We had a few nice surprises this week that were really unexpected for myself. One of which is in our trip to London which turned out differently than I expected. We celebrated Elder Parkin's year mark with the burning of a shirt as well.
When we have a normal exchange with the AP's, we travel into London and spend the day with them and sleep in the Brittania flat (it's huge). Because of how the schedule worked out for the Assistants, we had our exchange on Thursday and Elder Steuer came up here to Northampton. He was also a zone leader here before so it was fun having him back. We drove down to St. Albans to pick him up and headed back. The next day we had to get up at 4.30 to be on a 5.45 train back to London. We arrived at the Hyde Park Chapel at around 7.00 which presented a unique opportunity that I might never again get: I got to play the organ!
The Hyde Park Chapel organ is a real organ with 2,700 pipes, most of which are hidden beyond view. It is well known among members in England and around the world because the Hyde Park Chapel has been a central point for the Church in England since it was built in the 1950's. I'm not very good on the organ but I took full advantage of the empty building (besides the two other missionaries I was with) and played as loud and proud as my skill would allow. I also played on the Yamaha grand in the chapel which was an equally thrilling yet relaxing experience. The grand piano sound is amplified and polished with the reverb from such a big room, being inside the chapel. Music will always be a companion to me as a healer, comforter and teacher.
I have learned some interesting lessons from my studies this past week. One of which I learned in the war chapters in the Book of Mormon in Alma 44. Captain Moroni is the leader of the righteous Nephite army, and Zerahemnah is the leader of the wicked Lamanite army. The Nephites are winning the battle and in the last verse of chapter 43 Moroni commands his army to stop shedding their blood because they only would fight enough to defend themselves. While trying to make an agreement to end the bloodshed, Captain Moroni lists in verse 5 what gives his army their strength. Overall it is the power of God due to their obedience, and another as "by the sacred support which we owe to our wives and our children". I love how they focused on the family as something that is a sacred duty. Zarahemnah is stubborn and he tried to jump out and kill Captain Moroni, but then he got scalped and ran off. The defense of their country and of their families was the top priority.
The Book of Mormon was written for our time to teach us the lessons we need to hear (see Mormon 8:35) and this really taught me the importance of family.
Upcoming this week we don't have any trips to London for once, but we've got district meetings to go to and lots to keep us busy.
Cheers!
Elder Spencer Ammermon
England London Mission
64-68 Princes Gate, Exhibition Road
South Kensington
London
England SW7 2PA
P.S. A few extra pictures this week.
There is a member here that lives on a ~76 acre farm with a riding school and horses. The house and the original stables were built in the late 1600's and it is so cool! The house used to be an old flour mill. Here are some pictures They've also got some chickens running around now. I think in total there is 25 horses on the property that other people own. -Elder Ammermon