Merry Christmas from England

Christmas #2 in England

Alyssa talked to us via Skype while Taylor spoke to us via FaceBook Time---so we turned the computers to each other and Taylor and Alyssa got to see & talk to one another.  It was amazing.  Alyssa skyped from a church book store that a member of the church owns.  She is so happy and doing great.  She is thinking of extending her mission, but hasn't decided for sure.  There will be a lot of new sisters coming out soon that will need trainers.  Sister Longmore may be needed.

Alyssa in Moreland

Companionship

Dear President,

I love my companions! Let me tell you why. Well Sister Ballantyne is so much fun. She is always happy, even when she is sad, she is happy. How is that possible? When she speaks she exudes the spirit. She is very much willing to work hard to do what is right. She also is very aware and recognize when there are problems. For instance, she noticed that Sister Hanson was getting a cough and kept asking her how she was feeling, and you could see she really cared and wanted to help. She is very sweet and loving.

Sister Hanson is very much a leader, however, she does it in such a gentle way. She really cares about everyone and wants to be her absolute best self and truly knows that that is only possible with the Lords help. She too notices subtleties. I was feeling a little like I wasn't needed in the companionship the other day, and so Sister Hanson just came and sat beside me and really talked to me about all that I was feeling. I really needed that and am so glad I am developing friendships here that will last forever.

I don't know if Sister Ballantyne told you but while she was in the MTC she had a cousin that committed suicide. It has been quite rough, especially since she said one of her biggest fears is her being away from home and something bad happening and she not being able to get back to help. She says though that she is learning to trust in the Lord and lean on him for help... I too had a few cousins that committed suicide so I know how hard that can be. Today was the funeral for Edna Mills and we were asked if we would attend to greet people and provide some support, so with approval we did. During the middle of the service I recognized that Sister Ballantyne was in tears. I was able to put my arm around her as she cried. I think sometimes you do just need to cry. I think it was a really good thing for her that we were able to go to the service because it was filled with hope and recognition that the Lord is in control and that He truly does have a plan.

On Saturday during our companionship study we were able to role play teaching one of our investigators, Laura. I was able to play Laura as the other sisters taught the restoration. Sister Hanson recited in Josephs own words what happened. As she did she looked me in the eye and didn't brake the gaze once. It was so intense. I really felt what the investigator should feel. I felt the spirit the strongest I have ever felt it as they shared the experience in the sacred grove. It was such an incredible experience for me. I felt like they were looking into my soul. I it was strange because I somewhat felt vulnerable, but in a good way. Like there was no hiding anything. My cards were all layed our and they could see absolutely who I was. Later that day we were able to actually teach Laura this. It went fairly well, but I think that was because Laura is who she is. She asks really good questions and is very sincere. I am so grateful for experiences like this on my mission.

Our stake president wants us to have a white Christmas this year and the other night Sister Hanson was praying for it. As she did, I envisioned a parent and their child holding hands and in white. Things like that don't always happen for me but I feel that it was a gift from God to confirm to us that it will happen. Sister Ballantyne and Sister Hanson also shared that during the prayer they felt it would happen. We are very excited but I am also humbled because I know that we must be striving to find these people and help them the best we can. I know that I on our own we will not be able to accomplish this, however with God we can do all things.

With it being thanksgiving I will write just a few things I am thankful for. I am grateful for my ancestors that joined the church here in England and decided to come across the plains, sacrificing so much for us to have a good life. I am grateful I was raised by good parents. I am absolutely grateful for the experiences I have had in my life that have prepared me for this part of my life. I love my mission so much and am over-joyed that I get to be here at this time. I am grateful for the companions I have had and the leaders that have taught us so much. I am grateful for so much that I could go on and on and on but just know that my body is filled with a thankful heart.

I love you.

Love Alyssa Longmore

A day in the life of a missionary

So the Day in the life of Sister Longmore in Chorley, England....
We woke up today and were going to go outside running but both of my companions were feeling poorly (that is what they say here instead of saying sick, because when they say sick it means that they are throwing up). So instead we stayed inside and stretched from 6:30 to 7:00. Then we took showers and ate breakfast and got ready for the day. At 8:00 we do personal study where we read the scriptures and ensign articles or preach my gospel. Today I read the talk Consider the Blessings from President Monson in the last general Conference. It is the one where he told of the story of the 2,000 youth praying that the power would go back on for the pagent thing that they were to present. and because of difficulties they weren't able to practice as much but everything turned out ok in the end because they were faithful..... I have recently learned how much we can pray. Sometimes we feel silly if we think oh maybe i should pray then we second guess ourselves thinking wow I just said a pray 2 minutes ago, but I realize that at those moments we need to pray the most.
After personal study we have an hour of companion study were we prepare for lessons we will have that day and practice teaching. Then if someone is in the first 2 transfers of being in the field they do an additional hour of study with their companions, except for on p-day.
Today durring our companion study our power went out. SO we studied in the dark. LOL. We just ran out of power and had to go make a payment. It is getting colder so we run out of power quicker. Tonight after p-day ends at 6:00 we will go call by 8 different people that have potential to start investigating the church so that will be exciting. That is what we do.
I hope that gives you a little taste of what it is like. But I must tell you Cassie that it is the best thing ever. I love it so so so much. I love the spirit I feel all the time. There are difficult moments but you just push through those and get onto the great moments and want those to last forever. You make friends that will be your friends for eternity. Your able to be open and honest with one another. IT is so great.
I love you
Love Lyssa

& Sister Ballantyne makes 3

Sister Ballantyne from Layton, Utah joined Sister Longmore & Sister Hanson----yes it is wet in England!

Dear President,

I love my companions! Let me tell you why. Well Sister Ballantyne is so much fun. She is always happy, even when she is sad, she is happy. How is that possible? When she speaks she exudes the spirit. She is very much willing to work hard to do what is right. She also is very aware and recognize when there are problems. For instance, she noticed that Sister Hanson was getting a cough and kept asking her how she was feeling, and you could see she really cared and wanted to help. She is very sweet and loving.

Sister Hanson is very much a leader, however, she does it in such a gentle way. She really cares about everyone and wants to be her absolute best self and truly knows that that is only possible with the Lords help. She too notices subtleties. I was feeling a little like I wasn't needed in the companionship the other day, and so Sister Hanson just came and sat beside me and really talked to me about all that I was feeling. I really needed that and am so glad I am developing friendships here that will last forever. 

I don't know if Sister Ballantyne told you but while she was in the MTC she had a cousin that committed suicide. It has been quite rough, especially since she said one of her biggest fears is her being away from home and something bad happening and she not being able to get back to help. She says though that she is learning to trust in the Lord and lean on him for help... I too had a few cousins that committed suicide so I know how hard that can be. Today was the funeral for Edna Mills and we were asked if we would attend to greet people and provide some support, so with approval we did. During the middle of the service I recognized that Sister Ballantyne was in tears. I was able to put my arm around her as she cried. I think sometimes you do just need to cry. I think it was a really good thing for her that we were able to go to the service because it was filled with hope and recognition that the Lord is in control and that He truly does have a plan. 

On Saturday during our companionship study we were able to role play teaching one of our investigators, Laura. I was able to play Laura as the other sisters taught the restoration. Sister Hanson recited in Josephs own words what happened. As she did she looked me in the eye and didn't brake the gaze once. It was so intense. I really felt what the investigator should feel. I felt the spirit the strongest I have ever felt it as they shared the experience in the sacred grove. It was such an incredible experience for me. I felt like they were looking into my soul. I it was strange because I somewhat felt vulnerable, but in a good way. Like there was no hiding anything. My cards were all layed our and they could see absolutely who I was. Later that day we were able to actually teach Laura this. It went fairly well, but I think that was because Laura is who she is. She asks really good questions and is very sincere. I am so grateful for experiences like this on my mission.

Our stake president wants us to have a white Christmas this year and the other night Sister Hanson was praying for it. As she did, I envisioned a parent and their child holding hands and in white. Things like that don't always happen for me but I feel that it was a gift from God to confirm to us that it will happen. Sister Ballantyne and Sister Hanson also shared that during the prayer they felt it would happen. We are very excited but I am also humbled because I know that we must be striving to find these people and help them the best we can. I know that I on our own we will not be able to accomplish this, however with God we can do all things.

With it being thanksgiving I will write just a few things I am thankful for. I am grateful for my ancestors that joined the church here in England and decided to come across the plains, sacrificing so much for us to have a good life. I am grateful I was raised by good parents. I am absolutely grateful for the experiences I have had in my life that have prepared me for this part of my life. I love my mission so much and am over-joyed that I get to be here at this time. I am grateful for the companions I have had and the leaders that have taught us so much. I am grateful for so much that I could go on and on and on but just know that my body is filled with a thankful heart.

I love you.

Love Alyssa Longmore

Chorley Transfer with Sister Hanson

 I am now serving in Chorley with Sister Hanson from Idaho Falls. She was in the South Stake in Sunnyside ward. She seems so wonderful. Honestly I really felt I was leaving and some how I felt I would be coming to Chorley. It was nice to feel this way because it made it a little easier to say good bye. I will miss Kendal so much and Sister Crookston and the investigators. It is crazy cuz sister crookstons new companion was trained by Sister Hanson. So it is the "mothers" and the "daughters" together. Chorley is where the MTC and temple are so this will be quite different than kendal but it will be great. 

Dear President,

It has been really good to be here in Chorley with Sister Hanson. President, Sister Hanson is such a wonderful person and missionary. I feel so grateful that I get to serve with her. I wish she could see herself the way our Heavenly Father sees her. I think she is starting to, but it is hard. In fact before my mission I was very similar to that as well, and I still struggle with it from time to time, that is really recognizing who we are. It is difficult but it is so important. A few things that I believe helped me were whenever I would get down on myself I would go and serve someone else. It helped me take the focus off of me. I also had to pray with all my might to be able to transform my eyes to see myself in reality instead of some hazy image in my mind. The Lord knows us so much better than we know ourselves.

The members here in the Chorley 2nd ward are incredible. I already love them so much. They are so willing to help. It is amazing. What an impact that makes.

My brother leaves for the MTC on Wednesday. I am so excited for him. I remember the feeling just one year ago that I was doing just what he was doing. I feel I have grown a lot in this last year. I have a long ways to go before I am where I would like to be but I am so happy that I am constantly progressing. I feel Sister Hanson and Chorley will help me a lot with this.

Something I learned recently in my personal study was all about how we must trust in the Lord. Trust really requires true humility. A recognition then a submission. I know that our Heavenly Fathers ways are higher than our ways. I know that He has great things in store, but I want to know how I can bring those great things to pass. I want to learn how I can be the best instrument I can be in helping Him in the work. I learned that I must prepare. I have learned that preparation precedes power. That is something one of my softball coaches always would say before we had a game. I love it! It is so true. It is something I learned a lot about as we went to the temple then climbed Mt Snowdon. We can only prepare so much then we must pray and take a leap of faith. That is when we have to trust. Trust in God that he will fulfill His end of the promise. Trust that He knows the plan and that no matter what happens He is in control. I loved this insight. It is something I feel I really need right now. I am so grateful for our Heavenly Father and the example His son sent for us. I also am grateful that as we trust in the Lord and are obedient, the Holy Ghost will go before us leading us in what we must do.  

President, the church is true! I love this work and am excited for what adventures Chorley will bring.

Love Sister Longmore

DAD,

     That is so good that Taylor was able to have a successful farewell. I love president Mauhn. He is an amazing man.

     As for working with sister Hanson it is good. She is such a great missionary. Very humble and has the most amazing spiritual prayers. She speaks as if Heavenly Father is standing right in front of her. I am learning a lot from her. We are trying to learn how to work with one another because we are so used to doing things our way that we are really having to rely on the Lord for help which is what should be done all the time. 

      In the Chorley 2nd ward, the ward we are in, there are about 200 members. It is such a change from about 20. Our tea list is filled to the brim. Next week we have 5 tea appointments out of 7 days of the week. It will be great. They are from all over the place since a lot of them came her to be near the temple.  So in our area we have 2 people dated for baptism. One will be baptised this up coming saturday. and the other one hopefully will be on the 3rd of November.

      Dad I love being able to be a missionary. It has been something that has shaped my life. I feel that everyone must experience this.

      I hope that you have a good week and that it will be a good experience sending Taylor off to the MTC. I love you.

 Love -Lyssa Lou