EMM!

April 14, 2021

EMM!

April 12, 2021

I hope you all had a great week!! After many miracles, I made it to ENGLAND!!! I arrived to the EMM with eight other missionaries! Right now I'm quarantining with two other sisters in an adorable flat in Middleton, Manchester. Sister Ralph, one of the senior missionaries, stocked us up with ten days worth of food and decorated with fresh flowers and some of her paintings (check out grandmapolkadott.com).

My quarantine buddies, Sister Candland and Sister Buhler are amazing and they're already pros becuase they've both been out in reassignments for over seven months. (Sister Candland was at temple square and Sister Buhler was in Baltimore.) I'm so grateful to be with and learn from them becuase they are truly incredible missionaries!! Also, if I didn't have them I'd probably be relying on the frozen pizzas rather than cooking vegetables and such.🤪

President and Sister Johnson held an orientation for all the new missionaries on our first day and focused on the importance of the gathering of Israel. They quoted President Nelson who said, "This gathering should mean everything to you. It is the mission for which you were sent to earth." They also went over the mission vision which is "to become and help others become true disciples of Jesus Christ and enjoy the blessings of the holy temple." Right now we're all praying that the Preston Temple (which will be in my new area) will open for proxy ordinances! We talked a lot about the importance of temples and how it is within the temple that we have access to the greatest blessings God wants to give. I think it's safe to say that we were all super inspired and felt ready to go do some missionary work!!! Only a few more days of quarantine, haha :)

At the end of the meeting, Sister Johnson said to all of the new missionaries, "Welcome to our flock." I felt so loved when she said that. I know I am in good hands here in England, not only becuase of the Johnsons, but becuase of Jesus Christ who said to one of the first missionaries, "you shall ever open your mouth in my cause... for I am with you." (D+C 30:11) Sis Johnson's words reminded me of Psalms 23, of course, which reads,

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

(Psalms 23:1-3)

I love those verses! The Lord is our Shepherd. I know Christ lives and that I'm here to do His work by helping to gather His sheep into His flock. Thank you so much for all the prayers being sent my way. I love and miss you all!!!

Xoxoxo Sister Bowler