Day 26: Happy Sunday!

I LOVE Sundays here!  I don't know if I've mentioned that my group is the last one to leave the Centre.  That means we have all of Sunday morning in peace and quiet.  Katherine and I went for a walk together in the morning through Hyde Park and had a great talk.  The weather was not warm but it wasn't too cool either- perfect for our little walk.  I am really enjoying building a friendship with her.  She has a great perspective on life!


We went to church in the afternoon and it wouldn't be a trip to church without a new adventure with public transportation!  Apparently there were no trains going to Blackheath, the borough where our ward is located, and so we got to figure out how to get their on a new train and then figure out the bus routes.  Luckily we have been here long enough that we figured it out and we weren't late!  We were supposed to get callings our first Sunday but we hadn't gotten them.  I was hoping we would get them today and we finally did! Most students were given assignments in primary but I am assigned to teach the youth sunday school class.  I am really excited!  There are about eight youth 12-18 but only five were there today.  It was a little hard because they asked me to TEACH today!  I had no lesson and no time to prepare.  I went into class and only two youth were there.  They were two boys who didn't have anything to say no matter how hard I tried to have a conversation with them.  Then two boys and one girl slowly trickled into class who would at least say hi.  It was really difficult for me.  I asked if they know who Abinidi was or Alma and they said no- I'm sure they really did know though because they were able to answer some other questions.  One boy said he had never borne his testimony and he never would.  They all seemed uninterested in listening to anything about the Gospel or anything I had to say in general.  I ended up just asking them about themselves and that's what we talked about all of class.  I guess I just didn't know how to handle the situation being thrown into it.  But knowing a little bit about them will hopefully help me with my next lesson.  I just want to connect with them and be able to teach and help them feel involved in the lessons.  Hopefully more preparation next time will help me do that!


Something wonderful that happened on the tube home from church was that a very nice man in an attractive navy suit gave up his seat for me.  That NEVER happens here!  Unless you are old or pregnant, it is every man for himself.  We all just walked onto the tube and he immediately stood up and asked if I would like to take his seat.  I was flattered and rejoiced that there are still people with manners in this world!


Tonight I am supposed to meet up with my co-worker Jared at some point.  He is here in London with his parents this entire next week but unfortunately (for this situation) I am going to be up north this week!  I'm excited for my trip but I hope I get to see him.  Details will follow if it ends up happening.  I will be going to Preston and Chorley tomorrow to see the British church history sites which I am REALLY looking forward to!  After that we will feast our eyes on Ambleside which is in the center of the beautiful Lake District.  I am so excited! Hopefully I'll have internet access and be able to keep you updated on all of my trips up north.  Cheers!