Sister Ellie Smith England, Manchester Mission

  BACK. IN. CHESTER.  This week was a rollercoaster.  But I learned so much about the power of God. The beginning of this week was a huge challenge and stress for me. But! I feel so much better now. Earlier this week I was really struggling to know what to do and how to train 3 sisters to do social media and historian work at once and everything just felt worse because it finally hit me that I was out of my last area away from the people that I love so much. I have never loved people that much. Also I MISS SIS HUDSON. She was just copy and paste of a perfect consecrated missionary. Words can't describe how grateful I am for her, all the time we spent together, and the things she taught me. She shaped me to be more like my Savior.  I am SO thrilled to be back here in Chester as well. It is such a blessing to be here and see all the members again. They are just so awesome. I was like IMMMMM BACK at the pulpit. It is making things 5,000 happier and easier as I am t...

I have been DREEEEADING this email... I'm leaving Stretford! It SUCKS. But I knew it was coming. My time here has come to an end..... But guess what? BACK TO CHESTERRRRR YESSUUIIRRRREEEEE. With my flippin SISTER OLSON. Why is God so good to me? gosh dang.  I can't even begin to explain how much this place and these people have changed my life forever. It's really hard to put it into words. My heart is completely full. I have met so many wonderful people and have has so many wonderful experiences but no one has brought me closer to my Savior Jesus Christ than the people I have come to know here. The Stretford ward feels like my home! It felt weird to step outside the doors on Sunday knowing that was the last time. The Parkes and the Stephens are two families that have changed me forever. I wish you could all meet them. You would immediately feel joy because they just reflect the Savior's countenance. I am eternally grateful.  STRETFORD 4 LIFE  Alma 26:16 is exactly ho...

Hello!!! Another week down in Stretford. This is my 7th month here WOWZA? Am i gonna make it the rest of my mission??? We will see Saturday, probably not.  MADALYN got her temple reccomend! I LOVE MY MISSION!  Here's just one of many miracles that happened this week: One day we decided to take the bus and walk for part of the day in the blazing hot sun. We went to our new member Nosuyi's house to put notes up on his door while he was at work. We got there and the door was wide open. HIS WIFE! She was home!!! I have only met her a few times, she goes to her own church and works every weekend so Nosuyi has a hard time. He says he wants to be unified more but they kinda just do their own thing. Anyway, we get there and she says, "COME IN!!!!! I am SO happy to see you!" We talked to her, she gave us loads of water and even fed us" it was the happiest moment ever! And guess what?? We are going back next week. God is so good!  Just wanted to shoutout my amazing compani...

  HOWZIT. Been a missionary for a flippin YEAR. What the crap. Madalyn is now a member of the church of JOY YYYEEEHOOOOO!!! That was definitely the highlight of the week. Madalyn is the last in her family to get baptized and wow it has been the most miraculous and beautiful journey with the Stephens the past 4 transfers. They mean the absolute world to me. YEP still here in Stretford, I am starting to think they are going to build a statue of me here I basically am stuck here. But this area of Stretford has completely changed my life and brought me closer to Jesus Christ. Stretford (and the people here) are a testimony to me that this part of my mission is why I am a missionary at this time. God sent me on my mission to guide me to these people and experiences. I thank God everyday for sending me to Stretford be surrounded by so much joy!  Okay... let's be real though. It has been a long time which means no change. I really love change, so it has been tough! I s...