June 1-June 7

Family,

This is one of those weeks where I wish I could just pick up the phone and tell you about the miracles and amazing things that have happened. First off Heidi, Rebekah, and Antoni were all baptised. Wow, it was an amazing service and I was really proud of the ward. The turn out was good and the talks were all very nice. (Something that Bolton usually struggles with). 

I have to tell you about Antoni. He is young, never had a father figure and quite crazy. He is really funny and I love him but I think he might have ADD or something because he never is calm and is just always hyper, running around, punching, fighting, etc. However, on his baptism day he was actually quiet and sat there while singing the opening song, he actually sang along! That might not seem like a lot to you because you haven’t met him but I have to tell you that moment was one of the most spiritual experience on my mission yet. The spirit was so strong and I was able to see how a boy who has had little parenting in his life will now grow up having the foundation of the gospel and grow up to be an upstanding member!

This week we had Zone Conference but it was at a scout camp about 2 hours south. It was incredible. We showed up had lunch, went and played sports for a few hours, came back and they had dinner for us, American Hamburgers (they were huge and delicious). Then we got into jeans and went and split into smaller groups and followed all these different paths where they had stations teaching about certain principles of missionary work where the zone leaders told stories and taught. The theme of the zone conference was 'The pathway to the promise' and passing down the culture. 

So we were following this path and were able to hear all these amazing missionaries bare testimony on certain principles eventually ending in the celestial kingdom. After that we went out into the mountains like prophets do to receive revelation. There we were given an envelop with two sticks and a work sheet. We were on our own and pondered on how far we have come, what we want to become, and what we need to sacrifice in order to get there. Then on the sticks we wrote the things we were going to “put on the alter” and then later that evening we had a testimony meeting by the fire and all placed our sticks in the fire. Then sister bullock made us all cookies! I cannot tell you how much I love president and sister bullock. The time and effort that had to have gone into making that experience happen is unimaginable, but it was well worth it. We spent the night, woke up, had breakfast and then finished up zone conference and went home. It was an amazing experience and memories I know that I will cherish forever.

Something that President has really helped me learn is that we never make it. We always need to be improving. “Becoming” is the objective. The way we reach that objective is by finding out ways we can improve and then setting goals. Being on a mission has taught me so much about who I am and who I want to become…  

I am so grateful for this time that I have to serve the Lord. There is not anything that could prepare me for life greater than this. I love my Savior, I know this to be the one and only true gospel on the earth today. I am especially greatful for the family that I have and for the example that you have all been to me getting me to where I am now!!

Love,

Richard

New address for the next six weeks!!!

Elder Richard Cunningham
4 Arundel Street
Astley Bridge
Botlon, BLI 6RL
ENGLAND

May 26th- June 1st

Family,

WOW- sounds like some crazy things are going on at home and very exciting. Sad Sad Sad to hear about the suns but don’t worry I still wear my gear proudly.

Elder Chambers is incredible and it has been a great week so far and I am really looking forward to the transfer. He is from Idaho and his dad is actually a 70 in the 5^th quorum but he is so humble he would not tell you that unless you found out from someone else. Anyways we have been running everyday and it is good. The only problem is my running shoes are a little small… I think it will be okay though. Also though I will copy what I wrote to president…

“Elder Chambers and I have been off to a great start. I am very excited for this transfer and grateful for this opportunity which I have to serve with such an outstanding missionary. This week two qualities that have really stuck out to me are how he is exactly obedient and has great charity. Elder Chambers recognises the importance of exact obedience and has taught me that only when we are obedient can heavenly father bless us. He has taught me that only through example. Also, every day he has done some act of charity whether it be making breakfast, ironing my shirt, or just helping me learn something new. I cannot tell you how great of missionary he is. I have so much to learn from him and cannot wait for the coming weeks.”

He really does do a lot and someone who I just enjoy being around. We have great conversations about calling elections and all sorts of stuff that is just speculation but it is just really interesting/ entertaining. He is very obedient and leads by example not by just talking which others have done…

SO Heidi and her two kids are getting baptized this Saturday!!!!! I am so excited it is going to be great. Elder Sturt is coming back to baptize hiedi and am going to dunk the little ones!! It is great to see the changes they have made in her life. Coffee, tea, smokes, alcohol are all out the window in just a matter of a few weeks!!! It is crazy to see what people can accomplish when they gain a testimony of the gospel and of a living prophet. I am very happy for her.

Florence was also supposed to be baptised this Saturday but she couldn’t make it to church. People in England have these slave labour jobs where they wait by the phone for a call and as soon as the call comes they have to go. She needs to go to church at least twice until we can baptise her so hopefully next week! Oh no I am out of time. I have to go but I love/miss you and hope life is beautiful in mexico!!!!

This week during my personal study I have been reading a lot in the Book of Mormon. While reading, Helamen 5:12 really stuck out to me. I know this is a scripture-mastery and a commonly used scripture but the significance behind it is great. I know that truly when we live our lives based on the example and teachings of Jesus Christ we have that firm foundation to withstand anything that comes our way. This is part of the reason why missionary work is so fantastic because each day I find myself growing closer and closer to my Saviour.   

May 17th-26th

Family!! 

Wow another great week here in Bolton. So many things are going on. First off I have a new companion his name is elder chambers. He has been out for a while, he is from Pocatello Idaho and knows lots about potatoes!!! Ha at least I am assuming, right alisa? Anyway, I have heard nothing but great things about him and how he is an amazing missionary. He loves to run and didn’t at the start of his mission so hopefully he can convert me!! We will see.

So this week I went on exchanges with a zone leader, Elder Lunt from Utah. It was great! I was able to go to a different part of the mission and to my surprise there weren’t any Muslims. I was kind of over it though so it was a good thing it only last two days until I got back to Mecca!!!

So the weather here has been amazing. It has started to warm up and I think my cheeks may be a lil tan! That’s right TAN. Who would have known? You have to love the English though. The whether warms up, the clothes come off and then were just livin in a hot bed of sin! I am not kidding though, people walk around without any shirts on and the women sometime just in a bikini top holding glasses of beer at 10:30am walking down the street. It is extremely sad.

So I cannot remember how much I have told you about Heidi and her family but she is an English woman who is dating a member in chorley (just up the road). She has a hard life, has 6 kids, two still live at home, she is 38 and a grandma of 2!!! Anyways her and her two youngest are all getting ready for baptism. Once she can quit smoking! She didn’t have any yesterday so hopefully she will make it. People have to be living the WOW for 10days before they can get baptised. She is doing great though and she really loves everything we teach her. I also don’t think it is cause of her bf because he hasn’t been a huge part of her conversion. He is a convert himself since February. Also living with her is a friend’s daughter who is 14. She also has to quit smoking but as soon as they do they will be ready for the fount.

Sorry this is so short but I gots to go! Life is wonderful though and it sounds like everything is going great at home. My nephew is a cutie!! Good job paige and glen! Thanks for the pics keep sending them! How is charesse I didn’t hear from her? And Rowland what is going on in his life??? Also when does rob and alisa move?? Keep me posted.

Love you

Richard

Ps-mom that looks like it was lots of fun! Worlds greatest sem teacher ever!!! Sorry I didn’t read about the funeral cause I just printed it but hope everything went well. I cant tell from what I have read if it was sad or not… Ill read later BYEEEEEEE

May 10th- 17th

WOW-

 

This is kind of sad that i am missing out on this. Preston looks like he takes after his favourite uncle, what a cutie!!! Glad to hear that everything went well and you are all healthy! The pictures are great!!! If you could please send them to me so i can have them printed out!! I want to be able to look at my nephew!! 

 

This week was really great. We had interviews and trainings so i got to sit down with president again. It was good he is really an amazing man! So him and sister bullock surprised us and now next zone conference is going to be a camp out for two days and we don't know what the topic is but its going to be so much fun i cannot wait.

 

This is probably going to be my last week with elder sturt which will be bitter sweet.  I think i may have given you the wrong impression of him, he is actually a really nice person and normal. He is not a BYU nerd just a normal hardworking missionary.

 

So funny story this week we were on this street where all the Muslims live / all the Muslims are drug dealers! Not really, most of them are all really kind people but there are lots of druggies. Anyway, so we are on this street because we are going to see one of our investigators and i see this flying spur so i am starring at it and then right as it starts to drive past me the driver unrolls his window and sticks his had out and for some reason, i jumped like 10 feet in the air. I thought i was gonna be the victim of a drive by shooting!!! HAHA It turns out he just threw his cig out his window and gave me the weirdest look like what is the matter with you kid!! HAHA it was really funny cause i just flinched so noticeably... Oh but speaking of cars we do see some beautiful filthy lucer cars. Bentley, Ferrari's, lambos, Porsche's...etc its funny cause people live in these poor poor houses and then drive really nice cars. DAD what are you selling your Mercedes for? The new Jags and the porsche panamera are sooooooo good looking!!!!!!!!!! Also, mom you are getting a new car? What color?

 

So just last Sunday we were stopped on the side of the road by a family in a car. It turns out that a member in Chorley is dating a woman who lives in Bolton. They stopped us and she exclaimed that she would like us to teach her. Coincidentally they had just been talking about the missionaries and happen to find us. She has three children who are also interested and all of them attended church this Sunday. They are a great family. We have been able to meet with them often and they are scheduled for baptism June 5. It is really exacting. Right now we have 8 scheduled for baptism so we will see what happens.

 

Oh no i am out of time!!! Next week i probably wont write until wed because its transfer week. I will prob stay in bolton and get a new comp.

 

 

anyways life is great i miss and love you hope all is well!! Give Preston lots of love!!!!

 

Love,

Richard

 

 

Paige-you look way too pretty after labor!! I don't think that it could of been that bad...Just playing I'm sure is was horrible and I'm glad i will never have to go through that!!!

 

MOM- hope final week goes good!!  I think i am taken care of. if you are at the mall ever i need some refills for my pen but if not dont worry about it. I want the finest tip they have in blue and black.

 

DAD- i am jealous of you too!!! They boys are growing up, that looks like it was lots of fun. ALi is getting so big. Can she talk yet...? Or is she too young still?? give them all lots of love and tell them how much i miss them!!

 

CHareese- that is one of the sadest stories i have ever heard DLAND without the rides?!?!?! Tell me you atleast got a churro!!!!!

 

Okay i love you all tons and miss you a lot but know this is where i am suppoesed to be. Next week i will really try to be more detalied!!!! love you!

May 5th-10th

On Sunday May 9th we were able to talk to Richard for an hour! It was fantastic! I will post notes from the phone call later. Here is his email from the following day on the 10th.

WOW that time just flew by and i feel like i had so much more to say. Its funny cause its like we hang up and then just go to work and it was very anti climatic! Sad... Okay i dont really have much time but i did get a cook book and today i bought a disc man.

I had some funny stories to tell you but i dont have time, well ill just tell you one...

Two days ago i had to go pittle so bad and we were knocking on one last door and apparently i was showing it cause the woman was like oh sweetie you can use our bathroom to go pittle. Hahaha it was funny if you were there maybe but then she told me i had to sit down cause the bathroom had carpet... funny

Also, the only other thing i could use is some of my ties that i left at home...i know i had some green ones and i was wondering if you could just throw them in?

Okay i have to go but i love and miss you. hope you have a great week with my new Nephew!!! Tell Paige and Glen congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and give preston a ...hug? cuddle? haha you get the point

Love you

PS. i didnt get an email from dad

pps. my favorite sister inlaw emailed me some pics and my nephews/ niece, they are soo cute!! tell her thanks!!!  

April 26th- May 5th

Congratulations Father and Happy Cinco de Mayo Family!!!!

To celebrate I am going to eat at the closest thing we have to Mexican food, an Indian kebab. Haha , this is for both the business and the holiday! I am sure you will do amazing things with it dad, keep me posted on how it goes!!

Okay so life has been a little crazy because Monday was a bank holiday and the library was closed. Also yesterday I began an exchange until tomorrow so right now I am with a different companion for a few days, Elder Joliff. He is from Deven, down south and really great. We are having lots of fun. Exchanges are the greatest.

So mothers day- I will call in between 2 and 2:30 my time depending on how fast I get home from church. I thought that was 7 your time but if not that’s what time I am going to call. I cannot wait!!!!!!!!!

Okay so first off dad I got your talk, it is really great, thank you so much! Also, I really like the logos and especially the name!!!! I am sorry I forgot to tell you that I can print things here at the lib. I was wondering if you still have that talk about loving your neighbor that you gave a few months ago…if you do I would love to have a copy!

Thanks for giving me the news updates dad they are great! This past week we had another amazing zone conference where president talked about the signs of the times! It blew my mind. Him and Sister Bullock are truly special people and every time they speak its like it’s from general conference. He went through the creation of the worlds down to the battle of gog and magog. Also some of the recent dealings with American politics and lets just says he is not to happy about our new president! The constitution has already been hung by a thread in a few cases I guess… It is so cool though to see how prophecy is coming true in our life. I can’t remember but did we go to Armageddon in Israel? I think we did and I would love some pictures of it if we did. 

A ward member has given my comp and I some talks on CD from Cleon Scowsen!!! WOW they are amazing! I am sure you have read his books but I hadn’t even heard of him. He blew me away with the scriptures and his talks. The talks were on the atonement and signs of the times and I am starting to realize how much I really really don’t know!!! Good thing I have a few years to study ;) They were very interesting though and I really like him! You should take a look at them. 

AS far as the work it is going good. This past week we had 20 lessons and 70/20 qgc I will explain them on the phone but that is a really good week. Just out of curiosity what is the average lessons like in Phoenix dad? WE are continuing to teach the Hungarians but they cannot progress until they save enough money to go to Hungary and get married. Also Sheila the knights mom is coming along great, just have to get her off the fags and the tea. These English love their tea! We have a new investigator Florence from Africa and she is wonderful. She is progressing fast and it’s really exciting. These are not all though, just a few!

SO Everything in my life is going great! This week flew past and I am now half way through the transfer. I also have an exchange every week until transfers. My comp and I are getting along except for when he tried to tell me this week that getting a strawberry frappaccino was the appearance of evil (mind you those are his rules). He must not have ever had one because if he did he would know that they are celestial and there is nothing evil about them! He has some interesting views… but overall he is a good person!

All right so I CANNOT wait until mother’s day!!!! I am extremely excited and have lots to tell you. We only have an hour so be ready!!!!!

Love you tons,

Talk to you soon

Richard

PS:

Tell Billy and Kati Congrats from me, that is really exciting!

Dad I can’t wait for my moped! It better have flames!!!!!!!!!!!

GO SUNS!!!! I wear my gear proudly!!!!

Ryan’s wedding sounds like it went great! That’s exciting for them. By the way, chutney is very English and really good! Rosy…so clever!