June 23, 2014
Dear Mumsy & Family, [she always sends the communal e-mails to me]
Things are going excellently. I love Sister Seely. She and I are having a blast together! She is from Idaho Falls, so it isn't even that far away from home!

Sister A and me

     This week we've had some great miracles. It was Sister Seely's first evening in Harrogate and so we decided it would be good to go to the Valley Gardens to street contact. the gardens are stunning and the people that go usually go to relax, so nobody is really ever 'too busy' to talk to you. We met this incredible lady and her daughter. They were adorable! It was a moment where I was able to see how the gospel is such a rare and precious thing because as we told them about it, they were amazed. they loved how we were modest, young ladies who had real values and were doing something completely worthwhile. We will hopefully be seeing them soon1

Me doing what I do best! Sister D
wanted a photo shoot...it wasn't like
the ones I usually do

   I am happy, and I am loving this work. the weather has been beautiful, and this town is getting all hyped up for 'Le Tour.' I'm not really sure what President will have us do because there's supposed to be over a million people coming, and the whole town will be shut down for it. We'll be having Sacrament meting at 6 p.m. that Sunday and having an open chapel during the day. It will be pretty exciting.

Sister S and me in our cleaning crowns.
We found some Christmas crackers in our flat!

     Yesterday Sister Seely and I taught the Relief Society lesson and it went really well. It was on the talk "Are You Sleeping Through the Restoration?" by President Uchtdorf. As you've probably noticed in previous e-mails, this time away from the real world has really opened my eyes to the sort of priorities I want to set in my life, and the way I want to spend my time. I also love helping others here, gain new perspective on thier lives. Whether it is a teaching experience at somebody's door, or an actula progressing investigator, it is all wonderful to be a part of.  There's a spider next to my computer....Ahhh!
    I'm not sure what elst to say...I always think of things and then I fail to actually write them down.

Sister C and I found a flogged
swimming suit. Dodgy!

Sister B (from Mongolia)

    Sister Seely's feet are freakishly small. It is hilarious.
Anyway, I love you an pray for you every day!
Love,
Sister Lybbert ;)

Ignore that our feet look disgusting...
hers are so small!

Happy Father's Day!

Dear Family,

Honey Combs!

Sister Acs, Me, Elders Rodgers
& McKay

     First of all, Happy Father's Day! I hope that it was fantastic for you dad. I thought about you a lot (always do) and I was asking people what they've learned from their fathers as an approach for street contacting. It was quite meaningful to me. And Happy Father's Day to my Grandpas. They are the best ones in the world.
    This week has been an eventful one. We had transfer calls on Saturday instead of Monday so that was nice to get more of a heads up. I am staying in Harrogate, didn't really see anything else happening there, and Sister Seely will be my companion! She's American, possibly from Utah but I don know that she's super sweet. I don't really know her that well, just that [she]
and Sister Monroe were great friends in the MTC. I'm excited :)

Pateley Bridge...Beautiful!

     I love the moment when someone (be it an investigator, less-active member, or member) changes from just "putting up with" you coming around to see them to really loving you coming around. (When you really become friends instead of just being "the missionaries"). Yesterday we were on our way to contact a potential investigator, and on the way we saw an inactive member and his partner out doing yard work. At first, I felt a bit intimidated because the last time we stopped by it was quite awkward. Brian, the less-active member, doesn't believe in God, and he can appear to be rough looking until you get to know him. Anyway, we got talking and we offered to help him cut the grass. I didn't think I would miss mowing the lawn, but I do! We were able to joke around a bit, and then have a gospel conversation, pray with them, and leave them wanting to see us next week. it was such a nice feeling to have.

pancake transfer night. Please excuse
the mess, there was a pancake mishap.

    We had a really good District Meeting yesterday about the importance of creating change. Elder McKay, my district leader, said [something] that stuck with me and it was something along these lines:
When you're too comfortable with you you are, you're not changing, you're not learning, you are damned. [to clarify for those who don't understand the true meaning, 'damned' means stopped from progressing] And it is true. Life is hard, but rewarding. it is supposed to be that way. We need to be able to motivate changes withing ourselves instead of waiting for some exterior change to happen so that we can react to it. I really loved this week. I loved serving with Sister Acs. She's a wonderful missionary.
I love you all!
Sister Lybbert :)

                                                                                                                  June 9, 2014

Dear Family,

I just received the photos in the mail. I was quite surprised because it magically came right to my flat...I think my Zone Leaders have been to Harrogate this morning? Weird.

     Anyway, I somehow, like everyone, thought that time has stopped for all of you. I can't believe how old everybody looks. Ciana - you look stunning. Scott - you have really long hair. Ashy- you look like a little lady. Josh- you are so tall, and Kyler - you look so old! Like a grandpa! ;)

     Also, if Jenelle actually reads this: I am grateful for your smiley pictures. I'd be even more grateful to hear from you. I wrote you in August. Reply woman!

     This week has been splendid. We have seen so many miracles as we have been spending a lot of time street contacting (not my favorite) and knocking doors. We have been able to teach so many people in finding situations this week. It is a great feeling and helps me know that we really are trying to do all we can. Sister Acs is catching the plane home next week so we're trying to make these weeks the best and most effective weeks ever.

     Sister Wynder and Sister I. Scoot (there are two Sister Scotts, this one is from Scotland) came on exchanges with us this week. It was wonderful. Sister Wynder and I were knocking ,and we met this guy named Matthew and his cat, Charlesworth, who is 10 and completely dear (the cat, not Matthew). He  wasn't at all interested, but he was willing to talk to us. He said he knows how we probably face rejection all of the time so he wanted to just put a smile on our faces. He was hilarious. Also, I got a picture in his Porsche. President Pilkington has this thing lately about how we can have fun while finding by getting pictures with people's fancy cars. He says that anyone who can get a photo in a rolls Royce will have dinner from President and Sister Pilkington. It's pretty funny.

     We also found a couple of new investigators this week. We met a very sweet girl street contacting. She's 14 and she's from Zimbabwe. She and her dad came to church yesterday and enjoyed it. We also had a crazy teaching experience with he dad. He says that he's prayed about Joseph Smith and believes that he was a prophet of God (this was before we met him), but he doesn't believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's church. He doesn't believe there is a need to be an organized religion. It was pretty frustrating as well because he didn't really give Sister Acs and me a chance to explain. He just talked, and talked, and talked. However, we left feeling alright because they said that they'd come to church, and they did :)

Things are going well. I am happy and Harrogate is beautiful.

I love you all,

Love,

Sister Lybbert

With Sister Peirce at the
York Minister

Sisters Wu, Acs and
Boldbaatar

in a Porsche!

                                                                                                                May 27, 2014
Dear Everyone,
     Thank you for the communal e-mail, it was pretty hilarious. To answer your question dearest sisters: Yes, I shave my armpits. I know us Sister Missionaries look like sweaty nuns from the 1600's half the time, but really, I haven't completely let myself go!
     It sounds like things are hoppin' over there in Alberta! I'm glad you are getting some nice weather. Things here have been on the rainy side as of late, but I actually have been enjoying it. I enjoy it the most when I remember my umbrella.
     I can't believe how long it has been since I've seen you. It honestly feels like I say all of you yesterday. Weird.
     We've seen some great miracles this past week. First off, we were going around trying to contact some less-active members. We went to one house and they weren't home. Sometimes I get out of the habit of knocking the doors on  either side, but then I had a feeling that we should on this particular street. There was an 18 year old girl that answered the door and she was the sweetest thing. She was so sincere and it almost seemed like she was already a member. She is busy with school exams at the moment but on Friday we are going to ring her and make an appointment. I am so excited. SIster Dragoti even extended the baptismal invitation to her at the door and she said the if she came to know that the things we said are true, that she would. It was amazing. These things do not come in great abundance. I love when the Spirit is so strong in finding situations.
     Also, I am becoming more used to being in Harrogate. The ward is really great and since a lot of them are American they always provide us with American things like Ranch Dressing. Did you know that I like Ranch Dressing? haha.
     I'm also getting used to being in a trio. It isn't as hard as it was at the beginning. We always manage to work things out well. It is always interesting to see the contrast in different cultures.
    I'm so grateful for the mail as of late. It was so nice to read and I am super extra grateful for the presents from Cammie and Keith. I loved all of it! I carry the Harry Potter Wand pen around with pride. haha (and some humility)
I love you all,
Keep being wonderful and reading the scriptures.
Love,
Sister Lybbert




                                                                                                                   June 2, 2014
Dear Family,
     It is so crazy to thing that Corbin and Zach are home. Tell them hello for me. Stake Conference sounds like it was incredible. :)
     This week has been pretty good. Another twist to the circumstances, we are back to just Sister Acs and me. Sister Dragoti was transferred because another sister went home. Sad, especially since so many sisters have left lately. It means we're always moving around. And now there are only two sisters in our flat which takes away a bit of the fun, but Sister Acs and I have lots of fun together. She's a great companion and she is hilarious. I've seriously been so blessed with my companions.
     What else? Well, we've met some interesting people, and still trying to find solid people to teach. It has been difficult lately to get people but it just makes me want to immerse myself even more in the work and to not worry so much about school and life after the mission.
     We have an investigator. He's Scottish and he's in his 60's. He comes to church every Sunday, unless he has a hangover, and he has us over every week. He also makes us the best food in the world. However, he wants his answers without actually being willing to change anything. It is hard because I believe he knows that this is right, he just doesn't want to give some lifestyle choices up. He also has a lot of friends in the ward which helps. We're stuck at the moment as to what we can really do for him, but if we drop him, it could be really destructive to the little progress he might be making. We need to increase our teaching pool, that is for sure. This week is going to be the week!
I love you all, and I'm happy to hear you are all doing well.
Love,
Sister Lybbert

                                                                                                                    May 19, 2014
Dear Family,
Whoa, whoa, whoa! There is so much big news coming from all directions in my e-mails today! I love it also because it is all good news!
     Ciana: First off, I think that you looked absolutely stunning at your grad. You pulled off the lipstick very nicely. You are gorgeous! I cannot believe it was grad for you though, I'm still in denial that one of my baby sisters is almost 18. Like I said, I thought I knew everything when I was your age...well...I've come to see otherwise...haha. I love you though and am so proud of you!
     Tal: A good penny boarding place would be probably the new chapel car park, or, there's a really nice place near where you live. I can't remember the name of the street...it starts with a "P"? It is across the football fields...anyway..find it and let me know how it goes! :)
     Kyler: Thank you for the e-mail bro! I am so glad you got some new airplanes and that Josh got another BB gun. It sounds like you are having some fun over there in Canadia! But, do you know what's more exciting?! You will be officially my little brother soon! I already consider you my little brother, but this is so exciting that everything is working out! I love your guts!
     Dad: I'm glad that Queen Josephine is running the factory well, and that the results are delicious. I didn't realize you'd have honey so soon (I have no idea how bees do it...but I am so excited to learn!)
     Mara: Thanks for the e-mail! I am glad you have a new addition and especially that he likes to be entertained by bible stories [referring to Samara & Scott's lizard]...just as long as you cover his eyes during the dodgy "Donny Osmand has his shirt off" parts. Ew! Also, it is exciting that you are getting a car. Standard is seriously the most fun to drive. Fun fun fun!
    Josh, Ash, Kaiah, Brandon, Scott, I love you too but just a little less. JUST KIDDING> I love you too. I just don't have all the time in the world to express it. And you didn't write anything to me this week so sorry, you don't deserve anything more than my heartfelt love.
     Cammie: Why are your kids so adorable? Ahhh my heart is melting! I am so happy for J.P. and her house too. J.P. I need to see some photos :)
     This week has been full of surprises. First off, Sister Kumire has been transferred to Stanley because a sister went home and that leaves Sister Acs, Dragoti and me in a trio! It was quite a shock but we are coping. being in a trio proves to be what everyone says: hard. Not because of the people in it, but because companionship unity is hard to have during teaching situations or when finding. Plus, approaching people on the street in a trio is more like we are surrounding them and then we scare them off. We are improving little by little though.
     Sister Acs was only here 5 weeks before I came, and Sister Dragoti was only here one week before I came so we don't know anyone. We are basically whitewashing...it is okay though because we have some eternal investigators which means we aren't totally unable to have teaching appointments.
     To answer Kaiah's question about why Harrogate is so posh...I still don't know. (haha got you there) But to just give you a little more insight, in July, part of the Tour de France is in Harrogate. (I'm also confused because up until I came here I thought the Tour de France was a "tour of France"? Beats me...someone is confused.) So, if  I'm here next transfer I will be able to be among some insane crowds. I don't really know what else to say, but that I love you and I know that the gospel is true.
   This week in my study I was studying obedience, and it took me to the Book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament.  I was able to draw some really great parallels to missionary work and obedience from it.
    Nehemiah was a Jew, and was informed that the city of his forefathers, Jerusalem, had been attacked. there was a lot of work ot be done to build it up again. So, Nehemiah prayed and fasted about what he could do. He requested to the King to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the outer wall and the city itself. The king granted his request and he went.
   However, wicked men didn't want the work to go forth, and they tried attacking those that were working to build the wall. So, the workers had to work with one had , and have a weapon in the other.
Nehemiah 4:17 
They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.

When the wicked men saw that physically fighting them wasn't working, they decided to use a more subtle tactic and they tried to coax Nehemiah down from the wall to "speak to him." However, Nehemiah sent messengers down to tell them that "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?" (Neh 6:3)

And with some more temptation, opposition and struggles,Nehemiah pressed forward and cried out to the Lord. I love this verse:
 6: 9 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

The parallel is that we, as members and as missionaries, are trying to rebuild God's Kingdom that has been destroyed by wicked men. We cannot just do the work without protecting ourselves as well with obedience and our covenants.
The adversary wants to weaken us but why should we come down and let the work cease so that we can converse with opposition? When we give in to temptation or when we are not living up to our potential and privileges, we are allowing Satan to speak with us, and the work is hindered. And, when we see that the road ahead is difficult, and our hands are becoming weak, we can press forward, crying out to the Lord:

Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

I know this is so important and I found so much strength in reading this. 
I love you and I know that the gospel is true.
Love,
Sister Lybbert :)

Mother's Day Skype

     We had a lovely visit with Sister Lybbert on Skype yesterday. I love technology! As a kid, this would have been believable only on Star Trek. As a result of our visit yesterday, her email today was very short. I will include it but I thought I'd add a little.
     Sister Lybbert is doing well. She looks amazing and in some ways, has picked up a funny little accent, not much though. She has only been in her new area (Harrogate) for 5 days. Her companion is from Hungary. She told us her name but I don't remember it. She said that Harrogate is absolutely beautiful. She said it is what she pictured England to look like. She is happy and healthy and working hard.
      It is so strange to think she's been out for almost a year! Time has flown by for her and for us. She's trying to figure out what to do for schooling. She and Sister Monroe have become very close friends and because of that, she would like to go to BYU Provo, but she also is debating whether or not to finish her Photography Technology at N.A.I.T. or to do a business degree somewhere (the U of L was mentioned too). In other words, she is having the same trouble deciding as 90% of her peers. I told her she has time to figure it out. She loves being a missionary. She loves the people and loves the gospel.
   Sister Lybbert sang us a song in German that she had promised to sing last time but ran out of time. We asked her what it said and all she knew was that it had something about "birthday" in it. She also spoke some Italian. She didn't know what it meant really, but she did say she can pray in Italian. She does a great impression of a Scottish accent as well. Scott, our son-in-law, whose mother is Scottish, was here at Christmas when Sis. Lybbert Skyped, and said her accent was pretty good!

I told you it was beautiful!

Here is what she wrote this week:
Dear Family,
It was so good to see you yesterday! I have the best parents and brothers and sisters and brothers-in-law in the whole wide world. Thanks Brandon, for making me breakfast too. ;)
I don't really know what to say today other than that I love you and am so proud of all of you. Ash, Josh and Kyler are getting SO big I can hardly believe it and looking as classy as ever. Ciana, I need grad photos asap too. I cannot believe this is the week of grad! WHAT?!
It is nice and rainy here. I like being not so far north because it isn't cold when it rains now. I don't need to bundle up quite as much.
I really love reading through Moroni 10 a couple of days ago. I wrote down everything that Moroni exhorts us to do. At first, I thought it would just be to read and pray about the Book of Mormon, but he actually exhorts us to do seven things. So, I challenge you all to also go through and write down those seven things. It is powerful.
You are wonderful and I love your guts and goo.
And shout out to Cameron! I love you, don't forget your Lysie!!
Love,
Sister Lybbert :)

Sister Kumire's first fortune
cookie

With Sister Neilson

Transfers #8

Dear Family,
I can't believe transfers are happening again. It is probably the most stressful night in a missionary's lifetime waiting for that answer phone [phone message]. Anyway, make your guesses!  ****spoiler alert*****

With Clare

Italian Pizza Night!

I hate packing!

with Sister Morley

Elder Tsai and I have sock buddies

Saying good bye to Ashleigh

Sister M and I syncing our serenity

With Trish (a.k.a. Sister Bishop)
& Harriet

South Shields & Gateshead sisters
on Metro one last time

I'm going to Harrogate! (a.k.a. the poshest place in the mission...from what I've heard). There's an American Army base there too so there are probably going to be a lot of Americans which will be fun. I'm serving with Sister Something from Somewhere. I don't know how to write her name, and I'm not sure where she's from...I think she's Hungarian? I couldn't really tell ya, but my mind is all a blur anyway. I couldn't sleep last night. I leave tomorrow, but boy do I ever hate packing. I'm pretty excited for the new adventure, at the same time, South Shields is like my home, and the people here are like my family. It will be a very bittersweet departure. It is insane that I have only had two companions so far and now my third is also an ESL (English Second-Language). Sadly, I now have to try and learn Italian on my own, and maybe even try and learn bits of another language to help in language study. I'm not really sure though. We will see.
     It sounds like things are going splendidly back in pleasant little Magrath. Happy Birthday to Kaiah! Whoo!
     And, I'm not sure what time I'll be Skyping seeing as how I'm moving tomorrow, but I will let you know during this week sometime. And to answer Dad's question, England has Mother's Day in March (I think ...can't remember...it seems so long ago haha).
     I don't really know what to say, I'm in shock, haha. Today for P-day we are enjoying one last day in Newcastle together as sisters in the North Zones and then we are probably going to watch Monster's University at Emma's (recent convert). I love that movie, but I am so tired I will probably take a nap. Yep, that's what I'll do.
     Tal is so good and I'm glad you were able to Skype her. Please keep in touch with her seeing as how I can't really (as easily). I will miss her so much along with Ashleigh, the other members, Sisters Nigido, Monroe and Peck.
     This week we were teaching people about the great importance of John 3:16. It is a well-known verse by all but if we really think about how wonderful it is that God loves us, we gain greater appreciation and gratitude for what He has given us and the plan that He made for us. What if God didn't love us? But he does and it is phenomenal. Ponder that.
I love you all,
Keep the Faith!
Sister Lybbert

p.s. thanks Jonny for the letter! It's funny because I was thinking about writing you but I didn't have your recent address. I didn't know where you were. I'm so glad you are in the Mill Creek Ward! tell them hello for me. I will try to reply but in not soon, I am sorry. is Bishop Shipley still the Bishop? Ah, man, I love my Mill Creek family. I bet so much has changed since I left though.