Happy New Year family!
The companionship of Elder Jolliffe and Elder Starr ended yesterday. I am here in Southport for another five weeks (one week less than normal because last transfer was a seven week transfer). Elder Jolliffe went to Rochdale and is with another missionary that came out the same time I did.
My new companion is from Tremonton, Utah. His name is Elder Ericksen. He is great and loves basketball as much as I do. He is playing at a JC in Wyoming when he goes home. He was on the state championship Bear River team when I was a junior. They went 23-1. He has been out only one transfer more than me. Our companionship is probably the youngest in the mission. We only have about 8 and a half months experience combined. However, we are excited and feel like that we can work miracles here in Southport.
I obviously enjoyed the phone call very much. It was wonderful to see and hear from you all. Time seems to never be long enough but being obedient is the most important thing. Those missionaries that Mom referred to that got sent home were a part of this mission. President did a training after it happened about how obedience is so important.
Speaking of obedience, I learned in my study of obedience this week was in PMG and the scripture reference of 2 Kings 5:10-14. I related myself to Naaman and asked myself how often are we like him. We are asked to do something and are expecting something greater to do. Do we question what we are to do because we think we know better or do we humble ourselves and do what we are asked? Naaman was humble enough to listen to his servants.
Like Naaman, sometimes we need that extra push to do what the Lord commands us. Whether it be church leaders, friends, or family, that push helps us see the true blessings of being obedient to what Heavenly Father asks of us. Thanks for your wonderful spiritual insights and kind words this week. I enjoyed the Spirit of your letters and the uplifting things that were talked about.
Who won the Lakers-Heat game? That thought just came to mind so you can share that with me when I email you again this Monday the 3rd. Something else that I need that I forgot to mention was family photos. When we go on exchanges, missionaries always show pictures of their families. I have none. So if you could send an album of photos of our family, including us with vacations, basketball, etc., that would be wonderful.
Here a some pictures from Christmas. The England jersey was a gift I bought myself for Christmas. Isn't beautiful?? I will send pictures of Elder Eriksen and myself on Monday. The family we spent Christmas with are the McMannus family. They are wonderful. Bro. McMannus is an amazing cook. He made the best onion soup I have ever had.
I love you all so much. These emails and our Skype call were so incredible. I know the Lord continues to bless me out here. Thank you for your continual prayers. I truly do feel them. Pray that Elder Erikesen and I will have success and we will see that success through investigators progressing towards baptism. It is great to hear from you and I will look forward to speaking with you again Monday!
Love,
Cameron
