Dear mom, papa, family, and friends,
Oh this week has been CRAZY! Thankfully (probably because of Lucy’s and Brian's prayers) I am feeling much much better. Still a bit sick, but even went running this morning, so that was good! So thank you for the prayers!!
So mom, being in Birmingham is COMPLETELY different than being in any other city that I’ve been in. especially compared to Wales. There are just sheep in Wales! But there are TONS of people here. And I LOVE it! I love it here so much!
But I’ll start at the beginning. Last week, when I found out I was being transferred; I was meant to go to Stroud. That’s what they told me. So I prepared myself for Stroud. But when I got to transfers I found out that instead I’d be going to Harborne. Harborne is just the area that where we serve is called. But we are really in Birmingham, and the Church building is in Harborne (just to the right of the swimming baths). But when I found out I was going to be transferred, I (maybe selfishly) prayed and asked Father if I could serve in Harborne before my mission ends. I didn't realize he'd answer my prayers so fast! Needless to say, I am SOOOOOO excited to be here in Birmingham, and I love it here. Not very green, and not very pretty, but there are SO many people to talk to. And there is a university, and there are so many YSA and there is an institute center in our area, and they have all that goes along with it! It’s awesome. And we have the best area ever.
But first, I’ll tell you a bit about my new companion. Her name is Sister Hedemark, and she is from Stockholm, Sweden, and she has been out on her mission for about 6 months. She is 22, almost 23. She knew English beforehand, and went to BYU Hawaii for a year. She rides horses, and competes in that. She has two younger brothers, and she's the only girl. She is a really good teacher, and a SUPER hard worker, and it's so much fun to be with her. I really love it so far. She is also vegetarian (only really on the mission I think) so she can just tell people that and then she won't get meat at all. So I have decided that is such a brilliant idea. So I have adopted it. I am now a vegetarian. Ha-ha! She’s awesome, and I am excited to work with her! She and Sister Nadsady (the sister I switched out) did amazing things here before I got here, and they were the only sisters, and one of the only companionships that have reached the standard of excellence. This area is incredible! We have SO many investigators, and we have three getting baptized this month, and one more in June. It’s a really great area to serve in because there is always so much to do. The ward is HUGE and there are so many people here. It’s awesome. We share the area with a set of elders, Elder Brook and Elder Clark (people ask if we are brother and sister, it's weird to have him in the same ward).
So to answer your question, I don't know why I was moved. I didn't think it would happen, and it was a shock to me. Especially in the one random 5 week transfer. Yes, usually they are 6 weeks, but this one was a bit different for some reason. I was really sad to leave. I love Sister Lauritzen and the area, but I am really happy to be here. And I think I won't get so sick here for some reason. Maybe that was why I was moved. I don't really know.
Answers to other questions. We have a car. Not very many miles, but president promised us that every week that we reach the standard of excellence, he will allot to us 100 miles more the first week. 250 miles more the second time we hit it. 300 if we do it 3 times. And if we get it four times, we have unlimited miles. This is just a sweet prize to our already thought of goal of reaching the standard of excellence every week this transfer.
We are about 30 minutes away from the mission home.
Our flat is disgusting. But it doesn't really matter. We don’t' spend that much time there. But this is by far the worst flat I’ve been in on my mission. The beds are metal frames which squeak at any movement. And there is no central heating. And it's moldy and gross. But it's a home! And we are happy here! So it's ok. I don’t' really mind.
We shop at Sainsbury’s. At least we did today. I think that's the closest grocery store to us.
And yep. We email at the library. And it's free! It’s a great thing to have!
Oh, the book from Brother Davies was SO nice. I did almost cry when he gave it to me, I was so excited. And thank you for the clear account of who Matthew Cowley really is. I wasn't sure. Thanks.
So while I have been here, we had conference, and oh my, it was amazing! I loved it SO much! Unfortunately because of the time difference we weren't able to watch the last session. It kills me! So I’ll have to wait for the ensign. But it was an amazing conference, and answered so many questions. It’s great, we had 5 investigators there, and they loved it! We were so pleased. I am grateful that the buses here in Birmingham run on Sundays, and so all we have to say is that if they take the number 11, they will get right to the church. It’s perfect. Such a better solution than what we had (which was nothing) in Wales.
I love being here. I am SO thrilled about being in this area. I really really pray that I will be here with Sister Hedemark for a while. I love working with her, and it's so much fun to be here in this wonderful city! I love it! I can't wait to work and continue working! There are incredible elect people here, and the spirit will lead us if we just seek his help! I know that. For example, the other day, we prayed and then looked at a map to decide what street we should tract. And out of all the hundreds of streets, we came up with the same one. Not a coincidence at all. We haven't found exactly why we have been sent there yet, but we will find out! And it's fun because Sister Hedemark got to talk to someone from Sweden as well, in Swedish. It was great. She wasn't interested,but it was still fun!
Thank you thank you for the picture of Marielle and McKay! They are SO adorable, and I can't wait for them to get married! I love them. PLEASE send me an announcement Marielle! I love love you!
And has Nicole had her baby yet? A little boy, right?
Thank you for all. I love you so much, and I love your emails! Thanks for sending me Kristy’s email. I hope she got my letter a few weeks ago. The last one I sent. The one I got from her after seemed like she never got my letter. But who knows. Tell her I love her for me. And I can't wait to see her.
I love you mom! Can’t wait to talk to you in just a little while! Time has just flown, hasn't it!? It’s been so great! I am grateful to be here, and I love it here. And I am grateful for the challenges I face, so I can rise above them! I love this gospel, and I know it's true.
Love,
Sister Annie Clark
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