Challenge (ing) Week!

Lady Liberty

Dodgy Kebob

**QUESTIONS FOR OUR MISH**

**What's with all the Brexit talk.  Are you finding that it is a big deal over there?  What are all your peeps saying/reacting?**

Leaving the European Union has been a HUGE deal over here. No one really expected it to happen, but it did! And a TON of people showed up to vote, so that was quite impressive. They were paying something like 350 Million a week to stay in the Union. Which adds up to a lot of money.. And so I understand both points of view, but a lot of members are bummed about it. One of the older brothers thinks that the UK will be on top of the world in two years time (Haha) and be richer than China. Well, the English are funny, right? Bless their hearts.. But yeah, not much will change for two years, but one sister did say that I could tell the world that I was in the UK when they signed their suicide note to the world. Wow.. haha, so apparently it'll be very good or very bad! :)

**How are you doing with training and your new companion, Sister Swasey?**

Training is going good. I just caught a cold in the past two days, unfortunately. From all the stress and worry and being caught in the rain without rain jackets. It's a combination of things, but I hope to pull through. As a trainer, you really are spread so thin that it's hard to not see your faults. So that is definitely difficult, but I'm trying to work through that in the best way the I can. I LOVE Sister Swasey and we are having an absolute blast together. It is hard to not see the area progressing to where we want it to be, but we pray that this week will be an upturn. 

 Any uplifting thoughts would be greatly appreciated :) I'm not sad or anything, just exhausted and sick right now. Mission life though...It surprises you every day.

Dead Dog Tired. & Late Night Videos

MASSIVE SEWING SCISSORS!

Wowzers!

 This week has absolutely flown right by! What even happened? Just kidding, lots of great things took place this week and we were very privileged to be apart of them! We were able to have quite a few adventures that consisted of getting utterly lost everywhere we went, getting absolutely positively drenched TWICE in one day, and biking till our legs turned blue! 

double decker bus rides (sorry its sideways)

ALWAYS time for a Selfie

She made me breakfast, How Wonderful is She?!

 Sister Swasey and I are having the adventure of a lifetime! The struggles come with triumphs and the miracles are many in number. I feel so privileged to be serving with someone that gets me, through and through! We have had many fits of laughter and tears this week. We are sisters in Zion, playing hard and working even harder! 

Tiny English cars, Eyebrows are fun!

 The rain has been the center of our opposition this week. On Saturday, we set out with 3 scheduled appointments..All of them flogged us, which was great! We love opposition, right? :) As we were going to our last scheduled appointment, the rain (and a few tears) started to fall. We continued to bike towards the massive black cloud. Unbeknownst to us that it was about to dump it all over Leicester City! CRACK! The lightening and thunder thrashed down and I literally thought I was in a WWII action movie. I screamed and started biking away on my metal bicycle ( I know mom, bad idea) No, I didn't get struck by lightening. But we were absolutely drenched in a matter of seconds. And the best part of this story is the fact that I didn't bring a rain jacket or wear my wellies because I had faith that it wasn't going to rain. "Silly Sister Jones... You are in England! You should know better." Yes, I know, but I thought my faith would carry me above the rain..Ha! :) 

Drenched X2

 After our shoes became puddles and our tights became suction cupped to our legs, we called a member and asked if we could come in and dry ourselves up. So, we did just that and left with full tummies and dry(ish) clothes. Whilst on the way home after an appointment, THE BIG BLACK CLOUD CAME AGAIN! Are you serious? Mmmmaannnnnn! Heavenly Father is a funny guy.. Sister Swasey and I just began to sing otherwise we would cry. It was a beautiful experience that taught us one thing: Faith is nice, but a rain jacket and some wellies are great too! 

Too much fun together!

English Ghetto

We had a challenge week from our Sister Training Leaders this week in which we were given 3 challenges a day, all consisting of 1, 2, and 3 points. Some of my favorites were; high five 15 people, compliment 5 people on their nose, sing a song to a stranger, brush your companions teeth, and make up a companion handshake. Complimenting 5 people on their nose structure had to of been the greatest experience of my life! Sister Swasey never felt comfortable doing it, so I was the sly dog that was able to do it! One in particular, a member was telling us about the job interview that she had the next day and while we were walking out the door I remembered that I needed to compliment her on her nose, so I said "Well, you have a nice nose, so I'm sure the job is YOURS!" Hahahahah wooowweeee! We had a little dance around the corner after that one! MY second favorite would have to be brushing Sister Swasey's teeth! Haha, we have a video of us brushing each others teeth at the same time and it is a good time and a half! I so wish I was able to get it home, but it is too big unfortunately. If anyone knows how to send big videos through email, I would be greatly to know! :)

Elders are dumb...but laser tag is fun!

District leaders are the best

 And the best miracle of the week happened while we were riding through Victoria Park and I saw a beautiful old couple waiting for the bus. I look at Sister Swasey and tell her that we need to go sing them a song. So, we practiced "There Is Sunshine In My Soul Today" a few times, then headed over to meet the Henrys! We asked them if we could sing them a song and they looked confused, but we started singing anyway. Mid through the last verse, the woman begins to sing with us! Her face lit up and we hugged each other following the song. As we talked with them for a few minutes, they had some questions about religion, so we asked if we could come by and tell them about Jesus Christ. Needless to say, we stopped by yesterday and they are now our newest investigators! They are all the way from Antigua! He is nearly 90 and she is 82. The most gentle and warm people that I have ever met. We are so excited to see what the Lord has in store for them! 

Sister Swasey the Snake Whisperer

 This week has been a blessing, along with the many challenges that were handed to us. We are grateful for the opposition, for we know that in it, there is a plan for us and this De Montfort area. The rain is inevitable, but so are the miracles...all through our faith! 

Gordon B. Hinckley said it best; 

“Get on your knees and ask for the blessings of the Lord; then stand on your feet and do what you are asked to do. Then leave the matter in the hands of the Lord. You will discover that you have accomplished something beyond price."

  

Old telephone in a member's house that actually works!

      I know the work that we are doing is precious and something that is precious takes time to develop. A miner cannot mine for only a few hours and expect a huge reward. We have to work our little legs to the bone and rely on the miracles that are surely to come. I know that the Lord is aware of us all. He cares even about the simple, trivial things! He knows exactly what experiences we need to grow and I do believe Sister Swasey and I are here to learn much from this area and each other. There is no where I would rather be, then soaking up the struggle and tender mercies in the good 'ole English rain! 

 God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good! 
 Work hard, play hard.
 This church is the truest of trues!

Peace and blessing fam,

Love,

Sister Sydney Jones

Swasey and Jones: Conquering De Montfort

Dear loved ones, 

    SISTER SWASEY HAS ARRIVED IN THE GREAT EBM!!!! 

       Hello one and all! I want you to meet the one and only Sister Swasey all the way from Zion; Hooper, Utah! 

I love her!

Sister Blenap with her greenie, Sister Pugmire also from Utah! Too much fun! 

     No, we did not plan on twinning, but it was a total sign of how our relationship would be! We are having SO much fun together! She came to the mission field with great enthusiasm and desire to work hard, which has been such a blessing to me and this area.

Sister Wadsworth dropped me off at the mission home and we, the trainers, enjoyed some ham sandwiches while we waited for our new companions! I could barely swallow from nerves, so I settled for a banana...

 

     As we went into the meeting, I honestly had no idea who I would be getting. In my heart, I wanted her to be from America; more specifically from Utah, but I was prepared to meet my fate :) After receiving great instruction, the dodge finally came! After the first 4 sisters got their trainees, I began to wonder who mine would be. Well, they saved the best for last! "Sister Swasey, you will be getting Sister Jones and will be serving in the De Montfort Ward!" Wooottttttt. We were so excited and have honestly clicked from the very beginning. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful companion to show the ropes to. 

2- Sister Marsden! Or tinkerbell.. Going home to Shelley Idaho in 4 weeks

      On Wednesday, we embarked on a day filled with miracles. I was completely determined to make my greenies first day in the mission field the absolute best! And boy did our Heavenly Father help us out with some wonderful miracles! We first stopped by a referral named Sarah who ended up becoming a new investigator, which was great. 

     Then we went on to find a man named Eric. We introduced ourselves as Mormon missionaries and he said "Mormon? I study a book about you guys. It's called the Book of Mormon." Holy moly! Apparently he studies it every morning along with the Bible. He received it way back from a friend and just began reading it. Are you kidding me? Woah. We will be seeing him this week and I am so excited! He'll probably know more than me!

 

3-On the way home with the STL's. Sister Gillette and Sister Beazer.

      We then met a less-actives milk man named Lee. Yes, people over here still get their milk delivered to their door and I think it is so fun! After talking with Lee for a while, I asked him if I could share a card with him and he accepted gratefully. He then proceed to hand us his milk man card! Haha so, we just might be ordering some milk soon and conveniently place a Book of Mormon on the doorstep as payment :) 

      This week I have completely handed every decision to the Lord. I let Him know that I was nervous to train, so I asked Him to guide our every action with the Spirit. He provided a way for many miracles to come to pass, all through the little nudges of the Spirit. I was privileged this week to have seen my growth with regards to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Sister Swasey reaffirmed what I had thought; I have become a very calm and soft spoken sister missionary when I teach and even when I don't teach. When she told me this, I knew that it is because I feel the Spirit with me constantly, so I speak carefully and wait until the Spirit has told me where to go or what to say.  It's almost as if I am changing right before my eyes and I know that I am doing the Lord's will. It is an incredible feeling to be let by Him in everything! And when I'm not, I feel lost. It is a feeling that I never want to lose, even following my mission. 

Training adventures! Capri-Suns and cheap lunchables for dinner.. Nothing better or worse? Hahah

**Sydney Challenge**

     I challenge you all to hand your life, decisions, trials, etc. over to the Lord. Start small and you will be able to see the Lord doing wonders among you! He is the only way to find happiness in this life and in the next. Don't sell yourself short of the blessings that are already yours to obtain. 

      I am so grateful to be serving with Sister Swasey. She is such a wonderful example to me of obedience and she has such a great desire to work hard. This field is WHITE! And we are already hard at work! I am having the time of my life! I wouldn't trade this experience for the world! Training is already the biggest blessing in the world and I know the miracles are just waiting to be seen. I have never been happier with this struggle that is mission life! It truly is the greatest! :) 

Bikes and bright jackets

     Thank you for all the prayers, letters, and emails. You are all such a blessing to me. I pray that you have a good week and feel of your Saviors love for you. Thank you for blessing my life! 

                                             So much love from England,

                                                                            Sister Sydney Jones

                                                                                            :) 

Is Justin Bieber a Mormon?

RAIN!

Dear people that I love so much, 

 

     How are you? How is the air over there? Man, it has been humid and wet this week! We just feel like a wet diaper all the time..it's quite disgusting. But, we have loved every second of it! There is nothing like being able to serve the Lord for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! I feel so privileged to be here in England, making some of the best memories of my life! With the greatest people I know! 

 

We LOVE Biking!

My missionary watch tan!  Woot!!

     This week has been wonderful! We have worked hard and were able to find 4 new investigators! Wow! Miracles! And they ways that we obtained them were incredible! On Tuesday, we were able to contact a referral with a member. Her name is May and she is from Zimbabwe! During our lesson, the spirit was so abundant. As we discussed the power of sealing families together, we paused and she said "This is exactly what I have been looking for. This is it!" Oh my soul did swell with happiness! We were able to meet her family last night and bring them to a fireside. I am so grateful for the member who listened to a prompting to give us this incredible family to teach! I challenge you all to think of someone that could be blessed from hearing about their true potential; that they are sons and daughters of God. Fasting and prayer will help you to seek out those lost sheep that may not know they are lost. Find them and bring them into the fold! 

SO happy to be reunited!

Sister Belnap, Sister Infanger, and I.

     On Thursday, I had the opportunity to go to Birmingham, to the mission home to the trainers meeting. Can I just express how grateful I am to have had a meeting to train us about how to be trainers?? Wow, for a moment I thought I was going to have to go it alone without how to do it all, but they have it all under control thank heavens :) I was able to see my Sister Belnap as well! I opened the door and we just stood there smiling for a good ten seconds, then gave each other the sweetest hug in the world! I am so grateful to have seen her! We are such a strength to each other and it is a privilege to be training at the same time. Sister Infanger was there as well, which seemed to breathe life into my bones! I love those little tender mercy moments! 

  

     We were trained about how to handle a precious greenie and their first days in the mission field. After the meeting, I didn't feel as overwhelmed as I did before. I am just excited for the challenge ahead, as well as the blessings that are to come! I know that my new companion will be sent here for a reason. To build up this part of the Lord's kingdom and also to be an example me. 

Mini Netherlands pancakes with Nutella and strawberry jam! (shout out to Sis. Scherf!)

     On Saturday, we were at the library doing some things and we met a woman named Nora. We chatted a little bit and sent her on her way with a Mormon.org card. After she left, we realized that we didn't write our number on the back of the card. (Oh well, missed opportunity) So, as we were about to leave, I was prompted to leave behind another card face-up on the computer. This time our number was on the back. A little bit later we get a text saying "I met you at the library, are you interested in a coffee you two?" We accepted the invitation and eventually went from coffee, to tea, to milkshakes! :) We entered her home and she proceeded to tell us how she had 'a feeling' that she should go back to the library. Needless to say, she followed that prompting and she found the card that I was prompted to leave and contacted us!! Wow! We were amazed at the Lord's hand and were so thankful for the guidance that we received. We will see Nora again on Wednesday this week! Oh, and one of her first questions to us was "Is Justin Bieber a Mormon?" Hahahahahaha man, I couldn't answer the question without laughing!! Nora is a character! :)

We had a pick up game with some guys in the park and it was a blast! Afterwards, the elders invited them to learn more and a few of them accepted! Basketball can convert! :) 

     Later that day, we were on caught in a huge rain storm that put a flash flood to shame. Haha we had to walk due to the lightning and thunder and got to our lesson absolutely soaking wet! But great memories were made nonetheless! 

     On Sunday, we were pleased with the BYU Ballroom Dance Team joining our congregation. All the way from SLC, UT! Woot! As we introduced ourselves to them, I met a dancer who was from Idaho and I said "No way! Me too!" She gripped my arm and said "Where?" I replied "Rigby!" And she just hugged me and tried not to scream too loud! Her name is Kristina Tieken. She is going to be married in the next few weeks with the reception in Rigby! If anyone knows her or her family, let me know! This world is so small! I was so grateful for that small moment of "home". IT was wonderful.

 

Kristina Tieken! Go Cougs!

     This week was wonderful and I am so excited for the one that is coming. Sister Wadsworth has been an exceptional companion and I have been so thankful to have an American companion. It is just one more thing that we have in common and that has been a blessing. I know there are many good things to come and I am excited to see what those things are! 

I know this church is true. That we can only find true and last happiness through Jesus Christ. He is the light and the life of the world. I love my mission and the lives that I am able to see changing; including mine. This work is eternal. It is amazing. And I am so grateful to be here!! 

I hope you all have a beautiful week and are continuing to be grateful for the small blessings that the Lord grants you with. You are important! You are loved! You have potential! And don't you forget it! 

I love you!

Xx,

Sister Sydney Jones

5. Mini Netherlands pancakes with Nutella and strawberry jam! (shout out to Sis. Scherf!)

6. We had a pick up game with some guys in the park and it was a blast! Afterwards, the elders invited them to learn more and a few of them accepted! Basketball can convert! :) 

7. Kristina Tieken! Go Cougs!

Welcome to Leicester, East Midlands, England Sister Jones!

Brother Williams. One of my heroes! 

Sister Williams and I looking posh.

Anchored in Christ!

Us w/ Kirstie and Olivia at with Williams

**First a part of Syd's letter to me**

Dear mommy,

  This week was so incredibly challenging, but good as well. I was tested at many limits and had to confide in my Heavenly Father a lot for strength. My single goal for this transfer is to get to know my Savior better. He has to be my source for strength, or none of this will work.

 I will tell you all the details in my family letter, but I'll tell you all other stuff now. Transfers was scary and my tummy was just a mess. I was able to see Sister Scherf before she left, which was a blessing. Sister Wadsworth is my companion until next Tuesday.  

 The apartment is old and interesting, but fun. We definitely live in a posh area. The ward is nothing like Caerphilly, but I love adjustments! I am excited to see how I can help this ward change and grow. 

 It is so diverse here. On the way to church, we didn't pass a single white person, can you believe it? Indians, Africans and all types! It's crazy! I had a huge culture shock and I know that my greenie will get an even bigger one! They are all fairly kind though, which is a blessing.  

 Thank you for this update of everyone. I really appreciate it. I hope you have a good week and I am thankful for your words of encouragement. I really do need that extra boost of love and support in the coming weeks. It is something that I can hold on to when we have difficult days. 

I love you!

Sister Wiesner is engaged!

Dear family and friends, 

      Well, here we are! Another week gone and a whole lot to report on! Monday evening came around and I had to finish packing! I ended up leaving behind over half of the clothes that I brought with me, just so I could fit the more important stuff in my bags. I have no idea how I am going to get home with my accumulation of British stuff! Wow. Challenge accepted :)

      We traveled to the mission home on Tuesday morning and the whole time my tummy was just in fits. The first transfer is always the worst, from what I have heard..so I am definitely glad it is over! I was able to see Sister Scherf and say goodbye to her, as she is now home! I was also able to catch up with many of the missionaries from my group which all seemed to be doing well. 

Elder Searle is the man!

      Whilst there, I met Sister Wadsworth who has been my companion for the past week! She will be with me for another week, until I pick up my greenie next Tuesday! I also found out that Sister Belnap, my MTC companion is training too!! What?! That was such a tender mercy to me. I know that nothing is just happen-stance in this world; the Lord has a plan! And the biggest shocker of all was that I was told that I not only would be white-wash training, but also that I would be reopening an area that has been closed down for 6 months. Gosh. 

Corn on the cob tree! 

      Needless to say, this week has been filled with lots of growing experiences. We came to the flat to find cobwebs and all sorts of fun things. It smelt like mold and dust, but we were thrilled to be there. We started cleaning and getting the place into shape. Might we say, it looks pretty good now! We have a little more than expired tomato ketchup in the fridge; thank heavens! Hahah, the struggle is SO real, but we've just got to love it. 

6£ Oreos!
(Thats an $8.67 a package)

       Leicester is very diverse! There are people here from all over the world and it is pretty fascinating. The city is massive! There are Uni (university) students everywhere and we have met so many cool people already! It is so different from Caerphilly and I definitely got a culture shock when I stepped off the coach! I am learning to love it though. It is so green and there is so much to do here. 

       We have faced quite a bit of opposition this week, while trying to figure out the area. We have been on our bikes and one day in particular, we biked over 12 miles. Mercy. We got to the flat and just collapsed. I nearly cried a few times as I felt the adversary working so hard against us in all that we did. It has been quite difficult, but these moments are meant for us to grow. As I bore my testimony yesterday, I just spoke about the importance of growth. When we are feeling uncomfortable and our tummy's are turning from nervousness; it simply means that we are about to grow! What a blessing that knowledge has been to me this week. 

       I have had to confide in my Savior for strength this week and He has not let me down. He has given me the growing experience that I asked for and has not left me alone in this journey. This opening an area business has been a challenge, but it has been fun to literally start from scratch. Sister Wadsworth and I get to set up this area exactly how the Lord needs it to be at this time. I am so grateful for the trust that God has placed in me at this time. Though the opposition has been sure, the miracles have been even more! 
 

                      Weird House in Leicester!

     We were able to meet a man named Gordon in Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon. Remember his name, for I know that he will be the force of much good in this world! He is from Zimbabwe and is the sweetest man. From the moment that we began talking with him, I felt the spirit so strongly. Of course, he already had Book of Mormon ( I know, right?) and has had contact with missionaries before. We spoke with him for a good 45 minutes, where HE bore testimony to US about how incredibly lucky we are to have another testament of Jesus Christ, as well as the Bible. "I mean, you guys have got it together!" he said. Wow. We then told him about the Priesthood, where his eyes lit up and he said, "Why don't I have this power? I need this power!" We then went on to invite him to church in which HE CAME! Granted, he was 2 and a half hours late...But he was there nonetheless! He kept asking us how we did it, how we got him to church..and we could only testify that we did nothing, it was simply the Lord. 

      I cannot believe that we had an investigator at church, when we only got here on Tuesday evening!! Gosh, Miracles are wrought! I am so grateful to have seen the Lord's hands in our work this week. We had opposition, but the miracles outweighed the frustration and brought us much joy. I know that great things will be happening here in the next few months. I am so excited for my Greenie to get here and I have been praying for her success and comfort in the MTC. I know that we will grow closer together as we have the opportunity to figure out Leicester together!

        I have had an overwhelming confirmation of my purpose as a missionary this week. I know that I could grow in no other way, then by being out here on my mission. And the lifelong experiences that I have the privilege to be apart are changing my future; they are changing me. I am so grateful for the miracles that I have been a witness to in the past 6 months. I have been changed by the wonderful people that I have met and I know that the Lord has only placed the most extraordinary ones in my path. I am truly blessed to be here and look forward with faith and great enthusiasm. I know that there is only good things to come!

       I wish you all well and hope that you are finding joy in the journey. Thank you for your prayers and the love that you show to those around you. You are making a difference! 

Speak to you soon! 
                     I love you! 
                             Sister Sydney Jones

My New Address!