Sister Lybbert in Leeds: Righto, Flower! (two week update)

February 17, 2014
Hello Everyone,
This week has been one of the best. And to top it off, I can't believe what's happened with transfers. Nigido and I are both STAYING, whoo!! To make matters EVEN better, Sister Monroe is staying and the crazy thing is that Sister Peck is coming to South Shields from Gateshead and Sister Neilson is going to Gateshead from South Shields. It is incredible! We 6 were so sad to separate and all that happened was a little swap. Cushty Belta! (talyia thought I said that one day but I didn't even know what it was...it means posh/sharp/classy even though the term itself sounds otherwise...haha)
I can't remember if I told you about the girl we met while knocking that is from the Born Again Church we attended a few weeks ago. Anyway, we had a huge miracle in that she accepted everything we taught her about the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and about the importance of Priesthood Authority on the earth through prophets. She even said she'd come to church with us as soon as her mam is recovered from a recent surgery. I was shocked knowing the background she came from and how open she was to learn more about the gospel. She's adorable as well and I am so happy that I am staying so that I can still meet with her.
AND we had tea with the Church of England Minister and his wife. We actually found out he is a retired Church of England Canon, which is apparently pretty "up there." It went really well. We had decided that this time we would not let any topics contain the slightest amount of tension and so Sister Nigido and I planned to leave a spiritual thought through singing them a hymn instead of reading them scriptures that they might contend with. So all week we had been planning this and singing to people at our other appointments because it really was so uplifting and it was nice to do something a bit different like that. We chose the hymn, "O, My Father" because it teaches the plan of salvation. Another beauty of singing a hymn was that nobody can interrupt a hymn, nobody can help but feel the spirit during a hymn, and it taught something unique to our faith but it wasn't in any sense "pushed" onto them. The sad part was that, the very day I started to get an infection in my throat. I had just got over the cold I had, and then this came on the morning of that day. We sang anyhow and it was good. Angela, his wife absolutely loved it and they invited us back for whenever we can make it.
As for the infection, Sister Pilkington has arranged for me to see a doctor. I talked to Sister Kinghorn on Sunday who is a nurse and she examined my throat and told me there were glands that were swollen and that I should call Sister P. if they didn't' clear up in the next couple of days. Well, they haven't but I'm alright. Nothing to worry about. I just sound like a man.
Ashleigh is being baptized on Saturday! We have so much to look forward to this transfer. I'm grateful for the lovely people in South Shields and that I get to spend 6 months here! And with the Italian!Wahoo! :)
And Mom, I did get the Valentine's card. I love the pictures. I carry them with me everywhere! Everyone looks so old!
I love you all,
God Bless,
Sister Lybbert :)

February 24, 2014
Dear Family,
This week went really well. Ashleigh's baptism was perfect, she's doing great and we are feeling really blessed to be here another transfer in South Shields with our BFF Talyia! She's incredible, absolutely incredible. She started indexing last Thursday and by Saturday she'd done over 1 000 names. Champion!

Ashleigh's Baptism

I don't really know what else to talk about this week. I'm healthy again. That's been nice. Apparently it was just a very bad viral infection in my throat. It was not fun, but now I'm back to my usual self. (Not sure if that's good or bad, I am a bit crazy as you all know.)
I'm so bad at remembering things...it was such a crazy week too with transfers happening, and the baptism. We had some fun knocking this week too, and found some classy people. One guy is named Malcolm and he's 82. He has worked as the Chief Engineer out at sea, which is a pretty big deal and at first he wasn't so keen on being "brainwashed" by us, but when he realized that we're human and that we just wanted to be friends he was nicer. I sang "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy" to him and it softened him a bit. He told us some stories of his life in WWII (I'm always fascinated by it) and then he told us that we can come back but only "if you have nothing better to do". It was such a good experience though, I'm always learning so many things about people and how to help them recognized God in their lives.
We met another seafarer yesterday. He was plastered in tattoos, and so at first when he opened the door, naturally I didn't think he'd listen. But, again, we had a lovely conversation, he accepted a Book of Mormon, and said that if we're in the area again, to stop by and talk to him. He's so nice, and was genuine even though his wife clearly was not. I like people like that.
Tomorrow is Zone Conference in Leeds! Whoo! I'm so excited.
Thank you everyone for your love, prayers, and support.
I love you all!
Sister Lybbert

p.s. thank you to everyone who has been sending letters. Letters are always nice. this week I got one from Cammie, Camille/Janae/ Amber, and Kaiah. :)