Farewell Lovely Montrose

November 20, 2018

Farewell Lovely Montrose

Okay friends and loved ones. This week has been crazy! I honestly can't remember much. It's all been a blur. We taught a first lesson this week to a woman named Gillian. She's married and has a six year old son with some learning disabilities, and has been wanting to gain a stronger relationship and belief of God. Sister Wu GQed her last week, and our appointment with her was wonderful! The Spirit was so so strong. We talked about our the nature of God, and also of Christ and the Holy Ghost. Afterward, she said that she felt really good, and had been having happy thoughts the whole time we were speaking with her. She was excited to begin praying, and then a few days later, she texted us saying how great it was to try praying again. Sister Wu and her NEW COMPANION will be meeting again with her tomorrow hopefully.

And that's right folks, you read that last bit right! I left Montrose. Sunday night. And it was miserable. But also good. We got our moves call Saturday night while we were at the Dibdins' home! My favorite people! We were all sitting at their table after eating dinner, just talking some more about food, and then THE CALL came. Sister Wu and I started freaking out when we saw the AP's number on our caller ID. We both were tempted to just throw it on the floor and stomp it to death. We answered though, and they told us that she was staying, and that I was going to Londonderry. In Northern Ireland. Wott!? Sister Wu's new comp is Sister Oren. She came out into the field with me, but was in the Provo MTC because she's Mandarin speaking and is from the Philippines. So Montrose has two Mandarin speakers!? A small town with barely any Chinese in it. The few that are there are going to be facing a storm of two tiny Asian Missionaries! Anyway. We ended the call. And everyone just sort of sat there silent in shock I think. Their youngest, Josh, who is the sweetest, purest little soul I've ever met, started to cry! That hit the rest of us off. Let me just tell you, the rest of that night was one of my most emotional ones EVER. It's crazy how close I've become with Sister Wu and the Dibdins. Really, it's unreal.

Sunday was hard too. The meetings were wonderful, Bishop Dibdin called me up to give a farewell testimony, we talked about service in Gospel Principles, and we taught the primary kids more Mandarin. Pictures and hugs were after the meetings. Lots and lots of tears. Then we went to the Stronachs' home for my LAST dinner! It was also Sister Wu's birthday dinner, so it was extra special. While we were eating, the Hendersons, who were away for the weekend, skyped Robert to say "see you later!" My heart melted. I love this ward so much. After we finished, Robert and Helen gave Sister Wu and I a ride to our flat, where I rush-packed all my stuff in a half hour, then they drove us to the train station! They all gave me more hugs (even Robert and James Lynch--I'm feeling so rule-breaky right now), and waved goodbye while our train sped off to Dundee.

When we got to the train station, we met up with a few other missionaries, and Sister Wu and I parted ways. I can't believe I only got one transfer with her! It feels like my time with her was so rudely cut short. I absolutely adore her. She's been my miracle. Me and two other missionaries traveled to Glasgow, where we met up with Sister McNamara(!) and her comp. We stayed at their flat overnight, and the next morning a few of us took a train, booked a taxi, then caught a ferry to Belfast. When we got there, we took a bus to the bus station, I met my new comp, Sister Peterson from Farmington, Utah (she graduated with Sister Hammond!!), ate a quicky dinner, then took a train to Londonderry! Or, as the cool kids call it, Derry. (So I guess it'll be Londonderry for me). She is absolutely hilarious by the way. She totally reminds me of Kari from the Incredibles, and also a chipmunk. I don't think I've ever laughed as hard. This transfer will be a party! There's also some interesting background with Londonderry. So apparently, in Northern Ireland there's lots of "troubles" going on. The Catholics and Protestants are pretty much at war. Catholics want to become part of the Republic, and the Protestants want to stay with the UK, so that's the reason for Londonderry/Derry. Catholics don't like the London part, so we have to be careful with what we say around here.

And guess what! Our flat isn't a flat! It's a HOUSE! I'm pretty sure our Montrose flat was still bigger, but our house is really cute. It'll all just take a bit getting used to. I've cried a few times, though I've been trying to hold the tears back because I don't want to be a sob pot in front of Sis Peterson, though I don't think she would mind. I just miss my family in Montrose. So much. My heart hurts thinking about them. But all will be well. I'm excited to continue on this adventure. The Irish accent is also pretty dang awesome, but I miss my Scots. Like I said, it'll take a bit.

I met the first counselor of the ward and our family history consultant. Mike and Keith. They're hilarious too and took us to get some treats before our emailing session. I'm gonna have lots of fun here. :)

Moving has helped/is going to help bring me back to focus I think. I was getting so attached to some of the people in Montrose, maybe too attached in some cases. Still am. If I stayed it would've been too much of a distraction. This is why the Lord moves us around I think. It's good to form eternal relationships, but my first priority is to bring others to Christ. I am a representative of my Savior, and I'm hear to share His Gospel. To further His message, and to be an instrument of Light to those who are in the dark. This is what I'm here for, and I'm loving it. Though the relationships I have formed are FOREVER, and I'll always treasure them.

I love all of you too! Have a wonderful week, and a lovely, delicious Thanksgiving to all my American people (most of you)! I'll be wishing I was celebrating with you!

Lots of Love!
-Sister Syphus