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!