Sunday At My Ward!

So Sunday morning we met up early (8:15) and headed out to church. I was assigned to be the group leader which stressed me out a little because I had to find out how to get us to church. One thing I have learned from London is to never rely on Public Transportation. I had our route planned out and everything but then some of the tube lines were down and so we had to go to plan C (plan B already didn't work). So we caught a bus to the Victoria Train Station (we were supposed to catch the 8:50 train but missed it and so we headed on the 9:20 train). Once we got to the train station it was easier than I thought. We hopped right on and traveled for about 20 minutes.

Here we are on the train. There was 6 of us assigned to this one ward. The ward that we were assigned to is called the Crystal Palace Ward and it is in East Penge. I didn't know what to expect when we got off but it was beautiful, green and just a small cute town. We asked somebody where the Malcolm Elementary School was (because that is where we meet). It turns out it was 2 Jehovah Witnesses. They were very kind but joked saying, "Maybe we were sent here to help you and invite you to come to our church". They pointed us in the right direction and we found it just fine.

When we walked in I was quite shocked. Everyone was African (mainly from Nigeria) and it was strange being the minority. It was a small ward and we had sacrament meeting in the gym. We sat in the back and then the Bishop announced it was fast and testimony meeting and that the BYU students would be first to bear their testimony. We were not prepared for this but we each made our way up to the front and did it. It was an amazing experience.

Afterwards we met with the First Counselor and he told us a little bit about the ward, got to know us and had us fill out a survey so they could give us callings next week. We then went to Relief Society in the Cafeteria. It was so small but they said they were happy to see such a big number there. Wow! It was great to be in this ward and have this experience. The gospel is true no matter where you go or what building you are in or the number that attend.

I will say though that there were some major differences in the ward and some culture shock that went on. (and it wasn't just because there was no heating and so the rooms were about 40 degrees!)But it was really such a great experience and I am excited to go back next week and get a calling.

We made it back safely to the center, (we figured that it took us 3 hours to get to and from church, plus the 3 hours of church...a total of 6 hours!!!) had dinner and then a wonderful fireside by the Stake President who is from Nigeria. What a spiritually uplifiting day!
Cheerio!