Happy Christmas To Everyone!!

Hey all,

sorry for not sending a mass e-mail last week. I don't know what got into me!!! Anyways I guess I'll talk about what's happened the last 2 weeks.

We found a few new people to teach which is really great especially for the holiday season. We saw a member Julia who has been having a hard time and found an investigator through her at the house! It was so awesome. Basically we were reading some scriptures from Doctrine and Covenants and I just felt impressed to invite her non-member friend (who was just kind of sitting there) to read a verse out loud for us, and then she got really emotional and long story short, it was a really spirit-led discussion with her. So awesome. 

Anyways Christmas is going to be really fun, we have FOUR people to see and eat with! For some reason because me and Elder McCook kind of double-booked 2 people for visiting on christmas, so we just decided to see each of them on christmas haha! We're going to be so fat tomorrow!!!

We also had a really funny experience the other night with the Pelhams as we visited an older member of the ward in the carer's home. It was so funny. Basically she was sleeping and didn't want to be woken up, but the carer lady woke her up anyways and she was really mad. It was so funny.

We also had a great zone conference, we went to the Temple. It truly is the "lord's university" because every time I go there I learn, like, a billion new things. So nice to have had that experience. We also saw a complete non-member family for a dinner appointment! It was hecka weird. Haha!! But it was nice. Basically they've been friends with the last set of missionaries and so when we came we didn't know who they were at all and stuff, so it was pretty awkward. Haha!!!

Okay well I've got to get going, can't wait to talk to the family tomorrow for christmas, I hope everyone has a great holiday and remembers the true meaning of Christmas!

Moroni 7:16
(Notice that substituting "Spirit of Christ" with "Spirit of Christmas" gives it the same meaning. Because the Spirit of Christmas IS the spirit of Christ!!!)

-Elder Blumenthal

The Holidays Are Coming!!!

Christmas is in the air!!! Well not really. but it is really cold!!!

 

Actually, Christmas is quite big here in England. i suppose it should be, but yeah, they decorated the high street with lights and everything, its so awesome!!! But not many people have christmas lights on their houses.

 

Anyways, this week was pretty great. We've mostly been going around trying to catch people in, which is pretty tough, and the holidays are abysmal for knocking doors and such, but we still need to do it basically. Me and Elder McCook have resolved to, when in ANY situation of teaching or contacting, we ask "who do you know would be interested?" or something like that. Basically, do what the back page of PMG says and seek referrals from EVERYONE! Because most of our strong investigators now came from referrals from other investigators!!!

 

Sunday went well also, we had Fast&Testimony meeting. Andrew, one of our investigators, showed up at church and even he got up there! He did pretty well for not being very familiar with Testimony meetings. We also had a great lesson in Priesthood about Dallin H. Oak's talk, "Good, Better, Best" which talks about how we must forego some good things to make use of the better and best things in our life, namely strengthening our faith in Christ as well as our family relationships. Kind of made me think... There isn't anything more important than those 2 things. And best of all, IF we do all we can to come closer to Christ and His gospel, then naturally our family relationships will become stronger as well. The 2 are inseperably connected. Never forget that the Family is the basic social unit of society, and that God intended it to be that way.

 

Anyways, I have to get going, but thank you everyone for the e-mails, I'm sorry fi I didn't reply to some of you, i wouldn't remember if I did or not! love you all!

 

-Elder Blumenthal

 

P.S. just some photos from Zone Conference last week. I forgot to upload them!

Week 20? You Serious?

Is it really week 20? Holy cow. That's like, 1/5 of my mission! That went by pretty quick. HAHA!

 

Okay well where to begin this week. The Zone Conference went amazingly well! We had Elder Kearon, a member of the first quorum of the seventy(!!!) address us. He is is awesome!! He joined the church at 26 years old. it was really funny hearing how he joined the church. he said "I couldn't believe that some young boy had a vision of God... In New York no less!!" Haha. But yeah, the spirit he radiates is awesome. He really pumped me up to go out there and spread the gospel.

 

We also saw Elder Wright, a member of the third quorum of the seventy, at Stake conference a few days later. He is an awesome speaker. He seriously is so humbled and zealous, you just KNOW the church is true after listening to him speak. haha. He was talking about a lot of things, but something I really remembered is him telling us that when we're discouraged, don't compare ourselves to other people. Do a personal spiritual analysis of ourselves, and if we are committed and trying as hard as we can, that's all that matters really.

 

Well I have to get going, today is a pretty busy P-day. We're having a thanksgiving P-day even though most of the zone is from Europe or Britain. haha!

 

Love you all, thanks for the e-mails, be sure to read and pray often.

 

-Elder Blumenthal

Thanksgiving Week!!

Hey everyone. Happy thanksgiving! We actually didn't even know it was thanksgiving on Thursday until a bunch fo members texted us and told us "Happy Thanksgiving!" And me and Elder McCook were all "Wait, its thanksgiving?!" then a bit later we're like "wait, these people are english, what the heck! how did they know?" Haha.

 

its kind of funny, someone came up to me and told me happy thanksgiving, and asked "they celebrate it alot more in America than England, don't they?" and I was just like... "you serious... its an American holiday!!!" haha. England is becoming pretty Americanized in a way. But at the same time its still really different.

 

For thanksgiving me and Elder McCook went out to eat. We actualyl didn't have dinner with a member that day! Haha. What are the chances. Anyways, I got a kebab, which is way different than anything in America really, but they are SO good. Elder McCook got mcdonalds. basically the best thanksgiving meal ever! Wish I would've taken pictures.

 

Anyways, this week is going to be really good, we've got Zone conference coming up with a general authority, and stake conference coming up with a DIFFERENT general authority!!! Haha. Its going to be awesome. I can't believe December is right around the corner!!! I better start playing Christmas Music.

 

Alright well, I still have to e-mail President Millar, I love you guys, thanks for the e-mails everyone. I hope I got to all of you!

 

-Elder Blumenthal

Mormon 9:15-16

Four Month Mark Today!

Today marks the 4th month that I've been out on my mission. Seems like just yesterday taht I was reporting to the MTC, but at the same time, not really. its weird.

 

Anyways, this week has been really good, we're preparing Abbey for her baptism and I'm excited for her. She's awesome! Right now I'm getting ready to go get a haircut from Calum at his house, hopefully he can cut hair good! haha! Going to be a good P-day today!

 

Another thing that's been on my mind lately is the Book of Mormon. I was just thinking of the common question: "Why do we need the Book of Mormon?" then I was reading some quotes from Ezra Taft Benson, who was really keen on the importance of "flooding the world with the Book of Mormon." There are loads of reasons to why we have the Book of Mormon, and there are loads of correct answers. For me, i think the Book of Mormon is there to show us that God truly does not leave anyone alone. The Nephites were visited by Christ and their entire lives changed just because, from that experience, they knew that they were not alone. The Book of Mormon shows us that God still speaks to us today through modern day prophets, it shows us that the fulness of Jesus Christ's gospel is so simple that a child can understand it. When we choose to complicate certain situations, or our own situation, in the eternal aspect of things, doubt enters our minds, and the adversary can have control over us and bring temptation into our lives. I invite everyone reading this to read from the Book of Mormon, ponder its message, and ask God if it is true. I know you'll receive an answer, because I have.

 

I have to get going but I'm thankful for all your letters and e-mails, I promise you all that when things look bleak, they WILL get better, if we have faith!!!

 

-Elder Skyler Blumenthal

 

Ether 12:6

Obama Won? Meanwhile, In England...

Well I couldn't much think of a clever title to this week's e-mail, haha. But yeah, the election was actually pretty publicized here. A lot of people are glad Obama won, but the only reason i'm discouraged is because if Romney won, it would've brought a lot of attention to the Church. Oh well, better luck next time I suppose!

This week was really great. We've been working with the same few people, but they're all really progressing well, and we hope to see Abbey baptized soon! So its going to be awesome. I need pictures of these people! But I keep forgetting to take them. This week I'll promise to take photos of everyone that we're teaching, or just people that we see often.

Anyways, among other things, its getting really cold here in England. Its getting harder and harder to cycle, haha! Because the wind rushing when you cycle down a big hill. I bought gloves the other day and now I am wearing my big winter coat religiously. Haha! Its not even December yet. The sun sets at around 5:00 here and by the time it hits December, it will start to get pitch-black outside at around 4:30 PM. How crazy is that?

Well I heard all the crazy news back home, everyone seems to be getting engaged and stuff! And they're mostly my age. What the heck!!! Haha. Anyways, sorry for the really short e-mail, I don't know what else to say. Elder McCook is a great companion, love the guy! We just sit there when we're bored quoting different general authorities in their voices, so funny. he can do a perfect Boyd K. Packer impersonation! HAHA!

Alright well, love you all, until next week! Hope you're all listening to plenty of Christmas music by now. Haha! We definitely are. We can't wait for christmas, i don't know why either. I don't even know what to expect as a missionary.

with love,

Elder Blumenthal

P.S. http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/what-thinks-christ-of-me?lang=eng 

speaking of Christ, here's a great talk from Elder Anderson at the last conference in April. So good!!!

Most Hilarious Week Ever.

Okay well we had transfers this week and i got paired up with Elder McCook. I think you guys already knew that, but yeah, great guy. So awesome. We actualyl had quite an effective week for me being in charge of the area and not knowing what the heck I'm doing! Haha!

 

Well anyways, last saturday we were chilling there having a good time, got back to the flat and noticed that neither of us have any keys. haha! We locked outselves outside of our flat!!! And the doors in england are stupid, they don't have handles or anything so yeah. But anyways Calum came over at like 10:00 at night from his house and was trying to use a stick through the letter box to open the door! It was so funny! He always does it at his house (he's a pro at breaking into his own house lol) but our door is funny so he couldn't get it open. So we had to call the Zone leaders, and they drove all the way from Crawley (about a 30-minute drive) to pick us up and bring us to their flat to sleep. Haha. On the way there I was like super loopy because I was so tired and I was just laughing at everything. i felt so bad for the ZL's because we had to wake them up so we could find a place to sleep.

 

Anyways, next morning (this is Sunday now) we get back to the flat because Brother Lambert says he has a spare key for our flat just for this situation. Well anyways, he comes over and finds that the key isn't working. What the heck!!! So we still can't get into our flat!! So we go to church all gross and scruffy looking, but we get back home and have Ryan pelham jump through our bathroom window. the window is like 6 inches wide and he somehow fit through it! It was so funny seeing his legs just dangle out of it. Anyways he got through and opened the door for us, it turned out that when Calum and I were trying to open the door with the stick that we hit the lock on the door, so that even keys won't open it. What the heck is the point of that!!! Haha so we finally got everything sorted out because Ryan could fit through a tiny window, it was so hilarious.

 

Anyways we had a fireside by president Millar at the chapel, it went really well and we had 3 investigators there. There was actually quite a bit of people that showed up to an event that basically me, Elder Wainwright and the Stones just came up with one day. Haha! So it was awesome that there was a good turnout.

 

Well i ahve to get running, but this week has been great, thank you everyone for your e-mails, and sorry if I haven't replied to your e-mails, this week has been a little funny with transfers and I think I might've read some of your e-mails and forgot to reply to them. I hope you all are doing all you can to stay strong in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as the 4th Article of Faith says, the first principles are Faith in jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy ghost. We should ALL strive to follow these simple principles, no matter how long we've been in the church. As we have faith in Christ, repent of any sins or wrongdoings that we've done, and renew our Baptismal covenenants as we take the sacrament each week, we feel the presence of the Holy ghost that we were promised when we were confirmed members of the church. Always remember that the Sacrament isn't just a routine thing, it is essential to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and helps us have the spirit with us each week.

 

Love all of you, hope to hear from you soon!

 

-Elder Skyler Blumenthal

Transfer Day!!

Early This Morning (3:34 AM)
I'm so sorry everyojne for the really short e-mail but I'll make up for it either later this week or (hopefully not) next monday.

Transfers were moved from a Wednesday to Monday because President Millar has a mission presidency meeting in Spain. So everything is really hectic right now and we have about 2 minutes to e-mail everyone and let them know that we are still alive but we have no time to e-mail today!!! But don't worry, I'll let everyone know how I'm doing later.

I've read all your e-mails, so don't worry everyone, they're great! 

About the transfer, Elder Wainwright is moving to High Wycombe! Which is somewhere in the Staines zone. Going to be pretty sad seeing him leave but he's been in Haywards Heath for 7 1/2 months!!! So it was his time. Haha. 

 I'm staying in Haywards Heath, and I'm getting a new companion Elder McCook. I have no idea who he is yet, haven't met him or anything, but he's been out for longer than me so he will be District Leader. Can't wait to meet him, but I'm pretty nervous to take over the area (I won't really be taking it over but I'm going to be in charge of knowing everyone and everywhere)! This week is going to be very busy, we have 3 baptismal dates set right now so we'll see how they work out as time goes!

Oh yeah and I'll upload some pictures when I next see you guys. We bought a YARD of Jaffa Cakes for only 4£ and me and Elder W thought it would be smart to eat them all in one go. 30 jaffa cakes each. Oh boy I was so close to puking. It was awesome. Jaffa Cakes are the best, I wish we had them in America.

Okay I have to get going, love you all, thanks for the e-mails, I really appreciate them. Until next time!

-Elder Blumenthal

Later That Day (10:22 AM)

Transfers was this week and so this may still be a short e-mail, I'm sorry! But I'll keep it down to the point.

We saw loads of people this week, but what was awesome was the last few days. We went to a bunch of people's houses, some who have not seen us in a while!!! We went to a woman named Lynn's house, she's so awesome, and her son William is the greatest! She and the Stones are good friends and their son Michael and William are friends too. His room is covered with Doctor Who stuff! I got pictures this time, because I've only been there once before and I never got the chance to take pictures. Haha! I also took a hilarious video of William playing as Doctor Who. HAHA!

We have been working recently on a fireside at our chapel for the stake where President Millar is going to be speaking! It's going to be so intense.

Oh yeah, I got a new companion, Elder McCook. The guy's awesome, he's so great. Anyways yeah hopefully he'll adjust well to the area and hopefully I can be a good example to him and I can be humbled to learn from him! He's going to be District Leader so luckily I won't have to deal with that. Haha!

I also attached some photos of the shenanigans of me and Elder Wainwright. He got a one-sie (i don't know how to spell it) from a girl in our ward, so he always wears it now in the flat. So funny. I also have some pictures of the food we got the other day, steak and kidney pies and scotch eggs. Scotchs eggs are SO GOOD! I don't think they have them in America, but they might.

There's also photos of a lady in our ward, Julia's kids who are just crazy.

Great Week! Lots Of Missionary Work!!!

This week was awesome. Early on in the week we had a night where 4 different people wanted to see us in the space of an hour and a half. So we had to literally do splits and do 2 lessons each. Crazy!! The members who we needed for splits weren't available so me and Elder W were kind of stressing because we didn't want to have to cancel appointments with anyone. So what we did was bring Calum with us on a split, and his dad Brother Boyd. It was so awesome! I stuck with Calum and we taught their friend Abbey and also his neighbors Wayne and Stasj (I can't spell). So powerful, I can't believe Calum has only been a member of the church for 8 days. He bore such powerful testimony, I couldn't help but smile as he was talking. Long story short, things went really well and we currently are preparing 3 people for baptism!!! Hopefully everything goes well with that. The Lord really blessed us with such strong people to see, and such amazing examples of member missionaries like Calum, Hannah and Brother Boyd (their dad.) The boyds are so awesome!!!

 

We had dinner at the Pelhams during the week, and i've never laughed harder on my mission. Ryan was making me crack up so hard. I think at one point I almost choked I was laughing so hard haha! And sister Pelham made us Burgers and Chips, which was awesome because it brought back memories of America! It was the best.

 

Anyways, later on in the week we had church and it went awesome. Calum blessed the sacrament; the first time he's ever been to sacrament as a priest!!! It was so awesome, I'm so glad I could be a part of him joining the church. We also had a woman from the ward come home from her mission and had a "Munch and mingle" thing after church, which was really great. I should have took pictures but I was too busy munching. Haha.

 

Well anyways I have to get going, but yeah this week is Elder W's last week in the area (most probably) and he's been here for 7 1/2 months. So we're going to be busy this week!!! We're going to get everyone around who ever knew him from before to come to church this Sunday. Its going to be packed!!!

 

I love you all, and thanks so much for writing me everyone! Until next week!

 

-Elder Skyler Blumenthal

Calum And Hannah's Baptism!!!

Well the moment had finally came, Calum and Hannah's baptism!!! It was awesome. I was really nervous though to baptize her. But apparently I did it right, so all is good.

 

I don't know what to say about it other than it was awesome. They were so happy and excited, and everyone we wanted came along! We could have had more members, but we saw them the next day for their confirmation. My favorite part is that we baptized 2 people who are so willing to share the gospel with others (they've already given out like 8 books of mormon, and a Gospel Principles book) that maybe they'll inspire other strong active members to get out there and share the gospel as well! We all have a duty to share the gospel, or at least help the missionaries in their efforts as much as we can, whether that be by going on split teaches with them, or even finding people for them to teach.

 

Anyways, the next day at their confirmation was even more powerful (for me.) Me and Elder W also got to take part in it as well, it was so great just being a part of that experience. If there is one thing I want to do right now more than anything, its introduce Hannah and Calum to everyone, in person. You would all just love them!

 

Alright well anyways, the rest of the week went well. Elder W broke the pedal off of his bike. Like, the actual pedal arm, just snapped in half. So Calum and his neighbor Wayne got the crank, popped it off, and replaced it with a crank from another bike, as well as the pedals. but in order for it to fit we had to literally bang out some dents in the bike frame and stuff. It was so funny, 3/4 of the time they were working on the bike, Wayne was just hitting something with a hammer. Calum's friend Eduardo was there, he speaks hardly any english (just spanish) so it was so funny just listening to him say random stuff.

 

I have to get going now, but thank you everyone for the e-mails! I know I probably haven't responded to all of you, but I wish I could have! If there is one thing I need to improve on, its finding time to write to everyone. I love the church and how much it brings families together, because after all, that's what is most important to us in life, is families. If I can suggest a chapter to read it would be Alma 12, the whole chapter. It's really interesting, it talks about the Plan of Salvation, or God's true plan for us.

 

Another thing I'd want to invite everyone reading this to do, is have Family Home Evenings on Monday nights. It doesn't have to be a 2-hour long sermon... Just something small, to bring unity to the family at home. I know life can get in the way, but setting time apart to have family home evening will make everyone happier. I promise!!!

 

I have to go now, love you all!

 

-Elder Blumenthal

Hey Everyone!! (And Pictures From Calum and Hannah's Wedding!!)

Elder Blumenthal's Mass E-mail:

Wow alright, I have a lot of apologizing to do. I was rushing today to get food for our Zone P-day today, and I didn't have time to actually write anyone, just read everyone's e-mails. So sorry! Next week I'll be much better. Hopefully.

Well anyways, today was awesome, we had a zone P-day and were playing football for like 3 hours. The greatest! And everyone brought food from their country. Elder Cantos made this really tasty french toast stuff, but he's from Spain so I guess its Spanish bread. And sister Naseem (she's from Pakistan I think) and Pallekonda (not sure where she's from) made some really good but REALLY spicy rice. 

Anyways, Calum and Hannah's wedding was the greatest. They are so awesome. They even sent us a text and told us that it wouldn't be possible without us. I know that's a lie but it felt so nice to be appreciated by those 2. They are so legit. I have a few pictures of them I'll upload for you guys! Their baptism is this weekend, I can't wait. I get to baptize Hannah and Elder Wainwright is baptizing Calum.

Well last week was pretty slow other than the wedding and such. We had a few people to see but many times they "can't see us right now" and such, so we hope to see them more often this week. We did get to teach this guy Sergiu, whose from Romania. He's really cool. He thinks its crazy that me and Elder W are here, doing missionary work, and not getting paid. Haha!

Conference was amazing. We saw just about every session except the last one. Inbetween sessions (we saw them at the Crawley chapel) we went out and knocked on doors haha. We actually got contact info from someone in the short 20 minutes we were out.

How did you guys like conference? What was your favorite talk? I can't remember them all, but the 2 I liked were Jeffrey R. Holland's talk and President Uchtdorf's talk (on Saturday Morning.) Those talks were awesome. I'm downloading Elder Bednar's talk right now cause I missed the Sunday afternoon session.

Can you guys believe the announcement?! Missionaries at 18 years old. And even more crazy (for me) Sister missionaries at 19!!! I already heard that Miriam is preparing for her mission right now. That's so legit. 

Alright well I have to go, so sorry for not e-mailing everyone if I couldn't get the chance. I'll write home sometime this week maybe! Love you all!

-Elder Blumenthal

Elder Blumenthal's Message That Came With Pictures:
I got a few pictures of Calum and Hannah's wedding. I wanted to get one with me, Calum and Hannah but Brother Babbage didn't know how to use my camera. HAHA! So we missed it. Oh well.

In the giant group photo, the guy right behind Calum's head is Brother Boyd, his dad. He's in our ward as well. That guy is so hilarious. He has the thickest scottish accent on earth, so whenever he makes a joke, I don't even hear what he just said but I just bust out laughing. Haha!! He kind of looks like dad too. And he does the same things as dad as well, he does (or used to do) landscaping and such. He's probably the only guy I've seen in England who doesn't use electric lawnmowers and weed-whippers (cause electric ones are lame!) 

Well got to go. Love you guys!

-Elder Blumenthal

Very Quick Bulk E-Mail For Everyone!

Hey all, sorry but I have to make this very quick. We're having a District P-day today, I have no idea what we're doing, but I'm not looking forward to it. basically because in the past, when we had P-days with lots of people we tended to never get a meal in, so I go the whole day hungry basically.

 

Alright anyways, enough about that. This week has been great! We went one exchanges, Elder peltier came to MY area with me, so I was in charge... SCARY. I had no idea what I was doing, haha. But I stuck to the plans that me and Elder W made the night before, and thigns went well! Elder Peltier is so amazing, I just have to say, that man has POWER. Seriously, we were in the flat just talking for an hour, because I've been having really hard trouble for a while, and he just basically said everything that I needed to hear (but some things I didn't want to.) On an unrelated note, he said that he served in Walter's zone while he was Zone Leader, and he was talking about how great a missionary that Walter was. Man, wish I could've at least served 1 transfer with him. Oh well. Haha.

 

Anyways, I'll upload some photos and videos, and I've got to be off. Thanks for all your e-mails, I haven't forgotten about you guys (those who I didn't respond to) but I just lose track of time when reading e-mails, haha!

 

The one with the guy kneeling is Calum, he's so funny. I just wanted to snap a photo of him for you guys. Me and Elder W gave them blessings for them to quit smoking, and they said ever since the blessing, they feel like they've never smoked in their lives. Priesthood power!!! I wish you all could meet them, they've changed my life.

 

I can't wait for this upcoming General Conference. Going to be so legit. Can't wait to hear what the Prophet has to say.

 

Anyways I have to go. Love everyone, hope everyone is doing well, and I know that this gospel is true. We just need to live it in order to realize how great it is!!!

 

 

Video of Elder Blumenthal!

Transfers Week! Woop Woop!

Wow, Already done with my first transfer, That's pretty crazy. Luckily, (or sadly, depends on how you see it) I'm going to almost definitely stay here for this transfer, since I'm being trained. I think it will be awesome because I will get to be here for Callum and Hannah's wedding!!!!

 

Alright well I am -10 minutes in so I really have to cut this e-mail short. This week has been pretty great, I was sick and in bed on Saturday for most of the day, I don't know what was in me but I felt really ill. But I feel a bit better now.

 

Church was ridiculous. We had that guy Andrew come again but he was hysterical, we had to calm him down really. Anyways, I think we did and we look forward to seeing him again. I think the problem is that he's just very confused with everything that's going on right now, and all the things that he thinks he knew about the gospel or about how to progress in this life, are changing. So yeah. But I have high hopes for him.

 

We took him to the temple earlier in the week, and committed him to be baptized in novemeber. Woohoo!!! Hopefully he will be ready by then, but that is plenty of time to prepare.

 

Alright well, as I said, my time is very limited so I have to go. Love you all! Hope you are all having a wonderful time. Keep strong in the gospel, and if you don't know what the gospel of Jesus Christ is, invite some missionaries over! HAHA

 

-Elder Blumenthal

Week 8: Work Is Going Well!

Well the week has been slightly slow, but there were a lot of cool things that happened.

 

I don't know if I ever wrote home about Shem, but an overview is: this big polish guy stopped US and was like, praising us, for what we do. haha! So we tried setting up an appointment to see him, and finally just this week we saw him and taught him the Restoration of the Gospel. Man, I love that guy. He just invites us over, gives us a bunch of food and is all "Yes guys, eat guys! its for you!" haha in his broken English accent.

 

Another cool thing was that Callum got to have his kids over after, like, months of not seeing them. We visited while they were over and got to meet the kids. man those kids were great, and you can just see the joy Callum has when being with his kids. We also taught Callum and hannah a few times through the week, and they are even putting their names on the "Dinner with Missionaries" list!!! Haha! They aren't even members yet!!! We ate Hannah's famous stuffed chicken, man it was SO GOOD. I forget what she put in it, but it was absolutely amazing. Haha

 

We also got to see Rushi again thsi week. i don't think i wrote about him. He's just a great guy from India who is having hard times, but he says that whenever he sees us he gets so happy and he is starting to pray lots and be comforted by Heavenly Father. now we just have to work on getting him to church! Haha. But yeah its always nice to see Rushi.

 

Well i had alot of pictures and a really cool video you guys would enjoy, but... I forgot my card reader!!!!!! So i can't upload any photos. I'm sorry everyone, I let you all down!!! :( But better luck next week, that gives me more time to e-mail everyone. haha.

 

Oh and we might be playing football again in the park today. Last week was crazy. Everyone called me "Zac Efron" for some reason, and the name just stuck, they only call me Zac now instead of Elder B or Elder Blue or something. Whatever haha. They call me Zac Efron cause they love High School Musical (what the heck?!) and I said this guy Jack Field looks like Zac Efron and he goes "Me? no way! You do!" or something haha, so it just stuck.

 

Alright I have to get going and e-mail my mission president. love you all, hope you're having a great time back home. I think I've already sent it already, but I want to say it again. We see so many of these members who are so happy to interact with us at church, but what makes me and Elder Wainwright most happy about the ward is the times when they take part in Missionary work. If you guys offer to go on splits or lessons with missionaries, or offer your homes for FHE with their investigator, or even give them referrals of your own, they will absolutely love you. When the ward works with the missionaries, everyone is happy!!!

 

I love you all, and what confidence that you guys give me. Until next week!

 

-Elder Blumenthal

Good Times In Haywards Heath

Well this week has been quite slow. A lot of the strong investigators we had before I got here have basically been "too busy" and such and we are not getting nearly enough lessons in... We have been resorting to contacting a lot of the day, and we have found lots of potential people to see, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will let us in for lessons.

 

But not all hope is lost. We have plans to play football with some kids in the park later on today. Gonna be so legit. I stink so bad at football though haha! Good missionary experience though, many of the people coming are non-members.

 

We went on exchanges earlier in the week, that was so legit. I went on exchange with Elder Oscarson, who is the coolest and nicest guy ever, but it was hectic! We go and do some service for a guy, then instantly I get exchanged AGAIN with the legendary Elder White... he's an AP and is almost done with his mission. That guy works way too hard. Haha! Every second he's either on the phone confirming plans or just stopping people to say hi to, man that guy is a great missionary. But yeah we went to some recent converts' house and ate dinner, the kids were bouncing up and down off the walls. Seriously, I did not know what was going on!!! They were yelling and jumping and everything. So funny.

 

I have to really cut this e-mail short, sorry... I just don;'t have much time. Anyways, I heard an amazing talk the other day by Jeffrey R. Holland (The greatest!!) Its a bit of an old one, called "None were with him." Go look it up and listen to it. Such power! If you ever are feeling alone, remember that you aren't! The savior went through ultimate loneliness, so we don't have to!!!

 

I have to go. I love everyone, and sorry for the very short mass e-mail. Bye!

 

-Elder Blumenthal

 

Very Hectic And Quick E-Mail!

Hey everyone! I think its week 6! Which is really crazy, it feels like week 2 or something..

Okay, I have to be quick because we are going to the London Temple today! With the awesome Zone leaders Elder Peltier and Oscarson! And I think with the rest of our zone, not too sure yet. But yeah, very pressed on time, but I will forsure bug my companion to let me send out some e-mails later today. I also need to get some pictures, I haven't been very good with taking pictures at all.

Well let me describe the week and how its been.

Callum and Hannah, those 2 golden investigators, have planned to be married in October!!! I'm so excited, and I'm invited to the wedding. Boo-yah! Then we basically gave them a baptismal date and they just loved it. So yeah, I'm really excited for those 2. 

We also met with this lady Tina who has like 120 kids or something. Its so ridiculous! They're all just running around the house. We met with her but her husband started yelling at us so we were all "Woops...." and just left. But!!! we came back to help her paint her house and she said her husband will be more understanding if we brought a girl or soemthing? What the? Oh well. So we plan on bringing a member with us next time to properly teach them.

We also met a guy at a train station, Alex, who is from Kenya, and we taught him a lesson and he was just so intrigued... It was so legit!!! But he only has like 2 weeks in his house, because his landlord/roommate is a turd, so yeah. We were just teaching and the landlord comes in and is all "Who are these people? you let them in MY house without telling me?" and me and elder W are all "I'm sorry sir, its our fault really." And he's just like "No, its Alex's fault!" and started yelling at alex. What the heck? haha.

We met with this guy Andrew who was kind of... interesting. He lives in a motor home even though he owns a flat... what the heck? Haha!!! But he's so kind and awesome. Its just funny because we asked him "Who is God to you?" and he said something like "We're all spirits. He is the trillions of spirits that make up our bodies..." or something. We were just like... "Uhmm yeah..." But he's really a cool guy. he said he saw Christ in the dust particles on TV 3 times in a row, and that he saw 3 lights in the night sky (UFO???) and eh said that was a sign to find the right church. I don't know the deal with that at all.... Haha... But he is very accepting so I'm excited to see him too.

Things are kind of slowing down for us. We have over 10 investigators who were progressing quite a bit, but many of them are slowing down... We think its because of the holidays here in England, august everyone is on vacation and such. But yeah, me and Elder W are worrying about them. But no worries, we'll get something done soon.

Okay I have to go because I should have e-mailed my Mission President first...

One more hilarious thing. We saw a slightly Less-Active member the other day, Brother Abott. He's just a goober, haha. But anyways, that's not the funny part. We were at the Field's house and they told us he was on X-factor. Yeah... What the heck?!?!?! I can't explain it, just look up "Lasly X-factor audition" Or soemthing like that. Its the one with an old guy. Oh my gosh. He was on TV and everything! How legit is that!!! Hahahaha and me and Elder W would just sit there in our flat laughing out loud at just thinking of the video.

I love you all. Stay strong in the Gospel. God knows your problems more than you do. 
DC 10:5 (Seminary scripture! Hahha!)
-Elder Blumenthal

Sighting of Elder Blumenthal!

A picture of Elder Blumenthal was sent to his family by a member from Elder Blumenthal's ward! What a blessing it is to see his face! :)

Week of Aug 13-20: I'm Starting To Warm Up!

This week has been so hectic, but then again I'm thinking every week will be on my mission!

 

Okay, where to begin. Well, I guess I can begin with the people that I've been working with.

 

Elder Wainwright and I have really warmed up to each other and we realize each others' strengths and weaknesses, and we are finally starting to plan effectively with each other. Usually I let him do all the planning because I didn't know what to do, but whatever I felt prompted to say to him, he'd say "yeah I was thinking the same thing." So its awesome to let the spirit guide my planning and working.

 

The other day we went to Uckfield, which is like a billion miles away. Since its so far there's almost no work done there at all... Anyways, we had to walk in the heat (yeah, it was hot that day!) for like 3 or 4 hours because our appointments kept falling through and we couldn't bring our bikes on the bus. But we did see some weird South African family, who basically only lets us in because Elder Wainwright is also from South Africa, and they just talked about it all day. THey're inactive, mostly because of the husband. I've met with 3 or 4 families where the only thing keeping the whole family strong in the church is the dad. What the heck? I firmly believe that men are way more easily thrown off track from the gospel than women, at least from what I've seen. Its so sad seeing a father not apart of the church, and just thinking "What if their kid needs a blessing, he can't even give his own son/daughter one... He has to call someone else up..." its just so sad! I'm glad dad is strong in the church with you guys back home, and that he gives blessings all the time. The Priesthood is a huge blessing from God, we should never forget that.

 

Anyways, on the bus to uckfield, which was like an hour long, there was this weirdo getting on the bus! Like literally, cookoo crazy. he jsut kept saying "Friday, the first of january! Friday, its new years day! Its 1993!!" And I was about to bust out laughing. It was so random! And he kept yelling it. Poor guy, haha. A lot of the people here in our area work at care homes for old or disabled people. like at least 80% of our investigators work in that field. Its kind of odd.

 

Okay so anyways, here's something that has been getting on my nerves. Elder Wainwright eats his ham sandwiches with Margarine and Cream Cheese. I told him thats gross and he just calls me picky... What the heck?! Please, anyone, and everyone from home, try convincing him that in America we eat sandwiches with either Mayonnaise or Miracle whip, not with Butter (or margarine) and Cream Cheese... He thinks that since I'm from Nevada I don't know what everyone else likes in the rest of the states. But I'm sure that I've never been to a subway where they spread Margarine on your sandwich with cream cheese. That is just disgusting.

 

The food here is really nice, I haven't yet had something that's been entirely disgusting. Apparently curry is a huge thing here and that everyone eats it, but I haven't had any curry yet... I'm thinking their idea of curry is different than ours.

 

A weird thing was, at this ward picnic the other day, we were all playing frisbee and football (soccer) and forgot about dinner. Sister Lambert (Ward Mission Leader's wife) yelled "Elders, your tea is getting cold!" so I ran over and I said "my tea is getting cold? What tea?" Apparently they call dinner here Tea. What the heck?! So when you're having a quick meal or something for dinner, you call it tea. Haha what the heck?

 

I have 3 minutes on the computer and I forgot to write Catelyn... Sorry cates!!! But here's a shoutout to you in my bulk letter! Love you! And hope work is going well for you, and that the dogs aren't driving you entirely insane. How are they anyways?

 

Well i have to go. Love you all!

 

-Elder Skyler Blumenthal

 

(Next week I'm going to upload some pictures and videos I'm sure you'll all love.)

First Week Out On The Mission Field!

Woah, its already been about a week on the mission field.

Well, I am definitely now starting to feel homesick. Well not really homesick, but just uncomfortable. The MTC was such a great training experience, but you can only be taught so much before you just have to experience it for yourself.

Anyways, I'll recount what's happened over the last 2 weeks.

We had our MTC farewell, I and everyone else were crying like babies. I miss everyone that I met there!!! It feels like I knew every one of those elders for life, and it was only 3 weeks that I was there. I was really depressed when I had to say goodbye to Brother Rojas, one of my teachers. He was just so awesome, I can't really describe it. I didn't get any pictures of him I don't think, DANGIT, but he looks and reminds me of Jenelle's friend Daniel kind of. At least thats how I remember him. Anyways he was just so funny, a great teacher and was really patient with our district, because we were mischevious. (just kidding, haha)

I also am really going to miss Elder Jensen and Elder Watt. Elder Jensen is from Orem utah, and is J.E. Jensen's (President of the seventy) grandson! How legit is that! Anyways yeah we were roommates and he was just so cool of a guy, I am truly going to miss him.

Elder Watt was from Scotland, I forget what exact part of it though. Anyways just the things he said was so hilarious, I can't even count how many times I was brought to tears from laughing at the stuff he said. His accent was awesome too! It really is hard to explain but when someone has a strong accent from another country it sounds like they're faking it almost haha. Anyways, yeah Elder Watt and Jensen went to Birmingham and London mission, so I won't see them for 2 years :-/ (or forever.) Elder Dominguez and Elder Mather were in my district as well and they're going to different missions, so I'm going to miss those guys too. Everyone else that was in my district are in London South, so I'll see them at least by Christmas (apparently the whole mission gets together on Christmas.)

Anyways enough talk about the MTC, It makes me sad.Haha. We get to the mission office or whatever after a long bus drive with Steve. by the way, Steve was the chef for the MTC, but also drove a bus and other big rigs (Like how dad can) AND he's an operah singer. And a really good one at that. Its so funny.

Anyways we get there and our mission home is AT the london temple. They have a visitor's centre in there which is just so awesome, but I didn't get time to look around it was too busy. Maybe on holiday or something I could look around there more.

I saw Walter Coe just as he was leaving home. I got a picture with him and his parents who were there picking him up. Pretty nice to see a familiar face!

So anyways, transfers. I got paired up with a guy named Elder Wainwright, he's from South Africa but he's white. What the heck?! Anyways he's pretty cool, he always says "That's the BUSINESS!" But he says it funny because of his accent. He's only been out for 4 1/2 months so he's almost as new as I am, but I have confidence he will train me well.

My area is in Haywards Heath. Don't ask me where that is, I have no idea. Every day we've gotten on the bikes I've forgotten where the heck I am. Haha! Anyways, our area is doing REALLY well and I came in at a great time. We have 7 people committed for baptism, one of which already has a date set. I didn't have much to do with any of those but its nice to see the area grow.

My first day wasn't so bad, we met with this guy Josh, a member who is my age. He was having doubts about going on a mission but now he's preparing to go. He's such a great guy, just so likeable. Anyways after that we met with the Pelhams who I've already told mom a bit about, their son just left on a mission to Virginia (I think) in the US, and sister Pelham is JUST like mom. She's constantly talking about her son and him on his mission, how she missed him so much, yada yada yada. Haha

The rest of the week wasn't actually too hard. The hardest part for me so far is the cycling. We have to bike... A LOT. And its killer on my legs. I just can't keep up. I ate waaaay too much before I left. So yeah I'm getting used to that. My bike still had the stupid bike seat without an Allen wrench to adjust it, but we got my companion's bike fixed and then we swapped, so I'm good with that now.

Another hard part of my mission is just... KNOWING the doctrine. I left the MTC confident, but got here and realized that I didn't use Personal and companion study wisely enough. I still am not sure if I study enough. I hardly know any teaching skills,  scripture references, what have you... So I'm just going to pray and hope for the best, and try my best, cause that's all I can do.

I want to talk about a few investigators we've seen, but I only have a few minutes left to write. Callum is this cool guy who used to be in like... a gang, or something, and Hannah is his girlfriend. They live together and Callum is just a FANATIC about the book of Mormon. He is just solid on the idea of it all and has a strong testimony, and we saw him at church too. Its so awesome to see firsthand someone who is converting into the gospel. Hannah isn't necessarily against the church at all, but she just isn't sure yet. But I know that through the influence Callum has on her, and the changes that Callum has made in his life, she's going to see how true the gospel really is. He is already quitting smoking and drinking, and planning on marrying Hannah this coming month so they can get baptized.

Another interesting guy is some dude named Shem. We were just riding our bikes to help a member move a TV, and we said "Hey! how are ya!" to a guy (like we always do.) He just comes up and starts shaking our hands and stuff and was like... really excited. He's like "My name is shem, I'm from Poland!" and he's HUGE! Like he must work out 24/7, he's ripped. Anyways he says he has a friend whose catholic and he's catholic, and he invited us to come to his house for food! We haven't even seen this guy before! Haha. Anyways yeah, we haven't met with him yet but I have some pretty high hopes for him.

Well I am off to write the mission president. I love you guys! I wish I could spend more time writing you all, but this library is pretty strict on time and stuff. What the heck. Tell Jordyn Happy Birthday!!! And Colton happy birthday when his comes up. Or has it already? I forget both of their birthdays. Jordyn is August 9th right? And Colton's is August 19th? I think? Crap, How can I forget their birthdays!!!!

Your son/brother/friend,

Elder Blumenthal