Pictures!

Elder Long at the North Sea

Slain Castle

Kirkaldy, Part 1

This week, I actually was transferred. I live in a town called Kirkaldy (cur-CAW-dee). I'll be the district leader here for my last 11 weeks. My companion is Elder Jakob Rodgers from Gilbert, Arizona. He may be transferred before June, but President says I will likely not be. Elder Long will be staying in Buchan with ''the one companion (he) did not want to serve with.'' I thought that was so funny. It's an elder he knew from the MTC, and apparently he is a...challenging personality. 

There is already a nice teaching pool layed out for us here. I haven't met them yet, any one of them (about 5) but apparently they are quite prepared. And I've been promised that the ward families will take good care of us. Elder Rodgers says there are lots of young families, making this one of---if not the most---biggest ward I've been to on my mission! about 180some in regular attendance. That's really exciting to me. 

I was able to video call my sisters last week, and that was really nice. But I hope all my siblings are doing well. It sounds like they are. 

Elder Rodgers is a really good pianist! He's playing right now, and it's way good!

I'm putting in some of the pictures Elder Long took from last week's castle trip. My own dawgone camera won't charge still. 

I got some new clothes from Tesco the other day, to replace the unfortunately lost ones. 

So there are four teams in this district: Me and Rodgers, the Dunfirmline sisters Oren and Viliamil (both tiny Filipino ladies), Perth 1 Elders Zollinger and Wilde, and a trio of Elders in Perth 2 who I don't know yet. 

Well, I think that's super good news that Dallin is done his schooling (for now?) and will be getting a startup job. 

The only thing I want for when I get home right now is a job! 

Anyways. Thanks for emailing me. Love you lots Dad! 

Buchan, Part 18 - March 18

First of all, Happy Birthday Justin! Sorry I didn't call on your birthday, but I didn't call on anyone's birthday before these new guidlines were introduced. I could not remember if you had turned 13 or 14. But now I know. Love you!

Transfers haven't happened yet. We still have yet to see where/if I will be going. 

I can't tell if the new guidlines are making this easier. It's just been one of those rare ''I'm so done with people'' weeks. Everyone gets them, and I don't get them as often anymore, but yeah. I spent a bunch of time in the bathroom, not going to the bathroom. 

We visited a castle this morning. A very cool looking one. I'll have to salvage some pictures from Elder Long and McRoberts soon. My camera still won't charge. We played a good game of capture the flag, but we had to leave before anyone won because a sister had to keep an appointment for a driver test. 

I tried to high-kick a tennis ball out of the air, and i split my pants but good. Right in front of sister Wahlquist. I think she was rather tramatized. 

We set up a total of 1 appointments this week. Heavy sigh. I don't really care if anyone remembers me when I go home, but I sure hope my time will have mattered. I trust that it will. 

There is just 1 computer here, and it's being shared between 4 elders. I'm the last one to do me emailing here. I'm gonna try to stitch up my trousers before we get to work. 

Love you! 

Buchan, Part 17 - March 11

Yeah, honestly, what's the point of arguing with prophets, or criticising the revelations that come from them? it's just as effective as arguing with God! I just read recently from 1 Samuel, when Israel is demanding that a king be appointed over them. Samuel prophesies and warns that the people will be burdened, enslaved, conscripted etc. The people persist, nay we will have a king! The Lord tells Samuel to give them a king. They haven't rejected you, they have rejected me. I believe every revelation that has come from the Lord's prophet has come from the Lord Himself! It's as annoying to me as when people bring up the revelations on plural marriage and restriction of the priesthood certain brethren, and then the changing of both of those principles. People argue so much that these were racist and sexist, and that retracting those ''policies'' was a well calculated move, but seriously! These guys are prophets. We ought to listen to and heed Russell Nelson's words when he assures us that these changes are not political or cosmetic and DEFINITELY not inconsequential. 

That's what I've been thinking about a bunch this week. 

So I just got your email twice. It's the same domain pretty much. I guess it will continue to be for the remainder of this...transitional period. Just like I can still type in ''LDS.org'' and get the church website. Everyone's saying there's some big stuff coming up in this April conference. Especially for missionaries! I'll bet it's not gonna be as big as everyone thinks, but maybe I'm wrong. Most of us think probably bump the serving age for sisters down to 18 to match elders, and/or alter the amount of time elders/sisters serve. That's...all we can think of. We're very uncreative. Maybe all missionaries will get to dress casual! And get called by their first names! and get rocket boots! Stupid speculations. I'll bet we're making God laugh though. 

Anyways, we're gonna be skyping and chatting with folks and such. We've already had a heap of time taken up by the funeral (I feel bad about it, but I was really not wanting to do that). And by Elder Long skyping. 

Just know that nothing really happened this week. I already chatted to Mom a little bit about it, and it was just...boring. And fast. I really miss my family this week. 

It was a bit more rain and wind than it has been. 

I'm gonna have to be fast. We're sharing a computer and Elder Long gets and sends long emails, as their namesake suggests. Not me though, because I've got nothin' in me noggin. 

But I just love you. So take that. 

Elder Lybbert

Buchan, Part 16 - March 4

This week was unique. We were only able to spend two days in our own area---Thursday and Friday---and the rest of the time was in Aberdeen! 

Monday we were told to head down right away for interviews with President MacDonald, but that wasn't even correct. The zone leaders got it wrong, so we were down there for no reason. But we spent the day and night there anyways because the next day was the Scotland North zone conference. THAT was the day we had our interviews with President MacDonald. I always look forward to those. He's a great man. For as much as I loved Donaldson, me and MacDonald laugh and joke more. We stayed the night, and the day following---Tuesday---had a companion exchange with the Zone Leaders. It was good, and me and Elder Brockbank were able to teach a few people. One of them was at random---on the spot! I saw Elder Brockbank stop her and talk to her, and I could tell she was ready for us, so I started praying for him, and sure enough just moments later he motioned for me and we went and sat in a cafe and taught her about the restoration. It's very refreshing to the soul to testify of the Prophet Joseph, the Book of Mormon, and Jesus Christ. I don't recall much about Thursday. We were meant to see a less active fellow in Fraserburgh, about an hour bus from Peterhead (have I mentioned how much I hate busrides?) but when we got there he cancelled straightway! How do you like that? Friday we had some mourning, attending the funeral of our departed friend Alex. His wife is taking it like a champ so far, but she's got a long way to go. Her friends have given all the support in the world. Alex's family has been deeply impressed by the church. Unfortunately that same day, tragedy took a son from another one of the sisters in the ward. It was suspected to have been an overdose on drugs. We went back to Aberdeen Friday night, and spent the Saturday with the District leader team. Me and Elder McRoberts spent most of the day in his car, driving people around as we prepared for a baptism happening that evening---a family of three. We were able to do some chapping though, and gave a Book of Mormon to a Muslim man from Nigeria. I used to talk to Nigerians all the time in Dundalk and I have missed them since. It was nice to talk with him. 

The mission as a whole has been seeing some good success, and lots of people entering covenants. 

I haven't heard more from Karen yet. She's just in my prayers. 

Do you remember that video ''a man without eloquence''? Brigham Young relates his conversion experience, and how it was the simple but powerful testimony of one Eleazar Miller that truly touched his spirit, and not the silver-tongued sermon that preceded. said he: ''The world with all its wisdom, power, with all the glory and gildedshow of its kings and potentates, sinks into perfect insignificance when compared to the simple,unadorned testimony of the servant of God.'' That's the worth of sincere testimonies, such as the one given by the young man. I never have testified of anything I didn't know to be true. 

Anyways, that's all I've got this week. I hope you are doing well. I don't think I'll be doing any video chatting this week, but hey-ho. 

Love you! 

Elder Lybbert

Buchan, Part 15 - February 25

it took forever, but we're here at last. We went down to the library computers at the usual time in the morning, but they didne work, then we went to mintlaw to use the clerk's office, and that would've been fine accept the missionary.org wasn't working. Didn't start working 'til about an hour ago. 

Anywho, it was a rather uneventful week as far as our work goes. But we found out on Thursday that one of our friends---the husband of one of the members in the ward---died of a heart attack. It was really sad. He and his wife have had us over every week for dinner. So maybe you can pray for Trina. 

Have to be quick actually, there's a few other missionaries in line to use this. 

Don't worry about sending any exercise stuff, I should be fine. 

Tell Granma happy birthday!

Elder Long is from Cheyenne.

A Little Joke from Elder Lybbert

What do you call an agnostic, dyslexic, insomniac? Someone who lays awake at night wondering if there's a dog! Hah!

Buchan, Part 14 - February 18

Well, I would love to be able to call you or facetime or something, but unfortunately I don't think I'll have the means to do so this week. We won't be able to make long distance calls on our phones, because that would rack costs up dramatically. Same with texting. Neither the library computers or the clerk's office has a camera/microphone, so basically we will have to coordinate with a member to be able to make a call. I may be able to try it for another week, but you can probably expect me to just keep up emails for the 17 or so weeks remaining. But we'll definitely try and get a facetime for one of these weeks coming. Me and Elder Long are kinda in the same boat that we wish the change had never happened, because we can't really take advantage of it very much and it makes us kinda sad. 

Anywho, this week has been downright dull. Just being rejected by angry Russians and knackered Scots. But not nearly enough for us; we want to pick up the pace this week. Especially since Callum just dropped us. The weather has been unseasonably nice this week. A few days, we were going around without a coat. 

This one house we chapped, a lady who was Lithuanian let us in. She didn't speak any English, so she sat us down in her living room, offering us tea and coffee (politely but firmly declined) and saying roughly that ''husband home five minute.'' So we just watched the weird Russian TV commercials until her husband got home, who spoke slightly better English. We tried to explain our purpose, I asked him ''Do. You. Read. Russian?'' He nodded. I took out a Russian Book of Mormon, and he immediately ''out! OUT! GO!'' It was disappointing, but on the other hand we were glad to get out because it stank so strongly of smoke in there. 

How old is Holly now? 

I just found out Karen isn't going to church. Not because of a faith crisis, but because her son needs to be watched currently at all times. The members seem to be taking care of her still. But unfortunately there's nothing I can do for her except pray. 

In the future, I'll tell you in an email if I plan to call that day. But you can feel free to use messages on Hangouts, and if I'm at the computer I'll be able to answer. 

I didn't really do much better at being healthier this week. Luckily I haven't felt that weird discomfort in a long time. But even my big shirts are getting small now. I'm gonna be hopping between charity shops today to see if I can get some bargain clothes. 

I guess I don't have much else to say. Love you Dad, and I'll talk to you hopefully soon. 

Buchan, Part 13 - February 11

Yeah, I realised that about just 4 months left. Elder Price just went home, which means that all of my companions from my first year all are finished their mission. And all of my companions from my second year will still be here when I'm gone. On the one hand, when people talk about moms, I start to miss mine, and when I see pictures like the spaghetti dinner (on the new table?) I long to be there with yous. But on the other hand, I just love Britain. I love Scotland. The sunrises and sets, the old buildings, the funny candy (sweets), the rainbow of different accents, the gorgeous English women, the kebab shops/chinese takeaways/chippers on every corner....*sigh*. I'll be sad to leave. And I just know I'll be missing my badge as soon as I don't have it on anymore. 

But hey, that's enough of that for now. 

Callum is...a unique teaching prospect. He doesn't usually talk to us directly. So we haven't met with him this last week. But we did meet with Alice (the young lady). She's a priority too in my eyes, because she may be a member, but Buchan is gonna need all the young people it can get. We met with her in a cafe, and she told us about her family basically. I'm glad we're different. Her parents are quite militant, known to say ''if you don't believe, you can find somewhere else to live.'' Her three older sisters are all inactive, and one of them is quite hostile and anti (showed her the temple video). So we're helping her to find out that the church is true. 

That makes a lot of sense about come, follow me. It seems people are trying to find out how to implement this new routine into their schedules, when it's meant to be a means to graft scripture into your life; all aspects. Or at least, that's how it seems to be to me. I still have to study the book. 

I'm not sure what to share from the week. I found it rather boring. We got our moves call, and it looks like me and Elder Long will be staying for the next 6 weeks. I'm okay with that. Especially since Elder Long has to be one of the most easy to get along with companion ever. But it also helps that I'm not PMSing this transfer. 

How about...weather. Weather was good. Not too cold, and some good sun. 

Finding. Elder Long was bugged by a few bashy people, either Born-again christian or Jehovah witness. We went on exchanges in Aberdeen again, and we talked to a lot of college students. That's where my comment about gorgeous English girls came from. Lots of them there. And unfortunately for us, they don't wear very much. 

We should have a pretty chill day today. I'm gonna buy some candy. 

Love you dad! Love to everyone too!

Buchan, Part 12 - February 4

Oh I got this 2019 thing DOWN! I write it correctly in my journal/planner properly all the bleeding time! I didne have it for the first few days, but now I've got it. 

Things are BUTT-cold here. And pretty icy; we slip all the time. 

We've started chapping in a very...humble part of town. It's actually the sketchiest place I've ever chapped. We go into these flat complexes, and we feel so tense and it's so creepy. The people are often very nice though. 80% of our contacts are Polish or Latvian or Lithuanian or something. 

Callum accepted a baptism date this week, which was great. Infatuation is totally a part of it, but I think we could also tell this time that he has some interest in turning his life around and becoming a better man, and he sees the church as a way of doing that. We're going to be making sure he reads and prays. 

The girl he likes recently texted us out of the blue and is asking for lessons from us, because she feels she has no testimony. She feels like she keeps praying to know if the church is true, but she gets no answer. So we're gonna meet with her, but it's kinda weird 'cause she doesn't want us to tell anyone, and she's only 16. 

We're gonna have nothing too fun to do today, just travel and cleaning and getting Elder Long a haircut. I'm sending a video of Elder Long doing an impressive impression of the scariest woman ever we met on Saturday. 

How is the new Sunday school thing going? it's going...alright over here. And apparently it's causing all kinds of contention in Elder Long's home ward. 

Olivia's starting to look like a big girl! 

Love you. 

Pictures!

Buchan, Part 11 - January 28

I think Mom's new glasses look quite becoming. Or maybe it's just her, because I can totally tell she's been working out. You look great Mawm! 

Classic Melody cake. Yeah, I remember one that she made ages ago, and it was delicious. 

I hope and pray that things start to improve for you dad. And I'm pretty confident they will. How is ol' Travis Seaborn? I was just talking about him with a member the other day, because we were talking about young men leaders who influenced us and I was saying how brother seaborn used to drive me to work almost every day. 

I am getting very tired of gaining weight. I'm losing the option to wear some of the clothes I have. And the bed I sleep on groans and cracks beneath my weight during the night, and I've broken a few of the slats. I'm 270lbs right now. And that's not muscle. 

We have been running in the morning, but...that only does so much I guess, when you're having a pack of candy and a cookie pie every other day. 

Anyways, the highlight of the week was Burns' Night on the 25th. It's a Scottish tradition, celebrating the Scottish poet Robert Burns. It started with the haggis being brought in by (us and) a piper, introduced by a Burns poem, and then that's followed by a great haggis feast. So good. Then (my favourite part) was the toast to the lassies, and the toast to the laddies, which is basically just a male v female roasting session. The couple that did it is Jared and Caroline Hoag, and they're one of my favourite couples in the ward. Then there was dancing, to which I was a non-participant. But there was not at any moment any unsmiling faces in the building, so it was really good. Everyone had a great time. 

We have a young man regularly attending church now (pretty sure he's got it bad for one of the young ladies there). We're confident he can progress to baptism in time. I think I told you about him already, right? Callum? He's starting to come to young men activities and all that too. So that's really good. 

On Saturday, it was weird; we were walking to somebody's house to see if they were home, and my legs started to feel really week and I was super hungry, and then kinda light headed; I had to sit down for a while, and then we went right to subway so that I didn't die of hunger! It just happened so suddenly and all at once, and I had eaten that day so I was just so confused. I could barely walk. I barely made it to subway it seems. But I felt better after a sandwich, cookie, and Pepsi. Go figure. 

Anyways. One of the nights this week was just us calling people in the area book, to no avail. It's been a bit of a bum week for finding. But this week will hopefully be better. 

Buchan, Part 10 - January 21

Well, I'm sure sorry to hear about your esophagus getting worse. I keep explaining to my companions saying ''poor guy chokes on yogurt!'' which is all too true, huh? Yeah, I'm sorry to hear that. I suppose you must have dropped some weight because of it? Are you still feeling strong, or do you feel a bit weaker? I hope everything goes okay. 

I'll be trying to drop some inches myself. I'm almost at 270, and that's definitely without weight training. 

I was sentimentally stroking the cover and spine of my quad combination yesterday. I ran my fingers over the name inscription Cody Lybbert, and I realized I must've had this scripture set for about 10 years or so now. I read one of my favourite scriptures in it, article of faith 13, and got a little teary eyed. I have endured many things, and I know I can endure all things with God. God bless Sister Posey. 

When we were chapping, we ended up tracting into a naked lady. Second time for me. Me and Elder Rothlesberger (zone leader, on exchanges) just kinda giggled like boys as we left, 'cause she was naked. But honestly, I felt bad for the poor lady, because she was desperately trying to hold a towel over her exposed front while she tried to grab her kid and try as politely as possible to deal with us at the door. We left her to it in a hurry. 

We finally had the young man we've been teaching, Callum, come to church. He is about 17. There is a young woman in the ward about 16 who is fellowshipping him and she was ultimately the cause he came to church. Me and Elder Long suspect that he might be sweet on her, but she not on him. So I have no problem with her doing a little FTC (flirt to convert) but I hope she doesn't break his li'l heart. 

We've been finding a few teaching prospects using our survey approach at doors. One is Polish (Patryk), another is Latvian (Diana), and another is Lithuanian (Simona). So funny how little Scottish people we have in our teaching pool. But all these Eastern European people accepted to meet with us because they are very humble and kind. We didn't even ask Diana or Simona if we could come in, they just invited us! 

We got a text from a less active member we hadn't met before that simply said: do I exist? I perceived that she was down, and the first thing that came into my head was what I responded with: does macaroni go splendidly with cheese? of course! which she said brightened up her day. We met with her that Sunday; she's cool. 

Today (I will send pictures ASAP) we went on a trip to Loch Ness! Couldn't swim in it, but I stood in it, and drank deeply of it's waters! It is said that those who drink the waters of Loch Ness gain immortality! It tasted...not that bad, actually. We did not spot Nessy, but we kept a weary eye out. It was so beautiful, and it was an ideal day to make the trip. I'll send pictures as soon as I'm able. 

Well, I hope I haven't forgotten anything. Love you! 

Buchan, Part 9 - January 14

I am once again hanging out in Aberdeen...like a piece of jerky drying on a rack. Just waiting for something to happen. We'll be going to a castle hopefully this afternoon. So that should be cool. If we don't I shall be severely disappointed. Other than that, nothing too special about today. We will be having our Aberdeen/Dundee conference tomorrow. Yay. 

Yes, we had one appointment hold. They are two young boys, 17 and 14 years old. We met them at the church and taught them about the restoration. I am not sure if we will ever see them again, but so far they have not been answering calls/texts. Oh well. 

We went door to door with a survey for a change this week! Just 5 easy questions (with as many followups as we dang well please). The idea is to get into people's houses to do the survey, find out their key to conversion via the survey questions, and then transition into a lesson. Hasn't worked yet, but it will I think. It works like magic for other teams. We've had some people take the survey, and only one person let us in to do it. But no appointments or lessons from it yet. We've been chapping in neighborhoods that are on the ''well-off'' to ''stinky-rich'' scale. So that may have something to do with it. It also may have to do with the fact that me and Elder Long are both quite mild mannered, and the approach requires a certain amount of assertiveness. 

We are emailing one at a time on the clerk computer. So annoying. 

Elder Long does the best kermit voice I've ever heard. 

Surely living in Edmonton itself isn't so bad---or at least, that's what I think. It's definitely the living away from family that's the hardest part. Sure, I miss Canada a lot, but it's the living away from you guys that's so draining. But it's good that She and Dallin may be able to move back home soon. I also understand the poor girl is pretty sleep deprived. 

Knock'em dead Amanda! Elder Long is an actor too. He was one of the lead roles in his school production of Oklahoma. 

I am usually happy. I am considerably healthy. I weigh in right now at 265lbs, and Elder Long weighs in at about 145lbs. I have 120lbs on him. I keep ruining my clothes and just this week I also broke my bed. I wasn't even jumping on it. Fooey. 

Anyways, I love y'all

Buchan, Part 8 - January 7

My black hole year is over! Just last week I was still making the mistake of writing 2017 in my journal entries. Now I have to refrain from writing 2018. Well, never actually thought I would make it this far, so...cool. 

It sounds like Dallin and his family had quite the trip down in Texas. And all over the states! That's terrific though. And I love the pictures they sent too. 

That one picture of Mason looks like he's being strangled! But he is an adorable li'l bug. smaller than his big brother, isn't he? Well, of course he is, but I mean James was bigger at birth, wasn't he? 

So my new companion is Elder Nick Long. It was funny, because I first heard him say ''Dick'', so I thought his name was Dick Long....which would have been an enormous question for his parents. But anyways, he is 18 years old, from Wyoming. We share a love of movies and music (we play the movie quote game). He is quite mild-mannered, but also very athletic. Two older brothers, two older sisters, and one younger sister, all of whom are quite handsome like he is and active in the church. And he's a fantastic singer! 

Monday and Tuesday I was hanging out in Aberdeen with the Elders (mostly Elder O'Connor, who's a good friend) and watching movies and playing ball. We took a road-trip down to Edinburgh to pick up our trainees, and then took a long train ride back up. We only got back to Peterhead by Thursday. Elder Long is a lot more nervous than Elder Miller was when it comes to talking to people; I can relate to that. But we still had some good times chapping here and there, and GQing. We should have a lesson today at the church with some young fellows that Aberdeen referred to us; we haven't met them yet. 

We had service on Friday with an inactive member, just doing some yard work. She made us a nasty lamb curry for lunch, which I put down as fast as I could, but alas Elder Long could not manage, so I told the host that he was too full to finish (Scottish people are really chill about that). We had a lesson with another inactive young member, and we helped her to set some goals but I don't think she's pursuing them with too much vigor. 

Two hour church went just fine. Everyone seemed to like it just fine. We had a few ore people show up. We talked to them, and apparently it was a one time thing, but I'm willing to bet that it's not. Anyways, we had a munch and mingle afterwards....poor timing, because it was fast sunday, so only five people were even there to munch and mingle. But that meant that we were sent home with a bunch of apple pies and lemonade. Happy days. 

Thanks for helping me out. In every facet of life, but particularly I mean by helping me think of things to do. It honestly doesn't concern me too much, but it's one of the most common things I get asked about, so yeah. No, time has never really felt like it's rolling, even though it often is. I'll admit, some days I wish it would roll faster! But I also try and do like you said, and keep my focus to where it aught to be. And I am enjoying myself. 

Love you! Bye for now! 

Buchan, Part 7 - December 31

That was a very sweet video of grandpa. I was gonna ask for a video/picture of them, seeing as how I haven't seen them for the longest time. But there they are, so that's cool. 

Yeah, I really enjoyed the call too. Sister Holdsworth said she could hear us laughing and having a good time, so it made her feel good. Unfortunately for Elder Moffitt I completely ran out the battery on the ipad, and we couldn't figure out how to get it charged again. Eventually Brother Holdsworth lent his phone, and Elder Moffitt was able to video call home on that while the rest of us watched The Greatest Showman. 

Wow. Way to put that in perspective for me! 23 weeks....that's strange. 

Christmas eve we were picked up in the morning and spent time with the Coulls. We had chips and salsa, we played Risk, and watched Road to El Dorado. Then we were driven over to Fraserburgh and spent the rest of the day with the Stevens, playing card games and Yahtzi. I was afraid we were overstaying our welcome, but they assured us it was fine and they wanted us there. Christmas day we had a veeery big breakfast with the McSloys, and played a very intense game of Jenga with them, and then the evening with the Holdsworths. We felt so bad, because they had prepared so much food, but we had already eaten so much at the McSloys so we couldn't eat a lot of the Holdsworth's food. Boxing day we spent some time at our flat, and then went to check on an appointment that rescheduled (and later cancelled) and then we spent the afternoon with the Geddises, eating their chocolate and watching movies. We only started proselyting after boxing day, so on Thursday. We checked by a lot of people who we had met the week before, but few were in and fewer were interested in having us return. We did end up teaching a lesson on Sunday though, with a fellow named Andre who Elder Moffitt bonded with over their love of anime and PC gaming. We may see him yet in a few weeks, but Elder Moffitt will not. 

We had both lost track of what week of the transfer it was, so it came as a surprise on Saturday night when we got our moves call! Elder Moffitt will be moving to the Perth branch in Dundee stake, south of here. I will be remaining in Buchan (mixed feelings) and getting a fresh-from-the-mtc companion (also mixed). I'll pick him up from Edinburgh on Wednesday. Until then we don't proselyte, so I will just be chillin in Aberdeen. 

We also both gave talks on Sunday. I only decided what I was going to talk about once I got up to the stand. The foundations for my talk were Micah 6:7-8 and Mosiah 2:21-22. 

It sounds like everything was nice in Texas, so that's good. Mom's just gotta be able to set achievable goals; that was the basis of Sister Hoag's instruction in church on Sunday. You know, the classic SMART goals acronym? Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Recorded, and Time limited. That's how we try to set our goals. 

No, I'm not too cold. On really cold/windy days, I just wear sweat pants under my trousers. Makes a world of difference. 

Any updates on finding new work? I feel sad for you with your esophagus woes. I don't like trials, they're sad. I'm going to have to work extra hard to feel healthy, and that's sad. Well really, I just had a dream where a bunch of baby dolphins and whales and other adorable and endangered animals got blown up by terrorists, and that was sad. I need to go read the book of Mormon. Oh! Get this; our Polish friend doesn't want us to teach him anymore and doesn't believe in the Book of Mormon. Why? I know why, even though he didn't tell us directly. He started bringing up this and that: the word Christian is used, even though the term wasn't invented until such and such a time, and steel is mentioned, even though that wasn't invented until such and such a time, and all this crap. I asked him what he thought about the doctrine or the stories, and he didn't know. My case: he didn't even read it. He just read some website about it. After all that trouble we went through to get him a Polish copy! So disappointing, though not exactly shocking in his case. 

Love y'all! I hope y'all are happy! Even y'all in Texas! Y'all! I'M MARY POPPINS Y'ALL! 

Buchan, Part 6 - December 24

Unfortunately, I still do not know where I will be calling you from. I thought we would be calling from the Holdsworths, but I guess they have terrible unreliable service so they think we should call from somewhere else...I dunno. Keep your ears to the ground, I should l let you ken before the end of the day....and if not, at the start of tomorrow. 

DESPITE your best efforts, I still found out about my new nephew Mason Clarke! That's a cool name. Very respectable. 

It was a stagnant week. Nobody wants to set up solid appointments or let us do lessons or whatever, because it's flipping CHRISTMAS! and NEW YEAR! But despite all that, we did teach somebody. He was an oddball. And my instinct says it will be our only lesson. OH WAIT! we had another one too! Or rather, Elder Moffitt did. The boiler guy who came over to fix our heating. I was in the bathroom, still naked at that time in the morning, but Elder Moffitt taught the boiler guy the restoration and gave him a Book of Mormon!

My favourite meal was the British supreme! Haddock (fish) and chips with salt and vinegar, mushy peas, and mince pies for after. So yummy. 

We have lots of families taking us in during the holidays, so I'm being taken care of. Spoiled, really. Especially by you lot! What did I do to deserve such a bounty! Especially when y'all aren't even exchanging gifts with each other? I just love you all so much. That shirt is genius! And you may be happy to know that the rootbeer was shared with some other Elders, and it made their day as much as it made mine! I was shedding little internal tears as I opened each one. Oh yes, I did open all of them. Before Christmas. But what the hey. 

I'll make sure your love isn't wasted. Or your sacrifice. I've got it in me that I'm gonna be a good boy. Thinking about it recently, it's clear to me that I have always believed in God. And I always will have that. Nobody can take that. And I'll always be working for my family, of which He is the Eternal head. 

Like I said, keep ready for more info soon, but for now Happy Christmas, talk to you soon!

Buchan, Part 5 - December 17

Well, I think we can plan for 3PM. That seems like a good manageable time. I might be calling from a tablet this time, and likely on Google Hangouts. 

So basically in a day, we can GQ but it's not very effective, so we normally chap doors all blardy day. We've stayed in Peterhead for most of that, but on Saturday we went down to Ellon since we were having dinner with Bishop Longley and his family. He's a young bishop, and they have very nice sounding Norther English accents. We've been having a pleasing amount of success, considering how ineffective chapping actually. It's been mainly first lessons, so now we have to work on getting that fresh second appointment. 

It's been cold and windy as FETCH! Especially that Saturday in Ellon, we were having our socks knocked off by the wretched wind. But because of that, someone took pity on us and let us in to share the restoration. They made us hot chocolate, and Elder Moffitt spilled his all over himself. On sunday, we helped the primary out with the nativity. I was the Innkeeper, and Elder Moffitt got shafted from being the wiseman, and had to be a shepherd instead. Loads of fun. 

Well, I can't wait to see everyone. Should be great. I wish I could say something nice and encouraging for Jenna...keep it up! Last stretch! Here we go! 

I do like that thought from Brother Patton. It makes me feel better about everything. Honestly, if the success of a missionary was based on his/herself, the church would have died a long time ago. We do what we can, but in the end it is by the spirit of God and the grace of Christ that anything worthwhile happens. 

Love y'all! See you soon! 

Buchan, Part 4 - December 10

Oh no! Poor Laura. How is she keeping up with her classes then? Or is she? I hope someone is able to bring her homework or something, 'cause this is gonna make things hard on her academically. Not to mention physically. It wouldn't have anything to do with the minor surgery she had a while back, eh? 

I feel really bad, because a while back Travis and Rebecca and their family sent me a video letter and I NEVER RESPONDED! I'll get to work on that right away. Just for them. 

Chinook High are such stooges. Coalhurst High all the way; go Trojans! J-town knows what I'm talking about. But all that aside, I just hope Amanda and everyone is having fun in their rehearsals and productions, because that one time I did Scrooge the Musical in 8th grade was just some of the best fun. Definitely my fonder memories of school. 

If I was going to follow my dreams, I'd look into doing musical theatre as something to get into. But I don't know what I actually want to do as a long-term career when I get home. Obviously it would need to be something that could adequately support the hot-wife and 400+ babies I plan on having. School teacher? Emu farmer? Prime minister secret service? 

This week was our All-Scotland zone conference. The sisters from my MTC group gave their farewell testimonies. So did my favourite companion Elder Baklan. We played games, and had some good food. We had a white elephant gift exchange (just things we found in our flats left by other missionaries.) the biggest one was a refrigerator. Then we watched the Incredibles 2! Which I loved! So funny. 

For the past couple of days, Elder Moffitt has had us go tracting. Which I subject myself to, even though I hate it. We've gotten some success though. 

Being that it's so cloudy, and cold, and wet, and winter, and the end of the year, it can get pretty depressing. So always take your vitamins! 

We've had a strange influx of people telling us we're going to hell for believing in false prophets. Which is not true; we follow the living God through true prophets. Dummies. 

We're teaching people here and there. All because of Elder Moffitt's hard work, and my resignation to follow him and support him. Yes, I am working hard too. 

I am saving some juicy stuff for my homecoming talk! Or even just for telling in person. Good stuff, you know? Not bad stuff. Or sometimes bad stuff, becoming good stuff. Why don't y'all say what a good time would be for me to call you, and that will give me maybe an idea of when to organise it for on my end. 

Love you so much family! Love you Dad!

Buchan, Part 3 - December 3

It's been a good week. For the record, my release date according to President MacDonald is June 10th. 

Wow! Amanda driving. That's crazy. 

I've been pretty unenthusiastic this week. Well, I have been working pretty hard and feeling pretty good. But in other ways unenthusiastic. 

Elder Moffitt is pretty great, and patient and understanding with me. Unfortunately his hearing is not that great, which is unfortunate because repeating myself is kinda my pet peev. 

I did get meself some shoes. It was 2 for £30 at the Shoe Zone. and I also got a pair of slippers with it. The wind chill has calmed down for the last few days. 

I've got about six months left. That means it's time to get serious about exercising. To me it feels like my main motivation is being a worthy man for a particular woman. Is there something wrong with that? 

Well, I look forward to seeing y'all on Christmas. I will let you know asap what time exactly. 

My favourite scripture this week is Mosiah 2:21. God doesn't need us, but he lets us help out! Everything we do for him, and for each other is a blessing. 

Love for you and all! 

Buchan, Part 2 - November 26

Sounds like a jolly old time in Edmonton! I will love to join you on one of them future excursions. Or maybe I'll just go myself. You know me, I get homesick time-to-time, or pretty often, but this week I was a lot more at peace with it. I was listening to a song, where some of the words were: ''dry all your sorrows, though bitter they be, our parting be a moment that fades like a dream...'' so it led me to consider that when looking back, the two years that I am away will seem a short time once we're reunited. It'll be just like we were never apart. We'll get sick of each other, I'm sure. 

When I arrived in Peterhead, I had a growing urge to watch Popeye. I think Peterhead reminds me a bit of Sweet Haven! Just being a bit of a sailor-savvy town and all that, kinda old timey, and not very busy. And it smells like fish in the morning. It's the coldest place I've been to thus far, and wet too. And, I'd add, the darkest place. It's always cloudy and hiding the sun over here! It's a little depressing in that way. But the few days there is sunshine is a delight. The chapel is a bit of a new design. It's small, and there is no cultural hall. It's white on the outside, as opposed to the normal red-brick of my previous area's buildings. It's not in Peterhead, it is in a neighbour town called Mintlaw. We take a bus there. We have no bike or car. The ward---which is Buchan ward---has an average attendance of approx. 50 people. They seem nice, and look to be quite good at feeding us missionaries. 

My favourite scripture this week is 2 Nephi 2:16. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I do love how God's plan involves us choosing the right, and not simply falling or relaxing into the right. It's a fight sometimes to do the right thing; it often is. And I like that; I like the battle (when I'm on the winning side). 

Elder John Moffitt is from West Jordan, Utah. He's pretty easy to get along with, and I've improved my attitude a lot with him. He's very much into video games, and fantasy card games, and all that jazz. 

I ate a fish soup this week that had me picking out dozens of bones from every bite! 

I am going to try to find some new shoes today that will be water-proof and warm. Also, some slippers if possible because the heating in our flat is very spotty and the floor is like ice in the morning. 

Thank you so much for your words of affirmation. To be honest, one of the things I think about sometimes when things are very hard is: will I be able to tell my siblings and my nephews/nieces, and my own children that they should serve a mission? That it will be worth it? Yes! It is worth it. I wouldn't jettison this last 17 months of experience, and fun, and sadness, because they are worth so much to me, and will be for my good and for the good of other people too. And it won't be long now until I can come home. 

So I live at 49 Catto Drive, Peterhead. Honestly, I can't think of anything in particular for you to send me. I'm going to try and get new proselyting shoes, and some slippers, but other than that I don't really need anything. 

Love you Dad! and everyone! Talk to you soon!

Buchan, Part 1 - November 19

It's more like four or five transfers left. Which I groan at a little bit. I have dreams about coming home when my mission is finished and reuniting with everyone. It all seems so real. And every time I feel so happy and triumphant, like I finally made it. I finally made it. But then it all is just a dream. And I realise I have a long way to go yet. But that's really not me complaining. I am resigned to be here for the remainder of my assignment. Some days I am more resigned than I am other days. I do still miss home. 

Yeah, it was not easy being with Elder Miller; he really didn't respect my opinions. If I really felt strongly about something, I had to tell him it was the Zone Leader's idea or they told him to, and then he would listen. If it was just from me, then no way. We were a bit passive aggressive with each other at times, I'll admit.

My new companion is from Utah, his name is Elder Moffit. My new area is Buchan (like buckin' horse). The town we live in is called Peterhead. Peter-head. Try not to giggle at that like I did. 

I was sad that I didn't get to say bye to Karen before I left, but I'm sure she'll be fine. Elder Miller will look after everyone, even though I am concerned about his new companion...but that's another story. We taught a bunch of lessons in my last week. I hope that nothing dramatic will keep them from doing some good work. 

It looks like I will still be needing to get some shoes. I'll try not to spend too much here. I am serving around a lot of missionaries I like. When travelling over here (I am in the Aberdeen stake now) I had a good long catch-up with my old companion and friend Elder Baklan! I liked that a lot. 

There is a lot of cool things around that we can see on p-days. I'm looking forward to that. 

I love primary presentations! 

So this transfer will extend beyond Christmas, I know that. I will spend Christmas in Buchan. I haven't met any of the members here yet. 

Love you! I hope you have an awesome week, and I love hearing about it.