Hello Family!
Well I predicted correctly and now I am serving to what some call "the beast" of the mission. I left South Ribble yesterday and have now moved to the Stretford Area, which covers the heart of Manchester. I am literally in the middle of it all. Manchester United's football stadium is in our area and I can see it not too far from our flat. This area is crawling with people everywhere. I have been here for less than 24 hours and I am loving every second of it. I fell in love with Manchester the second I stepped foot into it when I was at the MTC. I have a feeling that I will be here for a while and I hope that my wish comes true.
I am serving with Elder Lamb from Essex, England. He has only been out for one transfer so I am "follow-up" training. His last companion, Elder Whitworth was from Fort Worth, Texas and goes home today. He seems great to this point and we get along very well. I am really looking forward to this transfer.
Yesterday, we were blessed with two new investigators my first night here. Mark and Laura were street contacted earlier in the week and they were fantastic. Mark had read the introduction to the Book of Mormon and enjoyed his reading. He found it quite interesting. As we asked questions to get to know them better, it was great to see the desire the two had. The both expressed that being able to have a faith would be important. Laura in particular expressed that she "envy's" others who do believe because it is always something to hold on to. I sincerely told here that this is why us as missionaries are here. I told here that she doesn't need to envy. She can have exactly what we have. She was grateful for that. We shared the Restoration with them, I felt we taught quite well to their needs considering it was our first time teaching together. We were able to help them recognize the Spirit and share with them how having a faith in Jesus Christ could help them have hope now and for the future. Unfortunately the aren't married, but we can work with that. They seemed very commited and we will be seeing them again on Monday night. Unfortunately they are away for the weekend so they can't attend church with us. But it truly was a fantastic way to start the transfer.
I have been reading in 2 Nephi the past couple of weeks and have reflected and pondered on what I have studied. The Isaiah chapters are challenging, but I have put a sincere focus on how the prophecies that are included in those chapters help strengthen my testimony in the Restoration and looking forward with faith to the Master's Second Coming. It has been brilliant process to learn a little more about the House of Israel and how it all relates to the Savior and His Gospel.
My time in South Ribble was very much a learning and growing experience for me. But as you mentioned Dad in your email that trials were never meant to be fair. I am grateful for how that shaped me and helped me take an extra step up. I did my best to keep to my highest standard and I was blessed to help someone come into the fold of God for doing so.
I aced my theory test getting a 49/50 the second time around and still did well on the hazard perception. I had two driving lessons before I left South Ribble and they both went very well. I am now working on maneuvers since I have the manual part almost down, but now I have to find a new driving instructor. I really loved my last one.
I am glad to hear that Colton had a special day when he received his endowment. I am glad he had a lot of support from others as well. I would like to hear from him (yes, you Colton) on how he felt and what thoughts and impressions came to him as he was in the House of the Lord. I loved your last two letters and the Spirit I felt. I look forward to hearing from you on Monday.
Love,
Cameron
P.S. Pictures to come Monday
