MERRY (late) CHRISTMAS!!!!

Hi-ya family and friends,

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas! Sister Smith and I did! We visited member after member after less active after investigator after member. It was quite a busy week visiting everyone but it was wonderful! I loved every minute! We went to several member's houses this week. The

ward is very welcoming to us. They made Christmas amazing! I will send you guys some pictures we took this week. Here is the whole (13 days) of Christmas Song:

(13 Dec.) On the first day of Christmas God gave to me; knocking in the pouring rain.

(14 Dec.) On the second day of Christmas God gave to me; 3 hours of church and knocking in the pouring rain.

(15 Dec.) On the third day of Christmas God gave to me; district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(16 Dec.) On the fourth day of Christmas God gave to me; getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(17 Dec.) On the fifth day of Christmas God gave to me; MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(18 Dec.) On the sixth day of Christmas God gave to me; getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(19 Dec.) On the seventh day of Christmas God gave to me; Ward Christmas Party, getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(20 Dec.) On the eighth day of Christmas God gave to me; Caroling in Leeds, Ward Christmas Party, getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(21 Dec.) On the ninth day of Christmas God gave to me; Christmas Carol Concert, Caroling in Leeds, Ward Christmas Party, getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(22 Dec.) On the tenth day of Christmas God gave to me; visiting members, Christmas Carol Concert, Caroling in Leeds, Ward Christmas Party, getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(23 Dec.) On the eleventh day of Christmas God gave to me; running cards to people, visiting members, Christmas Carol Concert, Caroling in Leeds, Ward Christmas Party, getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(24 Dec.) On the twelfth day of Christmas God gave to me; Christmas (Eve) with the Kitsels, running cards to people, visiting members, Christmas Carol Concert, Caroling in Leeds, Ward Christmas Party, getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(25 Dec.) On the thirteenth day of Christmas God gave to me; skyping our families, Christmas (Eve) with the Kitsels, running cards to people, visiting members, Christmas Carol Concert, Caroling in Leeds, Ward Christmas Party, getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

On Boxing Day (a holiday celebrated in the UK) it snowed!!!! Sister Smith and I feel like we are in Utah. It came a day late but it was wonderful!

Love you all!

Sister Garrett

12 Days of Christmas (Mission Style)

This week has been hard to find people to teach. Everyone is busy with Christmas coming up. Sister Smith and I knocked this week and no one came to their doors. We decided to make knocking fun so we decided to make a 12 days of Christmas song, missionary style. We fit the words for everyday we had. Hope you like it!

(13 Dec.) On the first day of Christmas God gave to me; knocking in the pouring rain.

(14 Dec.) On the second day of Christmas God gave to me; 3 hours of church and knocking in the pouring rain.

(15 Dec.) On the third day of Christmas God gave to me; district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(16 Dec.) On the fourth day of Christmas God gave to me; getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(17 Dec.) On the fifth day of Christmas God gave to me; MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(18 Dec.) On the sixth day of Christmas God gave to me; getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(19 Dec.) On the seventh day of Christmas God gave to me; Ward Christmas Party, getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(20 Dec.) On the eighth day of Christmas God gave to me; Caroling in Leeds, Ward Christmas Party, getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(21 Dec.) On the ninth day of Christmas God gave to me; Christmas Carol Concert, Caroling in Leeds, Ward Christmas Party, getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

(22 Dec.) On the tenth day of Christmas God gave to me; visiting members, Christmas Carol Concert, Caroling in Leeds, Ward Christmas Party, getting lost in Bingley, MISSION PARRTTAYYY!, getting flogged, district P-day, 3 hours of church, and knocking in the pouring rain.

That song pretty much sums up Sister Smith and I's week. It was very fun and I can not wait for Christmas this week! I'll finish the song next week. Merry Christmas everyone!!! :) 

Sister Garrett

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Merry Christmas family and friends,

I really can not believe next week is Christmas! It really went by so fast! Days in the field are just a blur so I really apologize for my emails because they really don't have much information in them. A normal day for Sister Smith and I is knocking, street contacting, lessons, and visiting members and less-actives. We visited Syllene this week and she hasn't been keeping her commitments to come to church and read her scriptures. In her situation I really dislike agency. She said she would come to church but didn't. She said she would read her scriptures but said she was to busy. When we met with her on Thursday, Sister Smith and I stressed the importance of reading the Book of Mormon. I even made her a scripture reading calendar. I had a chapter assigned for everyday so she could document her reading. She promised to read everyday this week. I really hope she does!

On Friday Sister Smith and I visited a woman named Amy. She has two little girls who are adorable! Because of situations that happened in her life she is really so prepared to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The saying "God prepares souls to hear the message of the Gospel" (or however it goes) is really soooooooo true! Amy is ready to accept our message and it is wonderful! Yesterday, we visited a member in the ward and he showed us a video called An Ensign to the Nations. (If you have the chance to watch it, do it!) I really am so blessed to be a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am so glad to be apart of the work that is coming forth. I found a scripture this week that is really so wonderful. "And moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people." (Mosiah 3:20) I am grateful for the privilege to bring the message of the restored gospel to the people of Leeds England!

Love you all so much!!!

Sister Garrett

Hiya Family and Friends!

Merry Christmas.... almost. Well, I have my new companion! Her name is Sister Smith. She is from Holiday Utah. Her favorite things to do at home were shopping and watching Netflix. It has been hard adjusting to a new companion. Sister Lybbert and Sister Smith are two very different people! Sister Smith is finishing my training which is very weird to me, because in a way I am training her, because I am the one who knows the area and the ward. It has been fun working with Sister Smith though. 

This week hasn't been the best week for finding. We knocked on a good number of doors but haven't had much success. I have been getting more comfortable with knocking on doors! I actually enjoy it a lot more then when I first did. It is hard though when the doors are slammed in your face or when the people don't say the nicest things to you, but that's missionary work. I love my ward though! The members make the hard times worth it. We visited a few members in the ward (Sister Brown and Sister Mohr) and I just love them so much! They live alone and I know they enjoy the company. Thank you all for your support. I love you all so very much! 

Until next week,

Sister Garrett

English word of the week:

Jumper: 1. English term for the word sweater.
Ex: Today for P-Day I will be getting a Christmas jumper. :)

Sister Lybbert is leaving me! :(

Hello Family and Friends,

Wow does time fly. I have been here in England for almost two months! I can not believe it! You may be curious to why I am writing to you guys on a Tuesday. Well it's because yesterday was transfer call night. Which mean't all the missionaries, in the mission, were going to find out where and who they will be serving with the next transfer. Sister Lybbert is going back to Canada. She has been packing her things for the past few days now. It has been actually really sad. I am going to miss her!  Because she is leaving me I knew I was going to get a new companion. All of yesterday my stomach was in knots. I was so nervous to find out my new companion! That night I found out I will be saying here in Keighley serving with Sister Smith. She is a sister from my Zone who is actually from Utah. I have talked with her several times before. I am excited to serve with her this next transfer! 

This week not much has happened. We have met with a lot of members and investigators. The only exciting news I have this week is about Eddie. Eddie spoke in Stake Conference on Sunday. He has been a member for only three weeks and he gave a talk in Stake Conference! Eddie is incredible! He gave the talk without any notes! I honestly could never do that. He is a natural! He is soaking up everything Sister Lybbert and I have taught him. He really loves the Gospel, his Savior, and his Heavenly Father. He is a wonderful example to me!

Well, it is time for me to go. I love you all! Thank you for all your support. You guys are the best! Have an AMAZING week!

Sister Garrett

English word of the week:

Dodgy: 1. scary, sketchy, and/or dark.

Example- The streets of England are sometimes dodgy at night because the street lamps are very dim.

Hi-Ya from the UK

Hello family and friends!

I can't believe I have been out in the field for a month now. It really isn't that long but I do feel like I have been here forever (which isn't a bad thing.) This week has been wonderful though. Something crazy happened on Tuesday! We had an appointment with Gemma. She is the woman that let Sister Lybbert and I in when we knocked on her door. Well she flogged us. It was very sad! I really thought she was interested. So until the bus came Sister Lybbert and I knocked on some doors with no success. We started heading to our bus when I felt like we should go back to Gemma's door. So Sister Lybbert and I went back and she answered! It turns out that her mother was in the hospital ill and she was looking after her. She didn't have her phone on her or else she would have called us. She had to go to work but we made another appointment with her for the following Sunday. (She ended up flogging us Sunday) BUT I followed the spirit. That is what I am happy about! Hopefully we can see Gemma this week.

Wednesday, we had tea with two potential investigators, Pauline and David. We have been helping Pauline with her family history work and her husband, David, invited us for tea. We will be going to their house again tomorrow night for family history work and tea. They don't really want anything to do with religion but I think they will open their hearts the more we visit them. On Thursday, Sister Lybbert and I met with Syllene. We talked about the beginning of the Plan of Salvation and went into the Word of Wisdom. At this point in her life, Syllene says that she doesn't want to quit smoking and drinking coffee but I know she will as she comes to find out that the church is true. Here on the mission I realize that I love everyone! I love the members, all the less-actives, and all the investigators I teach. I love visiting with them and talking to them. I don't feel like I am a missionary sometimes. I mostly feel like a friend who cares for their well-being. I know Heavenly Father loves every single one of us! And I have noticed that more while on my mission. Even though it has been a month, I know this has been the best decision I have made! Love you all so very much!

Gotta run, Sister Garrett

English word of the week:

Swanky: (adjective) Sw-ai-n-kee

1. Which means classy.

Stay swanky my friends! :)

Another week gone buy

Hiya family and friends,

This week was pretty darn amazing! Let me tell you. It all started off on Tuesday. Tuesday was Zone Conference, where all the zones in the north of the mission come together for a conference. I can not explain how powerful that meeting was. President and Sister Pilkington are AMAZING speakers! I am so glad I came to the England Leeds Mission not because of the location, but for President and Sister Pilikington, as well as the other missionaries I am serving with. Within these first few weeks out in the field I have learned sooooo much!

Many miracles happened this week. The first miracle was with Syllene. We meet with her on Friday and had a lesson with her. Sister Lybbert and I, read the introduction of the Book of Mormon and 3 Nephi 11 along with her. We answered all the questions she had (which was a lot) and she understands everything so well! We also taught her about prayer and personal revelation. She understands that prayer is very important. If she came to know that the church was true, she said she would be baptized. We have another appointment with her on Thursday. Can not wait to see her again!

Another miracle was on Saturday. We spent all morning calling the Keighley ward to personally invite them to a Mission President fireside Sunday night. After that long morning, we finally go out of the house and decided to knock on some doors close to our house.We got on the bus and since it was a very fogy day, we couldn't see the bus stops. We ended up missing the stop we wanted to take. So we got off at the next town which was Collingworth. We did not have much time, because of Eddie's baptism, so we prayed and on the first door we knocked on she let us in!!!! As soon as we said Jesus Christ she let us in! I was so surprised! Normally in England we get the door shut in our face but not this time. We taught her a little bit about our church and showed her a Mormon Message. She asked what the difference was about our church and other church's

and we said many things but one was that we have a living prophet who receives revelation from God for the church. She is very interested and we are seeing her again tomorrow morning. By the way her name is Gemma.

The other miracle was Eddie's baptism. It was a wonderful service and the spirit was so strong! Afterward he was smiling from ear to ear. When he received the gift of the Holy Ghost he was smiling even bigger! He came to the Mission President's Fireside that night and loved it. The fireside was wonderful! Again, President and Sister Pilkington are AMAZING speakers!

Well it was a wonderful week. I am afraid I have to go.

Until next time,

Sister Garrett 

Greetings from the UK

Good morning family and friends,

Since Halloween, the temperature has been getting colder. It's been raining a lot and it's quite chilly. The bad part about it is that the temperature is going to get colder. Wooo hoooo!! 

This week has been good. Everyday molds together so it is hard to tell all the days apart. This week Sister Lybbert and I were flogged a lot. (British term for leaving behind or ditching.) So this week wasn't the best. We knocked on quite a bit of doors and were rejected every time. On the bright side Eddie is still keeping strong. We taught him about tithing and he has committed to pay his tithing and on Saturday he passed his baptismal interview. This Saturday is his baptism! I am so excited for him. He is quite nervous but he knows it is the right thing to do.

This week we were going to an appointment with a woman named Syllene. Just as we were coming up to her door we see her coming out. She was trying to flog us. We talked to her for a bit and invited her to come to the Ward Activity the following night at 6:30. She came to the ward activity with her two daughters!! The whole night we talked about our faith and she is very interested. At the end she told us that she thinks God sent us at the right time in her life. Heavenly Father works in wonderful ways!

I would write more but that is really all that happened this week. Being flogged, knocking on doors, continuing to meet with Eddie, talked with Syllene, and taught lessons to a few other people who weren't really interested. Missionary work is amazing! I continue to grow everyday. I am amazed at all the things I learn. Thank you all for our wonderful support. Love you all! Have a wonderful week!

Sister Garrett

British word of the week: 

Hoover: A hoover is a vacuum. 

                                                     Will you read the Book of Mormon?      

Sister Lybbert and I. :)

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First Full Week In The Mission Field

Hiya loves,

(That's how they say it here in Keighley England)

My first week in the mission field was grand! On Monday Sister Lybbert and I taught a lesson to Eddie and I asked Eddie if he wanted to be baptized on the 15th of November and he said.... YES!!! So we have been teaching him all the lessons since then. He understands everything we are teaching him and it's wonderful! I can't wait for November 15th! :)

The week mushed all together but what I can remember is that the week was filled with appointments where Sister Lybbert and I were flogged (the people we were to teach didn't show up), lessons, street contacting, and door approaches. For me, the door approaches are the hardest but I'm slowing improving. One time we knocked on this guys door and he told Sister Lybbert and I that we were brainwashed and that the church is a horrible influence. Another lady said that we were cruel and horrible people. Then just yesterday, a guy said he was having a good day until he saw us. Some people are so rude and cruel. Sister Lybbert and I couldn't help but laugh though because they are really missing out. But when you meet people who are just so kind and willing to know more about the message we teach you forget about the mean people.

That's really it. The most I've learned in this last week is to be confident. It's scary to teach lessons and approach people but the message of the gospel is something everyone needs to hear. I love you all and I hope you have a fantastic week!

Sister Garrett

First Area. Yay!!!

Cheers family and friends,

These past three days were good. I've learned a ton! I have a new companion and her name is Sister Lybbert. She is from Canada and she is wonderful! She has been an excellent trainer! I am serving in Keighley England. The town is very small. Everything is so small in England. Streets, cars, flats, buildings. It's all so fun though! It still hasn't hit me that I am in England even though I'm walking around a totally different atmosphere.

The past two days has been good. We went to a member's home and had tea. (I didn't have tea. That's what dinner is called.) And then we had pudding. (That's what dessert is called.) On Sunday I met the ward I will be serving in and they are very welcoming! I met one of our investigator's named Eddie. He's only been taught two lessons and he's come to church three times. He already has a testimony of how Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Sister Lybbert thinks he will be baptized and I wouldn't doubt it. He is awesome!!

I also met an investigator named Jess. She has been coming to young women activities and has been really enjoying it. We took her to a youth fireside yesterday and she liked it. Her mom has taken the discussions and believes it to be true but she isn't willing to live the word of wisdom. It's sad. Hopefully Jess will be an example to her.

I have to go so till next week,

Sister Garrett

P.S. I'll send pictures next

week.

Week two in good ol' England!

Dear Friends and Family,

I really feel like I'm in school. Not kidding. I feel like I'm in Utah at school. We sit in the classroom all day! We barely get out of the building and when we do I just can't except the fact that I'm in England. Last Thursday we went finding. We got onto the train and went to Manchester. We talked to people about the gospel. It was so hard walking up to people and talking to them but once you started it was easy. They all asked about the name badge and it was a perfect conversation starter. One man even knew a lot about the gospel but just wasn't interested. Tomorrow we go finding again and I'm kinda excited!

Sunday was the best day so far here on the mission. The spirit was just so strong the whole day. We had a devotional by a member of the Seventy. His name was Elder Christopher Charles. He and his wife spoke and it was AMAZING! Then we had a testimony meeting which really was the best ever. I shared my testimony and honestly I felt the spirit so strong when I bore my testimony. I don't really like speaking in front of people but I felt like I could stay up there on the stand for 30-40 minutes just speaking. Whatever the spirit told me to say, I did. I actually saw one girl start crying. I'm not sure if it's what I said or maybe just homesickness but I paused in between every sentence to gather my thoughts and spoke with the spirit. After I sat down and tried to remember what I said and I could't remember anything. It was so amazing I can't describe it.

We taught a lot of lessons this week but two stuck out to me. The first, we invited one of our investigators to be baptized and she accepted! I know it's just role play but the spirit is there in role plays. The second lesson that was powerful was with an investigator who wasn't really open. He had questions about the book of Mormon and we bore our testimonies to him and asked him to pray. It took him 10 minutes to get him to pray but the spirit was so strong. I just can't explain it.

I think that's enough for now. The next time I email you all I'll be out in the field declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ to England.

Until then, Sister Garrett

Sister Garrett's First Week

Hello friends and family,

Well, one week is down and who knows much more to go. I feel like I've been here my whole life, but it's only been a week. That really was the longest week of my life!! England is so green and amazing! Although, I get cold so easy. It really really bites.

The major part of my stay here has been at the MTC so sometimes I forget that I'm here in England. On my first day here (last Thursday) I got two companions; Sister Gilbert and Sister Sibsi. I get along with them very well! Sister Gilbert is from Idaho and Sister Sibsi is from South Africa. All three of us were called as Sister Training Leaders. Crazy huh?

Just to summarize this last week... The whole time I've been in a classroom. It feels like college all over again. I wake up, get ready, eat, study, write thoughts, listen (to your teacher), study, eat, listen, study, write thoughts, listen, practice, teach, write thoughts, eat, listen, listen, listen, write thoughts, plan, sleep, repeat. (The order varies.)

Yup. That's my life right now. Very exciting! Catching up on sleeping is IMPOSSIBLE though! It's not cool.

Yesterday and today, we got out of the building. Which was amazing!! The buildings in England are so small, the houses are tiny brick homes, cars are little, roads are only two lanes wide, roundabouts are everywhere, and everything is green, green, green. Gosh I love  it! Except the weather. I need to get a HUGE coat.

I really don't have much more then that. You guys are all amazing friends and family. Love you all! I am very blessed.

Until next week,

Sister Garrett

P.S. The MTC food is good here. Lots of meat , potatoes, gravy, and veggies. Yes, it's a little bland BUT guess what? They have a milk machine! :) Yes. You read that right. They knew I was coming! A milk machine. A white machine that you can push a cup to it and magic... you have milk! My companions think I'm crazy that I drink so much milk but hey it's better then soda. OK, talk to you later. Cheerio.

Contact Information

Email:
melissa.garrett@myldsmail.net


Mission Office Mailing Information:
If you'd like to send me a package, here is my mailing info:
(Until my first assignment in the field, you can me send letters to this address)

Sister Melissa Garrett
England Leeds Mission
Lister House, Lister hill
Horsforth
Leeds
England LS18 5AZ