If you would like to write Erica her address is

Sister Erica Ann Ernenwein
England London South Mission
The London Temple
New Chapel
Surrey RH7 6NB

or email her at

erica.ernenwein@myldsmail.net

Sonia!

A quick practical update

As you could probably tell from the pictures that I sent last week I am no longer serving in Orpington. I've moved to the Spanish speaking branch in London, and my new companion is from Spain. We are assigned to proselyte only in Spanish, anywhere in London. It is quite a challenge, but we are having fun.

 

I've been meaning to share an experience that my companion and I had along time ago, but I haven't had a chance to yet. It happened when we were studying with one of the members  Preach My Gospel Chapter 6 (Preach My Gospel is the missionary study guide/ teaching manual). Chapter 6 is all about the characteristics of Christ and how we can develop those characteristics in ourselves. One of the attributes that PMG defines and describes is patience. It states: "Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do God’s will and accept His timing. When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully". As I read this definition I realised that often (almost always) the way that I respond to delay, trouble, opposition, and suffering is with frustration and anxiety. 

We set a goal to help us to overcome these challenges that we all face with patience. Each time we felt angry, frustrated, or anxious we would read a scripture, and try to memorize it. The scripture we chose is in 2 Nephi 4 in the Book of Mormon. It  states, " Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul. Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions." I love these verses and that chapter in the Book of Mormon, and as I memorized it in times when I felt anxious and impatient I felt myself increase in my capacity to feel peace and to be patient. I still have a long way to go though! 

Thank you all for you Thanksgiving e-mails. No one celebrates Thanksgiving here, and I actually almost completely forgot that it was Thanksgiving! Everyday, and everywhere however is a good time and place to recognise that we have much to be grateful for and to appreciate in this life!