Man, time changes are rough. I’m chilling now though.
But anyways, the last few days at the MTC were fun. I lowkey like packing (its more fun when it isnt a punishment haha). I almost missed the bus to the airport becuase my alarm didnt go off at 3 30 AM. Luckily the MTC knows missionaries like sleeping, becuase a security guard opened up my door and said “Is there a Sam Berky in here?” Yea, I was like 40 minutes late. I’ll tell you what though, took me 10 minutes to get ready, and run to the other side of the mtc for my bus. Of which, running was 5 minutes. Yea that was fun. Other than that, travel went well. Flights got delayed, but we had a good layover buffer for them all, so it wasn’t an issue. Got a little bit of sleep on the transatlantic flight to Amsterdam. I wasnt able to get any belgian waffles sadly, as due to previous delays, our flight to England was in like 20 minutes. I dont know why, but the hour flight from Amsterdam to England was way worse than the 9 hour flight. Probably because the seats sucked, and I was motion sick.
We landed and got off the plane, went through customs, then got our bags. I say “our” because there was 6 of us, 2 Sisters and 4 Elders. The Leeds airport is very new, and still under construction, but I was impressed by its efficiency and design. Leaving, we saw some elders and an older guy, walked with them to some vans. Put our luggage in, and then all piled into another van. The rental van had one row of seats facing the normal way, then the seats closer to the front, were facing the rear. I mistakingly chose the rearfacing seat. I was doing my best not to empty what little contents remained in my stomach. I dont know why I was so motion sick, maybe just my inner American being angry with the tea sippers. But alas, we made it to the mission home. Very nice place, chilled for a bit, did some paperwork and orientation. Talked with some folks, did a short interview with the Mission President, Kerr, and his wife. They are cool. Took some pictures. Us 6 from the airport weren’t the only new ones this transfer, they had about 13 other missionaries from the Preston MTC there too. A bus arrived and we loaded all of the luggage on, and made our way to the Leeds Institute, where we had some lunch (sandwiches, 4/10) and then had a small meeting to get introduced to the mission, as well as our trainers. I was one of the last people called up. And was introduced to Elder Olds. He is a pretty cool guy. Has been here for 9 months, the last 5 of which were in the office doing behind the scenes stuff. Like managing flats (apartments) and other various paperwork things that come along with having 176 missionaries. Apparently, when the office got all the intake information, Elder Olds saw my picture and said, “I’m gonna train that guy” so when he got called up everyone was cheering.
That whole introduction sequence was super fun. Afterwards we loaded all of our luggage into different vans. Because we are splitting off into different areas. (duhh) Me and Elder Olds were the first to get dropped off, in Castleford. Our area is the Pontefract area. with surrounding cities. It is quite large. But we have a Sister companionship in our area too, so we have it split up with them. Me and Elder Olds are actually staying in an AirB&B right now. He said its because the flat that they had lined up, fell through at the last minute. So while the new office people try to get another place for us. The AirB&B is alright, in a basement, small, landlord special. But its alright. This area is a newly made district in the mission. So we have no areabook from previous missionaries to work with. So we are doing alot of finding as of now.
Its been great so far. Found a decent amount of people. England is an interesting place. We had our first member meal 2 days ago. It was actually fire, they are from the philipienes and Equador, so they made some tasty grub. they even gave us some watermelon to take back with us. We met with another member in the ward and talked with them for awhile (maybe a little too long) but they were fun. The bus system here is pretty fun. I had to get a card, but the machine didnt spit one out, so now I am out 27 pound (36 bucks (a pair of ball joints)) untill I complain enough to them. They said it would go back into my account. (But an American has skepticism for the cavity connoisseurs) I will probably go back and complain today or tommorow. Because I have no money 🙁
General conference has been nice, both days were very slow for knocking/prosceliting, since its easter people are like, “I have had enough Jesus for the day, bye!” but all is well. We watched the first sessions at the church with the Sisters. But had to go back home for the second sessions, since it started at 9 pm for us. They were very nice. We had some members join us yesterday at the church for our watch party. One was baptized a couple of months ago, he is cool, had been a smoker his whole life, quit before he was baptized. but he still has the aura to him. But that is okay, Jesus heals the sick and the weary.
Onto the Segment about british food. My first experience was at the institute where we had some sandwiches made for us by some members. they were okay, not very good, but that could have been the motion sickness talking. Sandwiches 4/10. Had some crisps (potato chips), they were decent, nothing mind boggling. 5/10. Other food has been decent. had a chicken sandwich from GREGGS (like a maverick bonfire grill, but dedicated store. Good meal deals) It was pretty good, the crispyness was an 8/10, chicken 5/10 a little dry, and the bun was pretty good 7/10. Overall, I would give it an 7/10. Yesterday I had some Fish and Chips. it was a very good portion size. I did a video review. I’ll attach that. but at first, a 7/10. the Cod was very good. Chips were okay could have used a higher heat on the fryer for a better crisp. After eating about half, I felt like I had just drank a cup of vegtable oil. which is probably true. So I saved the rest for later. Looking back on that experience, its no wonder there are many horizontally challenged people here. Your national dish is frier oil and carbs. I thought we were bad with our soda and burgers, but yikes. But alas. The people are very nice, even if they dont want to hear about Jesus. We have met many athiests, but everytime they are like “sorry I am actually an athiest, but have a great day! Cheers!” It has been interesting to see the different dynamics. While I may speak ill of the stereotypes, I do truly love the people here.
In conference, President Oaks spoke of loving your enemies. When I first got my call to England, I will admit, I was slightly confused. However, I know the Lord has called me to where I am needed most, both for the peoples conversion to Christ, and for my conversion to Christ. And thinking more about being here and the culture that I am in, I know that I will change for the better. Also considering there is a large Muslim population in many cities in England, I know that one of my transfers will likely include such cities. And those truly will be a blessing to me in helping me grow closer to Christ.
The buildings here are very interesting as well. I will talk about it more in my next epistle. I have been reading in my personal study about Captain Moroni and his dealings. Because I figure, If I want to be a good Military Officer, I need to study the greats. It has been going great, I have been notating all of the desicions he had to make, as well as his atributes. Those chapters in Alma really are fascinating.
Well, I shall go henceforth into the days of P, and onward into the forth coming days, preaching and teaching the good word. The Doctrine of Christ. Till we meet again fine chaps! Cheers!
Elder Berky
Sir “Army Performer”
