Good Morning from Trowbridge

Dearest family, friends, and those who I choose to associate myself with,

First off, I would like to apologize in advance for the imminent shortness of this email. We have an extremely busy day today, so I do not have much time to email. Plus, the library is closed so we have to email from the Family History Center in the chapel. So yeah, keep that in mind. Sound good? Good. Also, we went on a run here so that was tiring but it feels really good. I am in so much better shape now than last time I ran! Hahaha.

This week has been nothing short of spectacular, but I think that is to be expected while serving a mission. I set a goal last Monday to REALLY focus my personal study time on "getting to know" the Book of Mormon. As most of you probably know, I am not what you would consider a master scriptorian. I decided that I really needed to know the Book of Mormon so that I could reaffirm my own testimony and allow me to more fully convey it's truthfulness to those who I teach. As a result of setting and accomplishing this goal, I have gained a greater appreciation of our study time and for the scriptures in general. I love studying them so much. If any of you ever get the chance, I highly recommend checking out Holland's testimony of the Book of Mormon. It is incredible.  (for anyone interested - the link is below!)

 http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/safety-for-the-soul

I had the opportunity to go on exchange to Bath last week with my good friend from the MTC, Elder Hanks. We had a lot of fun and basically knocked all day (YAY...) we had a little success out of it though, we made two return appointments. I love Bath so much, it's a beautiful place. That night we had Breakfast Burritos and while he was accounting, I wrote someone a letter and put it in the envelope and all that jazz, with the intent of sticking it in the post box the next morning. I forgot and asked the Bath elders to do it for me. I forgot, so they drew hearts all over it and made little lip things on the envelope. Too funny! 

Missionary work might sound monotonous, but it can be so much fun if you put your mind to it! This week, our district meeting was about creative finding. We basically brainstormed for an hour about the many different ways we could find people to teach. We practiced by picking random objects out of a bag, and (on the spot) thinking of ways we could tie that into the gospel. I think my favorite way is stopping random people and asking them who is wearing a cooler tie. It inevitably leads to questions. Plus, you can keep a tally throughout the day and see who has the better ties! I'll refrain from giving you guys the result this week, you aren't ready for it. ;)

We have a great day planned today. We are going to Bristol at about noon so we can go to the happiest place on earth (Primark) and see this sick street art festival. Then we are going to Weston-super-mare to see the grand pier and then go to a baptism! We are then exchanging with Taunton. (see pictures below) I am going to be senior companion for the first time haha that should be an adventure. I am going to be with Elder Aragones! He is super cool and from Barcelona. He speaks very little English, but it has improved leaps and bounds in the last few weeks! So cool.

I love being able to serve in the Trowbridge Ward so much. I have grown so close to the members and I will be so upset when I have to leave them. I cannot imagine serving in a better ward! It's hard to believe that I could be moving in two weeks (I probably won't because Elder von Allmen has been here 7.5 months.) I also cannot imagine having another companion! Elder von Allmen is so much fun and we get along/teach together so well.

Anyways, I best be departing, but I love you all so much, I feel your prayers- they uplift me every single day.

With love,

Elder Frederickson