Migraines and Miracles

Hey yall! Well it's been another great week in Manchester YSA.

Well last pday was a little crazy. My companion has been having headaches for like 6 weeks and we tried literally everything to relieve them and the British health care is so bad that we weren't able to get a doctors appointment until a couple weeks ago. The general physician didn't know what was wrong so he sent us to a neurologist but that appointment wasn't scheduled to happen until today. So last Monday it got really bad and our mission nurse and mission president were concerned a couple other weird symptoms she had and so they  told us to go to the hospital. So we spent 7 hours at the A&E (ER). She got a CT scan and luckily it came back normal. But we still had no answers. The neurologist today gave her the diagnosis of chronic migraines and git her some good meds so hopefully they work!

Despite that, Sister Westover and I are working super hard and have seen countless miracles.  The other day, we only had an hour to go finding and we found 4 new investigators #blessed! We also had a girl call us and tell us that she's met with missionaries in the past and she wanted to come meet with us that same day. We retaught her the first lesson and dated her for baptism March 15. So hopefully all goes well. She's so cute! She's from China but grew up in England. Her names Chuyen!

Another miracle was a member referred us to her friend Frank. We gave him a chapel tour and he asked lots of really good questions. One if them being "Why are Mormons always so happy?". We gladly answered that and he's agreed to meet with us next week.

Our final miracle is Lucy! A couple weeks ago she walked into the church and basically asked to be an investigator. Ahhhh I love her so much! We met with her and taught her the Plan of Salvation with our senior couple the Quinns'. It took 2 and a half hours but it was probably the best lesson I've been apart of. So many good questions and the spirit was so strong. She came to church her 3rd time. We are hoping to date her for baptism next week.

So we have definitely seen the Lords hand numerous times throughout this week.  With the chaos going on in the world around us, it's easy to wonder if there even is a God. I learned this week that only 4% of the people in England go to church. Which is crazy to me because there's SO MANY CHURCHES everywhere. But they're all empty. We're in a very lost and confused world. I encourage you all this week to look for the hand of God in your life. I promise ya, he's there:)
2 Nephi 2:14 And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon.

Love yall! Cheers

Sister Gilland

 

Five Months and Finally!

Hi everyone! This week was really good! We celebrated Chinese New Year and Valentines Day so lots of fun! Also I hit my five month mark and also got my first baptism! So exciting week!

So my Valentines Day was spent at Zone Conference! I really love Zone Conference because I learn so much and just want to better myself as a missionary so it was a good day! After Zone Conference, my companion and I met with a few YSA sisters and we all had a 'Galentines Day' Dinner and then went out finding! So fun!

On Thursday, all us missionaries and a lot of the YSA members did a street display to invite people to our Chinese New Year Party that we had on Friday. It was so fun to do it with the members. I think in total, we as a district got like 20 new investigators. So good! The next day was the party and it was such a good turn out! Since like half the YSA Ward is Chinese, we had lots of authentic Chinese food and games and it was so fun!

We taught our friend Lucy from London the restoration on Friday and she loved it. She had lots of really good questions. She is learning right now because she's just curious about us but I'm confident that she'll soon see that what we're teaching is true. She came to church on Sunday and loved it. I'm excited to see her progress!

Saturday, my golden investigator in my previous area, Pat was baptized! I was in the best mood that day. Even though I was sad that I was unable to attend the baptism, my heart was so full of love for this gospel and my sacred opportunity to share it here in England. I was able to call Pat before and I could tell in her voice how excited and ready she was. I can't even express how happy I am to be apart of her conversion. She is amazing! I didn't think that I'd hit my 5 month mark before I got my first baptism but I have really learned that God does prepare His children. I know that God has a work for me. He has a work for all of us!

I've really come to love teaching the message of the resoration to people. I try to do it as much as I can on the street. The more I teach it, the more I know of its truthfulness. I read in Joseph Smiths History this week and couldn't get through verse 16 and 17 without tearing up.

16... "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
17... When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

I've probably quoted this a million times but it hit me super hard for some reason. I'm so grateful for Joseph Smith and his work in bringing about this church- the church of Jesus Christ. I feel so blessed to be apart of this work.

Anyways that was my week! Hope you're all doing well! Love yall!

Sister Gilland
England Manchester Mission

Pics:
Zone Conference
YSA Street Display
Pat's Baptism!
Shout out to my mom & AnnaClaire & Noelle for the parcels
My Welsh Tag came in! & My Mandarin Tag has been ordered! #Trilingual

Ni hao From Manchester!

Wow what a week! On Tuesday, I headed to Manchester Piccadilly train station BY MYSELF with 3 pieces of luggage. Luckily the whole YSA crew was there to welcome me! There are 2 sets of Elders and 2 sets of Sisters. Well to start off, I was absolutely shocked to get called to YSA.  This area is very focused on Chinese speakers and President McReynolds wants to get more English speakers at YSA so he is having Sister Westover and I's primary finding focus be on English speakers.

Sister Westover and I are literally best friends. We are so similar! We both have a goal to eat better and go running every morning bright an early at 6:30! She's amazing! Also she's fluent in Chinese because she lived in China for some time. My first night, I woke up to her speaking Chinese in her sleep. Slowly but surely, I will learn Chinese! Lol just kidding it's impossible. But I have learned to say 'hello', my name, 'repent' , and 'baptize'. I think that pretty much covers everything!

As a missionary at YSA, you spend ALL your time street contacting on the famous, Oxford Road. There's no tracting. Just street displays and street contacting. SO different from my previous area. But it has been a blast so far. We are always so busy! Manchester is amazing! I love the city vibe so much! Plus the 6 other missionaries here are so fun! We're like a little family. And we also have a senior couple here, the Quinns' and they're from the blessed land of Texas! Also the ward is great! This is my first time in YSA like ever so it's super new but I love it!

So the day after I left Birkenhead, Pat had her baptismal interview and PASSED. Next week she will be baptized! I'm so excited for her! It was really hard saying goodbye but I am so happy for her and I'm so amazed how much she's grown! Unfortunately I won't be able to attend the baptism. But I'll be able to Skype in!

Sister Westover and I have already seen so many miracles! We fasted together on friday and that day, a girl named Lucy walked in the chapel and asked for a tour and then said she wanted to come to church on Sunday! What?! She came to church and loved it and wants to learn more! We are super excited!

Well that's my week! I absolutely love Manchester! I want to challenge you all to really strive to have meaningful personal prayers this week! It can be so easy to get distracted by all the chaos of the world but don't forget you have a father in heaven that loves you and wants to hear from you!
Moroni 7: 48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

Cheers,

Sister Gilland 💕

Pics:
1-Sister Gaugau and I waiting for my train, it was a long day haha.
2-New comp!
3-Cute sisters in my district from Taiwan
4-Manchestaaaa
5-Our Church Building- Not so typical

Manchester, I'm Coming for Ya!

Transfer Calls!!
Well my email title gave it away haha but I will be going to MANCHESTER YSA (Young Single Adult) WARD. My new companion is Sister Westover from Highland, Utah!! She's amazing! My mission is both English and Mandarin speaking and Sister Westover is Mandarin so that'll be crazy!  We have been out the same amount of time so we're both a couple of newbies.  I'm so excited to serve in the 'Big City'!

Well that was the biggest news of the week but here's some additional highlights!

Funeral and Exchanges
On Tuesday right after district meeting, we went to our investigator Pat's partner's funeral. It was held at our church. It was a really good service but of course super sad. Pat just looked really upset and confused. But she said if it weren't for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, she would be in a much worse state. She has been getting some family persecution but she's not having any of it. She's still on track for February 17! I'm so excited for her!  
After the funeral, we went on exchanges in Runcorn with the STL's which was pretty fun. I got to go with Sister Pogisho from Namibia. She's so fun and we had a blast!

This whole week, the ward assumed I was getting transferred and they know I love pizza and so we've had it almost every day. I didn't complain one bit.

Saturday was so so fun! Us and the Elders made the most of our last day together and went to KFC (lol) and then did a street display and followed that with a blitz (multiple companionships tracting on the same street) and then we had dinner (Pizza!) and ward coordination at our Ward Mission Leader's home. 

It was a tough time saying goodbye to my ward. A couple of tears were shed. I cant believe 1/4 of my mission has been spent here.  I really have come to love this area. This ward will always be special to me. I did a lot of growing here, spiritually. I will definitely miss Birkenhead but I'm excited for a change! Onto the next chapter!

Spiritual Thought
How many times have we asked the question, "Why me?" I was reading in what is now my favourite section of the D&C section where Joseph Smith is in liberty jail and has endured  countless trials. He asks the question, "Oh God, where art thou?" Verse 7 & 8: 
7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. 
Now there have been countless trials in my life that I have not exactly endured very 'well'. But I have seen on my mission the blessings and benefits of enduring the trials as well as possible. I encourage y’all to look to the saviour during those times because it is in those times when we truly need Him the most! 

Love you all! Email me! 
Sister Gilland 💕

PICS! 
1-Tracting is lyfe.
2-Last ward coordination. Elder Risk and I have been transferred!
3-#DietCoke
4- Grateful for these 3. My fam the past 12 weeks. 

Curveball After Curveball

Hello everyone! How are yall?? My week was alright, I had some of the best fish n chips of my life...but lots of hard and annoying things happened. Satan is definitely aware of missionaries and our dated investigators.

Pat
So things with Pat have gotten a bit difficult. In the two weeks that we've known her, she has lost her partner of 40 years, her dogs, and her house. She suffered from a stroke, and she's experienced difficult family circumstances. Anyways, she's been sick this week and we visited her nearly every day and sadly we had to reschedule her baptismal interview because of illness. By postponing the baptismal interview, we have had to postpone the baptism to February 17.
I was disappointed, upset, and completely heartbroken, because I know how ready she is for this. I've seen her grow so much and it just buggs me how everyone is dragging their feet!

Mahmoud
On Saturday, on the bus, a man looked at me and said in an unfamiliar accent that I just  looked so happy! He sat down and saw my tag and said "Oh that's why! You represent Jesus Christ!" Well we got to talking and his name is Mahmoud and he is from Jerusalem (crazy huh?). He was brought up Muslim but was very interested in learning more about the church. I told him to come church the next day and he said he would and guess what...HE CAME! Lol he showed up at the Catholic church nextdoor and we ran over and got him the heck outta there. He was working so he couldn't make it to sacrament but we were able to just go in a classroom and teach him the restoration. And then all of the sudden I heard myself asking him if he wanted to be baptized. Well he said he would and we have him dated for February 24! Unfortunately he lives in Liverpool so he's not technically in our area so we will probably teach him a bit and then refer him to the missionaries in Liverpool. He works at a Chippy in Birkenhead so he said we can come by for free food whenever we wanted. #tendermercy

Transfers Approaching
Ok so the transfer is coming to an end! Transfer planning is THIS WEEK and we should get a call Saturday or Sunday letting us know who's gettin the boot. The ward is well aware that transfers are next Monday so we are fully booked in tea appointments. I'm most likely to get transferred because I've been here the longest . But I don't know, I think I might stay! We'll see! Maybe I'll get transferred to Liverpool and get to teach Mahmoud!

Well this week honestly felt like one bad thing after the other. It's frustrating to have to deal with all of Satan's curveballs but I know there is a purpose behind each one. I realized this week how crucial it is to really forget myself. Forget my thoughts, worries, concerns, problems, etc and really do my absolute best to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. I was reading in D&C section 98 and came across a verse that really struck me.
"3 Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord."
The word 'immutable' is super powerful. It means that the covenants we make with the Lord  cannot change. Later we will see that all of life's challenges or afflictions, were for our good. He will always fulfil his promises as long as we do our part! Always.

Love you all! I'm so excited to hear Federer won the Australian Open! Numba #20!
Have a good week everyone! Email meee!

Sister Gilland 

1- Someone at a street display gave me a bubblegum flavored soda. Lol it was so bad.

2- tribute to Federer's big W yesterday! #trunky 

 

 

Quite the "Stroke" of Bad Luck

Hello everyone! I hope y'alls week was good! This week has been amazing but let me just say, it's been a eventful. 

New Prophet
First off, it was amazing to see the announcement of the new Prophet. I mean we all pretty much knew but I think it's great that the church made it public.  I remember being 9 years old when President Thomas S. Monson was called. He really was the Prophet of my youth. I miss him but I am so grateful that the church will always have a prophet leading and guiding us. I know President Nelson will be an amazing leader!

Pat!
On Monday, we got a call from our golden investigator Pat telling us that her partner of 40 years (basically husband) passed away.  It was kind of expected.  He drank a lot and he was having liver failure. Despite this tragedy, Pat is still so strong. She said that even though she lost David, she still has this gospel! She's also given up tea and coffee!  Anyways, Sunday, she came to church and we taught her a lesson and then my companion and I went to choir practice with the ward and when we came out of the chapel, we saw an ambulance in the car park and PAT WAS IN IT. So we ran outside and told Pat we loved her and that everything was going to be ok. Then they drove off. It was like a scene from Grey's Anatomy honestly. But as they were leaving, Pat told us she would see us at her house on Tuesday for our lesson. She went home later that day. They think she had a mini stroke  (hence, the punny subject title). We are still planning on a February 3rd Baptism! She's quite the fighter. Keep her in y'alls prayers!
(Lol I'm sorry if the subject title crossed the line but it was too clever not to use + Pat is alive and well so not to worry!)

Surprise Speaker @ Zone Conference
Thursday was Zone Conference in Crewe! President McReynolds is doing this new thing where he asks us all to prepare talks and he chooses 3 'lucky' missionaries to get up and speak in front if everyone.  I thought I'd be off the hook because this is only my third Zone Conference but NOPE!  Me and two elders from Germany and New Zealand each got called up to speak 10 minutes on how a deep understanding of my purpose as a missionary guides my planning and actions each day. Yikes. Haha but it went alright. It was super intimidating being in front of tons of missionaries who have been here a lot longer than me, as well as President and his wife #nopressure.

Well I started Doctrine & Covenants at the beginning of the year and this week, I came across my mission plaque scripture found in section 84.  Verse 88: "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
One of the biggest things I've learned is when I'm at the end of my rope emotionally and spiritually and physically, and then God asks me to go a little further, if I have the faith to do it, to let go, I look down and realize at that moment that I haven't dropped because there are angels round about me to bearing me up! I know that God is definitely aware of me and he's aware of all y'all!

Well that was pretty much my week! I hope you're all doing good across the pond! Keep Pat in yalls prayers! Shoot me an email:) have a good week!xx

Sister Gilland 

Pics- 

1- This is for my brother-in-law Miles, Royal Liverpool Golf Course- famous golf course that is in the Open championship rotation. 

2- My adopted Grandparents, the Fieldings. I LOVE senior couples.

3- Zone Conference

We've Struck Gold!

This week was amazing!  After lots of prayer and WEEKS of finding, I'm proud to say that we have found what appears to be a golden investigator. The Lord really does prepare the hearts of his children. They may be few in number here in England, but they exist!

On Wednesday, we got a call from a man in the ward who was referring his sister in law. He said she'd love a visit. Her name is Pat and she's in her early sixties. She has been investigating the church for years.  When we showed up and sat down, she said before we even began, "I want to join the Mormon church". My jaw was on the floor. I honestly thought I was in a dream. My companion and I have both yet to get our first baptism and we could barely contain ourselves. She was curious about life after death so we went on to teach her the Plan of Salvation and then we dated her for February 3 (3 days before transfers!). She came with us to church and stayed the whole time! She already has an amazing support system because she's related to half the ward lol (not kidding). Her nephew is the bishop and will be baptizing her! Legit had tears in my eyes when she said the words, "You two will be the missionaries that brought me to the church." But really, it wasn't even us.  Member missionary work is the way to go. We really couldn't have done this without them. Ahhh she's so prepared! Pray for Pat everyone!

As a district, each companionship got someone on date for baptism! That's like never happened! 

This week was also amazing because we had dinner appointments EVERY night and a couple of lunch appointments as well. Meanwhile, I'm praying I don't gain a stone. Also I'm praying I don't ever leave this area. I'd be down to spend my whole mission here. Every area I serve in is going to be compared to this ward. 

This upcoming week we have Zone Conference which outta be good. I'm excited to see everyone and President and Sister McReynolds and the mission fam. 

Since I'm the most humble person on earth, I had yet to read the famous talk given by Ezra Taft Benson in 1989  'Beware of Pride' until this week! (Hopefully you caught my sarcasm). But this talk was so helpful and really helped me take a step back and evaluate myself. One thing he said was, "When pride has a hold on our hearts, we lose our independence of the world and deliver our freedoms to the bondage of men’s judgment. The world shouts louder than the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. The reasoning of men overrides the revelations of God, and the proud let go of the iron rod."
I think lots of us are unaware if how prideful we are. I know I definitely am. I challenge you all this week to pray for humility. It is something that we should always strive to improve day to day.

Also, I think my body is getting used to the weather here. I'm not constantly shivering anymore! Must be my warm heart ;)!

I'd love to hear from you all! Thanks for the prayers! England is amazing, I know I was definitely supposed to come here! 

Sister Gilland💕

Bundle Up Bud!

Hellooooo! It's been dead cold here and guess what... our heater broke again!! Usually tends to break when it gets the coldest. Lol send prayers.

Happy first week of 2018! It's crazy cuz a couple weeks ago, when people would  ask me when I was going home and I was like "lol 2019..." but now I can say "next year" and that blows my mind haha. I hit 4 months this Saturday... weirddddd.

Ok enough trunky talk lol this week was pretty good! The past few weeks have been super crazy with the holidays and this week we actually got to work and hit it hard. My comp and I found the most investigators in the zone this week so that was super good. Not a lot of super serious ones but hopefully we can change that this week! It was super cold this week and WINDY. Which made for some LONG nights tracting but it's all good. We really didn't have any super crazy things happen this week.

Something kinda sad that happened was our most progressing investigator, Callam, dropped us. I was pretty sad just because how hard we worked on him. I could see in his face that he so needed this gospel. Hes had a lot of hard things happen to him and I just knew this gospel would save him. But I KNOW that we will not be the last missionaries he talks to. I KNOW that eventually, he will know for himself that thus gospel is true. I KNOW one day, he will make it to the waters of baptism.

On Wednesday morning, we woke up to a text from my mission President about the death of our beloved Prophet, Thomas S. Monson.  What an incredible example of serving the Lord diligently and enduring to the end. I invite you all to go watch his most recent conference talk from 2017 April General Conference and heed his counsel to read the Book of Mormon. I don't think I ever had a true understanding of the Book of Mormon until I came out on my mission. I invite you all to really take time and make it's priority to study it daily.

Oh something really great that happened this week was we were calling by a less active lady whom we had never met. She's like mid 50s. Anyways we knocked 3 times and no answer and right as we were leaving, she pulled up in the driveway! She invited us in and we had a lovely chat and she told us she'd come to church Sunday and guess what... SHE CAME!

I really don't have much else to say this week. We were crazy busy and this week literally flew! I hope you all are doing well! Know that I love each of you and pray for you daily! I appreciate the love and support I've gotten! Have a good week

Pictures!
1- Selfie of me and my comp while waiting for the bus.
2- BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT TO MY MUM (trainer) SISTER MENLOVE. HAPPY 21st!!!!

Sister Gilland 💕

Christmas With The Kennys

HELLO 2018
Hiya everyone! This week was one of the best weeks of my mission! So so good! Missions have lots of ups and downs and this week seemed to have a lot of ups! 

Back to the Grind 
Well the day after Boxing Day we went right back into missionary mode and had a District Meeting. After that, the 10 of us did a street display which went super well. Found two new investigators that we will follow up with this week!  

Exchanges in Runcorn!
I went on exchanges with my Sister Training Leader, Sister Sutherland (from Jamaica) in Runcorn. It was pretty good. I just really love my area and being away from it makes me legit homesick!  lol everyone please pray I don't get transferred...like ever. 

CHRISTMAS WITH THE KENNY'S 
Highlight of my week was definetly Thursday night. The Kennys are a family my dad baptized (I've mentioned them before). Well my presisent gave us permission to go outside our zone to their house up in Liverpool for tea! Brother and Sister Kenny have 5 grown up kids, and 13 grandchildren and they were ALL THERE. Crammed into a tiny English house #typical. But I gotta give thanks to my dad because I was treated like royalty over there. They have our Family Christmas card framed haha so cute! They gave us lots of presents and food to take home too haha #blessed. It was so fun being with a family that means so much to my dad! 

**Explanation for the Subject Line**
So apparently my dad may have needed a little push to go on his mission so he may have been bribed by my grandparents with a Porshe waiting for him for when he got home. I've heard this story from my mission president (who's brother served with my dad) AND again for the Kenny's. So dad what car do I get when I get home????

Talk in Sacrament 
On Christmas Eve, Bishop asked me to give a talk on the following Sunday! Seriously?! Haha but it was ok. One of the Elders spoke too. I had to speak for 20 minutes on the Role of Righteous Women.  The Kenny's came too which was really nice of them! AND they brought us another bag of food haha they're seriously the best. 

Well I finished the Book of Mormon on the LAST DAY of 2017! I started it my first day at the MTC! It was so good to end the year with that. When I finished, the spirit just confirmed everything I already knew to be true. I'm so grateful for the Book of Mormon. I know that it truly is another testament of Jesus Christ! 

Challenge!
Ok this is a big one, I may not even be able to do it but I was challenged by an old seminary teacher to read the ENTIRE standard works (Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Docterine Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price) in 365 Days.  That's 7 pages a day folks!  If I don't finish by the end of 2018, I at least want to finish by the time I'm done with my mission. Lucky for me, I have an hour of personal study every day so I've got it easy! But I encourage you all to do that! 

Happy New Year Folks! All y'all should shoot me an email cuz most of you haven't since last year ;) (hahahah I'm so funny)! Anyways, Tara' til next week! 

Sister Gilland 💕

Sorry no pics this week! Hopefully by next week I get the pics that I took at the Kenny's! 

First Christmas From Across the Pond

Hello friends and FAM! I hope you all had an amazing Christmas.  My week was really good. Christmas in England is magical!

My Christmas started off a bit bitter sweet. On Christmas Eve, my Grandmother passed away peacefully. While this for me was a lot to take in, I'm happy to know that she was only separated from her eternal companion for 30 days and she is now reunited with him as well as all of her friends and family and of course, her Heavenly parents. I'm so grateful for the many things she taught me and all the things she did for me. My heart aches that I can't be with my family at this time but I know there's no better place for me to be than here.

Well other than that, my Christmas was still very special. On thursday, the ward got together and did caroling at a homeless shelter which was really fun. On Christmas Eve, our ward had a music program performed by the choir. Lol they had us 4 missionaries participate and sing Away In A Manger- so scary! (btw, none of us can sing!!). The ward was so giving to us and got us so many presents! So blessed! On Christmas day, we went to the Mckee family's house and it was so fun.  It was so good to see my family on skype! We had tons of yummy food and games too.

Today is Boxing Day which is just kinda like second Christmas! You get a yummy dinner, and you're usually around family. And theres tons of sales in stores. We are supposed to ge going shopping and then going to Bishops house for food and games but my companion is unfortunately feeling sick so we may be in the flat all day so that blows but hopefully we can be back at it tomorrow.

I hope all of you had an amazing Christmas! I'm sad that it's over! But I'm grateful that I have another Christmas out here in the field. It really has been an unforgettable Christmas for me. Love yall! Have a Happy New Year!

PS im so sorry if my emails have been coming more than once or not sending at all. I'm hoping I figure out this whole email thing at some point lol.

Sister Gilland 💕

1- mErRy ChRiStMaS!
2- our tree with tons of presents from the sweet ward!
3- the card table (our wards tadition- everyone receives a pile of Christmas cards)
4- Christmas morning
5- Christmas dinner 10/10
I'm such a rookie and I forgot to take the cliche screenshot of my Skype call with my fam. Oh well haha.

An EMM Christmas and Transfers

Well Hiya everybody! I forgot to mention in my last email that my pday for this week and next is gonna be on Tuesday because of the holidays. Well now ya know!

EMM Christmas Party
On Thursday, we got to go party with the half mission all day. It was so fun! We got there around 10 AM, mingled, sang Christmas songs, ate tons of amazing food, and took lots of pics! There was also a talent show and since I have zero talent I did not participate but it was fun to watch everyone! The end of the day was spent in the chapel where we got to hear from good ole President McReynolds, his wife, and the testimonies of the departing missionaries. Such a spiritual high!
This week we also had our ward Christmas party! My ward really knows how to party. We had super yummy food and lots of fun games. It's so fun being in this ward at Christmas. They treat me like family. I've gotten countless cards and gifts and I feel like I've been in the ward for years.

Gettin Chilly
Well I really shouldn't complain about my accommodations because we really are blessed with good homes. But this week unfortunately our heater BROKE so we've been super cold for the past few days. And they couldn't fix it til Monday so we were without heat for about 4 days. Lol don't worry we good now. The biggest struggle was the nutella freezing.

Casually Tried to Convert the Muslim Bus Driver
Lol so something really funny happened on Friday night. We went to tea at a members home and we started our hour long bus ride journey home. When I stepped on the bus, the Bus driver asked me what church I was from. Totally caught off guard, I proudly responded "I'm from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!" My companion sat down on the bus and I then spent the entirety of the bus ride standing next to him sharing with him our beliefs.  His name is Asad and he's from Somalia but lives in Liverpool now. He was asking all sorts of questions. We literally bounced from Jesus Christ to Prophets to Joseph Smith to the Book of Mormon to the Plan of Salvation and then a bit of the word of wisdom lol. Basically touched on every single lesson. I also learned a lot about the Muslim faith. He told me to read the Karan (lol) and I explained as a missionary, I can't read it but I made a promise to him that when I go home, I'd take a look at it if he took a Book of Mormon from me and he agreed! Lol who even knows what will come from that but hey, I had fun. My companion later told me that the 6 or 7 people also taking the bus were super annoyed by me because I was distracting the bus driver. Lol #sorrynotsorry hahah I love being a missionary!

Investigators
The holidays are an amazing time but they are also very busy. Our investigators have been super booked so we haven't been able to see Craig, Jeff, or Callam...and the rest have pretty much dropped us lol it's fine!

Transfers!!
Also this transfer is over?! What?! Granted it was a 5 week transfer instead if 6 but oh my heck it's gone so fast. My Zone Leader thought it'd be funny to tell me I was moving before Christmas and I literally started tearing up, but he then told me that I'll be staying in Birkenhead with my companion, Sister Gaugau. But I'm super happy to be staying in the Chester Zone and in the beloved Birkenhead for Christmas!

Spiritual Thought
Something that stuck out to me was in one of the departing missionaries' testimonies, a Sister from Lesotho (somewhere in Africa) said, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is our home away from home." She went on saying that as far away from home we are, we have common ground when it comes to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I just love that because that  gospel to me means home. This season, may we all remember the amazing gift of the Gospel that we are so blessed to have.

As much as I miss you all, I miss my family the most! I'm excited to see them on Skype in just 6 days! I hope you all have an amazing Christmas! You'll hear from me next Tuesday and then I'll go back to Mondays. Merry Christmas!


Sister Gilland 💕

1- Christmas Tree and PJ's
2- Sister Dunlavy and I before she got transferred
3- Sister Turnbull and I! she went home to Australia today!
4- 4 Americans, 2 Canadians, 2 Brits, and an Aussie in one pic #diversity​

So You're Looking For a Miracle Are Ya?

Hi yall! I hope you're all doing amazing! So my week was insane. It probably started off as the worst/hardest week of my mission not gonna lie but, "has the day if miracles ceased???? I say unto you NAY!!!!" 

Well this week started out crazy! On monday, Family Home Evening got a little out of control and an older lady in our ward, Sister Denson took a tumble and actually broke her hip... so that was an interesting start to the week. 

At the beginning of the week, my Mission President sent out a mass text to the whole mission advising us to specifically pray for a miracle in every prayer.  As we did this, our week just seemed to keep getting worse and worse. 

On Sunday, I felt sick so after church we stayed in the flat for half the day.  Monday was zone pday at a trampoline park and I really didn't feel up for it but I didn't want to miss it so I pushed through and it turns out trampoline parks and McDonald's don't do well on a sick stomach....lol I was in the flat the entire next day. I pretty much just felt miserable until Friday. 

MIRACLE
As we continued to pray for a miracle, Friday morning it literally started snowing. Now for me, this was the complete opposite of a miracle, but for my Aussie companion (snow virgin), this was the greatest day of her life.  We continued in the freezing cold and started street contacting and ran into a man called Craig. 
Craig hardly gave us the time of day but said he would take one of our passalong cards as a 'good luck charm'.  We put our number, the post code for the church, and our facebooks on the cards we give out.  But really didn't expect anything from it.  About an hour later, during our companionship study, we received a call from CRAIG. He said that he wanted to come to church with us sunday and he's been "looking for a miracle".
Sunday, he came to church and had the biggest smile on his face. During second hour, we taught him the first lesson. It feels like it's been ages since I've taught but I was able to take the lead and really just teach from the heart.  We gave him a Book of Mormon and he said he'd start reading that day.  Ahhh I just know he's prepared!

From this week I've learned that miracles seem to come at the exact point that we want to give up. Ive realized on my mission that God really likes to test us and push us to the very point that we feel like we can't go any further.  And then He reminds us that He's been there all along by slapping us in the face with a giant miracle. I think in our world today, it's so easy to point out the imperfections of life. There's a lot of horrible things that happen, but I challenge you all to sincerely look for those miracles that really do happen because I testify that they still happen.  My scripture is Moroni 7: 35 & 37
 35 And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased?
37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.

Hope you're all having an amazing Christmas season. And I hope you're all participating in #LightTheWorld ! I'd love to hear from you all! Have a good week! 

Sister Gilland 💕

Pic- We got a lil creative with our street display and wrapped up books of Mormon in christmas wrapping paper. #SHARETHEGIFT 

Time is Flying By!

Hello friends and fam! Wow I can't believe another week as flown by. Time seems to fly when you stay busy and that's all we are as missionaries, especially this week!

Exchanges!
On Tuesday after district meeting and a district street display, we headed to Wrexham (Wales) for exchanges! I was pumped because I got to be with the one and only, Sister Dunlavy. She amazing and I love her so much and we are going to party together at UVU one day. She's from Grantsville, Utah.  So it was so fun to be with her. We came to the MTC together and are so similar, it's not even funny. Hoping President puts us together at some point in our missions!

Zone Conference #2
On Thursday, we got up at 5:30 AM to travel to Crewe. Soooo early but SOOO worth it. We got to hear from an area seventy, Elder Massimo De Feo from Italy. With all the stuff going on, it was such a breath if fresh air getting to hear someone so knowledgeable and passionate about the gospel. He was amazing. And it was so packed. We had 4 zones there so half my mission.

Investigators!
Well our friend from Texas, Jeff, kinda fell off the board for a sec. He's been working a lot and moving in to his new home so really busy. But we aren't giving up on him.
On a better note, Callam is back! We got to meet with him on Wednesday and had a good lesson. It's hard to see how he feels and if he wants to continue meeting with us. He's going on a trip but when he gets back we are really going to crack down and get him dated for baptism.

Well the that's pretty much it for this week. Lots of fun. The thought I want to leave yall with is a quote by Thomas S. Monson that was brought up at zone conf as well as a scripture.

"When you're on the Lord's errand, you're entitled to the Lord's help."
Alma 37:36- "Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever."

I'm so grateful for a God that loves me and knows me personally and my individual struggles. I'm also grateful for Jesus Christ that he can empathize with anything we are going through.  I promise yall, if you cry unto God, he will give you the support you need to carry on.

Thanks for all the love and prayers! I'd love to hear from you all, have a good week!

Sister Gilland 💕


Pics
1&2- Me and Sister Dunlavy! (Check out the Welsh church in the background)
3- Christmas tree in wrexham