September 2, 2013

Dear Mom,

     Every time I come over to this apple store to write and read what you wrote I feel so up! Funny huh? But I appreciate family so much more out here. Guess what: that woman who I wrote you about came to church yesterday with her family !!! I'm so excited for them, we just need to teach them more! She even had quite the spiritual experience after one of our lessons. Her personality kinda reminds me of Maya Andrus! She even does hair dressing! 

     September is beautiful here in England. Each season shows itself here. I love the weather right now! I wish missionaries were allowed to do kayaking or horseback riding or something! 

    So the Robertson boys have invaded the house? Hold in there. Justin is so cool. I've never met Ryan. If I was there I would help! So a lot of the fam is making holiday around the UK? So close and yet so far haha! I can imagine how the British elders feel. Those guys are cool. 

    You know, it gets harder to talk about out "worldly" things the longer you're out on the mission. I guess that's a good sign! Watch out for Christmas when you speak with me! 

    General Conference approaches! 1 more month! I'm so stoked for that. I'm guessing they'll announce a temple in west africa, a temple in utah (or Idaho), and a wildcard temple. Do you think Elko Nevada will get a temple? I mean, those guys have to travel quite a bit! 

    Hey, while I was typing this I just got a new referral! The work is incredible! (Heaven when it's going good, and one horrible crucible when things are slow!). 

    I've kept in touch with Colin Arbuckle, or should I say "Elder Arbuckle" from back at BYU. He's training and starting to get less actives to 1st see if they have home or visiting teachers, 2nd come to church, and 3rd refer their friends. He remembered my birthday too! 

    I've also heard from Elder Torres a little bit ago! Mexico is such a different place from here I can't imagine what it's like! As I always say, Latin American missionaries get to work on their teaching, and European missionaries become expert finders! 

    I'd say that in less than 2 years we will all get together and tell the stories like the sons of Mosiah!

    Gospel Principles class yesterday was PACKED. Returning Less actives, investigators and missionaries. We'll work with YSA a lot more. Also I've looked into family history as a tool for strengthening investigators and recent converts/ part member families. I also want to organise a temple  visitor centre trip, we've already organised a service project!

    It's so sad in England; so many of the mothers here don't have husbands, so many of the children without their father in the home. How the gospel blesses families!

     I'm sending a letter this week to a missionary from Reading Ward who is serving in Zambia. I'll try sending something your way too! 

    Love you Mum!

          Elder Cooper

P.S. Tell Steph I got her card this week and think it's very missionary appropriate haha! Tell Heather I don't know why she sends Christmas stationery for her letters either. Also, driving is coming along well in England!