9 MONTHS!!

Hi Fam Fam!                                                                                                          
First of all, I'm so sorry that my email deleted last week!! But I hope you all had a good week. Mine was pretty good. It was so good to hear and see you on Sunday! Skype calls are the best aren't they? So thankful for technology!
Thursday: Every Thursday our ward does a hot chocolate social, so we get to help with it! It is so nice to mingle with the members! They are so amazing, and they are like our family! We did some knocking this evening, and Sister Velez led it, which is so good! She did great. Knocking is always an interesting experience, you meet some great people. This evening we went with Patrycja to a YSA activity, and it was so fun. She met some people, and was able to talk to them, and I was able to meet one of my MTC teachers, Sister Hughes, friends, so that was cool.
Friday: We had our first lesson with our friend Debbie today. We haven't been able to teach a lot of people recently so it was nice to be able to teach. Haha this evening before correlation, we wanted to try tracking down some former investigators, but my maps are not working very well right now, and apparently Sister Velez' are starting to not work very well either, because we were definitely lost, haha but it was so funny!
Saturday: This morning we had our 4th lesson with our friend Alex. He is such a great guy. He is very intelligent, and has very strongly rooted beliefs. And in the lesson we both realized very quickly that he just isn't quite ready yet. And it was hard because all of us were trying not to get frustrated, but I was able to see that sometimes bearing testimony of what you know to be true is all you can do. Sometimes people are not ready to accept the gospel, but no one can ever take your testimony away from you!
Sunday: Today was fabulous. Guess why? I got to Skype you!!! Haha church was really good, Patrycja taught the lesson in YW today, and she asked us to help her. The topic was on patriarchal blessings and she did so well, it was her first lesson! After church we went and visited Alcina, she is doing a lot better since she got surgery. The first couple of days were really rough, but she is doing better thankfully. Then we came home, and I got to Skype you, which was so so nice! And then we went and visited Rafaella and her sons, they are members in the ward. They are Italian, and they are sooo nice.
Monday: Today we were on exchanges, and I was with Sister Walker. We were able to have a lesson with Heather, which was really nice, because she REALLY needed it. She has had a hard life, and is struggling with some things, but she is so strong. She is a fighter, and she is such a good example to me. I love beeing on exchanges with Sister Walker. She has become one of my best friends. It is so crazy how alike we are... so crazy!
Tuesday: We finished up exchanges today. It was so fun, I made all of the meals while they were here, and they were like "Sister Lund, you're going to make a great wife" haha, I actually am starting to learn how to cook, and it actually tastes good! 👏 👍 I learned a lot from this exchange. And so I am excited to put it into practice.
I cannot believe that I have been on my mission for 9 months! Time flies. This week has been amazing. It has been tough, but amazing! Last week in the email that got deleted I shared an experience that I had.... Those who know me, know that I am terrified of snakes. Like terrified. And when we went to do some service for a family in our ward, Sister Velez and I were inside painting their living room, and the Elders were outside doing yard work. And while we were painting Brother and Sister North, and the Elders came in holding something in their hand... at first I didn't think much of it, until I saw something slither.... it was a slow worm, which apparently is a lizard, but it looks gross. I was so terrified, and they all wanted me to touch it and I refused. Flash forward to the next day. We were at Patryjca's house, and the Elders go " Sister Lund, the Wrzeszcz family have an initiation rule, when missionaries come over..." and I was like "wait what?" And Patrycja stands up, walks over to this cage, and pulls something out of it. My heart dropped when I saw what she pulled out of the cage... A python. At that point I was like "okay really, could it not have been a slow worm" haha. Guess what... I held a python, and I actually conquered my fear. The reason I share this experience, is that sometimes God asks us to do things that seem hard for us (touching the slow worm) sometimes we do it, sometimes we don't. But then sometimes God asks us to do things that seem impossible to us (holding a python). But He always is there to support us, He always is there to comfort us, and He always is there to help us. He will never ever desert us, He will never forsake us. Sometimes we miss out on opportunities for growth (sometimes we don't touch the slow worm), and that can be hard because sometimes the hardest things that are asked of us, are the things that will benefit us the most. And you know what... it's okay that we make mistakes, it's okay that sometimes we don't grow as much as we want to, because we have a Loving Heavenly Father and a loving Savior, Jesus Christ. And they want us to grow, so they are going to give us more chances to "touch the slow worm" but sometimes it won't be as easy, sometimes we will have to "hold the python". But when we can do hard things, and we can see our growth, it is an amazing thing, and we can rest assure that God loves us and is pleased with our efforts, because we tried. This life is all about trying. Like daddy always says "step up to the plate and take your swings, you won't always hit the ball, in fact you will probably miss more times than you hit it. But that does not matter. What matters is that you stay at the plate and you keep swinging". I hope that this week, we will remember how merciful our God is. That it doesn't matter how bad we think we are, or how many mistakes we have made that we think we can't be forgiven. What matters is that we remember that we are sons and daughters of God. He loves us. This life is full of growing moments. Enjoy them! I love you all so much, and I am so grateful for you!!! Have a fabulous week. We got this!
Love,
Sister Lund

 Fred the friendly python

 Look at my cooking skills

 Exchanges with Sister Walker

My View.... heaven!!

Preparing to Meet God!!

Hi Fam Fam!
This week has been so great. We have seen a lot of miracles, and I love my area. Hamble River is beautiful.
 Thursday: We were on exchange today, and I was with cute Sister Rathinam, from India. We definitely had an adventure. We got lost in the woods, and had a dinner appointment with the North Family. Daddy, Brother North wanted me to ask you if you knew what puff the magic dragon is? He is in the Navy, and wondered if you knew since you were in the Air Force. Exchanges were fun though.
Friday: We did a lot of traveling today. And since we were ending exchanges, it was a crazy day. But this evening we were able to visit sweet Sister Hollis. She is a widow in our ward, she has helped us so much in the time that we have been there.
Saturday: We had a dinner with Sister Baker this evening... another roast dinner haha. But she is lovely. She is also a widow in our ward. We have been trying to work with a lot of members right now.
Sunday: Church is always really fun in Hamble River. Our Recent Convert Heather got set apart today as a ward missionary. Heather is amazing, she is struggling with a lot of opposition right now but she also is trying her hardest to follow Christ. This evening we went to Bishops house for dinner. I love their family they are amazing. Then we dropped by Alcina, a recent convert. She speaks portuguese so i am trying to learn a bit... it is not going too well haha. But we taught her son a bit, which was a miracle. We are really trying to teach her daughter, but it will take time.
Monday: Today we went to Heathers house and read the Book of Mormon with her. She was pretty emotional, and she said she is starting to understand the Book of Mormon more. It was a miracle for us traveling back because Sister Velez was out of money, and I left my wallet at the flat, and i looked in my bag and I had loose change, and we had exactly enough money to get home. So cool!!
Tuesday: We got a surprise text from a former investigator asking if we could meet at the chapel! It was so great we were able to teach her, and we are seeing her again this upcoming thursday. Yay!!! This evening we had a DA with the Glentworths. They are a young couple, the wife is a Recent Convert and the husband is not a member, but they are the cutest couple. It was a really fun night!!
This week has been really good. I have learned a lot about myself. I am amazed at how well God knows me and what I need. This week it hit me that I am almost halfway done with my mission.... That is crazy. I LOVE my mission so much. And I have been thinking a lot about what I want from the rest of my mission. Ultimately I want to enjoy the journey. I want to focus on my Savior, and I want to rely on him with my whole heart. I have seen so many miracles here, and I know that God has a plan for me. Life is not easy, but of course it will not be... We are preparing to meet God. He loves us and wants us to grow. if we didnt need to grow, we probably wouldnt be here. I love you all so much, and I am grateful for the support you give me. I am so excited to Skype you in a few weeks! Big hugs and kisses. I love you. We got this!
Love,
Sister Lund

 More Castle Pictures

 The Norths

 Alcina

 Exchanges with Sister Rathinam

 Stepped in mud and my foot is SOAKED

Sister Velez found a friend!!

Oh How I Love Hamble River!!

Hi Fam Fam!!
Sorry this email is going to be really short. We had such a great week though. I LOVE Hamble River. The people, the scenery, everything. Something that I have been thinking a lot about this week was charity. That charity is a gift that we must ask for! I was able to see huge miracles this week, as I prayed for charity.
Our week consisted of a lot of member work. I am so grateful for the members in this area. They are so warm and welcoming. They have a strong desire to be a light to others,and they are trying their best to find missionary opportunities.
I know this email is so so so short. But we had the opportunity today to go and visit Portchester Castle. A real castle!!!!!!! It was so amazing. It was great to do some sight seeing and finally be able to see a bit more of jolly ole' England!
I am so happy here in England. There are days that are harder than others, and I have days when I miss you! But the joy I feel here is so amazing. Being able to come closer to my  Savior is incredible.
Miracle  for the week : on Sunday Sister Velez and I had the opportunity to bear our testimony in sacrament meeting, and the spirit guided me to share why I can on a mission. I was reminded of the scripture in  1 Nephi 3: 7, that God really does provide a way. How grateful I am that God prompted me to come on a mission.... I know that following his plan isn't always easy but it is always better. And I will not quit until I have accomplished what he needs me to. Growing is so hard, but that is the point why we are here. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that quite a bit. But what a gift, that God has given us this time on earth to grow and to follow him.
My companion always tells me that I am like a Disney Princess. Haha I guess I'll take that! I really am loving life right now. I hope you have an amazing week and that you are able to see miracles.
I love you. We  got this!!!
Love,
Sister Lund

 I made a crock pot dinner

 Porchester Castle...Yep, it's a real castle!!!

Seeing Things Through Spiritual Eyes!!

Hey Fam Fam!!
This week literally flew so fast!!! So fast! But it was eventful! Friday: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!!! it was a pretty good day. We have been doing a lot of finding. The missionaries before us in this area weren't really teaching many people, so we have been doing a lot of finding. This evening we had correlation with Brother Handley at his home. His wife made us an English roast. They are such a sweet family. They are really trying to do their best with missionary work.
Saturday: today we helped the Shepherds,a family in  our ward, clean the chapel. It was so fun for me to be in a chapel. Since I didn't have a chapel in Welling I was so excited to have one in Hamble River. It has helped me see how  much I take for granted some of the things the Lord has blessed me with. After we cleaned the church,we went and did banner contacting in Southampton. It was fun to share the Easter initiative cards with people. Such a powerful time of the year to share the gospel.
Sunday : Happy Easter!! Easter  was so great! There are four missionaries in our ward, and we got to sing for the Easter program... It was a bit scary but thankfully my companion has a great and loud singing voice. After church we went to lunch at the Smiths home. Their house is very fancy. I felt like I was in Pride and Prejudice. It was fantastic! I really enjoyed today!
Monday : 8 MONTHS!! We had exchanges in Havant. I was with Sister Walker. She is so funny and nice, she is a really great STL. We had a really fun and eventful day. We taught  multiple people about the word of wisdom. We also got locked out of their flat so we had to climb through the window, haha! So many fun times, Missions are full of them. Something I learned from this exchange was that I need to look at others and myself with spiritual eyes. It is so important, but yet I forget it so fast.
Tuesday: this evening we met with Sister Hollis. She made us a roast dinner and cherry pie... My tummy wasn't too happy with it, but it was so kind of her!! She was telling us about her conversion story. It turns out she is a baseball baptism. I guess when David O Mckay was turning 90 the missionaries wanted to baptize as many people as possible, and I'm not really sure the rest of the background, but A LOT of people were baptized and she was one of them. Then she was sharing about growing up, and how the 60s were here favorite. She is so cute.
This week was definitely a growing experience for me. I have been studying the talk "Don't look around, look up!" And I love this part: " it is not easy for us to recognize the love of Heavenly Father when we look around with our temporal eyes, because we see inconvenience,loss, burdens, or loneliness first". This is so true, I find myself many times looking FIRST with my temporal eyes rather than my spiritual eyes. I especially love the part where it says it's not easy to recognize the love of Heavenly Father. Ultimately looking through spiritual eyes is all about LOVE. I think it is so easy for us imperfect beings to look at all of our situations, and wonder why is this happening to me, or why do I need to do this, etc. But if we do this we are "blinding" ourselves from the love Heavenly Father is showing us, and the blessings he is giving to us. I want to love like He loves, but I can only do that when I LOOK with my spiritual eyes. This week was so fantastic, and I learned a lot about myself. This upcoming week I hope I will pray  fervently that He will help me to "look up" and see with my spiritual eyes. I love you all so much. I hope you have a great week. We got this!!
Love,
Sister Lund

What A Gift!!!

Hi Fam Fam!
Wow this week flew! It was a fun week. Lots of sunshine, and great views. I love my new area, and I'm excited to share what I learned this week!!
Friday: A year ago today, I got my mission call. That is crazy! It feels like yesterday. I remember opening my call, and so many emotions were flowing through me. When daddy yelled out ENGLAND, LONDON SOUTH, I was shocked. England wasn't even a place I though of. But so many amazing  things have happened here on my mission. I was called to be a missionary, and I  am assigned to serve God here in England.
I feel like my brain is spinning a bit! Whitewashing and training is definitely a different experience. But I am enjoying the journey, and I'm learning a lot. Something that I told Sister Velez was that if she learns anything from me I want her to remember that we do "all this" for our Savior. I have loved reading Alma 26 these last few days! I just thought it was really cool that I opened up to this chapter, and was able to remember why I do "all this", on my mission call anniversary! We had a dinner appointment with a couple in our ward: the Mitchell's. They are really nice. But let me tell you, the accents here are harder for me to understand!! Haha during dinner Sister Mitchell said something (that I couldn't understand) she walks outside, and picks up something, and walks back in with a tortoise. Hahaha. So that gives a tiny picture of what the DA was like. Haha me saying about a hundred times "wait what?" 🙈
Saturday: today we had interviews in Portsmouth. They were really good. It's weird to be in a new zone, with new missionaries!! It's great! Through training, I am starting to relearn the basics of missionary work. It is refreshing. But also kind of hard to switch your habits!
Sunday: It was Portsmouth Stake Conference, and they got a new stake presidency so Elder Sabin, and Elder Moriera were there. I really enjoyed the conference. The spirit was really strong. We are just trying to get used to our area! We are seeing lots of miracles though!
Monday: I love sharing the Easter Initiative! It is so powerful!!!! I felt like a successful missionary today. We worked really hard. And it was fun! Sister Velez is so funny! She literally waves to everyone we pass! Haha so cute! I've started to do it too, she also sings everywhere we go, and I've kind of started to as well. 😊 today she turned to me and she was like "Sister Lund, I think one of the reasons you are my companion is because I need to lighten up. You're crazy in a good way" haha I just laughed. I am kind of crazy, but you've got to have fun!
Tuesday: these days are just flying by! We had lots of adventures today! We got really lost today, and ended up in two different cemeteries, haha I don't even know how! But I don't mind getting lost, I think there is always a reason,  cause we met some really nice people who accepted Easter cards!! I think Hamble River is so beautiful!!
This week really I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned that you know what, I can do hard things. I have learned that when I was set apart, that I literally was set apart and given the tools and power to accomplish the work that He has for me. What a gift! I have learned that being humble is so important. I am not perfect, and I make mistakes, but I am going to let those mistakes shine! It is okay that I don't know everything, or I'm not the best at something! I have been blessed with other things. What a gift! I have learned that our Father in Heaven is "concerned not just about our comfort but even more about our upward progress" (Pres. Eyring) . He wants us to progress, and learn. What a gift! But I think the thing I loved learning the most this week, was that my Savior and redeemer really truly is by my side. He is guiding me. He is putting people in my path. He died for me. What a gift. He lives, and He is risen....WHAT A GIFT! I am so blessed, and I have been given so many gifts. I love you so much. I hope you have a great Easter, and that you remember Him. We got this!!
Love,
Sister Lund

Hamble River is so beautiful!!

Come As You Are..But Don't Stay As You Are!!

Hi Fam Fam!!!
Oh my goodness... where do I even begin! Soooo much has happened this week! So excited to share with you my journey this week in Jolly Ole' England!
Thursday: We didn't have much time in our area, because we had a few appointments to go to! Not much to report!
Friday: Wowzers... today we had a Zone leadership training at Presidents house. It was so fun! It was kind of weird though since I am training a new missionary, I won't be an STL anymore, so we got to meet Sister Honeycutt's new companion, Sister Bradshaw, she is super nice. She has been serving on Jersey, the Channel Island. Haha she got off the Island!
Saturday: So Sister Honeycutt, Sister Bradshaw, and I are in a Trio companionship until moves. Being in a trio is strange! You have to keep track of an extra person! The best part about today was that we got to watch General Conference!!! It was SO needed. Haha traveling to the Wakeley's (senior missionary couple in the ward) was an adventure. We missed the bus, and it comes hourly. So we had to walk to their house. It was so fun! I haven't seen so much grass and mud for a really long time! Being in Welling you just get so used to all the buildings! Conference was so uplifting. I am always so amazed... each time I go into Conference, I always go in with questions, and they ALWAYS are answered. I love how our Heavenly Father works. Also we found out Moves today! I'll be training my sweet new missionary in Hamble River, in Portsmouth!
Sunday: For some reason my alarm didn't go off this morning... so Sister Honeycutt and I accidentally slept in a little bit. Whoops! I'm triple checking my alarms now! We got to watch some more General Conference today! But this time we watched it at the flat, and the Erith Sisters came over, and we had pancakes! You'd be proud of me daddy. I'm a pro at making pancakes now haha! JK. We dropped by Maureen's house to say goodbye to her and Christian and the Family, sadly she was the only one home! It was so good to say goodbye to her. She was such a SPECIAL person!
Monday: Last day in Welling. I can't even believe it. This place has become home, and I've met so many amazing people here. But I know the Lord has assigned me to serve in another place and I'm excited for a new experience! We got to teach Wilfred this morning! He was sad that I was leaving, he wishes I could stay longer, but he knows I am on the Lords errand. Wilfred will always hold a special place in my heart. He has taught me to always follow the Savior no matter what trial you are going through! Now hopefully through his example, his family will get baptized!! I was able to say goodbye to sweet Pam Mackinnon. Oh Pam... I love her. She has become one of my eternal friends, and I know one day she will accept the Gospel! I also was able to say goodbye to Francesca! She told me the next time you see me I'll be a member, and before you leave I want to go to the temple with you! I just thought to myself this is what missions are all about!! How cool is this...people are coming closer to their Savior! It just is so amazing!!
Tuesday: Move Day!! Oh my days, craziest day ever! Haha if you only could have seen me... The sisters helped me get on the train this morning, but as we were waiting for the train at the station, I just looked at Sister Honeycutt and was like "My bags are too heavy, I'm taking stuff out!" She was like "here?" Haha so I unzipped my bag, and started handing her clothes and random items haha! But hey they were lighter! I got on the train, and rode it all the way to London Victoria train station (which by the way is in central London, so it's a busy place!) I was soooo nervous to go through the station by myself with all my bags. Sadly no one helped me with my bags, but that's okay I gained muscle! 😊 I then got on my train to Lingfield. When I arrived at my station, I threw my bags off the train, and jumped off haha! Then realized I had to climb 2 flights of stairs with all my luggage to get to the car park. Thankfully people saw and helped me!! Then the office staff picked me up, and drove me to the temple! I was able to do a session at the Temple which was AMAZING! I know that God knew I really needed this right now, I just am in awe at how He works. Then after the temple all the trainers (4 sisters, 3 Elders) had training on how to train. So that was nice.
Wednesday: new missionaries arrive!! I am so nervous/excited!! When the bus pulled up with the new missionaries my heart skipped a beat. This is going to be a hard/fun/growing time! We were able to have lunch with them, and then they went into interviews with President, and then they had training. We had a devotional, and then we found out who we are training! I am training Sister Velez, from Bakersfield, California! She is so sweet! But she is also really smart! Haha some of the things she says I'm like " wait, what?" But she is ready to be a missionary, so it'll be great!  We had to travel to Portsmouth this evening. And that was an adventure. We got into our area late, luckily the Elders were there to pick us up... since we are whitewashing we have no idea where ANYTHING is!!
Wow I have learned so much this week. I've learned that when we trust God, miracles happen. We are asked to do scary things sometimes, but he will always place tender mercies in our path. I have seen that a lot this week! I am loving Hamble River so far! I haven't seen much yet, but I am excited to explore, and to meet the people here! It is a nice change to be out of the city. In the mornings instead of the sound of buses, I get to hear seagulls. It is a dream boat! Oh man Portsmouth has an amazing feel to it! The members here are so kind! One of the daughters of a family in our ward, she already drove us to go grocery shopping! How sweet! I think a phrase from Conference that I am pondering a lot on is from Elder Holland. He said "Come as you are... but don't plan to stay as you are". I love this. God is always willing to meet us where we are at, but we need to know and remember that this life is about change and growth! I hope you all have an amazing week. I love you sooooooooooooo much! We got this!
Love, Sister Lund

 My cute gown right before my barium tests

 You should have seen me carry all these by myself

 I got my baby today

 Meet Sister Velez

 I was able to do a session in the London Temple

 The view from my flat

 My flat!!