8 Months DOWN!

Dearest family and friends, 

 

     Top of the morning to ya! We're over here in Leicester England, still plodding along and sharing the good word of God! The weather has been brill this week and we have been very blessed. 

Biking is Cool.

  

      Whilst we were riding our bicycles up London Road, a car full of people comes up behinds us and they scream "Go back to Utah!" Haha. At first I turned around with a scowl and then mid turn I start to laugh, because it was just too funny for me to handle! We then realized it was just our Zone Leaders, but man we had a good laugh about that all the way home! Utah is the place to be! My birthplace and Zion... Can't get much better than that! ;) 

The Greens have a HUGE tele! 

       On Thursday we went to the families home that we met in McDonalds, the Mbolu's! My goodness. Talk about the most well behaved children on the planet. We were able to discuss multiple things with their family and also gave the two oldest children their own copies of the children's Book of Mormon. They were so grateful and immediately started to put their names in them and began reading. So cool! 

England's beautiful green grass!

       While we were tracting on Saturday, we met Carole and David. At first, he looked at our badges and nearly closed the door, but his wife came and said "Latter-Day Saints?" And we replied "Yes!" Turns out that she has a small obsession with The Osmonds and quite honestly knows SO much about the Mormons. It was a delight to speak to them and they invited us back to do some family history with them! Sweet! The Osmonds have gotten us into a number of doors over here in the UK. The Brits LOVE them! 

Sick Tag Pic.

      One of my favourite quotes that was shared this week would have to be; "I have a lot of blessings, but I don't count them." How true is that? God has overflowed us with blessings; so many that we cannot receive them all. How often do we step back and look at the white behind the black speck? Sometimes we have a small problem or a trial that simply overshadows the immense amount of blessings that surround us; just like focusing in on a black speck in the middle of a white sheet of paper. I challenge you all to focus on the riches that the Lord has provided you with. No matter your situation in life, there is and will always be something to be grateful for. Have an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE!! :) 

Classic American diner..eating stakes and burgers as big as our faces!

       My mission is shaping me into the person that God needs me to be. When I read the scriptures, I am challenged to change. When I testify of Christ, tinglies run down my spine; testifying to me that what I am speaking of is TRUE. When my wellies fill with water, I know that Satan is just trying to slow me down and it is a reminder to me that I need to DANCE in the precious English rain. When my heart is heavy and my body tired, I am reminded of the road that my Saviour traveled for me. And from that point I can endure because I know that His strength will be provided to me in the very hour in which I need. 

Me under some tress, in front of a house....

      What a blessing it is to give Him every ounce of myself for 18 wonderful months. I cannot believe that 8 of them are already spent. "The door of eternity turns on small hinges." I know that  this is only a moment, but it truly is the best moment of my life. 

The beautiful London Temple that I so wish I could visit. If you've been to the temple before, but haven't been for a while PLEASE GO FOR ME! I crave that spiritual renewal that the temple provides. And if you want to take a selfie in front of it after you leave, I wouldn't be sad.. :)

       I pray that you all have a blessed week. "Count your many blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done." He will and does provide! 

      Take care and God bless :) 

                                    So much love,

                                                 Sister Sydney Jones

"I'm Happy, Hug Me."

Blessed in Birmingham!

 

 Woooot! What another great week in the mission field! Much has happened and the blessings, again, poured from heaven! It was hot man! So hot that there seemed to be a shortage of fabric in Leicester City. Mercy. When the sun comes out, so does everything else! Be we managed and got a sweet tan in the process. :)

 

Sister Marsden is now back in Shelley, ID! 

De Flat. 

      On Tuesday we had transfers and as we waited for the missionaries to get off the coach, I turn around to hear a sister say "Hug me, I'm happy!" How fun is that? We all need love. Spontaneous hugs are the greatest and if you are happy, by all means; hug it out! Stranger or no stranger, hugs and love are the answer. 

Sister Infanger, Belnap, and I. Just training and killin' it! 

 

       On Wednesday, we found ourselves at McDonald's for tea. Whilst I was eating my BBQ wrap, I got a prompting to go talk to this family. I told Heavenly Father that I was super hungry and that I would talk to them after I finished my wrap. The prompting got stronger and stronger until I could no longer stand it. So, I got up and sparked a conversation with them. They are the Mbolu family from Nigeria, they 4 children and are absolutely beautiful! As we gave him the Book of Mormon, he said he would have it read in two weeks! Alright sir! He held him to it and are excited to see him this week and ask how it is going. How would of thought you could receive a referral from Ronald McDonald?? ;)

B girl. You know where it's at. Reunited and it feels so good!

 

      On Thursday, our bike struggle was incredibly real. Sister Swasey got a bike from an elder who went home and the chain literally busted right outside our flat that morning. Okay opposition, we can handle you! So, we were able to borrow another bike from another elder and just as we pull up to our destination, the front tire pops. Woooaahhhh, opposition hardcore! We locked the bikes and then found that our potential investigator was no where to be found. Wonderful. So, we decide walk to the bus stop and go see Callum whose appointment we cancelled twice already that day. We realized that all the opposition was simply because the adversary did not want us to see our investigator that is progressing towards baptism. We eventually did get to his home and had an incredible lesson with him and his best friend! The struggle is real, but so is God! :) 

Selfie with Amber, our mission puppy! The Leppards brought her on their mission :)

 

       On Friday we had the follow-up trainers meeting which was brill. Seeing Sister B breathed life into my soul and it was such a blessing. Our bond is strong and the love is real! On the train home we were chatting, when a guy leans forward and asks if we are American. Of course we say yes and he was amazed! His next question was simple, "What are you doing over here?" and Sister Swasey jumps up, leaves her bags behind, and begins to talk to him. We only had 5 minutes until we were due to get off and so I just prayed. I prayed that she would have more time to tell this young man about this great gospel. Next thing we know, the train is stopped and we are left lingering for another 5 mintues! Ahhhh blessings! I look at Sister Belnap and just smile with a smile that says "Man, I am proud to be her trainer!" She taught him the entire Restoration and sent him on his way with a Book of Mormon. The odds that we will ever find out what becomes of this man from Birmingham are slim to none, but the seed has been planted and someone shall harvest! She amazes even me...I'm so blessed to be her companion! 

 

Our mini Big Ben in Leicester town Centre

 A few other tid-bits from this week: 

 - We met a man named Ethan while waiting at a crosswalk. He had dreads, piercings, the lot and was the absolute kindest man ever! We invited him to church and he paused then said, "Yeah! Yeah I'll come!" We are seeing him this week!

 - We met a less-active guy named Alex who is nearly 94 years old. At the end of our lesson, we survived a 7 minute repetitive prayer that nearly brought us all to tears from laughter. He is great! 

 - We met a girl named Xyna in town centre who was carrying a basketball. I flipped. I told Heavenly Father if she stopped walking for two seconds that I would go talk to her. Guess what? That's right! We had a nice little chat and we will be ballin' with her later this week. A little horse with the gospel intertwined? Yes please!

This is our Callum! Such a stud. August 21st can't come soon enough.

      This week was great. It has been a testimony builder to see the Lord's hand in every aspect of our work. Sister Swasey and I have some high goals that we expect to reach this coming week and we are excited to get to work! I know that where I am is where I need to be. I am in the process of learning that I don't have to be perfect to be a trainer. It is hard when your expectations are higher than where the Lord want's them to be. And in that situation, you will always end up being disappointed, because it wasn't where he wanted you to reach for in the first place. I know that I was called to be a trainer at this time for very specific reasons. He has a plan and that plan is great! I just need to trust him :)

      I hope this week is a good one for you all. Trust in the Lord and that he knows what is best for you. He will not leave you helpless! God is good and His grace is sufficient. 

 God bless and God speed. 

 

                 Love from the EBM,

                                         Sister Sydney Jones

Smile. LIFE is GREAT!

Dinner time at the Crumps!

Chapel pic. One of my favs from the mish thus far. :)

Lunch in the park! Ham sandwiches with Hinez BBQ sauce. I ❤️ mission life!

Fam,

      Mission life is absolutely splendid! I'm lovin' it!  We have had a great week and have made some wonderful memories! Callum is now on a baptismal date of the 21st of August!  We know he can and will make it to this date! Transfer news is IN! I will continue training Sister Swasey for the next 7 weeks! Woot! Such a blessing. We are pumped for the time we have been given and are prepared to see many miracles this transfer.

EXCHANGES! Sister Beazer and Sister Gillette are thee bomb! We learned much and had a great time!

Zone Meetings are great!

      I received a beautiful surprise from my lovely trainer this morning!  All the way from Holland ;) It was so fun! She spent most of the day with us and we were able to catch up and have a good laugh together.  She is such a blessing to me. I am so grateful for the many tender mercies that I have received lately. I don't know what I did to be so blessed, but I am LOVING it! God is oh so good!

Literally just having SO much fun! This place looked so much like the Idaho mountains! Except there were no mountains and we weren't in Idaho.. Ha.

We made BBQ pizza for dodge night. Yes, we are obsessed with BBQ sauce and no we are not ashamed.

      The weather has been treacherous this week. Hot hot hot! The heat isn't actually that bad, it's the humidity that reaches into my body and pulls out every ounce of water that is stored there. I have never felt anything like it. We are just sweating all of the time.  Disgusting, I know. And tomorrow it's supposed to be like 86 degrees and 80% humidity. Mercy. Haha, love it! I'm losing tons of weight biking and the heat is helping that process move along, so...holla!


      This past week has been a good one. I don't know what it is lately, but my awkward switch has been reactivation this week! I have just found myself in so many awkward situations and I don't quite know how to handle it yet. I will not turn into an awkward sister missionary though! I promise! :) I'm working on it..

       Exchanges were wonderful and I learned so much. I am so grateful for our leaders who do so much for us. Their examples encourage me to change and to stand a little taller. They are such a blessing to me. I am changing more and more every day. The process isn't always fun, but on a mission you learn to never get to comfortable. This is because the moment you are comfortable is the moment that you are not progressing. The uncomfortableness is just a reminder that I am growing! And that is great!

      We have a wonderful transfer ahead and I am so looking forward to the change that will be instilled in me and this Leicester area. I'm sure it will be a sight to see! We have big goals and plan to accomplish them all. I know that enthusiasm and faith are my two best allies. They help in every situation, no matter how hard or awkward they may
be!

Our Demontfort parents! The Crumps! They are the greatest! They literally sat us down, gave us water and put ice cream in our faces..Haha it was glorious.

      Yesterday in Sacrament, our high councilman said "You can't get away from missionary work. It will follow you to the next life as well!" It is so true. No matter how much you try to avoid these situations, they will always come back to find you! Missionary opportunities help our faith to grow. I challenge you all to find a way that is natural for you to share the gospel. Find out what works for you. Be yourself and
share what you know to be true! You never know what will come from the seeds that you plant :)

3 generations! So much fun!! :)

      I hope you all have beautiful week and know how loved you are. Thank you for all that you do to help those around you. Make a new friend. Get outside of your comfort zone. Be kind to one another. With all the suffering and turmoil surrounding us in the world today, a little 

smile can go a long way! 😀 Be the change and make the difference!

I love you!

Sister Sydney Jones

A Week Down Miracle Street

The Jones & Swasey Show:
https://drive.google.com/a/myldsmail.net/file/d/0B1mGy2Dfge25dG5iRG9wMm40d3M/view

Rough Video:
https://drive.google.com/a/myldsmail.net/file/d/0B1mGy2Dfge25bmRMSFFXRlFFYms/view

**Response to my notifying Syd her dog Cooper survived after being hit by a car**

Dearest mum, 

 My heart hurt to hear about my baby getting hit by a car. I'm so sorry that you had a miserable few days. I would have too if I was there. I am so grateful that he is okay. Gosh, I miss him. I'm sad to hear that his tail is broken. What do they do about that? I hope he gets back to his normal self soon. I cannot believe that daddy was just going to shoot him. Heartless turkey. Of course he made it! He's a champ! :) Thank heavens.. That must have been so hard for you mom. Thank you for taking care of him. I know he loves you so much. I hope that he remembers me when I get home in less than a year! :)

#gonnaliveforever

Sydney Sick  & Singing Video:

https://drive.google.com/a/myldsmail.net/file/d/0B1mGy2Dfge25UW0xTHVPc2JpRDA/view

Dearest Fam,

 

Hello from blessed Leicester, England! The work is moving forward and we are seeing tender mercies left and right! Our numbers were higher than they have ever been before and it was a blessing to see the fruits of our labors! 

 

The sweet, sweet elderly :)

On Tuesday, we were able to meet with our newest investigator Callum. We met him while teaching his mom in her home and he totally stopped cooking his steak so that he could sit in on the lesson! What? I know.. Golden, right? :) Our first lesson with him was incredible. He asked all the right questions and even some that made Sister Swasey and I think a little bit. He is a clever 24 year old who has a lot of ambition for his life. His biggest goal in life is to have a family and lots of kids! How cool is that? Anywho, he came to church yesterday wearing a white shirt and a red tie, already looking like a member! Sister Swasey explained nearly every ounce she could during Sacrament, just because he kept asking questions about everything. He is very inquisitive and has a desire to become the man that the Lord needs him to be. We are excited to see him again tomorrow and follow up on his Book of Mormon reading! :)

Thank you, Asda, for reminding me where my heart is! I love and miss
you all! Continue living it up in Zion!

Sister Jones and Sister Swasey brushing each others teeth for points:

https://drive.google.com/a/myldsmail.net/file/d/0B1mGy2Dfge25VDFvNkxwNkJqQVU/view

 

 

     On Wednesday, our district leader's bike got stolen and so we were with them trying to deal with that situation when a guy walked up to us and we started chatting. His name is Kole (pronounced Kolay) and he is originally from Africa. We started talking about what we do and he said "Could I come to your church?" MAN! Of course you can sir! We were so excited! And guess what, he was there yesterday! In his proper African dress too! So cool! He is a teacher and it turns out that one of his students is in our ward. Small world. He, too, asked loads of questions and I was able to give him a run-down of everything in Sacrament. It turns out that he is just outside of our area, but we are excited for him to progress! 

Gelato with the crew

 

       And for the main event of the week, we went to meet with an investigator named Gordon. We took our ward mission leader and his wife with us. Before this, we knew that he had come across some Anti-Mormon stuff and was ready to write us off, but I asked if we could meet with him one last time. So, as soon as we sat down, he began to go off on all types of doctrine and facts that he thought we didn't know about and we sat and listened. Brother Plater piped up and tried to explain the doctrine to him but he would not listen. Needless to say, the Spirit was gone instantly and he started to get very loud and verbally abusive. Pointing at Sister S and I, he said "You know what, I feel sorry for you girls. Your parents have blindsided you into this church and you will never know what the truth actually is....." and so on. At this moment, my chest was heavy and I kind of wanted to throw the table across the room, BUT we didn't participate in any violence :) I sat up on the sofa and took the opportunity to testify to him that I most definitelydo know what the truth is and I know exactly how it has blessed my life. I told him that I was never forced to do anything by my parents, that they simply put the opportunity in front of me and that it was my choice to take it. Following me, Sister S testified as well of the truthfulness of this word and it was a powerful moment for us all. *Proud trainer moment* Whether or not this man felt or understood our testimonies was beside the point. We knew that his mind was not going to be changed. But, we did have the opportunity to testify to him that we knew it was true! 

Having some fun with the Photo Booth! :)

Elder Boogy's birthday bash!

      At Zone Conference this week, I took the opportunity to bear my testimony on this very happening. I said that there will come a time in our lives and definitely on our missions that our testimonies will be challenged. That we will have to choose a side; right or wrong, black or white there is no in between! We have to know, for ourselves, that what we are teaching and testifying of is true! Otherwise, our testimonies will be shaken and Satan will have won the fight. It was an incredible moment for me as a missionary; to see a man so filled with hatred, anger, and false knowledge about this Gospel. As he attempted to show us his Youtube and Wikipedia "proof", I stood up and left the room, Sister S following. Our testimonies were not shaken, but only strengthened by this incident. We couldn't help but feel sad for how hard his heart was. Nevertheless, we learned much!

Biking is great fun!  The sun is Out!

 We have worked incredibly hard this week and have seen so many miracles come to pass. We are looking forward to seeing more this week! We are so excited for all that is to come. We are working with some very promising people that we are learning to love so much! I am grateful to be here in England, sharing the one thing that makes me the happiest! There is no where that I would rather be. 

Have a great week! 

God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good!

Much love from the EBM

Cheers! 

Xxx,

Sister Sydney Jones

Sydney with Williams in Caerphilly:

https://drive.google.com/a/myldsmail.net/file/d/0B1mGy2Dfge25LTNsVkJvcUdTdjQ/view

Sydney surprises Lowri and Andrea Baptism in Caerphilly:

https://drive.google.com/a/myldsmail.net/file/d/0B1mGy2Dfge25WlNsc08tSjNZazA/view

Sydney Ballin' with with the Boys:

https://drive.google.com/a/myldsmail.net/file/d/0B1mGy2Dfge25UlE5M3BsejFMSDQ/view

The Lord DOES Provide!

Frog Migratory Crossing...what the?

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!! 🇺🇸

      Woah, I am so grateful to have an American companion that I can celebrate this glorious day with! 
     I looked up at Sister Swasey in the middle of studies this morning and said in a quiet whisper, 
                 "Sister, I love America!" 
      Mannnn, the patriotism is flying high over here in Leicester! Actually, I'm pretty sure we're the only ones in the centre of town wearing red, white, and blue...but it's fine. We LOVE America! We sang the Star Spangled Banner to begin studies this morning and are having a super American dinner tonight with a senior couple from Idaho, the Crumps! Woot! 

Elder Crump and I are celebrating the 4th of July with the lovely Sisters Jones and Swasey with hamburgers, fries, fry sauce and chocolate!
---SIster Crump

     AND, to add to this beautiful 4th of July madness, we received a beautiful surprise this morning from my former STL from Washington, Sister Sorensen! Sister Swasey called me over to the window only to see her and her family waving from down below! I was screaming all the way down the stairs "She's American! And it's the Fourth of July!" 

Sister Sorensen this morning! Isn't she lovely?'

     We had a wonderful reunion and they offered to take us to the grocery store so we didn't have to bike with the groceries on our handle bars. Needless to say, we get there and they pay for our groceries and send us on our way with water bottles, oranges, huge Cadbury chocolate bars, all their extra change, and a ride home from the store in a CAR! Are you kidding me? Gosh.. After we said our goodbyes, my heart was absolutely full of great gratitude for them and the tender mercy that they were for us today. They didn't even have to buy our groceries, the simple fact that they were American was enough for us! Thank you Sorensen family!! We love you! 

      Boy has this entire week been incredible! I was able to semi-recover from my cold at the beginning of the week, which was difficult. Being stuck in the flat as a missionary is rough! My desire to get back to work was like having an itch, I just wanted to do it! But the Lord provided us with great miracles after I took the time to rest. 

     We were able to stop by an old referral from a member and begin teaching a family of 7 from Zimbabwe. My word. We taught the two 12 year old twins about Jesus Christ and their testimonies afterwards about this great man, could have put many to shame! Sister Swasey and I looked at each other with great astonishment at how prepared they were to hear about their Savior. We came out of the home not quite comprehending what we did to deserve such a mighty blessing, but grateful nonetheless! 

BEAUTIFUL angels

The Williams. My Welsh parents.

      The biggest event of the week happened on Saturday as Sister Swasey and I arose early, had a 3 hour train ride, and were able to witness Andrea and Lowri's baptism! We met the wonderful Williams family at the train station and had a good long hug! They then took a tour around the bay and made a pit-stop at Caerphilly Castle. I now have a picture with my greenie in front of my greenie castle! That moment was so surreal for me. God is good! 

Caerphilly Castle! Coolest moment ever! 

 We then went to the Williams home to indulge in their glorious food. Following the meal, Sister Williams brings out the HUGE goblets of ice cream, again! What else would it be? :) My greenie, just like the rest of my companions, nearly finished the whole thing. I know, I'm a total weakling. But is was wonderful to be in their home again and to feel of that 'homie love' that I have been craving ever since I left Caerphilly. 

      We then hopped in the car and headed for the baptism. We whole way there I could not contain my excitement and nerves. We pulled up and I was able to surprise the ward members completely and absolutely adore. The tears came and fell and we all rejoiced greatly! I received a warning that Andrea and Lowri were coming, so I hid around the corner. As I heard them get closer, I stepped around only to see Lowri's eyes light up and Andrea say "Sister Jones!" Woooaahhhhh! My heart was FULL! I held them both so tightly felt absolutely privileged that I could be there for them. The service was beautiful and the time came for the baptisms. Brother Williams was the chosen man for the job. Lowri went first. Seeing that beautiful little girl in the font was amongst the greatest experiences I have ever had. Her innocence and grace was beyond me. She came up with a big smile and just glowed. Next was Andrea. She was so poised and so sure of her decision. As tears came down my face, I felt it such an honor to have found and taught these two precious daughters of our Heavenly Father. That moment will go down as one of the most rewarding and beautiful of my entire mission! 

     Being back in Caerphilly, especially with my greenie, was incredibly surreal. To surprise the members and Andrea and Lowri was SO cool! Sister Swasey recorded the surprised faces in a video and I relive it every time I watch it! 
 I am just absolutely, positively grateful for the miracles that we have seen this week. It was not a usual week by any means. The miracles were heightened to the "cloud 9" category and we soaked up every second of it! This mission is a miracle in and of itself. There is no where I would rather be, even though it is the 4th and I LOVE this beautiful holiday, this is where I need to be. Sister Swasey and I are learning and growing together, here in England. It has been a blast and I know there are many more wonderful moments to come! 

Italian Gelato in England on America's Independence Day :) #redwhiteandblue 

On our way to CAERPHILLY! Mom, we love this picture, so we hope you do too :)

I tried a pickle for the first time in my entire life. Mercy. So grateful that the Lord provides strength to the weak in stomach.

     I know this work is of eternal importance. This church is true. I know there is a purpose for every soul under heaven. I challenge you to pray to know what your purpose is. I promise you it will be completely individual to you. God is good and he does provide a way! Have a great week!! 

                                           Love sincerely, 

                                                  Sister Sydney Jones