Email 9/9/13

Oh my goodness you will never guess what happened. So on Friday we were at a members home for tea. She is really nice and after she dropped us off at the chapel. We started talking to a man named Dave Morris. He is a member of the New Castle ward which shares the same building as the Stoke ward. So we started talking and he asked me what I thought of Stoke so far. I told him that I was so excited to be here because I have family history all over this place. (Stoke is known for its Pottery). He asked who my ancestors were. I told him Alfred Cordon. He told me that Alfred Cordon was one of his hero's and he wrote a paper on him. He also said that he had all 7 of his journals, and that he would get me a copy of them. It is so amazing!!!!! So we kept on talking and he said that when he was on his mission he had a companion with the last name of Ballantyne that lived in Farmington. I asked him where he served. He served in Califorinia in 1990-1992. I asked if his name was Steve. He pulled up a picture of him on face book and it is none other then dad's Brother Steve Ballantyne!!!!!!!!! It ceases to amaze me how Heavenly Father has a hand in every thing and he knows exactly where we are needed and when.

 

In Gospel Principles on Sunday the lesson talked about how we were for ordained before we came to this earth. He already knew that I was to come to England and Stoke-on-Trent. We already had the talents that we have and we just need to find them and develop them. The teacher Brother Beeston (WML). Found out that I can sing on Thursday when we sang at his house, and in the middle of the lesson on Sunday asked me to get up and sing. It was nerve racking but not as terrifying as it normally is.

 

My address is:

Flat 1, Hartshill House

St. Andrews Square

Stoke-On-Trent

STAFFS

ST4 7GD

 

My release date is April 30th. I was just going to have you look and see what I needed to do. I know that I need to work so that I can save some money. This is going to be so much fun. All that I know is that I need to go to school.

 

There are a few investigators. This area is just pouring of our family history!!!!! I love it so much. The ward is great!!! They are so nice and loving!!! I love my companion!!!!! She is so sweet!!! We have so much fun and just laugh the whole time.

 

That quote that Cassie shared is exactly what I was looking for. We are giving a training in our Zone meeting tomorrow and it is on the "power of words". And that will go perfectly with what we were thinking of doing. 

 

Quote:

"Watch your thoughts; for they become words. Watch your words;for they become actions. Watch your actions; for they become habit. Watch your habits; for they become character. Watch your character; for it becomes your destiny."

 

We have been getting some rain as well. We are coming back into the normal british weather.

 

I love that post!!!!! It is exactly what we as Christians should do. We need to be that example and not be ashamed of who we are or who we represent. We need to show to him that we are here to do his work and to help his children come closer to him. 

 

Post:I am a Christian

When I say that "I am a Christian," I am not shouting that "I am clean living." I'm whispering "I was lost, but know I'm found and forgiven.
When I say "I am a Christian," I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but believes I am worth it.
When I say "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not holier the thou. I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

 

I love you all so much and am so grateful for all of your constant love and support!!!!

 

Love

 

Sister Ballantyne