire. Heavenly father is so kind.

Also transfers are the 18th... Ahh!! I'm so nervous! I, hoping I will
stay! I would LOVE to stay with sister steed. Elder Rivera is an AP
and I was trying to get it out of him... We will see though! I would
love to finish in Peckham.

But oh i just love all of you! I love the pictures and your emails! They help me so much. So so much. So grateful for your support and encouragement and help! IT really is the biggest motivator for me. I couldn't do it without you. 

Miss you so much. Grateful for this time to be here but can't wait for the biggest hugs!! Have the best week!!

I Love you! 

Sister Gwilliam 

My MTC group at MLC. Elder persike, elder Rivera, me and sister England. Look at us. From the MTC and now almost 15 months later.... So so crazy. Love them though. Some of my best friends.

Package from mace and Davis's!!! They are the BEST! Tell them thank you thank you thank you!! Made my day. Love them.

Sent from my iPad

 

Sister fromgren (Norway), sister Deighton (English) and then us! 2 of
the sisters I go on exchange with! :)