British Bear Hugs, Blisters and a Trip to the Temple.

Hello hello hello! Greetings from the boy over in Wales.
I love you all, and I hope you are all having excellent times! I miss you, but its been going pretty great over here.
So to sum up my week, here it goes.
On tuesday, we did some service for old man Tony. We just cut the hedges and pulled weeds and junk, and we talked to him about getting a puppy. His loneliness is making him a bit desperate, and we are trying to help him find some happiness even though he isnt too open to the gospel. But hey, we'll keep trying. We also had a lesson with a former investigator named Rosa. She from Zimbabwae and she is hardcore Catholic, but when we had a really really good lesson with her. Basically it boiled down to "so my baptism isn't valid?". Her eyes really opened after we carefully explained it to her and testified of the restored gospel, and she commited to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it! Good hopes!
On Wednesday, we had a super rad and spiritual specialized training and interviews with President Preston. We got together as the Chester zone and we trained by the assistants and zone leaders, and the lessons were all focused on studying and I loved it. It has actually been my focus lately, so this training came at a good time. Throughout the meeting, President Preston had interviews with all the missionaries, and we all really really look forward to them. He is such a loving and understanding man, and I love his big-british-bear-hugs! I learn an incredible amount from him, and he helps me build that desire to be a good missionary.
On thursday, we did a mega ton of walking and i developed some hardcore blisters that are still making me walk awkwardly, buts its all good. We had a good tea appointment with the Hortons, and it was lovely and chaotic as usual.
On Friday we had a good lesson with Brother Haskins in the morning, then we went out and did some hardcore finding. Not too much success, but we met a really young family that recently moved into the area, so we tried our best to just be friendly and get to know them better. Later on, we had tea with the Keighleys and it was way good. I love that family, and I'm getting close with the 15 and 14 year old boys. They are a bit shaky about missions, so we are doing our best to get them in the groove. Their smallest boy Seth, is basically a Welsh twin of Tate. Throughout tea, I think he went through at least 5 different costumes, and he was in full character for each one. One minute he was a jedi, the next he was either a knight or an alien warrior. For food, Sister Keighley put on a full american-bbq kind of spread, with spicy chicken burgers, chips (fries), coleslaw, melon and veg. To top it all off, she made her famous ultra chocolate brownies, and I narrowly avoided slipping into a food coma. I definitely want to come back and see them after the mish. Later on, we went to the 80's ward party! Even though most of the music was crap and the hair was too big, it was pretty fun. Alex worked at the bar and was all fancy pants and mixed drinks for everyone, and we all competed in the 80's quizes and relaxed and talked to a lot of the friends that the members brought. We got most of their digits, so we will work on seeing them in the future.
On Saturday, after many more miles of walking and blisterage, we met up with Alex and we taught a less active family, the Jones (the name Jones is waaayy too common here). Haha but I love their family, they have an older daughter that is friends with Alex, and they have a slightly autistic son named Joe, he is 12 or so, and they have a 10 year old daughter named Abi. Haha first off.....Joe's prayers are the best. This one went along the lines of " Dear lord......my name is Carl,......Carl is my name, and I'm thankful for everything......except the bad luck that I have.....I dont like bad luck....and I dont like when my sisters are being naggy.........Amen." After controlling our laughter, we began to teach a lesson directed towards Abi, about getting baptized. Even though she is young, she is mature and wants to do things for the right reasons. It was amazing because at first, she had a bad migraine and was alseep so we didnt really know if we should move on with the lesson, but as soon as we started talking about baptism, she woke up and was alert and began asking us a lot of questions. At the end of the lesson, she showed a good understanding and desire, and she picked out a date to be baptized on!!! Wooo!! We set up a plan to teach her lessons and then to be baptized on the 27th of July. We're excited, and I wonder if i will be here for it. That would mean that this would be a 6 month area for me.....which im not too stoked about, but i wouldnt be too upset if i got a baptism out of it. I just really feel like I need to get out and serve in a new area with new people and new vibes. I hate the feeling of being stuck.
So that was about it for me this week, nothing crazy, but im still enjoying it over here! I love you all, and I'm thankful for a rad and wonderful family that supports me and will be there when i return to my homeland! Until next time, turrah!

Elder Goodman
BA


p.s. thank you for the girl scout cookies, they were especially delicious (nacho voice)

Oh ya, tomorrow I get to go through the temple!!!!! We are doing it together as a mission, and I'm stoked! The only problem is that we have to wake up at 5 to catch a train to Chorley. It will be worth it im sure!

"Finding Day" in the land of Chocolate. Nutella sandwiches outside the Castle gates.

Hello Hello Hello this is Eeeeeeelllllllllddddddddeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrr Goodman! (Nacho voice)

I love you all! Thank you for the lovely photos and the letter and the Jones candy! You are pretty rad. Im a bit jealous that the mini-paper-bryant got some concert tunage and Heather action though. Im glad that you are taking up surfing wherever you can find the waves, even if its big surf, and it makes me happy that you are living life in a Benjamin Button way.

So since thursday, its been pretty bueno! My new companion and I are getting along really well, and his theater background makes it....a bit entertaining at times. Haha but Elder Bahr is a good missionary and a good friend. On friday we basically walked all day in the rain and not a lot happened, but we did gain some serious wife-points. On saturday we had a mission-wide 'Finding Day', so we traveled down to Chirk! The land of beauty and sweet chocolate aroma.

On the train ride down, an older lady and I began talking, and we clicked pretty well. She is somewhat religious, but she has a good heart and she focuses on serving others and teaching yoga and bringing some positive energy back into the world. Props to her. We had some good talks, and she got to know me a little more and my missionary purpose. Finally as we were approaching Chirk, our conversation about charity was getting deeper, so I showed her the Book of Mormon and had her read the power scripture Moroni 7:45-47. After she read it...there was dead silence. The train pulled up to my stop and I had to get off, but before I got up I told her "If you love it like I do, it's yours." She looked up and was a bit teary eyed, and thanked and blessed me, then we parted ways. I could see the spirit working within her, and it was powerful. I just wish I had a longer train ride!

We then explored and did some finding around Chirk. We had a few good conversations with people, but i guess the Jehovah's Witnesses came earlier the day before, and everyone thought we were them, so it was just bad news. However, we met a very friendly man and got talking to him about family history and got him interested in checking out our website and got his deets and everything. Later on we found out that he worked in the Cadbury's factory, and after our talk he ran inside and brought out some chocolate for us! Bam, there you go. Benefits of being a missionary.

During our hour of lunch, Elder Bahr and I felt adventurous, so we trekked up to Chirk Castle! It was beautiful! We sat outside the castle gates and garden and ate our lunch of fruit and peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches, overlooking the green valleys,cows, forests and small ponds of Wales. It was serene and peaceful, and I wish that i could have spent all day there.

On sunday, we had a good church service and I got to bless the sacrament with Alex. Not nearly as nerve racking as home because there was only 50 or so people out there listening. After church and our lunch with Mandy and Joe, we got dropped off and did some work in the village of Llay (pronounced Cly, with a welsh-spitty sound). It was beautiful weather, and we talked to a lot of people, but we mainly got rejections but compliments about looking 'smart' in our suits. Later on at night, we had a lesson with a less active family and Alex joined us. It was pretty interesting, but I feel that Alex is getting more excited to serve a mission of his own. I love him like a brother! a welsh brother who is plotting to take my place beach camping. He likes to rub it in.

Well that's whats going on in the life of Elder Goodman so far. It's been fun to finally have a change, and I am basically leading my area right now which is a good experience! Who knows what's in store for me in the future, but im ready to take it on. I love you all, and keep on being the bodacius family that you are. Peace out!

Elder Goodman

BA

Chester, Elder Bahr and Miracles.

Hello my loved ones! Greetings from the land of Wales!

I miss you all, and I hope everyone is having a shnazzy time. First off, im still a bit jealous of the concerts and the rad tunage that your ears were able to soak up. I hope you enjoyed it extra for me.

Its good to see all the family together and happy. Keep it up.

So....this past week and a half has been flippin good. The past two weeks we have had beautiful summer weather, and it bizarrely hasnt rained once. Aside from the humity, its been nearly perfect. I got to do a lot of traveling and I also got to work with the other missionaries. I have been craving a change, and its finally happening! Transfer week has been hectic but amazing. On tuesday we had a brilliant Zone Meeti  and it was a mega spiritual and fun event. Im good friends with a lot of the missionaries in the zone now, and it feels so good to not be the newby missionary who doesnt know anyone. I have definitley made some life-long friends, but sadly a lot of them are way older than me and are leaving soon. The meeting seemed kinda like a highschool graduation, in which I was still a freshman but had senior friends heading out. Bittersweet, but it was super fun. Our district is mega tight, and we have funny conference calls every other night, which I just ask really weird/creative/funny questions and we all answer then laugh and make fun of eachother. It has really made us all united, and it makes the work so much more flowing and easy going.

On wednesday morning, Elder Coleman and I loaded up his luggage, packed onto the train up to Chester, and then met with all of the other missionaries being transferred in the Chester Zone. Waiting for the coach to come, we basically all just chilled and hung out for an hour together. Eventually the coach came, picked up Elder Coleman and the others, then took them to the transfer meeting. Then that was it. No more Elder Coleman, no more trainer. We became pretty good friends at the end of the transfer, but I was so ready to change and be the missionary who I want to be.

So after they all left, Elder Caleira and I were left to explore/work/party in Chester for the day. It was amazing! Chester is an old roman city, and the whole thing is surrounded by the medieval walls and sentry towers. It is so rich in culture and beauty here. We also toured the Chester Cathedral, which is massive and eye-opening. The art and the carved stone and all the work that was done to create this palace is unreal. We also walked around the whole Chester wall, and I felt like a "medieval warrior" (napolean voice). Then after we went and looked around some ancient roman museums and we were drawn to all the ancient artifacts and weapons and other junk and it was flippin sweet. On our way to the gladiator arena, we were caught in the middle of a 'roman soldier march' reenactment. Haha it was kinda funny. Hopefully i can show it all better with the pictures that I'll send! Rad stuff, and I love seeing everything that this world has to offer.

So towards the end of the day, we met up with the coach and met my new companion/district leader, Elder Bahr! Its been a short time, but im pretty happy with the change and Im excited to keep on working. He is from utah and has been out 16 months, but he is laid back and chill and diligent. This change has also given me the chance to lead my area even more, and im feeling really confident now, both in myself and my potential as a missionary. I have been genuinly happy lately as well, and it just feels really good to gain a bit more senority and more friendships within the mission.

Oh yeah, miracles have been happening here in Wrexham lately and its refreshing to have some progressing work! Finding all day, everyday is exhausting. We have been finding some new investigators, with 2 very recent ones which was amazing! Basically we were walking in a sketchy party of the area and a group of neighborhood skumbags were mocking us. We decided to go over and confront them and talk. I kinda was in alert-fight mode seeing all the alcohol and needles everywhere, but we felt like we should go over. Soon after, a man from the group broke out, telling them all to stop mocking us and wanted to hear what we had to say. After some discussion, he took us over and lead us to his brother down the rode....and we had a brilliant on-the-spot lesson with them and they just soaked in the gospel and we set up future appointments and it was amazing! The man's name is Peter, and we feel like he was so prepared and we are excited to start teaching him. Good times.

Well, I love you all, and i miss you all, and Im stoked to talk to you again on Monday! Thank you for all the support and love.

Peace out.

Elder Goodman

BA

Chester:

Gladiator Arena:

 Cathederal Garden:

An Elephant:

Cathedrals:

Cathedral Door:

Cathedral Tree:

Elder Ostler. I love him, sadly he is leaving next transfer:

 Elder Herbertson and Elder Mapfumo. Mis amigos:

My District:

Castle Walls:

 Chester:

On the Wall:

The roadway looks a bit different than AZ:

 my clay figure who points at people when I'm annoyed with them:

 

Horse Race Course:

The Majestic Elder Caleira:

 This guy needs a happy pill:

The whole town smelled like chocolate.

Mumford and Imagine Dragons?! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On a scale of 1 to jealous...im easily a jealous.9. Lucky butts! It sound like you all are having a killer time, and keep it up! And take a lot of pictures of your adventures so that I can look at them later and pretend I was a part of it. K sweet!

So this week was pretty alright! As far as missionary work goes, its has been soooo mega slow. We have basically been finding the entire week, and its exhausting. However, it has allowed me to get pretty creative on my door knocking skills. Lately, my knocks have been to the rhythm of Seven Nation Army, Iron Man, The Cave and any other song that pops into my head.

We also decided to go and explore and find down in Chirk!!!! and I love that place for several reasons. 1. its in the middle of a beautiful valley, amidst the rolling hills and groves of northern wales. Everything is just glowing green. Its perfect, and it even has a little skatepark. 2. there is a Cadburys factory in the middle of the town...so the whole town smells like chocolate!! I heard rumors about it, but never believed it until now. It really felt like i was in some childrens book or something, because I could literally taste the chocolate in the air. Its amazing beyond words. 3. We met Adrian, a man who is one of the rare few who actually is proud of believing in Jesus Christ. His wife recently passed away, so we talked to him about the Book of Mormon and the plan of salvation and he glady took a copy. He told us he will read it this week, and wont be ashamed to do so, so I hope it works out!

We had a farewell lunch with our Chinese recent convert Ben. He took us to this chinese, all you can eat buffett, and it was flippin good. Major food baby. However, we forgot that we had a long, hill climbing bike ride afterwards. It was terrible, but I definitley worked off any possible weight that i could have gained during lunch. Riding up the hills and then bombing them on the way down brought me major flashbacks of downhill longboarding. It was mega fun, but it made me really miss my board.

So we were walking in town and we walked by a crew of skaters this little run-down alley area and they started to lightly taunt us about Jesus or whatever, but I decided to go over and talk to them. After a bit of talking, one of them let me ride their board. In my suit, and rolled around and busted out a couple ollies, and as far as missionaries go, I earned some major street cred with them. Haha it was fun, and even though there is a mental slim chance of converting them, they have definitley opened up to me, and hopefully missionaries in the future.

We also went by and met with the Polish family again. Yola and her children were excited to see us, and we tried to communicate the best we could with her. Her friends son, probably 10 years old or so, ended up serving as our translator. It was amazing to see this young child switch back and forth from English to Polish. Even though we simply talked about finding her a proper enlgish teacher here, I could still feel the spirit and we listened as intently as we could to her broken english and responded in ways that she could hopefully understand. I love this part of the work!

Well, on the 12 of June we have transfers! Really anything could happen, but we are pretty positive that Elder Coleman is leaving, and im getting the vibe that im staying. Im getting itchy for a change, but Im fine with either way! I would much rather be here than in some buttcrack city near Manchester. I'm enjoying it here the best I can, and I have bonded tightly with some of the other elders in this Chester Zone. Hopefully some life-long friends. Sadly since we have transfers coming up and everything gets hectic, i wont be able to email until next thursday. But cheer up sourpatch, I'll keep you all updated on my adventures when i can! I love you all, and miss you all. Especially the sunday jam sessions. Please keep those going for the next 21 months or so. Much love, thanks!! turrah, turrah

Elder Goodman

aka BA

**This mom is a little sad that there were no pictures this week. ):