East Coast

Dearest Family,

Life on the East Coast is so much different from the West Coast. Seriously, I haven't heard anybody say "Ach, aye!" or talk about their "weens" or just use the typical harsh Glasgow slang. Now, people say "eh" after nearly everything and call their children "bairns." What is that about? Haha, but really, its differences are both immense and minimal. It is a different shade of green here, there are more rolling hills, and the people speak differently. But the reactions we get are similar, people need the gospel here as much as they need it in the west, and the Church in the east is equally as true as in the west! So hurrah for Israel, and we will go on in so great a cause!

Moving was really difficult, as you probably gathered from my last e-mail. Change never has been, nor ever will be, fun. It was really hard saying good-bye to my Irvine friends. Bishop Broadfoot, as I was leaving, told me that he hasn't seen a missionary in a long time who has made as big of an impact as I did. That was a really sweet thing to say, and although it is a big hyperbole, I appreciated the statement.

On Wednesday, we got a lift to the train station (and had to run back because I forgot my insulin...whoops!), then got a train to Glasgow, then got a train from Glasgow to Haymarket, walked to the mission home after dropping our luggage in a car, then drove to Dunfermline and then got a bus to Kirkcaldy. I was so knackered it wasn't even funny. But ooft, what do you do, eh? Just keep on keeping on. :) 

We've met a lot of the members here while I've been here and they are wonderful. Seriously, church yesterday was amazing! People were giving us potential referrals, asking when they can come joint-teaching with us, setting up appointments, etc. It's incredible! I didn't know what to do with myself. This is how missionary work is SUPPOSED to be—and I've never seen it like this, so I get really excited about it. 

Also, at church, I was welcomed into the ward. I got to give the RS lesson with Sister Pugh, play the piano for RS and for Sacrament Meeting, and give a talk! haha! It was my second week in a row giving an impromptu talk and I love it. Now I'm working on making five-minute talks for a variety of subjects in case the opportunity presents itself, which it seems to quite often. :) I love it. I really do love helping. 

We have some nice friends here who we're working with. I have faith that we can progress and grow our area into one that is thriving with many who are coming closer to Christ! 

Yesterday, we went to a great Sisters’ Conference for the Dundee Sisters. It was all about "Christ-Centered Healing" for depression. It was one of the most wonderful presentations I've ever heard.

Also, I think the sweetest thing of the week was Monday and Tuesday nights with Davy. He brought out a "Last Supper" for our last meal together, and he made me a lunch (a piece box) for the train journey, a coloring book and markers for the train in case I got bored, and a giant notesbook to fill with memories of Kirkcaldy. He said, "I'm not going to be around to take care of you anymore." I just bawled and bawled and bawled leaving him. He is the sweetest man to ever live. 

I ran across this really cool quote that I just loved. I'm not one who has always loved Church. That doesn't mean that I don't love the church or that I don't have a testimony of the gospel. But let's face it, there are more fun things that we could be doing than sitting for three hours listening to people who may or may not have prepared a lesson and learning about things that we generally already understand. Church can be hard, but I have grown to love Church on my mission, and I think that this quote illustrates what has changed. It's something I would invite you to apply as well, as it can make church a more enjoyable environment and experience.

"Each of us should apply that principle to our attitudes in attending church. Some say ‘I didn’t learn anything today’ or ‘No one was friendly to me’ or ‘I was offended’ or ‘The Church is not filling my needs’ All those answers are self-centered, and all retard spiritual growth.

In contrast, a wise friend wrote:

“Years ago, I changed my attitude about going to church. No longer do I go to church for my sake, but to think of others. I make a point of saying hello to people who sit alone, to welcome visitors, … to volunteer for an assignment. …

“In short, I go to church each week with the intent of being active, not passive, and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Consequently, my attendance at Church meetings is so much more enjoyable and fulfilling.” 

All of this illustrates the eternal principle that we are happier and more fulfilled when we act and serve for what we give, not for what we get."

--Elder Oaks

There is much more to being an "active" member of the ward than just attending every week.

Well, that's me for today. I love you all and am grateful for your dedicated service, for your prayers, and for the fact that each of us belongs to the same eternal family! I am so blessed to have each of you around me for eternity and am grateful that those eternal blessings have already begun. For today is part of eternity! :) 

I love you! 

Love,

Sister Ricks