May 23, 2016- "My Testimony" - Well Done Thou Good And Faithful Servant

Dear Friends and Family,

This will be my last e-mail to you all! At least as a missionary. So I wanted to share a few of my thoughts with you.

This was the best choice I ever made! I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for helping me see that I needed to trust Him, that I needed to come on a mission. I am so grateful that he brought me to this point.

When I was young I thought missions were simply something that the prophet had told young men to do and that it would bring them back as men. I thought that it was all about having crazy experiences and funny stories, but I began to realize that the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness is restored, that I could fully partake of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and that people didn't know about it. It never occured to me so deeply that people didn't have the happiness that I had. Then I knew why people really served a mission. It's not about the scenery, the crazy/ funny experiences, although those are a highlight, it's about the Restored Gospel. It's about helping others, forgetting about yourself and putting all your effort into the salvation of another persons soul. And when I say salvation I mean the salvation of now as well as eternity. "Adam feel that men might be; and men are that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25) We are meant to be happy in this life! That doesn't mean all of our trials and difficulties go away, it means that we rely on the Atonement of Christ. We have faith that he can help us through our trials, that he has felt every little bit that we have felt and that He will help us. I haven't always made the best choices and I have definitely messed up, but I can change that, I don't have to feel the pain of that because of Jesus Christ. He lives. He suffered for us but more importantly, He lived for us. We will one day, in the flesh, meet our God and through Christ we can enter into His presence and live in Happiness for eternity.

The Spirit of God is a testifier. He has testified these things to me and I know them to be true. I know God loves us and wants to help us. But we have to choose to have Him in our lives.

All my days these past 18 months I have spent inviting. Inviting others to come unto Christ and I invite anyone who is struggling, or anyone who wants to know if God is really there; to ask. Pray in faith that you will receive and answer and be willing to act on it. Know that if you truly want to know if God loves you, you have to be willing to do all you can to come closer to Him. And I know that when you do this, your life will change for the better. 

This Gospel has changed my life. This mission in the lands of Scotland and Ireland have changed my life not because of where I am but because of what I am sharing. CHrist is the head of this church and there is truly a prophet and apostles on the earth today. The Book of Mormon is the word of God and I add my witness to those of the ancient prophets:

"My God hath been my support; he hath lead me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

He hath filled me with his love..." (2 Nephi 4:20-21)

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.

And he that risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men onto him, on conditions of repentance.

And how great is His joy in the soul that repenteth!" 

(Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-13)

I know that we don't have to be perfect in this life, we just have to keep trying.

In His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

-Sister McBride

May 16: "This week, dispite the sun wasn't the best...."

First of on Tuesday we made some pretty lofty district goals. as in 6 for baptism... welp they are all not happening now. Because our family with the 3kids who want to be baptized didn't come to church yesterday which means they wont make their date. We haven't seen one of out investigators for 2 weeks and our other investigator has a job working Sundays. So, 1 in one week we went from 6 to 0... we weren't very happy about it so unless we find someone totally golden like... today that keeps all of the commandments already we will definitely not make our goal. It's just been sp frustrating because the kids are totally willing and happy to come to church. The oldest has stopped drinking tea of her own choice and tears up whenever we mention eternal families. Even her partner Jamie has felt the Spirit so strong he has teared up! The only person who is not working with us is the mom.... She just doesn't ever come to church and we don't know why. She won't open up to us... So anyway its been a pretty down week other then the fact that I loved getting a tan with all the sun! And seeing a castle on Monday it wasn't so good. I just feel like we are leaving this area to die. We came into a dead area and I don't wan to leave one! I don't want the area to die with me! haha but seriously. We also found out that they are putting in Elders in the middle of the transfers. They had this thing called the SIM squad which was a group of Elders that went to a different area/Zone each week and basically just did finding all day and got investigators for the missionaries to teach and then left the next week to another area. I guess they're being disband already and 2 of them are coming here. One of them I served with in Kirkcaldy when I was being trained. His name is Elder Gates so it will be weird serving around him again. haha. I hope all goes well. We really just want to keep the work going but it's so hard! Not only are we a bit trunky but we now have to make sure everything is all good with our flat because they aren't putting in Sisters after us. So it's a bit stressful and one of our recent converts is just off the radar and we have no idea what to do with him! 

So all in all it's been a strangely long stressful week full of fallen through appointments and people not holding their commitments. I just don't know what else to tell you about this week. I mean it had ti's good bits as well. I will get my package today I think! The ZL's in clonsilla managed to pick it up at the post office in Blanchardstown! Yay! so the disbanding SIM squad will be bringing to me. C:  hopefully... you know how Elders be sometimes... haha. I'm sorry that your packaging didn't work out Mom... But here is a cute picture to make up for it! I meant to send this to you, you know when it was mothers Day... this is the shopping centre in Blanchardstown and they did a display for mothers day back in march and I waited to excitedly to send it to you on the Monday of I even kept it off one drive for a surprise! And then I didn't find them.... Awkward! But here they are, they don't mean as much not that it's so late but I hope you like it anyway haha. The Display is made all out of balloons! 

On Saturday a recently baptised memeber named Louise came down to Ayr. She is originally from Northern Ireland and lived here for a good long while. Sister King taught her and was here when she was baptized so they were really excited to see each other. She has a fiancee as well!  Alex is super nice! He drove her all the way down from Aberdeenshire (it's like a 4hour drive) and then drove us around with her all morning to visit people. He is uper nice and is a farmer! So it was a relief for Sister King and I to meet him and to know that he is a good person. :) We have been visiting a member with a new born baby. The Lee's they are like the cutest couple ever! they are both about late 20's or 30 and then met on an online dating site. His grandparents are from Scotland but he lived in Canada. She's Scottish/Thai so they are cute and a super nerdy couple that are just over the moon with their daughter Mariam. It just makes me baby trunky and I want to hold her so bad but I cant! She's 7lbs so she is wee haha. :)

Anyway I think thats about it! We have to go meet the incoming Elders at their flat to give them the key so I'm off! Hopefully it gets a bit warmer this week as it has been cold the past few days.

This week was hard but don't worry I have high hopes for this one!

All my love,

Sister McBride 

Some fun pictures from her Pday at a Castle

May 9, 2016 "Mother's Day Call"

This week was great we had an amazing lesson with our investigator Carol and her partner, Graham, who is less active. We invited her for baptism and she just started to cry. They have both been through hard times in their lives and Carol especially loves the Book of Mormon. She always talks about the warm feeling she gets when she reads it. When we asked her for May 28th she was so excited. It is wonderful to see someone so excited about the gospel.

We also saw the Mackies and found out that they had been in a minor car accident! It was only the mom and her partner, but she has bad knees and her foot got wedge under the seat in front of her and with her momentum going forward her knee started to bend, (which I guess it cannie do anymore) and it was really painful. They are doing ok but it's difficult to get the mom going and on board. But we will get there with her!

We walked around with our shirts and skirts with no tights all evening! we walked through this wonderful park by a University I didn't know was here. It was absolutely gorgeous! I put pics on onedrive!  :)  Today we are going to go see a Castle called Culzean (cull-ain) Caslte! It's one of our last p-days! crazy!

 

 

ALL MY LOVE AND CARE

 

Sister McBride

 

 

Here are some pictures she sent. These are from her P-day visiting famous Robert Burns area and some pictures of the countryside on a walk. 

 

Pictures from her last Scotland Ireland Mission Conference May 2016

 

May 2, 2016 - "A Week of Fun Service and Miracles"

Dear Friends,

So last Monday we went to a place called Alloway which is where the famous Poet Robert Burns was born. They had a lot of things to go see and we were running around trying to get to all the places to fit it in haha. They had the original cottage where he was born and then they had a whole museum for him and then there was the Birg O' Doon. Which is basically a super old bridge. There is a legend that a man, Tam O'Shanter, on his way home from drinking ran into some witches having some witch party and when they saw him they chased after him. They tried to cut him off at the brig O' doon but just as it started to collapse he and his horse leapt across to the other side in safety. So that's where we were. It was flippin cold and raining though! haha but it was super fun. I like P-day with Sister King because we generally like to do the same things and she likes to enjoy museums and look at everything like I do. C: 

Wednesday was full of service! There is a nice older lady named Sister Newal and she just got a hip replacement! She is one tough cookie from on of the roughest parts of Glasgow! (it's not as rough any more but it definitely was then!) She carried around a machete and everything! So she was telling us all the stories about how she defended herself and beat people up. You would never expect! she is a wee lady but boy is she tough! We did her ironing as she cant stand for very long. Her and her husband fed us some sandwiches and soda C: Then we went by Sister Shepard who also cant walk well so we walked her dogs for her. She has a very excitable Boarder collie named Abby and a wee dachshund named Misty. Two very opposite dogs. They're always a joy to walk Then! we met with the wonderful family, the Menzies!! Ah I love them so much! They are truly progressing in the Gospel as is there mother who has been less active for a number of years but truly desires to come back. They are just wonderful that's all I can say C: They at first didn't want to force religion upon their children so they were always shooing them out of the lessons but  this week we talked to them about allowing them the choice and inviting them to come in a listen. The oldest boy of about 10? Brought in his 2 pillows set them on the floor, got all comfy and listened the whole time. He is a sweet boy and I am so excited to see carol progress towards baptism. there are obstacles like attending church due to work and little things like that but we are working hard to get past those. they are so ready!!

Friday we went by a family called the Ropers. They've been living on one of the islands of Scotland called Benbechula (something to that effect). Island life is very different! you had to go to the main land to buy anything in bulk and to get other necessary items. She was telling us all about it. 

Saturday we went by A member named Connie who just had a cute little baby girl named Marriom! (spelling ?) So we did her ironing and dish washing. I just want to say thanks Mom and Dad for teaching me how to iron! I never knew I had such skills as an ironer. haha anyway, then we saw an amazing lady who is a gypsy! only she has a house, but she still travels. She has a severely disabled daughter named Vicky who can walk around the house but still needs a wheel chair to get around. Last week when we were there she told us that Vicky was adopted. This week we asked how. She said that 29 years ago her neighbors had Vicky and one night they asked her to babysit. Well I guess they were all drug addicts. She didn't know Vicky was disabled until she got there. They were feeding her mixing chocolate instead of milk and this woman Kate reported it. Vicky went into Foster care but her parents kept coming back and taking her (even though they weren't fit to and didn't treat her well) So she and her husband decided that they would just adopt Vicky instead. So she is an amazing woman and she really loves the church even though she has never been and has hardly read the Book of Mormon! haha she is very in tune to the Spirit. We are excited to teach her.

And then there is Sunday where I found out that one of our deaf investigators, Andrew (who was baptized shortly after I left) is headed to the temple this month!! :D President Dewey of the Paisley stake is in our ward and had us over for dinner. He informed me that he is doing well. C: I am so excited for him! It is one of the best things I've heard on the mission!

I know the Lord lives and loves us I know he loves you and I hope you all have a wonderful time with whatever it is you are doing!!

all my love and care,

Sister McBride

a tree where you can write a message to the people you love.

April 25, 2016 - "Blessed land of Ayr"

 Cheer pal!

As the good ol Scots say. It's good to be back in the land of Scotland! Where kilts are common and the scenery is top notch.

This week was full of interesting surprises. So, we discovered that our district comprises of us and the Elders from a place about an hour away called Stranraer (stren-rawr) just to give you a little gist of how lonely we are lol. So they told us on Monday evening that we would have to get a member to be with us for district meeting!! ugh... we asked like THE only YSA girl and she was pretty chill about it but the she had to go so we left the door open to the door that went outside.... I didn't like that.

 We had some great lessons with a family named the Menzies. Brother Menzie has been less active for a while but the Elders actually chapped into them and they have been making some great steps to coming back. There are a few obstacles in their way, but they will get through. Carol (or future Sister Menzie haha) is really sweet. She isn't a member but she really loves the gospel so far and she is like so prepared it's awesome. They have both took some hard roads in their life but now they are both ready to start taking the better path! Then we met with the Mackies! Who have a very similar story only Sister Amanda Mackie is the member and her partner Jamie is not. They have 4 kids who are just the sweetest craziest things haha we invited them all to baptism (except Jamie cuz we was ill in the other room) but all the kids are so excited the oldest is a girl she is 12 then there are 3 boys who are 10, 9, and 6 (obviously we didn't invite him to be baptized for this May, but he is just as excited about it )

It looks like a great week this week and we are excited!! Seriously I love working with Sister King. She's the best.

LOVE YOU ALL STAY TRUE AND AWESOME!

Sister McBride

Her flat is only about a 2 minute walk to the ocean. 

 Her and sister King. This is what sister McBride said...

I missed me a good Chippy. :) £4 and a 2 min walk away couldn't be any better!

April 18, 2016 - "Traveling to Ayr"

Sooooo. I have been a bit sick. I think I caught a cold from the Last sisters. They left this transfer as well but they didn't clean at  before they left and they had been ill, so ...

Traveling: Let it be said that I really thought buses were cool (especially the double-decker ones) when I came, but now they have definitely lost their excitement. After you ride one for 2 1/2 hours across Ireland and then 3 hours across Scotland literally through your area of Ayr and up to Glasgow because that's where you have to meet your companion and then travel back an hour on the train, you get a little sick with all the round abouts and twisty roads and they're just not the most comfortable. I still love the Ferry though. That was 3 hours as well but it was all rainy and foggy so there wasn't much of a scenery. Also I took the time to charge my camera battery but forgot that both my SD cards were in my suitcase so.. there are no pictures of the epicly long travel as a SOLO SISTER. Yup that's right just. me. and loads of Elders. I didn't realize it was going to be just me with about 10 Elders until the morning of so I was a bit.... interested in how it would go since I've been so used to having another woman by my side literally 24/7, but it actually turned out OK. I was saved by Elder Stanley. Elder Stanley is from England and has been in the same district as me for the past 6 months! I think I have served around him longer than any other missionary so he was nice and talked to my the whole time. Not as much on the ferry but literally the whole time on both bus rides. He is pretty chill and just a genuine person, so he was easy to talk to. But of course there were those times when he was away chatting with someone else and I just felt totally out of place. Until another nice Elder (also from England and one from Minnesota?) would come and talk to me. We played a card game on the ferry. Kind of like a hit the deck thing. I was really bad at it Lol... they went easy on me... oh my pride.... I think the most awkward was the fact that I was literally squashed next to these 10 young men and then I had to use the toilet on the ferry so...I mean any other circumstance if I wanted to go anywhere I would have to get 2 Elders to come with me because just one would be a date! They new that but it was a bit awk cuz... they weren't coming with me to the toilets! So when I asked if they could move the chair so I could get out I didn't want to announce where I was going so I just got up and I'm pretty sure they all watched and wondered where I was walking to until I turned to the toilets.... ugh... but other then that I was like a family reunion with the cousins, loads of boys and no girls! It really wasn't too bad.

Ayr: Ayr is flippin awesome! So the real reason why I didn't end up going to Limerick is because there was a Sister who is in our group and has been in Ayr for a long while. She was companions with Sister King here about 10weeks ago. I guess she basically refused to stay so they swapped us! Which I am actually happy about. I felt a little unsettled going to Limerick . The only thing that I thought would help was the fact that the Cliffs of Moore (aka the cliffs of Insanity from Princess Bride) were in the area, but when I found that I was moving back to Scotland I was excited and I really didn't know Sister King well. but to describe her, she is just as nerdy as me and she is kind of like Ana from frozen only not as ditzy, well not at all. basically she is just super nice and sweet but really funny as well.  I never served around her, but it has been great so far. She is a super good missionary and we are so alike in a really good way.

I have missed the Scottish accent and the places and scenery! I felt a huge excitement that I haven't felt since the beginning of the mission here in Ayr. I know the new stake Pres, President Dewey from when we were teaching Lily and Mark and Andrew our deaf friends. He was the professional signer who would skype for our lessons and drive 2hours to Kirkcaldy to interpret for the baptisms! He was Bishop Dewey then.

Also our flat is right next to the sea front! It's like a 5min walk and you can see it from our front door. It's a nice wee flat and super cozy. I like it. It's probably my favorite flat from the mission :)

I just feel so at peace and energetic about it. I do feel a little cast into the "forgotten land of Paisley" (seriously every one jokes about how Paisley is the forgotten stake haha)  and I don't understand why they are just going to white wash again after us but I can't deny the spirit that I feel that amazing things are going to happen. I personally feel that it's kind of because there is this 'new way' that President is training his missionaries and we are like one of the last ones who really knew Pres Brown and I feel like they just want to put us together to not affect anyone else with our 'old ways' I know that's probs not it at all.

However we did have miracle. A woman who hasn't been to church in 30 years just showed up on Sunday! The day before we had been finding next the sea front by our flat. We got no return appointments with people only good conversations but turns out one of those people we stopped was her nephew who then went home and said (auntie, I remember you going to them Mormon church and taking me. You were always so happy and I was happy too, why don't you go anymore? So she came! and we are seeing her on Wednesday :) her name is Angela.

Oh Dad I met one of your mission friends he said you were in the same district together! (His name is Elder Keir. Pic below) He knew me as soon as I walked into chruch and said Sister McBride?? the daughter of James McBride who served with me in the London mission?? He says I look like you :) and that you haven't changed a bit! Also I have met a lot of people who Colleen knows so that is cool. I really like Ayr

I have to get going but I love you all and I hope you have a great week!

Sister McBride :)

 Elder Keir was sister McBride's dad's missionary friend they served at the same time. 

Feburary 22, 2016: 'Hey what's the story'

Hey whats the story?!

Yeah no one says top o' the mornin' to ya in Ireland but they do ask you whats the story!

So this week was nonetheless interesting. we met with a lady who... is really nice. Only... a bit off her rocker. was hard to get through the restoration and whenever we asked a question she would go off on this tangent and anyway we invited her to ready the Book of Mormon and to pray but we didn't make a return appointment... we had our recent convert Leanne there who was quite shaken up with the whole experience. She's only been teaching with us a few times... then we found out that Leanne went to hospital for possible appendicitis! She was in the "A&E" (I put those there because you can wait up to 2 days until you see a doctor. Obviously if you are bleeding to death they will bring you in but,.... anyways it's weird) She is out now and they have taken blood tests so we will see what happens. Hopefully it is something a bit better than appendicitis! 

Also we had Patrick for baptism and basically taught him about the Word of Wisdom, Law of Chastity, and Tithing all in one go. No lie it was one lesson. not the most ideal of situations but it is difficult when your investigators cancel a lot and therefore miss a lot of lessons but then say they still want to be baptized on the same day. How can we say no! haha so The ZL's wanted his baptismal interview as soon as possible which was Wednesday but he couldn't meet Tuesday so an hour before we taught him. He passed! haha but we think because he is a really nervous guy. we think he got cold feet because he didn't show up to the baptism! We called and called and called. we even went by his house which isn't too far from the church and knocked. Unfortunately he was in but didn't want to answer the door. We could see his key in the key hole on the other side. So it was really unfortunate but to be honest I'm not too surprised. He was so nervous I felt he wasn't ready. I think with time he will come back and start learning again.

We were truly blessed this week though. Since we no longer had a baptism we did some finding! Woot! We were a bit down trodden and we had about an hour and a half. Usually we wright down back-ups but... we didn't this time so we felt a little aimless but we said a prayer for direction and THEN! We found Gillian! She is from somewhere in Africa haha I can't pronounce it so I forgot. We met her Sat night and invited her to church on Sunday. She said she met missionaries before who invited her and felt that since this was about her 3rd encounter God must be trying to tell her something! haha so she came! Even though it was super rainy and we got soaked! (when I say rainy I mean misty because it's like there is water in the air that the wind is blowing around and it just gets you drenched. It's nothing like Arizona rain. Also it goes on for ages!) She took notes durin GP and took the book home. We met with her this morning and she accepted baptism 2 weeks from now! :D she is so nice and so excited to read the BoM and we are truly blessed. :) We also had someone drop off 2 tubs of Ben and Jerry ice cream with some Cadbury (aka the best chocolate) cookies that night. Only we didn't find it until Sunday morning because we never heard them knock! So the ice cream was completely melted unfortunately... but it's the thought that counts! Clonsilla is the best. We don't know if it was a member or the Elders or what but it was super nice.

I love the work and I love all of you have a great week!

Sister McBride

Feburary 1, 2016- 'Transfer calls'

Mom here: For those who may read this who may be involved with sister McBride on her mission. I contemplated for a while whether I should post this letter she wrote. (this is why I'm a few weeks behind) I'm mainly posting this because one, Sister McBride and her companion sister Petch are good friends. Two, I am getting her blog printed in book form so she has a copy of all of her letters and missionary memories in one place. Three, her extended family as an opportunity to stay connected with her and know how to pray for her. Sometimes she doesn't have the time to send out a mass email to everyone and sends one to us and has us put it on her blog. So a lot of this is for her and her family. It's not ment to stir up any issues or contention of any kind.  Sister McBride and sister Petch are doing great and respect each others friendship but had a spotty patch for a bit. It happens in every good relationship. So please don't mention anything to her it's something she doesn't need to worry about, worrying about other people's feelings about the situation. It will stress her out and she needs to focus on missionary work and not feeling like she has caused a problem. Being a missionary is not only about missionary work but also about learning how to get along with others and develop Christ's attributes. I have learned we grow most when we need God's help the most. These are good growing moments and normal. With that said I wish you all good blessings and have a fantastic day! 

Sister Petch and I are staying! Woot I am excited for the work that will get done... and comforted about how hard it will be. Sorry for the late e-mail Sister Petch has been very ill today so we are a bit behind. There's a lot that went on this week and  I feel I need a little input, or an encouraging word on.

During the transfer I have felt very questioned in my desires, in my actions, and in my testimony. I do not desire to blame Sister Petch for anything I really am trying hard to separate my hurt feelings for the truth We had many disputes this week. In them I felt my confidence reach rock bottom. The things that Sister Petch has said to me has made me question my desires and my work over the past year or so. I really felt like a terrible missionary, and that's not right. I know that I try my best but I keep having to remind myself that I did come out for the right reasons, I did do good work and have baptized people... Our opinions about what we should do are so utterly different that she doesn't understand why I want to do certain things and the problem is, when that happens she then makes a judgment upon my Character as a person and my desire as a missionary. She says it like I'm lying to her, like I know in my heart I'm doing something wrong or that I'm not putting investigators first etc... when in reality its simply a different way of handling a situation.

I love sister Petch but this companionship is teaching a lot about myself. There's a lot that went on this week. This week has been hard. I knew as well that we would be staying together. On Sunday I received a lot of peace and comfort from Heavenly Father about this next transfer and I know I have a lot to learn from Sister Petch and she from me. We are learning that there are many different ways to handle situations. One way is not better than another its simply a different way of handling a situation. 

We chapped a door, the man was busy and asked us to return the next day, in a rush we asked when we could come back. He said 10am the next day and we agreed, but forgot that our ward coordination just changed to that same time and we didn't remember until after we had gone to chap the next house. She mentioned it and I said 'oh maybe we can come by at 11:30 tomorrow instead' In hopes that since we had just left his door step less then 20seconds ago perhaps we could chap again quickly or leave a note. We had already had a few mix ups with W.C. and had to reschedule due to us. I knew it was either try to change the app or go to Ward Coordination and miss it so we didn't ruin our relationship with W.M.L (ward mission leader) by not going. Before I was able to explain she cut me off and then went on to re-account another situation very similar in which she was very upset by my opinion. Now I don't mind if she didn't want to do that. She could have said it in a way where she didn't start making judgements and assuming things and questioning my desires as a missionary. I am going to talk to her about it but I guess I just want you to know that I'm not sure why Sister Petch finds it so difficult to work with me, but I really am trying and I hope that what I say doesn't come across as judgmental to her or prideful I'm just so torn. and very confused about what I should do I feel I'm trying to handle those disagreements as best I can and stay calm and talk it out but it doesn't seem to be working.
anyway.... other then that this week has been pretty good the lord really has helped me feel that I can do it and that I am up for the challenge haha. 

I know that it is through Christ that I can do all things. I have all the help in the world and prayer is amazing. It's just one of those things as a missionary it helps you grow as a person too. I love what I'm doing. I love sister Petch and I know God loves me and I'm doing the very best I can. 

April 11, 2016- " A most exciting weekend of Hospital, a baptism, then limerick, then SCOTLAND?"

Sister McBride and Sister Mueller.


Hey everyone! Sorry if a few of you wrote some e-mails that I didn't reply to personally this week has been crazy!

Don't worry there is nothing wrong with me I am perfectly healthy.

So last Saturday Sister Muller started to have some swelling in her foot. it wasn't too bad so we didn't worry much about it. The only strange thing was, that it was swollen and cold. Usually things are swollen and hot, but her foot was freezing! Sister Muller is a very good pharmacist and knows a lot of Doctor stuff haha. So on Sunday night just before we dozed off to sleep she told me that the symptoms are similar to a condition where you have a build up of salt in your veins and then it gets stuck and when it becomes unstuck it pumps through you body, into your heart and then you die! But she said, it's probably not that and she said she always over reacts about these things because she knows so much about it. But I don't know about that stuff so I prayed and told Heavenly Father that if it really was something bad to somehow let me know... well around 12am a house alarm in the area of flats where we live went off (and it does often!) so I woke up and looked over then woke up Sister Muller! She was fine, she wasn't dead, and continued to be fine all through the night but my night was restless! And for a missionary sleep is seriously one of the most precious things of your life... I mean I thought I appreciated sleep before... now it has a whole new meaning.

On Wednesday we had an appointment with the private Doc. So we went there because if you go to the hospital you have to wait for ages! I mean ages!! because it's free so it's better to go to what they call the GP (I have no clue what it stands for) and get it done quick, you have to pay but its better than waiting.... 

Well they were not so good and couldn't figure out what it was that she had. They thought maybe a bone infection?? She told them she had vein problems but they said it probably wasn't that so she got and x-ray that (an extra90euro! and she can walk so it wasn't her bones) and then at the end they told us to go to the Hospital because she would have to get her blood tested and they cant do that there. So off to the hospital we went! With might I add, the Mission Presidents counselors wife, Sister Thompson who I'm sure has loads of things to do. Then we waited.... for 3 hours so it was 8 by then and Sis Thompson went to the desk and asked about the wait. They told us we were #7 in the queue ( or the line) and that the person who was #1 just got seen and they had been waiting for 6hours! So we left! and came back the next morning at 7:30 and waited for another 3 hours. This time Sis Thompson just dropped us off. We talked to a girl that morning who had been waiting there since 9 that night, thats 11 hours! So I guess because its free everyone goes there 

Anyway, so when we finally got seen she was diagnosed with Shin splints all in about 5min her right foot is really bad but her left is ok... for now haha. Yup so we were told that she wasn't supposed to walk from 7 to 10 days! Grand! So he gave her some pain killers that have helped the pain at night and she has to take it 3times a day. Luckily we actually ended up being pretty busy the past few days, which leads me into the next exciting story!

Saturday at 4:30 was a baptism for 2, 8 year old boys. One a child of record and the other, his mom was just recently baptized. We were a bit sad because our investigator friend Gillian whom we passed over to the Lucan Elders who are in our district because she was staying nearer to them for the time being, had her baptism 30min drive away at 4! :( Even though it's out of our area we had permission it just didn't work out so we ended up being at the church all day because we hada meeting from 10 to 11 then a primary activity we were asked to help out at and set up for at 1 and then the baptism at 4 and we didn't have a lift to and from the church so we just chilled out there and ate some lunch. Also since we were there all day the Elders brought us food and a rolly thing to massage sister Mullers leg. They have a car so it was so nice of them! 

 Leanne ended up coming and she brought her friend Amy. After the baptism was done we were eating treats and I sat down by Amy and she said "You know I think would be really interested in being baptized and I think it would be good for my mom as well"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did my best to remain calm. We had a great lesson with her about the plan of salvation and how she can know she will see her family again. She loved it and said it made sense and we have her baptism set for April 30th!! ( well I won't be there but I don't care!!) It was so cool. Not to mention that the Elders got an appointment with a guy who just happened to move in across the street recently and decided to pop over to the church just as the baptism was happening! So that was also cool beans.

Now to the end of the week where I totally forgot to tell you it was moves call! We got it unexpectedly at 4pm (usually it's 9 or later) and they told me I was headed to white wash in Limerick!! (white wash means that we go in where there aren't missionaries already there so it's a completely new area for us and we will know no one and have no idea where to go! 😀 )Woot! I was totally surprised and sad to leave Clonsilla but also excited. We went to a new member and investigator fireside at Finglas where Leanne and Amy came as well and they had a fantastic time. the spirit was strong and Amy really liked it and said she felt a very different but good feeling! :) Then around 10pm we got a call from the Assistants to the president again saying that they told me wrong and that I was actually white washing into Ayr in the Paisley stake in Scotland! OH! and Sister Muller is training! 

So we have a crazy schedule and I think we have to leave tonight... I'm not sure. anyways! I am going to be with Sister King who already served there and also goes home at the same time as me. I'm excited. Also sad... really sad to Leave Ireland. I will miss that feeling of home here. I love Scotland but Ireland... it just has my heart 😊 

So yeah It has really been a good week even though it was crazy and I think I am really starting to understand how the Lord works. We do our part and are obedient to prove that we are worth to Him and to ourselves. we really haven't been finding anyone and were a bit sad about our lack of success but not only did Gillian get baptised though in another ward, but now Leannes friend Amy is learning about the happiness that the gospel brings and that is exciting. He brings the people to us. We rarely find them through our own efforts.

I love you all and I hope you have a great week. I hope you get a lot of rain before I'm back because I'm praying for a lot of SUN! 

Wish me luck as I travel and take the Ferry... hopefully the waters wont be too choppy...

Take care!!

April 4, 2016- "Conference weekend"

Dublin city center

This week was eventful. We got a text from the senior couple saying that all the missionaries that are going home this transfer and the next aka me were all invited to a self-reliance training. It was the trunkiest meeting I have ever been to! So it was basically how to be self-reliant and get a job and that it's ok to be rich so that you have no debts and all those things. It was extremely helpful but also weird haha... 

Then on Tuesday we had dinner with a lovely family from the ward called the Mooney's. I have never been over to their house but they are super nice and love Disney and super heroes so it was a piece of home. :)  Wednesday we were supposed to have a lesson with our used to be investigator Johannes, but he wasn't in :( we think he is avoiding us. We had a wonderful lesson with him so we aren't sure what happened.

Then before we knew it, it was conference weekend and there we were! It is always amazing listening to the Prophets speak I love it! Then we had a 'lesson' with a Jehovas Witness couple... it was more of a bible bash and the husband was asking us to read all these scriptures from the bible and... they want us to come back!! I don't know why haha. they are nice but they definitely want to only teach us their doctrine and not really.... listen or try it out. so it was interesting!

Poor Sister Muller has had a swollen foot for the past few days but it seems to be better. I got like no sleep last night due to someone alarm going off!! Seriously I am so tired now haha.

Anyway I unfortunately have to go. Sorry it was such a short e-mail.

Take care

Sister McBride

Feburary 15, 2016: 'Things are great'

Sister Petch, Sister McBride, Elder Holman and Elder Stobbs in City Center in Dublin.

Sister Petch absolutely loved the package. She really was so touched she said she wanted to write mom and tell her thank you. (mom here: She is talking about the valentine package we sent to the both of them. Each one got their separate valentine package) I don't think she has gotten hardly any packages on her mission. and she loved the socks. and about Sister Wilkinson to be honest like, we're the best of friends and I am really excited to hang out with her when I get home. She promised to come to my homecoming with Sister Skagen :) and maybe sister Turner since they all live in Utah. They are so great.

Things are going much much better and I think president understands the situation really well. Sister Petch and I both have changed SO much I know it was because all of your and our prayers and fasting that helped tremendously! We are becoming the best of friends.

We are actually in the city center for p-day right now with him and his new comp Elder Stobbs at an internet cafe, it's cool stuff. we got permission because we know sister petch has to leave and they probs wont send her back to Ireland because of Visa problems. On our way over here we saw a guy dressed as darth vader playing the piano on the high street in the center. I will send a pic. thank you for all you do and everything that you give to me I love you both so much. and yes Daddy I got your letter. thank you :)

I have been eating loads of the snacks that you sent and Sister Petch has been enjoying them as well. We brought some wheat thins to District Meeting last week and Elder Holman is the only other person from the America continent and he was like 'Wheat thins! those are so good! I forgot those existed!" haha all the other missionaries couldn't understand what we were so excited about. 2 of them being from England and one from Germany and then of course sister Petch from Finland. I had honestly forgotten how much I love wheat thins and pretty much everything you sent me haha. thank you!

 We did a lot of finding this week. All day on Friday and then most of the day on Saturday. due to our investigators dropping us and not returning our calls. But our friend Patrick is headed for baptism this Saturday! We weren't sure if he still wanted to do it as he is a bit of a nervous guy but when we called him this morning he said yes! So there we go! We are excited for him. He keeps all of our commitments :) There were a lot of blessings this week. For one we were able to stay sane on Friday when we did finding ALL DAY I kid you not literally everyone we talked to said 'no' or 'too busy', I'm in a rush, sorry girls I'm not religious... etc it was excuse after excuse! But I didn't feel overwhelmed or down trodden but full of hope that I knew the Lord would take care of us and bless us. Then on Saturday afternoon we met a lady named Norma (in our area but a 30min bus ride towards the city center) and she was totally open to our message. We said hey  can we share a book called the Book of Mormon. She said ok I'll take one! Never in my life have I had that happen. Not only that but she was willing to buy it! haha of course we didn't take the money and then we found out that she lives in Clonsilla like 5 in from the church! So she came! :D we have an appointment with her on Tuesday :)

 Love you all!! 

sister McBride

Feburaury 29, 2016: 'That time I attended Mass'

Hello everyone!

So I get a new sister missionary named Sister Muller she is a greenie. She has just finished her training so that is fun! I get to stay here in the blessed land of Clonsilla!

This week was interesting. We found out that Gillian doesn't actually live in our area... which is highly unfortunate but we are thinking about keeping her anyway due to the fact that she met the Elders a lot of times and never went to church or met with them. I think she is a bit shy and feels more comfortable around Sisters so we will see. We met a really nice lady named Suzie and had a good lesson with her and a return appointment however she must have gotten on the internet because she text us yesterday and told us that our teachings go against the Bible. then not to contact her anymore... so there you go. Sounds like Satan is working hard on people this week from the e-mails I got from other missionary friends sounds like they had something similar. Anyways she referred us to her neighbor anyway and we met with the nice lady this morning. Her daughter on Saturday told us she was headed off to a special mass at 8pm. (it was 7:30) and so she couldn't meet with us just then but to come by on Monday morning at 11. Then she invited us to the mass. I admit as most people in the countries here are catholic I have always been curious and Sister Petch was especially excited to be invited. So we asked a member to come along with us and she happily did us the favor. It was different from what I have lived with but it was good to experience, something different.

So Gillian is great and it's been a good week. I am sad to see Sister Petch go, she has become a great friend and person that I can confide in and ask for help. Sister Petch asked if I was ok, she said she felt I was unhappy and I confided in her that I was worried about follow-up training because I'm not like a lot of Sisters to be honest. Many Sisters are very urgent in what they do. I am urgent but not physically if that makes sense. Many Sisters rush to appointments, walk fast, talk fast, and just generally do a lot of things in a quick manner. I however don't do that most of the time (obviously if it's necessary I will) but I find that when I do that I stress myself out! Because I'm not going fast enough, I'm not working hard enough. So through out my time I have had to realize that I have to do things calmly to keep myself calm. so I don't stress. I said this to her and she was very kind and told me that I was good! and that it's ok. She knows I show my urgency in a different way and that I work hard even though it may not be like others.

Though we had struggles it has been good and she is very humble. She always says about how much she has learned from me and has seen a lot of things that she didn't do before that she can change and I have has well. I will miss her but excited for this new experience.

It's been a good week. I know this gospel brings the greatest happiness and I love you all! Sorry if I didn't get to e-mail each of you individually but I love you and stay strong!

Sister McBride