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