June 3, 2013

Hi Mom It's so awesome to hear from you! So the weather in Reading is fantastic; the summer here is like spring at home. I'd say today it is in the 70's F. It's finally not raining every other day! I am along the River Thames now ( a bit upstream from London). I have a picture to send your way.

   My new companion, Elder Castro, is so great. He is from Honduras and returns home in 3 months. Unfortunately, I will only be with him for 6 weeks. He honestly loves everyone he talks to. I have to laugh sometimes because of the cultural differences; English people are quite reserved and he asks them questions like "where are you going today?". Nah his specialty is Spanish, Portuguese, and black people. I never thought this would happen, but we were teaching a family the other day completely in Spanish (they are from Ecuador). Turns out my 3 years of high school spanish paid off! He has been teaching me more and more spanish while I help him perfect his English.

   So there is a road in Reading we contact on a lot. It is called Oxford Road and is full of immigrants and foreigners such as Polish people, Latinos, Ugandans and so on. Quite frankly I have come in at the end of a wave of baptisms here, so we have to build the pool back up. Seems that my purpose in Brighton has been fulfilled, but I still miss the investigators I worked with there. Time for me to get to know people here! 

   The ward here is fantastic, much different from Brighton. It is a healthy size and the members love their missionaries. There are a lot of changes happening here; my stay at our current flat will be just for this transfer, then I will move to the 4 man flat in central Reading. More sister missionaries will be coming in, so they will take our flat. No problems with bedbugs (that's disgusting to hear about Raymond's experience). I just get to focus on the work and not worry about things like that. I think the worst pest I ever deal with are moths (and that's less than at home!) Maybe the English killed all pests and beasts here. 

    Ok so Nate is heading out now! I will pray so hard for him, especially for his first few weeks. I don't know what advice to give about girlfriends since I don't have one, but I've heard stories of troubles with them. My only advice is to build faith in any way you can and remember all the blessings of the gospel. Several times a day I think of the temple or of the teachings of Christ to lift my spirits. Now I'm not going to say that I brainwash myself, but I will say that I immerse myself in the light of the gospel. Otherwise I'm hopeless. I'm not going to lie, missionary work (especially in England) means a lot of rejection, a good deal of stress (those key indicators are annoying), and and immense amount of faith that success will come. I want to get a baptism here in Reading by the end of the transfer. 

    Reading is somewhere between a city and a town. Whatever it is, it's super.  I'm writing this right now in an Apple store just in case you want to know. That just means there is a mall here. Oh and here's a fun fact: my district leader is Elder Christensen, who happens to be the nephew of Brother Norberg! Small Mormon World huh?

     I got Kent's letter the day I transferred which was awesome. Thanks Kent, I'll keep the advice! And Heather I don't think Maya sent a letter to the right address, I never got it. As a parting gift Elder Ormsby gave me 2 air mail envelopes (pre-paid), so I will write you. My address in Reading for the next 6 weeks is 31 Armadale Court, Westcote Road, Reading RH30 2DF.

     Oh one more thing, I will be trying to start soon to get my English Driver's Licence. A member here does lessons for missionaries free of charge (he's an incredible man). I just need to check the office for paperwork and permission. That means (if I get it) I will know how to drive a manual, how to drive in England, and that I am available for leadership positions that use cars. Very practical. 

  I'll send the pictures! The blog looks awesome! Lindsay I will send a separate email to you! Love you all, and pray for a good week!

Elder Cooper

May 27, 2013

Dear Mom,

  WOOHOOHOO! WE GOT A BAPTISMAL DATE! Remember Vanessa and Michael? Well, the only real barrier from keeping them from being baptized was the law of chastity (they're not married). But guess what! They are getting married on June 15! Vanessa will be baptized of June 22! I was sweating bullets when we had to teach them this; I had no idea how they would react. To put things short, Michael wants to raise his kids right in the gospel, and Vanessa had been wanting to get married for a year now (they had been engaged but never set a date). The next day we took them (with a member driving) to the temple visitor centre. It was a beautiful day and they LOVED it. Vanessa said she didn't want to leave and Michael just kept mentioning how peaceful it all was. If all goes right in a little over a year they can be sealed there! I will try to send pictures but it seems like they aren't getting through so well. I'll mess around with it. Dang technology.

   Anyways, remember Cole? We're meeting with him again tomorrow; he's really interested in the Book of Mormon. He even said he wants to be a missionary! Cool stuff huh? The only barrier is that he's 17 so we would need to get parental permission. His parents have recently separated, but he said ever since we met with him things just seemed to go right! He has been more patient with his girlfriend, happy with life and just going through good times. 

   I don't think I told you about Chris. Maybe i have. Anyways, he's a YSA aged guy from South Africa (but he's white) who we met at a bus stop. We're having a lesson with him tonight, and then he'll be a FHE having dinner with all the students. Really cool guy to be around. 

   As of right now I have no word from the office pertaining to where I am going, if I'm staying, or if I'm training. Seems as though just as soon as things pick up some change happens to interrupt the flow. Vanessa and Michael don't want us to go. 

   It was so good to get your last letter (I've got a lot of pictures of Justin now!) So you got rid of Gabby huh? I didn't know you too had it in you to do it! Good thing you did though, now Chloe can have undivided love and attention. That dog lives off of it; she knows nothing else. The family that you gave Gabby to, I might know one of the daughters from high school. Familiar name. 

   So I'm getting the impression that Elder Ormsby will be leaving. The zone leaders just called for another reason, but mentioned how they knew what was going to happen to him. My father is leaving! Why does this keep happening to me? haha. 

   Just found out about Oklahoma, apparently the missionaries there are helping out with relief efforts. In London there were a couple of Muslim extremists who butchered a soldier with a meat cleaver. Anyways, it is memorial day back home, but here it is a bank holiday today. Not a lot of places open. 

    Beautiful weather today, warm enough to wear just the white shirt. People notice you then! Can you believe it is already the end of May? The kids are all out of school now aren't they? It's funny, exactly one year ago I graduated high school. Now I've been in England for 3 months! 

    To Heather, don't let the Obamantion tear down the U.S. while I'm gone! A lot of people here of course like Obama. Their healthcare kinda sucks here: a woman in our ward found out she had cancer way too late. That wouldn't have happened in America unless the individual neglected to go to the doctor. Of course, for the young and healthy like me they would put me on higher priority to take care of. I dunno, I'm biased. I had tacos yesterday when we were with the Columbian member in our ward for lunch. Never thought that would happen in England!

    Don't worry about sending dark socks Mom, they're pretty cheap here (well, nothing's cheap here, but it's cheaper than mailing them). Just send some recipes a missionary can cook in the field! Well, I'll be keeping in touch after moves, whatever happens (probably staying, they like to keep university students in college towns, and I've only been here 2 transfers). Love You!

                                                                                                                  Elder Cooper

Dear Family,
     I had wanted to share with you a letter I had received from Steve a while ago, but I wanted to wait until he gave me permission to do so. It isn't anything earth shaking, but it is a sweet letter from a young man who has developed a stronger love and testimony of the Savior. It touched me, not only because I am his mother, but because it reminds me of the things I always need to be grateful for...my testimony, and my wonderful family! Enjoy! Love, Mom

May 24, 2013

     Dear Mom,
         Things have been very well here in Brighton lately! Today we had 2 new investigators we gained! They are promising individuals,and I can see why the Lord desires them so much; they are incredible men. One is Ali's friend, Sarwar. He likes the love that Christian faith has and I'm sure will come to embrace the Gospel as Ali has. The other man is named Brad, and he is a smart man in his 40s or so. He talked about when he was in the British Army during Bible study. Anyways, he is now in sales for a large company here. In the meantime while we are teaching them we will be visiting the many less-active families in the various areas around here. There is much work to be done here! We will receive many baptisms yet! Already we have arranged lists and made all the preparations for a successful transfer.
         My testimony of this Gospel is stronger than ever. I know the Book of Mormon to be the very word of God. It is the cornerstone of my faith and the only pillar I need, for it testifies of Christ and His Atonement that man will be resurrected and reunited with his God. It teaches pure truth that our Father in Heaven is so mindful of His children, that he speaks to us today and cries for us to listen and come back to Him. I know that this church is led by Him through His son Jesus Christ, and that miracles happen everyday although we may be too blind to see them. The sacrifices that people have made to bring us more of God's word, to withstand the advesary's attacks and hold to their faith, is undeniable proof of this. The fruits of the Gospel are only good and bring joy and light to all who partake of it. It is written by their fruits ye shall know them and men do not "gather figs of thistles." My main focus now is how to live in such a way to always recognize the Spirit's promptings. I know that when I share the good message with others it comes to me in such a way as to almost move me to tears. At other times it floods me with conviction to the work and God's Kingdom. In this world there is so much confusion and skepticism, but the one thing I will not doubt is the Book of Mormon and what it stands for. I will not doubt God's existence and active hand in our lives. I've come to realize I don't need miraculous manifestations or angels from above to prove this to me. That is for those who cannot see in any other way. One thing I recognize is that the forces of evil are so very real and prevalent on the earth, so too is the only shelter from them and that is God. I pray each night to be protected from that, to be guided in my life and to always remember who I really am and what Christ has done for me. It also is written in the Book of Mormon how quick man is to forget their God and do iniquity. I feel that that is so often the case. If we remember God would we even want to sin? Perhaps the challenges I face in my life are less of those which would come to those in poverty and more of those which come to those blessed with wealth. In the developed world it is more of a case of controlling appetities than it is of anything else. Gambling and debt, promiscuity, gluttony, addictions and escapism all have a common trend in satisfying carnal pleasures of greed and pleasure seeking with no regard to others. People hold to pride as a shield of comfort and a driving focus on oneself.  It's funny how when on a mission you are not of the world, but you sure are in it! It makes me want to cling to the ideals of Christ even more. All good things come of God. Anyways, those are some of the things I've learned out here so far. I hope all is going well in El Dorado Hills. How blessed I am to have a family like I have. Even more blessed I was to be raised in the home I was in and the community that surrounded me. Above all, I am eternally grateful for being born into this Gospel. I would be lost without it. I love you Mom.
                                                                                                                                                                                         Love,
                                                                                                                                                                                             Elder Cooper

May 20, 2013

Hi Mum!

    That's the one thing about being on a mission that makes me sad: we only go to the temple on Christmas! Enjoy it for me. We now have a pool of investigators we are working with, many YSA aged folks and a few others! They are just more open to it at this stage in their lives. Yesterday was a busy day, but we had the opportunity to hear a live broadcast from Salt Lake at Stake Conference today. It was being broadcasted to all the British Isles. Elder Baxter ( A Scottish General Authority) spoke first and rebuked the members here for not being happy (which is true for the most part) and reminded them to reach out to others. This was live, so it must have been 1 AM back in Salt Lake! The Last talk was President Eyring, who spoke on agency. We see agency used for both good and evil, but the consequences of our choices are unchangeable. As a missionary, I should use my agency to help others better themselves. 

    Guess what. This week has been the best week in terms of success yet!! New investigators, beating our goals for teaches and lessons, our district is on fire! Now let's see if we can help these new investigators progress! One woman (the miracle one that is the partner of the recently returned less active), Vanessa, has already said she will be baptised: it's just a matter of teaching her the commandments. We need to get her married to her partner! 

    So Sister Pilgrim got baptised? That's awesome! That's incredible! As a missionary I appreciate that so much more now. I love my Ward Mission Leader, Trevor. He's a bit eccentric, but is so into the work that we just go at it! Yesterday he took us up to Lewes (on the far side of our ward boundaries) where we got a new investigator and checked up on some people who will come back to church. It was GORGEOUS outside. Those pictures don't tell the full story. Especially when the clouds break in the evening. 

    Speaking of evening, the days are getting quite long here now. The sun is well up when we wake up at 6:30 (It could be up at 5:30) and sets at around 8:00. Still the weather is mild, never hot. That's nice in my opinion. I was busy and couldn't write a letter this week (a lot of success) so I will do one today. As I heard more about BYU from the Powers (the senior couple here), I found out there is even more construction closing that road between the Wilk and the Law building for good and paving it over. What a beautiful campus BYU is, I'm so happy I get to go there. 

    So I have letters coming huh? Fantastic! I just got in touch with Colin who's at the Provo MTC right now. Hey Heather, don't tell Mom about the bottom of the letter you will get (in the same envelope as hers, of course; just find a way to get it first). It's no big deal, they blocked off the road it was on. England is an awesome place, wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now! As for clotted cream: it is less sweet than whipped cream and a lot thicker. I don't think what you have been eating (that raspberry stuff) is clotted cream. Maybe it is! 

    This is my last full week (possibly) with Elder Ormsby. Moves day is Wednesday next week. Likely I'm staying here, but who knows? You know what would be great, if Elder Gugyelka and I became companions. We would have a blast and do so well. I'll write more spiritual stuff in my handwritten letters, and try to resend those photos. 

   Tell Mike and Candace I'm so happy for them! Little Ryan will sure be an awesome kid with such great parents! And Justin seems to be getting the swing of things haha. I'm excited for Kent's letter; hopefully I can get it quickly from the office. I have to go and get fish and chips now!

Love You Mom and whoever reads this!

     Elder Cooper

May 13, 2013

Dear Mom,

     I could've talked with you two for hours about all the experiences I have had on my mission. Sadly though we are only allowed about an hour max to speak. Maybe it was destined that we shouldn't see each other on Skype for whatever reason, we tried everything! So today I found out that God must have a different plan for us down in Brighton. The second flat that we had signed for turned out to be taken and it was a miscommunication that we were able to get the flat in the first place. That means the second set of missionaries will not be coming this next transfer. We have been told to keep looking for a new one, but for whatever reason (maybe God wanted the missionaries to be safe or for the work to be focused in a certain way, or maybe for one of the new missionaries that would've been sent there to go somewhere else) they wont be coming this month. The zone leaders had us lower our goals for this week, but we are still determined to hit the original mark. Nah I dodn't have steak and kidney pie for dinner last night, just more pasta (that was what the Powers had for us) and also a mothers day cake! I make stroganoff and pasta bakes a lot at home. I want to get a recipe book from you guys though on easy-moderate level recipes to whip up on a daily routine. I'm so excited to hear how all of my friends are heading out for their missions! It makes the world a lot smaller of a place, and the Mormon world even tinier! The University of Sussex campus here is not nearly as beautiful as the BYU campus, but the surrounding countryside is tough to beat! President Millar has got to be pushed to the max right now; changes are being made a breakneck pace. Can you believe that the it has been 12 weeks since we last saw each other? Soon it will be longer than the time I was away at college! On a different note though, miracles honestly happen all around me, I just have to recognize them! I feel as though things are being prepped for us here. The circumstances here are just the most unique they have been in years for the work of the Lord. As for the letter I sent you, you can go ahead and share it to my brothers and sisters, whoever is interested. There will likely to be more spiritual ones coming through as the mission progresses. Its kinda like when we first enter the gospel, we are babes. In the mission, we start out as babes and move into greater and greater stature in the faith.

    This morning I was studying in Alma 26. It was so inspiring, you must read it! Besides the classic verse where Ammon declares that he boasts not in his own strength, but in God, I read about how they were (in verse 27) about to turn back home! Can you imagine that? But what happened: the Lord told them to be patient in the hard times and go back to the field, and said that He would give them success. That was a promise, because God doesn't lie. Then in verse 30 Ammon says that they would have been content with just getting a few converts, but we see that God gave them THOUSANDS. And how was this achieved? In verse 22 it says "he that repenteth, and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and PRAYETH CONTINUALLY...yea unto such it shall be given to reveal all things...yea and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls unto repentance." I have to remember to pray always throughout the day and not to be guilty of the same sin the Brother of Jared was chastised for. Often times we think since we are doing God's errand that we overlook praying for it! Besides those usual daily prayers, I need to pray at the start of each new activity and focus my mind on the Lord to see success. 

    I also realized I just need to be more personal with people. Like Paul in the New Testament, I need to be a Jew for the Jew and a Roman for the Roman. These things I will work on.

    To Heather, I am getting better and impersonating British accents now: it's just that there are so many different accents here that you can't really pick up one! As you heard yesterday, I still enjoy a pure western accent. Hope you like the pictures I send!

May 6, 2013

Hi Mom!

     Another busy week flies by again! The latest news is that we have a new set of elders coming in to Brighton, which means (you guessed it) we have to find a flat for them before they come! It will likely be another trainer/ trainee companionship. We have until Wednesday to get a flat, and until May 28 to furnish it. There will be 8 more missionaries than expected coming into the mission this transfer, which means a total of 38 missionaries coming in at one time! Right now i'm writing from the bishop's home because we just got finished with doing some service. I swear garden work is so popular in England! Whenever the weather is good, bust out the trowels! I'm feeling good this week, even though it wasn't either fantastic or bad. Just busy and productive. I was drooling when I heard Raymond had 14 investigators at church on Sunday in Fort Worth Texas (his temporary assignment). We were very fortunate to have the 4 investigators the other week! This Sunday many of them wanted but couldn't make it either because nobody could take them or they had a job volunteering. Still a lot of hope for them all. One of them told us when we had a lesson with them that "I felt strange at church, in a good way, like I had butterflies. When I got home I just wanted to do something!" The Spirit touched her! Just got your last letter, Grandma is such a miracle woman! Tell her i love her for the way she sees things. A lot of people in England don't see life the same way she does. A few of the people we come in contact with would prefer not living this life! Of course, there are others who just love life and don't see a need for religion. I just offer what Christ invites! I will try to send those pictures again, you really should see them. Tell Nate that he better muster up all the enthusiasm he can for the mission, because it takes that to get through the first few weeks! Most of all, on the mission you have to find a line between stressing out and being diligent (or not being a "waster" as they call it). If you were to send a care package, dark socks would be nice, I wear through them a lot while walking around. Those Hushpuppy shoes we got are AWESOME. I mean they're the most durable shoes in the world. Let Doug also know that i use the shoe trees for my Sunday shoes and the tie hangar as well. I'm going to get a rain jacket/ summer jacket out here soon (overlooked packing that). You know what would be great? Recipes. Recipes would be great. A collection that can be simply-moderately cooked. I'm running out of ideas for food! I used your chicken, egg and rice dish! I also sewed for the second time out here this last week (not too shabby, a button!). I will write a letter about the other details. Mother's day i guess I will call you on the phone and have skype on hand wherever i am. It will be morning for you when i call. Sorry, I try to plan things out but its tricky! 

    To Heather, I told a Norwegian Elder about you, but you're not into that kinda thing are you? haha anyways he would want someone who would move to Norway anyways (recent personal revelation to him, even though he's been in America so many times and was an exchange student). He is my district leader who i went on exchanges with this week. He's awesome, we got along so well. He's maybe Kent's age, so I'll keep looking. Cheerio!

                                                                                             Love,

                                                                                                 Elder Cooper

April 22, 2013

Hi mom! 

  I'm still in Brighton as I was sure to be (still being trained y'know). I'm on week 7 of the 12 week training in-field. So Uncle Dave told me Derek is going to New Zealand huh? Awesome! He might meet a guy named Brady James (Elder James) who has left for one of the missions in New Zealand last month. He was in my ward at BYU. As for me, I'm keeping an eye out for another guy from my Ward back at BYU called Jamon Rogers. He'll be out in the field by late June or so. I now have a theory that English people are fueled by the sun. These past few days the sun has been out and everyone is out on the streets, happy and willing to talk to us. It is finally spring! As for referrals, we get them almost by the day. That one I wrote you in my last letter (not email, it might arrive today) happened to be more of a reporter than an investigator. A lot of questions, but was very polite. A proper Englishman! This last week we have just started organizing our efforts for more contacting on the Universities and working with part member families. On the university there is a home of Chinese students which seems promising (2 of them are already members). We scouted out the territory a bit as well. Part of the problem why we couldn't start early was that there were Occupy Protests on the campus. We have had to avoid more and more demonstrations in Brighton, like yesterday at Church we had to come home the long way around due to a "Oppose the March for England" and "March for England" clash in city centre. There was some violence there. Things heat up when the sun comes out! But in reality I am really spoiled to be here in Brighton. None of the third world problems, referrals coming from the office often, an outstanding ward mission leader, so on. I will be in Brighton for at least until June 2 or so, but if I stay I'll likely be either training or having a follow-up trainer. I dunno, I just do what I am here to do! In our flat we use the portable DVD player to play a lot of Holland's talks while we eat dinner. I think I'm going to start to write more of what I've learned on my mission in another journal than the one I already write in. I'll be sure to write you a letter too today, with a letter to Grandpa included in the same envelope. Missionary work is so rewarding when someone listens to the words of God we share. There is a lot of potential in the near future for a hastening of the work, Mission President Millar is still looking for new areas to make for missionaries. We will probably recommend Brighton to have another set: it is a large area in population and size. This week we are going to try to teach Ali's friend Sarwar. Hope for the best!

   To Heather: I have your cartoon posted on the wall in the bedroom along with the other postcard. They are so awesome! It's so true: I'm polite with the food and then pig out. The funny thing is Elder Ormsby eats at least just as much as me and yet holds his same weight. It could be because he's taller. I'm watching out for that now anyways (kilos are so annoying). Also I'm getting pretty good at the pull up bar! We have one in the flat. Fun fact, the English burn in the sun within minutes. "Pasty English Skin" haha. Another fun fact, apparently Adelle lives in Hove, the town where our flat is. 

    As always I took some pictures for your viewing pleasure. I will write more spiritual experiences in my letters. One is of me with a 13th century private school in the background. I'll pick and choose which to send. Love you!

                                                                                        Elder Cooper

P.S. Heather there is a shortage of worthy priesthood holders in Brighton, so don't get your hopes up here yet!

April 15, 2013

Hi Mom,
    Another week has passed already! The weather is BEAUTIFUL out right now. Imagine an English springtime. I should let you know that this week is moves week so there is a possibility (though not likely) that I will be transferred out of Brighton. I am halfway through my 12 week in-field training! The Universities are back in session, so I am stoked for starting the work there today. Elder Ormsby and i will be visiting the University of Sussex today along with a few students' flats. Dalin Van Overbeek has returned huh? Next time we see each other it will have been 4 years! I can imagine that his mission might not have the highest baptism count, but he made it to the other side with a stronger faith and a knowledge of Dutch. As for us here in the London Missions (London and London South) we have been told that the hastening of the work in Europe starts with the UK, and the hastening in the UK starts with the London Missions. No pressure! So pretty much all of our higher leadership is going home this transfer, so things are a bit hectic for President Millar. In my district a lot of us are staying (we guess, we don't know until tomorrow) and a few of us are becoming district and zone leaders. We're all on pins and needles wanting to know what will happen to our district, since president told one companionship that one is moving, but will still be seeing our district. Does that mean a new area is being formed? Is the district being split? Who knows? There are 13 new areas being formed this transfer. There are 15 leaving and 30 coming in, with larger numbers arriving in May and June. That's the thing about missions, the work may be slow but there is ALWAYS change.
    So the missionaries at home get to stay at the Parks huh? Awesome; I'm sure they're loving that! Being on a mission makes me regret not helping them out even more by giving them referrals while I was in high school. Help them in any way you can Mom. They need it like water. If the entire ward puts 100% into missionary work and finding people for them to teach, results will come. I'm sure I'll be blessed too haha. That's why I'm so grateful for my Ward Mission Leader out here, Trevor. He is SO ENTHUSIASTIC about the work. And we need that, every bit. There are only 70 people attending in a ward of 500! The search for inactives was fairly fruitless as far as I can tell, oh well. A lot of people not home or not interested. Bishop told us that they will always be there so not to worry too much about it. But we did what we were commanded, and now can carry on with our plans! To the YSA we go! 
     HAHA so Kaily is going to Russia huh? And Emily to Thailand? That is nuts! I would never have imagined that! Best of luck to them: I hear Southeast Asia is doing fairly well (not as great as West Africa, but dang well). As for Russia, well, a solid faith and determination helps there. On the mission you have to wake up with the mindset that as long as God has your back you can overcome anything. Thanks for the email you sent earlier, I always am encouraged by your example. 
I'm sure the letter you sent just arrived at my flat today (it usually does). 
     As for Heather: you've written 2 books already! Publish those suckers! I'd love to see it over skype sometime. I hope you enjoyed the list of fun facts I sent you. Here are a few more. They say Ward "Clark" here, there many sinks with separate hot and cold water taps, a lot of Chinese that live here change their names to English names and.....drum roll please.... I met the black guy on Mormon Messages (Bishop Cook)! We shook hands and talked at a "Meet the Mormons" event in Crawley. He's so awesome; talked about his mission in Birmingham England and about how even though I'm a new guy I'll be in the office before I know it haha. That's as close as I ever get to the Mormon Royalty out here. Keep up the good work! Over and Out. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Love,
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Elder Cooper

April 8, 2013

Hi Mom!
     You're right, I haven't seen the last session of General Conference because we're 7 hours ahead here of Salt Lake. The way that conference worked for us was a live session on Saturday Evening (of Saturday Morning session), followed by a marathon Sunday of every other session except the Sunday Afternoon Session. Spent a lot of time at the chapel, needless to say. on of the members was able to snag a projector from Crawley for us to watch it here in Brighton. I'm so excited to hear Holland's talk, and I loved to hear Bednar's talk on chastity (some people just need to hear it as it is) and President Monson's talk on obedience, especially the story of the matches. Also, Uchtdorf's talk was also great and inspiring on hope. The cool thing though was this: this last week was very unusual to say the least. It seemed as though distractions and barriers kept getting thrown in our way. I was feeling down from it, but in between sessions Elder Ormsby and I had companionship study. Although we didn't study much, we began to talk together about what has been going on. We talked about our plans for the future. We realized that what we needed was HOPE that we will see good things to come, OBEDIENCE so that the Lord is bound to bless us in our efforts, FAITH that if any organization can bring miracles and be built up so greatly, it is God's kingdom. We needed MISSIONARY-MINDED people who will break the handcuffs of contentment of what is in order to grow into our true potential. We know this is possible and sure enough the talks given in the very next session were just on those things which we discussed! It spoke to me. There is a vision in our companionship, and if we do absolutely everything we can God will make this a wonderful season. This is the challenge we must overcome, and I refuse to stand idly by and watch the 2 years slip away. 
       Speaking of which, I've been out over a month now! Exciting stuff; the days are long but the weeks are short. I will attach some photos as always; this time of the zone p-day and my flat! You should enjoy the mess of papers on my table: a lot of paperwork in missionary work. I'll be writing to you today as well! Just got some stamps. 
       Fun fact for Heather: British people use the measurement of "stones" a lot for body weight. I don't understand it. Also, some woman told me that I was American not just for my accent, but for how straight my teeth are. I laughed at that!
       Love you all!
           Elder Cooper 

April 1, 2013

Dear Mom,
    It's beautiful out here right now, just beautiful! However, the cold front is still here. When the sun comes out Brighton turns into a whole different city. Unfortunately, for two weeks in the summer I won't be able to stay in Brighton due to Gay rights demonstrations and nudes on the beach. 
      So another baby is born huh? Tell Daniel I'll be glad to meet him when he can walk! Elder Ormsby and I are so STOKED for General Conference. All of us are joking that there will be another huge announcement coming out like China opening or something. The past two days the plague hit our flat: Elder Ormsby was sick in bed all of Saturday (leaving me with nothing to do but study), and Sunday we managed to get to church on time. Daylight Saving's time started without us knowing! You can imagine our shock when we saw it was 9:00 instead of 8:00! I blessed the bread at sacrament, gave the closing prayer, and during 5th Sunday helped Elder Ormsby give a lesson in teaching others around us. The meeting for 5th Sunday focused on the new "I'm a Mormon" initiative starting April 8th. It's a huge blitz. London will be pounded with advertising: 200 buses with ads on them, all of Charing Cross station is COVERED with ads for mormon.org.uk, as well as other stations such as Picadilly Circus, billboards on overpasses and so on. We have a 4 week window here to take advantage of this. It's in response to the Book of Mormon Musical here in London.
      Nonetheless, Elder Ormsby and I have now a huge focus on University students. The mission president instructed us to go to the Universities and find those who will come to the gospel there. As well, the Lord may have provided a way for us to do so: we received a referral of a man who works in the administration building in the University of Sussex the day after we were given our mission. But, we have to wait until Spring Break is over in 2 weeks. We were told to think outside the box in our efforts, and so have the idea to organize classes telling people what the Book of Mormon is and dispelling myths about Mormons. We are working with our ward mission leader on this idea. Our YSA program is such where there are many ladies but few guys. We need to get more guys! Ali will try to help us out by coming with us to the University when the time comes. 
      In the meantime, we will be working on more "Lost Sheep" files (checking up on less actives and move-ins) as well as a few Chinese and Ali's friends. On Thursday I go on exchanges with the District Leader, Elder La Mazza from Germany who is a great guy. Our district alone has done 2/3 of the teachings in Crawley zone, and our goal is to beat a district in Poole which has the most teachings. 
      I received your letters! I wrote back, you should get yours in a day or two. Fun fact for Heather, the English think the West Coast Accent sounds totally generic and normal (I thought so!). Also, one of them was wondering why so many villains have British accents. I told her it's probably because it sounds so sophisticated and cunning, like they are smarter in some way. 
     I have attached some pictures like always, some of the drive to Crawley for Zone meeting and one of University of Sussex Campus, as well as one of Brighton from atop a hill we climbed. I love you Mom! Think of me during General Conference!
                                                                                                                                           Elder Cooper

March 25, 2013

Dear Mom,
     Guess what, Dalin H. Oaks is going to my companion's home stake as well in Australia! He must be a world traveler lately, and yes I do know him haha. I'm getting into the swing of things now: we now have orders from the office to do these 'lost sheep' files, going to 24 less active or recent move-in homes and making sure the address is correct and fellowship the people. Then we knock 10 doors a side. That's a total of 480 homes! and it's to be completed in 2 weeks time, with reports on each home. We have also a baptismal date scheduled for the 13 April, hope that it pulls through. Yesterday I went to the London Temple in the evening and listened to President Martin (one of President Millar's counselors) give a great talk about the week of atonement and challenge us on each day to "walk with Christ" by doing an action. Today is repentance or "cleaning your temple" as Christ did on Monday.I just did get the package and new license (that now looks funny because its vertical) and credit card, as well as the slacks.I also got to see Elder Gugyelka one of my best friends out in the field.It was great to catch up with him. Little Ryan is born! That's awesome. Before you know it he'll be out here serving! Today I have a zone P-Day in Crawley a bit north of here. Half of the elders are sacrificing their bottom dollar to get out there. As for me, I'm doing great money wise, got prudent accounting in me. Tell Grandpa that I see a lot of hats out here on the streets, but no bowler hats yet! A lot of paperboy caps (ivy caps?). The winter is dragging on here; apparently there is an Eastern wind from Russia blowing that is freezing. No snow though: too close to the ocean! Maybe the meteorite over Russia has anything to do with this haha. About Ali, he is a young guy in his early 20s and I don't know how he got here. He is very missionary-minded: we will be teaching his friend Alex soon. We will be working with more Chinese, South African, and Persian in the near future I can imagine. We had a 'meet the Mormons' evening at the chapel where songs were sung, testimonies given, and people gathered. There were 12 investigators present (I know I shouldn't worry about numbers so much but rather people, but it's so good to see a lot of potential)! Fun facts for Heather: the term Salary comes from the "Sal" meaning salt. Many people used to be paid in salt since it was worth more than gold in the middle ages. Also, people here roll their own cigarettes to save money, and there are so many more smokers here in England than in the USA. I have some pictures to send. First, the London temple at night. Second, One of my usual English Breakfasts. Third, the neighborhood in which I live. Last, my old zone back at the MTC, with Elder Christensen to the right (we're in the same district now and are pretty good friends) and in the far back the cousin of Elder Ormsby my companion. I am very jealous Heather got to shake hands with Elder Oaks. What was it like? 
                                                                                                                                     Love You Both!
                                                                                                                                                Elder Cooper

March 18, 2013

Hi Mom!
 It's always great to hear what's going on! My companion Elder Ormsby says if we talk about home too much we start to get 'trunky' which means homesick or nostalgic, but I love keeping in touch. Tell Nate that he sounds like a missionary already in his emails, or like an apostle giving a talk at general conference! Speaking of which that's coming up pretty soon isn't it? Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day (happy anniversary to Doug and Emily) but in England it is not celebrated so much. They don't love the Irish if you know what I'm saying. Still the ward here (which is half the size of our ward back home) uses the opportunity to gather together. So you remember what I told you about Brighton? I have more to say: it is like a smaller San Francisco. I found out from Elder and Sister Powers (the couple from Utah serving along in our ward for the YSA) that Brighton is the least religious city in the UK, and the UK is the least religious country in the developed world! So I have my work cut out for me. It is so hard to get people to give the gospel a chance! If only they knew we are trying to save them, not sell to them. If they are religious they believe strongly in the Church of England and that 'no other scripture is to be added to the Bible' (what a foolish idea, it's refuted by logic and scripture) and if they are not religious they have no interest in getting religious. There is a man who we are working with who I believe is what is known as a 'waster' meaning someone who wastes our time. He is like a Mitchell Smith but who's brain is fried by substance abuse. He can't stop smoking and just wanders all day. We try to get him to commit but he's not doing well at all at it. On the other hand, there is an outstanding man named Ali who just got baptized (maybe five days before I came to Brighton) who is from Pakistan. He sacrificed never being able to see his family again back in Pakistan for having the Gospel in his life. If he returned there he would be executed, and his family cannot know that he has been baptized or they will be guilty as well. But he told the missionaries he would die for the Gospel, and he told me that it would be incredible to baptize his friend as well. He is a pillar of faith. Anyways Elder Ormsby and I have a new plan we are going to use to expand our teaching pool.We will do everything we can to involve members in the work. We want to see 10 member families, 5 a week alternating, and teach them how to teach others. They are the most effective way. Knocking and street contacting is not as effective as this and really should be a last resort. We also have a HUGE list or inactives (or less actives at least). The Brighton Ward has over 300 members, but only 60 or so attend church. It is a shame, and the Powers and we have been working on that. I gave my testimony/introduction on Sunday and it went well; the Spirit let me speak smoothly. I have faith in Christ and the Gospel, but right now I feel as though I am doing something that the prophets of old endured in some cities: preaching to a people who are slow to listen. It almost seems like talking to bricks. But I still practice with my companion, try to keep my spirits up. 
   The food I've been eating is pretty English too! A lot of sausage back at the flat. We had a dinner appointment with the Powers on Saturday and enjoyed some Spaghetti. I miss Elder Mongelli and wonder how he is doing in London. A funny thing happened while checking my email today, we had a scare that I was serving in the wrong area. The office typed in the wrong name for the wrong area on the online accounting sheet. They swapped names of missionaries in different areas!
   Remember how I also told you Brighton is the gay capitol of the UK? Well we are working towards a miracle in getting two girls to split up and be baptized. One is already a member but was inactive for a time. They both believe the gospel is true, they just don't want to commit yet. We pray for the Spirit to be with us to convince them of the blessings that come from taking a leap of faith and being a member. They practically already are.
    I saw some gay marches out yesterday going on, or maybe it was a union march, or it could be an occupy movement march. I don't know. Heather should be happy about that haha. Tell her here's a fun fact: 7 elevens were named for the hours of the day they originally were open. Also, in Italy the way your license works as a kid is that you have way more rules and speed regulations than an adult, and have 21 points that if you violate a law, you get double point deduction 2 pull-overs can revoke the license! Also, I see mini coopers everywhere here, as well as Fiats. I ride in a double-decker bus every day to get around town! Well I have to write a report to the Mission President now, I'll send home blessings for my obedience if you send prayers haha!
     My address is 
58 Kingsway Court, 
Queens Gardens
Hove, Second Avenue
BN3 2JQ
                                                                                                                                                                                     Love, 
                                                                                                                                                                                           Elder Cooper
PS   Tell Steph thanks for the updates, and tell Candace I am giving the other brother's a chance to become FU while I'm gone!