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