The Loss of a Dear Friend

Chance has been has been experiencing some big changes

during his time across the pond.

Right after Christmas, his dear friend Robbie died.

Robbie was a member of the church from England that Chance

got to know and love. Robbie and his wife have secured a big space in Chance's

heart and he has cherished his time with them.

Robbie was sick when Chance met him and they knew he didn't

have much time left to live.

Chance was able to spend some of the holidays with Robbie and his wife as well

as sharing yummy food and activities with them 

and people who were interested in the church.

Here is what Chance wrote about the loss of Robbie:

He always had a smile on his face whenever I saw him and I immediately would smile because it was just so contagious. He loved having me over and I enjoyed being with him every second I was with him.
Just recently, Robbie passed away. I miss his smile and the excitement he would have every time we talked about motorcycles and country music. He is a friend that will be missed not only by me, but all others who were influenced by him and his smile.


There are many people who have gone through similar circumstances of losing a loved one in their life, whether that be a friend, a grandparent, or a member of their immediate family. These people have many questions that often go through their minds. Such as:


1. Will I see them again?


2. Where do people go when they die?


3. Is our life on Earth the only thing there is and then we're gone?


The amazing thing is, there are answers to these questions. They come from something called the Plan of Salvation, otherwise known as the Plan of Happiness, which is God's Plan. From the Plan of Salvation we learn where we come from, why we are here, and where we go. We also receive answers to many other questions like "Will I see my loved one again?"


The truth is, we do go somewhere after we die. A place called the Spirit World where we learn more about Jesus Christ and his Gospel. It is in this place that we will be able to see our loved ones again.


It is my testimony that I know we will see our family members and others again after this life. We will have the opportunity to see those that we miss so dearly. I know that all of this is possible because of our savior Jesus Christ. God loves each one of us and wants us each to receive of this knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.


I invite you to learn more about the Plan of Salvation. If you already know about it, study it more. If you are new to this knowledge, please send me a message and I will be happy to help answer any of your questions and provide more information about this Plan of Happiness.

Transfers and New Beginnings

Chance has a new companion.

It is common on a mission to be transferred to a new town or get

a new companion every few months.

This past week, Chance's companion was sent to another city to serve

and Chance got a new companion.

It can be hard to say goodbye to companions and cities when transfers occur,

but it is also exciting to get to know new places and people.

Chance really likes the area he is serving in now and 

has met some incredible people.

He also got the opportunity to visit some local sites:

Chance got to visit a cathedral

Chance found a snitch pocket watch from Harry Potter!
Chance's younger brother thinks it is the find of the century.
We are big Harry Potter fans over at our house. 

Here is part of what Chance had to say in his weekly email home:

Ever since I have come on my mission, I have been able to increasingly recognise the holy ghost and it has been such a blessing. Sometimes following those can be hard, but I have come to learn that when we follow those promptings, we feel peace and joy. It's amazing the feelings we have and the personal conversion that happens when we allign our will with Heavenly Fathers. So this week I invite you to pray, and ask God to have the ability to recognize the Holy Ghost. Pray that you will be able to not only recofnize them but be able to follow them. I promise that as you do this that you will feel more peace and joy. I love you all! Have a great week!

Christmas In England

Chance and his companion after they made
their regular everyday sweaters into Christmas
sweaters using stickers etc. at a church members house.

Chance has celebrated his first Christmas season over in England.  There were some wonderful people in England who helped make his first Christmas away from home special.

We got to talk to Chance on Christmas and his companion took a video of Chance opening up the presents we sent so we got to see his reactions.

One of the things that we sent was an apron that just happened to come in a two pack.  Chance and his companion were trying to figure out what it was as he unwrapped it.  Chance had to spread it out and hold it up before they realized that it was an apron.  It is true, that Chance didn't ask for an apron, but it was suggested that missionaries could use one and that made perfect sense so we sent him one (or two).  Missionaries in Chance's mission spend most of their days in white shirts and ties or sweaters so having an apron to protect your clothes while you make your meals makes a lot of sense.

We also sent Chance a set of small wooden logic puzzles that he had to figure out.  He was working on one of the puzzles in fact when he called home on Christmas. For Chance's entire life, he has had something to put together on Christmas.  Some years it was Lego sets, other years it was 3-D puzzles with directions only in Mandarin.  Chance loves to put things together and figure them out.  We figured he needed something on his mission to put . together on Christmas morning to keep up the tradition.

Christmas Pajamas

Since missionaries transfer to different areas every few months on a mission and only have limited luggage space, it is difficult for them to carry lots of extra items around with them on a long term basis.

Being in England, Chance has access to some delicious chocolate and treats so we sent a small dose of goodies he liked from home and then just sent money for him to buy what he wanted there.  Chance would have to transfer and carry a Christmas stocking with him through out the rest of his mission, so instead of a traditional stocking, we sent warm socks with tread on the bottom that he can wear around his flat to keep his feet warm.  And we sent Chance and his companion a set of our traditional Christmas pajamas so now they match the rest of the family.

Chance sent out a heartfelt message this week about Christmas  and The Savior:

Another Christmas has come and gone and we've all had the opportunity to spend it with friends and family. We've shared laughter, gifts, and stories throughout the Holiday Season with those we love. Perhaps you've continued traditions that you've had for years, or maybe even started a new one this Christmas season.

These are all amazing things that we have been able to do over this holiday season, but the real reason why we celebrate Christmas is because of our Savior Jesus Christ. We celebrate his birth and the gift of Jesus Christ given to us from our Heavenly Father.

But it seems to be that after the Christmas season is over, we forget the kindness, the love, and the joy that we felt or gave during the Christmas season and even sometimes why we celebrated Christmas in the first place. The amazing thing is that we don't have to let it stop after the holidays are over. We can continue to be kind and loving. We can continue to experience the joy that comes form our Savior Jesus Christ and learning more about him.

So this year, after the holidays are over, I invite you to not get too caught up in the busy demanding things of life, but rather, to think each day of someone you can be kind to, someone who could benefit from you telling them you love them and most importantly, to continue to remember our Savior Jesus Christ and learn more about him.

I testify that I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that he is the Savior of the world and has atoned for all mankind. I know that as we draw nearer to him, we can experience more peace, joy, and happiness then we have ever

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Making Christmas Cookies

Chance's cookie chilling in milk.

Chance always did love wearing a hat!