First Week May 25, 2019

Our purpose is to help the youth and young adults understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ, 

qualify for the blessings of the temple,

and prepare themselves, their families, and others for eternal life with their Father in Heaven

Seminary & Institute Objective

 The Carrier family came to support us at the Church meeting and dinner afterwards.

The Sides & Warner family came to give support. My mother's three living sisters were also there.

Family! We are so grateful for family and the love and support we always feel from them.  It was sad to say good-bye but we sure appreciate the prayers.

Pete is pointing to England and I'm pointing to France.  Oops!

Our District friends at the MTC. They were a great group to get to know. The instructor is on the right.

Our 2nd instructor is on the right of this picture.

This is the 2nd group we worked with at the institute training.

Our flight went without any problems and all connections were met. We were able to check all the luggage including our carry-on so traveling was easy. President Turvey picked us up from the airport and took us to the mission home where we met the senior sisters serving there and Sister Turvey. After giving us a short but sweet interview, President Turvey told Elder Carrier that he would need to drive our car to the institute because no one else was available to take us there. This made him a little nervous but he did great and we arrived safely.

We love being in the England Leeds Mission and serving with the YSA here.  The young missionaries call it the best mission in the Universe.

It's been a challenge to put names and faces together but we're working hard to meet and get to know them all. They're an exceptional group that have done many sweet things to welcome us into their group. We've been busy doing the following.

• attended their Sunday School class 
• organized and held our first family home. We had to sit in the hot seat while all the YSA asked us crazy questions 
• met with the institute director and his secretary 
• met with the stake president
• attended their institute graduation and bought flowers and prepared treats for it 
• planned, cooked, and mingled with them at our pancake breakfast and devotional
• planned and popped popcorn for movie night. They wanted to watch Sabrina. None of them had ever seen it and it was a hit. They applauded when it was over....even the guys
• went to watch and cheer for them at their big competition volleyball tournament. 

When we were't mingling with the YSA we were unpacking, buying supplies and learning how to drive in England. Pete is great! I decided not to attempt to drive. I can be more help with navigation and a watchful eye. The streets are narrow and the round-abouts frequent. It's a busy city with just under a million people.  It's an art to navigate and drive here. Pete was required to take a driving lesson from a great chap named Pete. He was excellent. I sat in the back seat and learned much too.

Our apartment is on the top floor of the institute and exceeded our expectations completely. It's lovely and perfect for us and any guests that may want to visit. Here's the pictures

The car on the left is our car. It gets good gas mileage and has a great navigator. Something that is much needed here.

The outside of the institute building. It is a warm and inviting place for all the YSA. They are in and out of here all day long.

Our front room. The TV has the security camera so we can see who enters the building.

 Another picture of the kitchen and front room. It's small but comfortable.

 Our dining table in the same room.

 The master bedroom. The bed is quite comfortable.

 My dresser and closet.

 The office

 2nd bedroom with my 'get ready' table. The bathrooms in England don't have electric outlets.

 Bedroom 3

 Our bathroom. The shower is great too.

It's a small washer and dryer but we're grateful to have it in the apartment.

 This is downtown Leeds with it's beautiful buildings. It's only a 15 minute walk from our apartment.

 The indoor market has lots of fresh produce that the vendors sale.

 These buildings are very close to the institute.

 I learned that on Saturday evening men and women dress in costumes to go bar hopping.

 Security guards talking outside a gated community.

 We went on a beautiful drive and saw lots of green pastures and big homes.

 There are sheep grazing in the fields along the outskirts of Leeds.

Many varied types of homes around us.

  Ellie,YSA president

Alice, YSA counselor

Rebecca,YSA counselor

There are many more great young single adults but I can't post all their pictures. I wish I had taken photos of the activities.  Maybe next time.

We're grateful for this opportunity and feel very blessed to be here.  😃😃😃😃😃