Neeley Mission Log

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Mission Continues...

Landing SLC

Arriving Idaho Falls

Families are forever!

Every six weeks, the young missionaries have “transfers.” They may stay with their companions or be given a new companion and/or be transferred to another area. As Seniors, we get to stay with our companions the whole mission! Now that we are being transferred back to Idaho Falls, we are taking all these wonderful memories and praying that we will remember the special people we have met and the sweet experiences we have had. We will be forever changed because of you precious friends who have blessed our lives. We are grateful for each day we spent with you.

Continue on with joy and laughter,
Stay true and strong forever after!

"Our purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end."

Book of Mormon, Alma 26:16 (page 273)
“Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.”

This is joy!

Wei Wei, Brian, Jared, Simon, Patrick, new members who inspire us!

Young Single Adult smiles brightened our days

Harriet off to study cello in Manchester

Elder Neeley and Arteh talking photography

Linda's piano students, Anna, Luigi, and mothers

President and Sister Anatsui

Seminaries and Institute Director, Mark White

Sister Yau loves Canterbury

Elders greet George

...always carry a banana.

Meeting new friends

Our friend Aleksander

Group hugs are allowed on the last day.

Sister Kerr in Watford

We love being with these two

Suzy and Hugh at the Tate Modern

Primrose Hill

Beatrix Potter exhibit at the V&A

Happy Grandparents

Inspired and devoted leaders, President and Sister Stevens

Book of Mormon log for the 1st 3 weeks of Sept. We love to share the Book of Mormon!

Senior Couples Farewell

We love serving with these brilliant Senior Couples! They come from all over, leaving homes, businesses, and especially grandchildren. Some have overcome tough health issues. Each have a story to tell of their conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We admire their faith and courage to serve the Lord wherever they are called. Our hearts will always have a special place for each one and this joyful service we have shared.

Left to Right: Hulet, Barlow, Mullen, Richards, Inskeep, Neeley, Stevens, Williams, Gale, Felsted, Burke, Curley, Vernon

Sister Burke led the way to organize some Family Home Evening gatherings to get to know each other and share stories of faith and testimony. These seniors serve in Public Affairs, the Self Reliance Center, BYUI Pathways Program, Mission Offices, Family History Center, Visitors’ Centre, and advisors to the Young Single Adults. President and Sister Stevens preside with great love and devotion to the Lord. Their leadership strengthens and encourages all of us and we feel the love they have for each of us and all the of the missionaries serving in the England London Mission.

This time the Mullens led the way and all pitched in to say goodbye to the Neeleys and Williams. We shared our witness that this is the Lord’s work and we are blessed to be part of it!

Sister Surprise

Mondays are preparation days for the young sisters and elders in our mission. Our last Monday in London, we were continuing our packing and decided to go for a walk in Hyde Park before heading back to the flat to prepare for our shift at the Visitors’ Centre. It was a bit blustery, but the sun was shining in between the clouds and it was lovely walking through the park and remarking on all the sights we had seen over the last 15 months. We have enjoyed all the history in the city and Linda has reread “Peter Pan” since the author lived near Hyde Park and even has Peter Pan playing in Kensington Gardens at one end of the park. Linda had mentioned to Sister Hulet how she wished the sisters could explore more in the city but they had so much to do on preparation days: laundry, grocery shopping, emailing family, etc. And of course, we are on a mission and that is the most important thing we can do in London is to invite people to come unto Christ.

We looked at the summer houses on display at the Serpentine Gallery and decided to head to the Peter Pan statue by the Serpentine lake. As we came along the path, there on the grass next to the statue were all 8 VC sisters sitting on blankets having a picnic! What are the chances?! How cool is this that we came here and there they were?! Linda was so excited that they were able to see the statue and learn a bit about the history of the story.

“It’s for you” they said. Turns out Elder Neeley was tasked to get us to the spot by 11:45 a.m. The sun was shining and we had a grand time! Sister Hulet and Sister Mullen had prepared a lovely picnic with makings for sandwiches:) and poppy seed bread. They are so amazing and thoughtful! We had already been so overwhelmed with love as they presented the VC rendition of “So Long, Farewell” with words by Sister Wai who returned home in July as well as many other kind expressions. Thanks to the Burkes, we had even been able to go to dinner with the Hulets and Mullens one evening.

As we have served together, we get to know their unique, special personalities and love hearing their stories and testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ! It is very inspiring to watch them deal with many challenges and rise to every occasion. We have learned so much from them. It is a blessing in our lives to be part of this Visitors’ Centre family!

Prayers are answered even with such a small thing as not raining on the picnic. During the hour together, the sun came out, it was beautiful and warm. Afterwards, the few of us who took a little extra time leaving were caught in a huge, windy downpour that even broke an umbrella. For the first time in our stay in London, Sister Neeley did not have an umbrella with her! Elder Neeley shared his with her and they both got quite wet:)

"Remember, when in London, always carry a… banana.” This is an inside joke caused by a senior moment when Sister Neeley was distracted, she meant “umbrella.” :)

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Try To Remember September

We have enjoyed being in this amazing place with so much history, art, theatre, music, architecture, parks and people. We are very grateful to have had this time with J. Paul and his now fiancee, Alessandra. They have been so kind to make time to be with us, show us fun places to eat and visit. Our last concert together was the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican. Verdi’s Requiem fabulous! Every soloist was incredible as were all the instruments and the conductor. It was thrilling to witness. Even more thrilling are the baptisms nearly every week.