Hey Dad!
Thank you so much for the email on Valentine’s Day. That really meant a lot. It’s the little things that make all the difference.
Don’t feel bad, I’m the one who is proper rubbish at writing emails. There are always things that seem to spring up on me on PDays. It’s so stressful! They are the hardest days of the week, haha.
Today has been especially crazy because the Dereham area is going from a Sisters area to an Elders area and the Norwich 3 Elders Area is being closed. There’s lots of moving around that needs to be done there... we spent all morning helping people move luggage and things from Dereham to Norwich and Norwich to Dereham! Haha. Oh, forgot to say that Elder McMurray and I are staying together another transfer here in Norwich. I’m so excited to be here for another transfer! I have really come to love this great city and this amazing Zone. Plus, our area is really picking up steam! We are seeing the blessings from being obedient and diligent. Which is an amazing thing to see.
Something kind of crazy that is going in is the England London South Mission is being CLOSED. We are absorbing 6 Zones into our mission and losing 2 Zones to the Birmingham and Leeds Missions. So, Norwich as of July 1st will be a part of the England Leeds Mission... crazy. I probably won’t be here when that happens, but it is still crazy news, and it’s crucial to keep missionaries motivated to work hard especially as we get closer to July.
That is the same time that President and Sister Stevens will go home... I love them so much. They have helped me in countless ways find out who I am and what I can become. They lead this mission with love and inspiration. It’s sad to think they will go before me. I won’t get a departing interview with them... which is sad. It’s okay, I’ll live. Did you have more than one mission president on your mission? Did anything like boundary changes happen while you were in Norway? It’s still the work of the Lord. Just funny to think that if I’m serving in the Northampton Zone or Norwich Zone come July, I will be reassigned to serve in another mission. Crazy.
Now on to some amazing news! The area President (President Paul V Johnson) is doing a mission tour next week. Which is pretty cool, but what is even cooler, is that he is coming to MLC (Mission Leadership Council) the day before to address us as leaders... how cool is that?? Being on such an intimate level with a General Authority. Plus we get to stay in London for like 3 days in a row when that happens.
BUT, that is not even the most exciting news! You may have heard that Elder Holland and President Russel M. Nelson are going to visit parts of Europe and Asia... and we just heard this morning that they will be addressing the England London Mission at the Hyde Park Chapel! Wow! The prophet and Elder Holland together! What an experience! We truly are being blessed as we have decided to focus on obedience as a mission.
Speaking of that, for only the second time of my mission, we exceeded our goal for Baptisms in a month. Our goal as a mission was 30, and we baptised 32! It truly is amazing! Norwich contributed big time to that:) We are being so blessed, and I know that it is because the Lord is so involved I’m this work. He goes before us, and helps us in every stage of this work. I love being a missionary (especially in the England London Mission).
It makes my heart leap with joy to see you being great missionaries as well! How were the Elders that came? I hope they are good. I hope they work hard. Haha, I look at missionaries different now haha!
How are you doing Dad? I love the advice you send in your emails. You must have been an amazing missionary! I’m grateful for your great example! Sure love ya!
I’m so glad to hear about your great experience in Leadership training as well. Isn’t it amazing how the work progresses? I love it. I know that this is the Lords church. My testimony has grown in leaps and bounds even just this last week. We got to watch the Prophet if the Restoration with an investigator, and during the film I just felt in my heart so powerfully that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.
I love being a missionary!
Love you!
Elder Draper
Hey Mom!
Wow! You are missionary legends!
Maddie seems to be very into this boy... don’t know how I feel about that haha! I’m glad that she seems to be having fun and enjoying her high school experience!
I sent some crazy info in my letter to Dad, so refer to his email for mind blowing information.
This week has been super great. It transfers week, but we are staying together here in Norwich! Woohoo! Great things are happening in our area and it is such a great time to be serving the Lord.
This week we actually got many opportunities to serve others. Especially members of the Ward. We were able to help a member strip wallpaper from their new house (that needs tons of work). We got to help an elderly widow move her new bed in! Then she fed us with fish and chips! It was amazing!
We didn’t know if I would stay or go for transfers, so I got some pictures with some of my favourite members but it’s okay! I am staying here! Haha!
I hope that all keeps going well with your School! I pray for you all the time. It sounds like you are doing a really, really, good job of staying busy! I love the vision that you have! I can’t wait to go and get a massage at the storefront! Woohoo!
Mom, you really are the best. I hope you know that. Time and time again I am reminded at how much you have helped me feel loved and valued. I never had to doubt if someone was there for me because you always were. I’m glad that you are busy with such good things. Be careful to not rush right through it all. Enjoy this time. Savour it. Make memories and laugh lots!
You are being led, and I love that you recognise that! I want to be led by revelation. I totally want my best friend to be the Saviour! I know that He lives!
Well, that’s all, I am loving every minute of this wonderful experience!
Love you!
Elder Draper
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