"Your Armpits are Luminous!"

Hello all my dear loved ones! 

This week's been grand! I don't think my missing Montrose will ever go away completely, but I've been doing a bit better, though it especially hit me during church on Sunday. The dynamic is just so different.

There've been plenty of ups though! GQing here is the best! It's not too crowded to be overwhelming, but it's so much better than tiny Montrose. Honestly I was horrible at GQing there toward the end. It was probably the hardest part of the day, but now I'm actually looking forward to it!

We also have a recent convert! His name is Anthony, and he was baptised the day before I got here. He's a pretty cool guy. We've met up with him a few times, and I've been able to get to know him a bit. I don't know how to describe him personality-wise, so I'll just say that he's nothing like Ryan. It's crazy and inspiring to see that the Gospel is really for EVERYONE. And anyone can recognize its truth and necessity if they're just open. I love it! The first thing he said to me after he was confirmed was, "I'm officially a cultist now." The ward mission leader, Kieran McGeady, replied, "No, you're not. You'll become a cultist when you receive the priesthood." It was so funny!

We have one other solid person in our teaching pool. His name's Patrick, and Sister Peterson has been teaching him the whole three months she's been here. We haven't been able to sit down with him this week, other than at church, but he's a week sober from his e-cigs! Apparently quitting wasn't something he was ever going to do, but the members here persuaded him, and he's loving/hating it!

Now, time for my rant on food. The Relief Society President and her husband, Hannah and Fairley Ramraj, had us over for dinner Wednesday night, and made us an all-out Thanksgiving dinner (minus pumpkin pie, but I had that last Sunday at the Stronachs' so I'm not sad about it.)!! Oh my heavens it was delicious. Probably the best Thanksgiving dinner I've ever had in my life. And I'm usually definitely not a fan of sweet potatoes, but the ones they had there were some of the best things I've ever had in my entire life. The marshmallows made it. It was especially incredible since they don't even celebrate Thanksgiving! Gotta love the members!

And these are my favourite people on the streets of the week, Jimmy the hobo and Father Columba the monk. Sister Peterson has known Jimmy since she's been here. He's always around the town and smells perpetually of alcohol. He's harmless though, and is so hilarious. Yesterday, we asked him how he was doing, and he replied with this gem. "I can't complain. What's the point of complaining? Nobody listens." How TRUE. I'm going to write a book called Life Lessons Learned from Jimmy. I shared with him a scripture from the Book of Mormon, because he obviously hasn't read any of it, despite telling us that he has (rants on and on about Deuteronomy). And we bid him farewell. Now. Father Columba. I laughed so hard during our conversation with him. Sister Peterson had the Book of Mormon open in front of her while we were walking, and he came up from behind us, asking if it was the Bible. We started a conversation, and he seemed to be pretty interested in what we were saying. He told us a bit about himself, and asked if he could pray for us. We said of course, and then he asked if either of us had any physical problems, and I mentioned my back. He then proceeded to lay a hand on my shoulder and prayed that the pain in my back would leave. Pain. Go. Now! It didn't work. He actually tried a few times. I should've told him about the priesthood, but I missed my opportunity. He's a lovely soul though. The subject heading was a quote from him, interrupting what he was telling us to tell someone across the street that their armpits were luminous. What the heck. My face hurt so bad after he left.

Okay. Last thing. The Church is doing the Light the World initiative this year again (it's a bit different, and I love it!), and Sister Peterson and I have been coming up with loads of ideas to implement in the ward and community (actually pretty much Sister Pete's ideas. I've just been going along with it. I'm horrible with ideas). We're so excited! It's going to be great. We asked Bishop Giddey if we could come to ward council, and he graciously said yes and allowed us to present our/her ideas. They seem to really like it all. We're also potentially going to go on the radio and speak with the mayor about the community stuff. It's not completely set yet though, and honestly, I don't really want to do it. I'm gonna be a nervous wreck. I mean I sweat buckets just because I had to lay a wreath at the foot of a statue!

Anyway, I'm so excited for this next month. I love the Christmas season, and I think it's going to be especially wonderful this year around, being a missionary. There's nothing like spreading the light during the brightest time of the year! And you all can do it too!! Go to lds.org and watch the Light the World videos and find out what you can do to spread the love. So many out there need it. This Gospel is a beautiful thing to be a part of. I can't express how grateful I am.

I love you all! Have a beautiful week! And make sure to do some service on the World Wide Day of Service on Saturday!!

Sister Syphus x


Don't let it deceive you. It's not hot chocolate. Just some watered down lemon and honey (dad's is a million times better).

 Us and the elders at a member's home coloring with their two adorable children

 Us and Jimmy!

 FATHER COLUMBA
 This is a creepy doll that you can see from the window in the missionaries' old flat. Apparently it's from the troubles. There's some culture for you.

 Thanksgiving Dinner and lovely Hannah Ramraj

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