Hello family!
The weather has been brillant the past three days. The sun has been out and left me with a tan on my face. I hope it continues. I have been taking my vitamin D so no worries there. I love when it is sunny because speaking to people is so much funner because they are happy :) I think I can honestly say that street contacting is one of my favorite parts about missionary work, especially when the weather is nice so it is easier to put a smile on their face.
Well, the theory test was rubbish. I easily passed the hazard perception part where you click everytime you see a hazard on a film strip, but the multiple- choice questions I got a 42 out of 50. You need a 43 to pass. I was completely frustrated. But, I am taking it tomorrow and am pretty confident that I should pass. I studied more this week as well from the test prep book.
My first driving lesson went a little bit better than I expected. My instructor is very good and taught me well. I can get going properly most of the time. I only stalled twice, but other than that I did well. I was going around round-abouts and through stop lights by the end of it. It was very different in the fact I was on the other side of the road and car, I haven't driven in nearly 10 months, and I was using a manual. I was happy with the progress I had made by the end of it. They are much more strict on driving standards here then they are in the states. I was constantly using mirrors from left-to-right and vice-versa. My next lesson is Saturday so hopefully I'll progress even considerably more.
Robert is much the same. I will be more bold and frank with him because right now, he isn't getting the picture at all. Edgars is doing well. We had a good lesson with him on the Plan of Salvation despite the language barrier. Pray that they both will read, pray and attend church this Sunday.
From my studies this week, one of the things I learned was from 2 Nephi 2:8. Lehi is telling his family the importance of letting everyone know of the Savior's Atonement. The line that was penetrating to me was "and taketh it (meaning His life) again by the power of the Spirit." It was amazing to me that without the power of the Holy Ghost, the Atonement could not be performed. Through His perfect humility, He showed his submissive nature to use His Godhead companions along side with Him to perform the greatest event of all time and history. How important is it for us to hearken and heed to the Holy Ghost in order for us to choose Eternal Life (v.27-28).
Transfers are next Wednesday so you won't get an email from me until Wednesday the 13 or Thursday the 14. I think that I will leave from the impression President Bullock gave me in the interview, but the guarantee is that I will get a new companion from what President Bullock said as well. I met President Preston about a month ago at a fireside in Ashton (Greater Manchester Area where he used to live) but I will again get to meet him on Wednesday.
I'm excited about the pictures next week and about Colton's endowment and Parker's farewell. Tell the family I send my love from England. My endowment was a sacred experience for me and I hope it is for Colton as well.
Now how I described my temple experience to President Bullock in our last interview. It was a week or two before Christmas in Southport. The work was very slow and frustrating for both Elder Jolliffe and I. We were never frustrated with each other, we had a very good relationship but together we both sensed and felt the discouragement we were both having. No one was listening that we spoke to and it was freezing cold. We were always finding all day everyday. Because of the circumstances and environment around me, I was discouraged and would find myself at times throughout the day longing for home.
Because of the situation, my prayers grew and progressed in sincerity. I was pleading with the Lord for spiritual strength and guidance. I remember specifically asking for a significant spiritual experience to help in those prayers. Those prayers were most definitely answered in the way I wanted.
Elder Jolliffe was a fantastic companion. If ever he sensed anything was bothering me, he would ask and we would talk about it. I remember President Bullock saying to both of us on my first day in the field about to board the coach that he had a "very strong" impression that we were to be serving together at that time. I am a witness that we absolutely were. He taught me many great and incredible things that helped me immensely as a missionary. He was a great strength to me during the time we served together. I couldn't have asked for a better trainer.
Christmas Zone Conference was my significant spiritual experience. I prayed as well that my temple session would give me a great abundance of the Spirit and that it would rejuvenate me for the work. As I mentioned to you in the phone call home at Christmas, I proceeded through the veil and was greeted by the Bullock's at the entrance to the Celestial Room. President's arms were outstretched and open as he whispered "Elder Starr." As we embraced and as I sat and expressed my gratitude to my Heavenly Father in prayer, I was immediately filled with what I can only describe to you as "perfect love." I was enlightened and filled with the power of the Comforter. I had indeed received a spiritual witness that was my answer to my sincere prayers. That I again received witness from the Holy Ghost that everything about the temple including the covenants and blessings are very real and sacred. It was also confirmed to me that the England Manchester Mission is where I am supposed to be.
I know that the power of prayer is very real and am eternally grateful to know that I have a Father in Heaven who is always aware of my situation and answers my prayers in a way He knows is best for me. I have received so much strength and power as I have sincerely kneeled before my Maker and have humbly expressed to Him the desires of my heart. I know that He continues to do so daily. I love you all and have felt your love from your prayers. May we continue to humble ourselves our Heavenly Father in kneeling prayer and express our love and desires to Him as did our perfect example: the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
Love,
Cameron
