Sunday, November 2, 2014

Brighton





























 From:  Camille Gunnell
 Subject:  We are God's Army 
 Date: November 3, 2014 4:56 AM MDT




We went to Beachy Head with the Deans.  Whenever I am with Sister Hickman I feel at home and happy.













 

The Brighton group... made up most of the fireside last night.. I love each and every person in this picture SO MUCH!!
This is our pretty chapel that we meet in in Eastbourne.. it is like so English!! It even has a cross on the outside... it was another chapel before it was our church.  I love it so much!! 



From:  Camille Gunnell 
Subject:  LOVE
Date:  October 20, 2014 5:02:18 AM MDT

Dear Family,
Can I just say that being in the world and also being out of the world brings me closer to
God more than I can even describe.  I love it!!  Brighton is such a crazy place, but I feel like
seeing the extremes brings about an even more of a desire to be obedient and love God
more than anything else.  My life is in full swing at the moment!!

Man have I just loved this week!! We were totally uplifted at Zone Conference by a general 
authority names Elder Adler and his wife from Germany.  They just showed so much love 
and humility.  It was the best Zone Conference a sister could as for for her last one!! I was 
able to sit by Sister Moulis the entire time and man did I just cry pretty much through the
entire thing.. they do this video with all of the baptisms and seeing people that I first started 
teaching get baptized is the best feeling in the world!!  You have no idea!! And then being
by Sister Moulis as we saw __, __'s wife, picture we just hugged each other so hard!! I just
couldn't hold back the tears!!! Then I even got 
choked up seeing Hark All Ye Nations and 
Jerusalem.. like man I just loved it all so much!!
Something that Sister Adler said that I just 
loved was she was like just like Charlie and 
the Chocolate Factory.. we can't just try to find 
the golden ticket.. we need to enjoy the 
chocolate too!! She gave us all little milkas :) 
Brooklynn will know what kind of chocolate 
that is :)  Then Elder Adler spoke a lot about 
when we go home and how to always 
remember our missions.  They both spoke like 
Elder Uchtdorf, which I loved!! President Millar 
is really trying to get the missionaries to be more 
natural as they find and just don't go up to people and start off by handing them a card or 
saying I'm a missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!  The mission
is changing, but always for the better!! I was also able to see Sister Dimond and Sister
Brittain. I love them both!!  Man, but was seeing Sister Moulis and hearing her speak so
much more fluent English was just the best thing ever!!!!!!  And then Sister Hickman was
there obviously so that was just great!! She is so wonderful!  So my other two comps, Sister
Barlow and Sister Karyan, already went home and the only one I wasn't able to see was
Sister Cowley, but we will see each other soon enough :)  These companions of mine have
just been amazing.  What an interesting thing it is though to live with an absolutely
complete stranger hehe.  
Our schedule right now is so packed.  We are teaching so many investigators.. none of 
which have baptismal dates due to the fact that each one has something holding them back 
whether it be marriage, work, or family issues (parents).  They will come around though so 
we are not stopping.. They are too great!! 

There is a wife of a member here that is less active. We have really trying to go see her often. She is an older 
lady so she says it just is really difficult for her, but I know that us coming around is giving her more motivation. 
She was always teaching in her callings, but now she is sad that she can't. Sister Hickman and I were really 
guided by the Spirit in that teach because out of no where I asked her about her scripture study. She said that it 
is actually really poor at the moment. Then Sister Hickman said, "How about you teach us about topics that we 
pick for you to study so then you have something to study about." She was struggling having the desire to 
study. Good thing that we really got to know her and just listened for a while. I just love the little miracles that 
happen each day as we focus on needs. 

We went to a beautiful town on Monday named Lewes.  I am really excited to get started on 
my quilt of tea towels that are adding up.  It is going to be a good project to sew those 
together.  

We were able to fix a punched in wall of ____'s while ____ was gone to America.  They are 
both recent converts.  ____ did it a while back and the Elders had the brilliant idea of fixing 
it... kind of like a new beginning.  They did it all.. it brought the elders together because they 
both used to do all of that kind of stuff at home which is cool.  And then Sister Dean helped 
us put up the beautiful wallpaper and we got to picture frames of their baptisms, the 
proclamation to the family, and Jesus and put them up.  It just looked great!! When we saw 
____ he started crying and said thank you so much!! Seriously these people are just 
incredible and I just want to do anything for them to bring them happiness because they 
have brought me so much joy!!

I love you all!! I am still learning lessons each day even though I am getting to the last 
couple of weeks.  It is too weird, but I know that everything happens for a reason.  I love
you all!!!

Sister Gunnell

From:  Camille Gunnell 
Subject:  Don't Fret!!
Date:  October 13, 2014 5:32:25 AM MDT
This week has been so great!  When I was interviewed by President last 
week he said to be open with my new companion.. well hasn't that been an easy one haha.  
Sister Hickman and I are like sisters.  We just talk and talk about everything.  I can't tell you 
how much I love being with her.  It is such a blessing.  The work is always going to throw 
each missionary out of their comfort zone.  I think every missionary can agree to that.  
Sister Hickman and I this week are going to try to talk to more people.  It is scary, but I
know people need loving that we pass by.. especially in Brighton :)  I love it here!! 















Our Flat!! (on the right on the second floor :)




















From: Camille Gunnell 
Subject: "This the right place to start."
                 Date: October 6, 2014 4:58:04 AM MDT

President called the next morning when we were watching the Women's Broadcast (it was 
keep on messing up so I will have to watch it again sometime because we didn't get to see 
the lady with the long eyelashes or President Uchtdorfs and I heard they were great!) He
told us that Sister Dimond would be moving to Mitcham (oh my goodness I totally guessed
that place for her at transfers guesses!! It is like a little Ghana right by London)  and drum
roll please.. he said that my companion would be SISTER HICKMAN!! What?!!  I have
never heard of anyone having an old companion.  EVER!! This will be the best transfer in
the world.  Thank goodness this is the Lord's work.  I am going to do everything unitedly
with the Lord and my companion.  That is what I learned at conference too.. obedience,
how important family relationships are, how grateful we are and should be to have a
prophet on this earth, and to be united in purpose and love.  

We also heart attacked our ward mission 
leaders car because he was down and 
stressed with the business of being a recent 
convert for 8 months, preparing for a mission, 
and his busy job at Apple. He really liked it.  
                                                                                                

  
            We went to University of Sussex and helped out one of the elders investigators with his 
            chili shop because it was freshers week.  We set up a booth and talked about chili peppers and the gospel :)  It was fun!! I love being around people my age.  I just love Brighton.. like you have no idea!! While there we saw this sign on the bathroom.. yep this is just Brighton for ya!! What is the world now days?  One cool thing that happened is it started raining when we were setting up his stuff and we decided to pray that the rain would go away.. yep it went away right then and didn't rain all day.  It was just too crazy!! I love how God is in each detail of our lives.  If we have enough faith miracles will happen.  I love miracles!!


















From: Camille Gunnell 

Subject: Lengthen My Stride
Date: September 15, 2014 4:48:24 AM MDT

Dear Family,

Seven sisters was awesome!! The one thing that is difficult is how long it takes to do everything here, but good thing everything is worth doing!! :)  Heavenly Father has a plan for each one of us.  We were headed to go to Seven Sisters and a guy came up to us in Sainsburys (grocery store) and said he is from Manchester and just moved here for Uni.  He was taught previously by the elders there.  He has had already the baptism interview, but he has a little bit of a situation that need to get figured out.  He was going to talk to the president there, but he left right after to come here.  It was just crazy how he came up to us.  He is a great guy and I know that he has a lot of things in store for him because of this gospel.  Miracle!  On Tuesday it was pretty difficult one just from the very start.. I don't know why I just had tears in my eyes, but when that happens to me I just know that something cool is going to happen.  We were going to Subway because I had coupons.  I started talking to this old man.. totally reminded me of Grandpa Dean.  Sister Dimond spoke to someone behind me sitting by her.  Oh my goodness he was really interested!! We also met a guy that he believes that he is Jesus.. kind of scary, but that is why I love Brighton.  

The two red head missionaries she loves! The one on the right is Elder Gunnell.
On Friday was one of those days that I could say that it was a perfect day and a total answer to my prayers.  So.. here it goes.. we got a new phone because our screen cracked.  We set the alarm, but seriously it wasn't on.  Good thing we got a text at 8 in the morning.. yeah we totally slept in.  We rushed really quickly because that was the time that we needed to go with the Deans to Zone Training in Crawley.  Well we got ready in fifteen minutes and got to Crawley with a lot of time to spare.  Wow.. can I just say that it was the best conference I have ever been to. I had a question to be answered and it was pretty direct... and it was definitely answered by many of the presentations given.  The Zone Leaders, Elder Rogers and Elder Wolfgramm (he has a prosthetic leg and is like a legend.. I think that he was in the paraolympics..)  showed us this incredible video about our recent converts and some Bible Video segments to beautiful music.  LIke it was so powerful!! A recent convert actually made it in less than 8 hours.  I was just so touched.  Then the Zone Leaders presentation was all about Accountability.  The mission focus is kind of changing and now we are being even more so accountable to the Lord.  The more we are accountable, the more we will love the work.  The best reason why we serve in the church is Charity: the pure love of Christ (Dallin H. Oaks).  The way we can serve Heavenly Father (just like a parent) is to serve His children.  I am really focusing on Charity for the rest of my mission.  Elder Wolfgramm was just so powerful.  He has had so many cool experiences and how God will do all He can to help us in this work.  He would get blisters and soars all of the time on his leg because of the prosthetic one.  He just prayed that they would go away.. and they did.. he says every morning they disappear.  He told us how many people want to be on missions but can't.. he was one of those for a long time.  I just am amazed.  The AP's did a great presentation too. Sister Dimond, a couple of elders, and I also sang I am a child of God.  I then said the closing prayer and I felt the Spirit so strongly telling me what to pray for... that is something that I have really been able to feel... the Spirit guiding my prayers and words.  His will is so much better than our will could ever be.. Let Him guide.  The Zone Leaders invited us to that night account to Heavenly Father for my entire misison.. well I did and it was an incredible experience.  I discussed with Him my challenges, successes, and lessons learned.  Also my goals til the end and who I want to be.  I also asked Him what more I can do?  I did and these are the answers I received.  They are from my Father: Christ.. be like Him.. stand by Him always.  Investigators always at the forefront of my mind.  Charity.. have it and use it!  I had the confirming answer that these things are what will make Sister Gunnell happy for the rest of her mission.  I know that these things were not from my will, but from His. 

That night we taught two new investigators we met... one being ___ from Subway... solid.  It was just so good to teach with Sister Dimond.  I feel like we are becoming more unified.  I just have to write down some texts that we have received from ___ throughout the past couple of days. " I've been looking forward to seeing your all week :) I've been chatting to another misisonary in the US which has helped.  Started reading the Book of Mormon and quit smoking, alcohol, and tea. Bit of an adjustment but I find it best to do it all in one go." Ok at this moment he didn't know anything about the Restoration.  He was just going completely by faith! "I really admire what you're both doing and from talkig to yourselves and some other missionaries the one thing that has rung out is that of absolute kindness.  It is a beautiful thing and not something that is displayed regularly these days :)" "I think these days, our general society has fallen a lot so people can't recognize genuine kindness and love without thinking there is an ulterior motive which is very sad. You are doing a fantastic job and at the very least, have helped me :) I was in a very low place on Tuesday and my research into the church and that I was looking forward to seeing you both again has really helped my week get better so thank you." Just remember he hadn't even met with us before this..
"Just got out my Book of Mormon funnily enough as you text"
"Would it be ok to stand/sit (not sure how it works) with either both of you during the baptism? (unless it has to be separated men and women)" We invited him to come to Mandy's baptism on Saturday.  
"Your faith is very infectious.  Seeing how it affects you.  It's nice.  Makes me really want to feel what you both do." 
"I forgot to mention I live with my girlfriend which I know would prevent me from getting baptized until I get married.  Am I still able to meet/attend church so I'd planned?" OF COURSE
"I find you both very inspirational and wonderful human beings that have helped me a lot in such a short space of time (just want you to know that).  So rest assured you've made this person very happy :)  If you ever need any help with anything, activities at church or whatnot, don't hesitate to ask :)"  He helped after the baptism put chairs out for church.  Just really the kindest person... and we have only met with him twice.  He just is so happy and you won't guess what he is studying.. Speech Pathology.  He is 35 and is just awesome.  Seriously, these texts are the best thing that a missionary could EVER receive.  I just feel so blessed!  All of this is such a privilege.  

Ok so ___ (another investigator) got baptized!! Did I ever tell you that ___ and her son remind me SO much of V___ and M___ from Redruth?  Well they do!! I just feel so close to ___ and I love her! She was so terrified about the water, but her son was so gentle with her in the water.  It was so cool to see.  I sat by her before and after the confirmation and I could literally feel the difference of her after her receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.  She came back down and all she said was, "cool."  It was seriously cool!  

Once again, I am learning the world!! I love these times.  They are so so so hard, but so so so amazing!! I cherish these days of no worrying about school.. hehe.  My time will come though to have that stress back in my life.... 

Love love love,
Sister Gunnell



Camille Gunnell 

Date: September 8, 2014 5:17:16 AM MDT

Subject: The Best Days are Baptism Days!!


Dear Family,

Where do I start? I just feel truly blessed at this time.  I have been able to witness so many miracles this week that  bring so much joy into my heart.  
We have been able to teach ____(24) and ____ (19) this week leading up to their baptisms on Friday.  They are just such prepared souls.  They really have a desire to just follow Jesus Christ and they know that this gospel is what brings the most happiness.  I have loved being able to see their light shine this week preparing and also getting to know them more.  It is a little difficult coming into a new area and just seeing these solid people that other missionaries have worked so hard with and then here I am just coming in right before they are baptized.  I do know though that God wants me here.  I needed to experience this.  I hope that every missionary experiences the feelings that come preparing someone to be baptized.  On Monday we did Insanity for FHE.. and we ate right before  This is mostly a YSA ward because of the Universities around here.  My calves were aching for the rest of the week, but it was good to sweat and work out.  Before though, we taught ____ and ____ with a lot of the YSA that just showed up and sat in on our teach.  The church is in good hands for the future.  The YSA here are just incredible.  Their testimonies are SO strong.  I was just in awe talking about the Articles of Faith with them.  

Ok.. so I just have to tell you about my feelings at the Baptism on Friday.  Oh my goodness.  So the night before, we went and ate with ____ and ____, our ward mission leader (only been a member for 7 months) and the elders at this place in the Lanes (BEAUTIFUL!!) called Fatleo just to enjoy each other's company before the baptism.  Well, it was incredible.  Sister Dimond and I had this idea to have a little testimony meeting after we ate right there in the restaurant.  We did and man was it powerful. Lewis sent us this text afterwards, "Just a quick note to say.. I love you guys!  Great work tonight.  Fantastic idea to bear our testimonies to ____ and help her feel of our love in an informal way.  Perfect.  Keep up the amazing work.  Sister Gunnell-  It's such a blessing to have your experience and sprit here in Brighton.  I'm excited to have you here in the ward and to continue to get to know you.(he then complimented Sister Dimond) Keep up the great work girls and remember I'm always a speed dial number 5 away if you need anything.  Your ever doting ward mission leader, Lewis Mancer." ____ hadn't told her parents that she was getting baptized because they were so opposed about the church.  She got the strongest impression through prayer that she needed to tell them.  She told her father first, on Friday and it was a miracle because normally he is working, and he said that it was her decision.  Then her father told her mum and she controlled herself pretty well too.  She is an only child which makes things sometimes difficult.  Man though.  It was just incredible that her parents said ok..  so much guilt and all of those horrible feelings left her and she was able to go to the baptism with none of that. ____ was texting us saying things like, "I have a living testimony that the power of prayer works." The baptism was just amazing.  Seriously I can't get over it.  I was on a like a spiritual high for a couple of days.. I might still be on it.  There was the best musical numbers and Sister Dimond and Lewis gave some great talks.  ____ was just smiling from ear to ear.  ____ (it was so cool she wore Sister Dean's temple dress) came back and was just tearing up and said, "I felt like I was under the water for such a long time just feeling myself be cleansed.  Then when I came up I just felt so clean.. I am clean!!" It was just incredible!! Sister Walmsley and Sister Jensen were able to come (past missionaries that taught them) and I just kind of wanted them to feel like it was their moment.  Right after they were baptized they got up and bore their testimonies.. by the way so many people came... even the Stake President was in the area and heard about it and came after going to the cinema.  He was blown away.  Their testimonies are centered around Jesus Christ.  I just loved it so much.  I can honestly say it was the perfect baptism day.  I am so thankful for these times.  




We were able to go to the temple last night with ____ a recent convert and his mother that the Sisters have been teaching.  It was about Why I Believe and three recent converts shard their stories.  ____ was one of them.  I was able to sit by his mom through the fireside.  Oh my goodness was it just incredible.  Son's story was just amazing.  The church has changed him.  "Because of Him, I will/can change." He is so proud of his mom also.  She was crying.  I just couldn't help but cry too.  It was just so tender.  ____ will be baptizing his mother on Saturday.  I was also able to see Sister Brittain and Sister Hickman (two of my last companions. )  I love them so much!! I was also able to see Katherine!! Man all of these people are just great!! It was so good to see them!! The Youngs, the senior couple from Orpington, came up to me and just made me feel so loved.  Sister Young isn't even a touchy person, but she was just talking to me and holding my hands letting me know what a great, obedient missionary I am.  It was so sweet.  It was something well needed.  I feel like I can go throughout this week with whatever trials or challenges come because I know for a fact that God has a plan for each one of His children.  I have experiences it this week immensely.  Never forget or disregard miracles.  That is my advice this week.  I love you and am so grateful for the support and encouragement always. "Great blessings bring great responsibilities." "The Brighter our Hope, the Greater our Faith.  The Stronger our Hope, the Purer Charity we have." I heard these quotes this week and just loved them so much!


Love love love,
Sister Gunnell

P.S.  Today we are going to a place called Seven Sisters with our district.  I am super duper excited!!! It looks like it is beautiful!! Look it up!! Love you all!! Oh and also look up Jenna Walmsley's blog.  She sang at the baptism because she taught Rebecca.  She has a beautiful, powerful voice!! 




From:  Camille Gunnell
Subject:  Re: And as he stand in Victory!!
Date:  September 1, 2014 8:15:14 AM MDT
Dear Family,

The song that I just sent you is great!! I love how it says that he stands in victory.. it is like a song that I will send you at the end of my mission.  The only way that we can be victorious is through Christ.  

This week has just been absolutely crazy!! Transfers are just so miraculous how it all happens.  Leaving Orpington was hard, but it is alright.  It just teaches me life lessons that will help me forever.  I went and stayed in Peckham for a night with all of my stuff.  I stayed with Sister Oriaku from Nigeria.  Man she was cool.  Then we got up and thank goodness for the elders for helping us on the train.  It was a blessing I arrived in Staines with all of my stuff.  Tender things happen on the mission all of the time.  Missionaries are awesome.  Those ones that really just want others to feel Christ's love and look out for those opportunities are the ones that are doing this work right.  I got to Staines and guess who I was able to see.. Sister Moulis.  I started crying when I saw that sweet French sister of mine.  Dad was right when he wrote me that email that said, "Be nice to your companion especially as her trainer you will love her forever."  It is true.  We had to rush off pretty fast, but that little time that we saw each other helped me through this entire week.  

Brighton is gorgeous.  Do you want to hear how my first day was here?  Well I heard that Brighton is beautiful, but sketchy.  We counted and saw 5 gay couples holding hands down the street, we (Ward Mission Leader, the Elders, and Sister Dimond and I) stopped at a stop light and saw up above a shop right in front of us a pole dancing class going on.. we started singing, "The Spirit of God." We also went to an American Diner called JB's right on the sea front to have a little welcome with the Ward Mission Leader.  It was just all around eventful.  

This area is going crazy right now with missionary work.  We have a couple of baptisms happening this week and the next.  I am very grateful to be serving with someone that is so hard working. Sister Dimond has been out for 3 transfers (4 months) and she is just so excited about everything.  She is totally hilarious!
These people are incredible!! The Lord trusts His missionaries.  I am still in the beginning stages of this area, which is really difficult for me.  These past couple of days have been rough, but I see how time smooths things out.  Sister Dimond and I are starting to get to know one another more and so I don't feel like complete strangers anymore with her.  We are having incredible teaching opportunities together.  Miraculously two people that the sisters have been teaching forever want to get baptized now.  It is just so great!! This week is going to be really busy, but I hope that I can just start feeling more comfortable in this area.  I hope and pray that all is well with Papa and Grandma Karleen.  

It has been raining a lot, which I think makes my attitude change.  I am going to try to not let it change me this week and dance in the rain.  I love you all!!

Another cool thing happened this week.  When I was feeling a little low we were on the bus and we passed by a Geneva Road.  It lifted me. Heavenly Father loves us.  Little things matter to Him and He will place in our paths little things to make us happy.  Be aware of those things this week :) They will be around.  

Love,
Sister Gunnell



Sally Gunnell.. they have a little thing kind of like in Hollywood in Brighton hehe.  She was on one of them. I was stoked!! You do not know how many people ask me if I am related to her.. I say heck yes.. even though I really don't think so hehe. 










A pub named good companions.. love it!!





Sunday, October 19, 2014

Orpington



From: Camille Gunnell
Subject:  Growing in Wisdom
Date: August 25, 2014 4:09:22 AM MDT 

My dear family,

I am pleased to be writing you today.  Man this transfer has just flown by.  This week we had a lot of lessons scheduled and had members to come out with us on them.. yep every single one of them (8) fell through.. but hey that is alright.  Sister Brittain and I came more close from it. We made some pretty epic chin videos to get a little laugh out before we went to bed so we didn't feel all down :)  I feel like Bridger had a very successful week so it all paid off.  I am happy :)  Heavenly Father always blesses us if we are doing His work.  

We had President's Interviews this week.  It was great.  I didn't really have a whole lot to say to him, but he let me know that I will be moving my last time to a place with a good ward, good companion, and somewhere that just had 8 investigators at church.. I had no idea where that could be.  That was on Thursday when we had that.  Last night way after our bedtime Elder Hale called us with moves calls.  We were so half asleep and weird.  We answered the phone all whiny (not purposely) and I just wish that we had a video of us.  We have been laughing all morning about how we acted.  Elder Hale let us know that travel plans are going to be crazy.  Sister Lloyd is coming here from Peckham.. I will be going tomorrow with ALL(hopefully I can pack it all in) of my luggage on a train.. then in the morning going again with ALL of my luggage on another train to Staines.. my goodness.. At that time I will be meeting my new companion named Sister Dimond!! I am so stinking excited!! I will be going to Brighton (another gorgeous area.. I just feel really blessed)  and with a great companion.  I know Sister Dimond and she is great I can just tell.  I am excited to get to know her more.  She is from Minnesota.  These next couple of days are going to just be cray cray so please pray that I get there without losing anything.  Last night I could not sleep after the news and I woke up really early so now I am just so tired.. like my eyes hurt.  Change is good, but hard for the system.
There is a sweet man in the Orpington Ward, Peter
Gardner, that bought the first chapel in the entire world called Gadfield Elm.  A lot of the members have a little replica sculpture of it in their homes.  I have been trying to figure out how to get my hands on one.  Peter was so kind enough to go ALL THE WAY THERE (outside of my mission) and get me one.  It will be a cherished treasure of mine forever. I love this church.  The members here are just incredible.  I love every person that I have met on my mission... honestly.  I didn't know that my heart could just be filled with this much love for people. I love you all very much.  There is going to be a lot of change occurring soon.  I received a sweet letter from Grandma Gunnell.  She says that Dean and her are slowing down, but I doubt that.  I think that she is a little upset that she isn't driving anymore.  I just love my family.  They lift always.  I will probably have a lot more to say next week.  I will miss these investigators we have in this area.. it is hard to just let them go, but this is just preparing me for the future.. like everything else that I go through in the mission.  It is just great!! 

Love,
Sister Gunnell



From: Camille Gunnell
Subject: Re: Victory!
Date: July 28, 2014 5:39:27 AM MDT


Dear Family,


I hope all of you are doing very well.  This week has been full of ups and downs.. but mostly ups.  I just think that it is all hilarious!  This week I have been for some reason just on fire with talking to people especially on the bus.  I really like getting to know people.  I feel like that is a good setting to just chat and then let the church come up naturally.  People are really good.  I just am amazed how every child of our Heavenly Father really does have the light of Christ in them.  I love going to bed at night knowing that I have really done my best today.  In the front of my planner for this transfer I have once again, "There is no growth in the comfort zone.  There is no comfort in the growth zone."  I think that that is a big deal!! Right now, especially on missions, we everyday having to grow means that we are not comfortable.  It is normal!! My entire mission I have tried to make it feel comfortable, but it hasn't... why? I ask myself all of the time?  BECAUSE THE LORD IS SHAPING ME INTO SOMETHING BETTER.  Everyday I thank my Heavenly Father for how much I have learned in the past year... every day.  When going through it though I don't see any growth come out of it or learning situations, but they come.  Last night accounting with our District Leader he said something that will stick with me forever.. blessings come (but we don't know when) when we decide to choose the right.  That is a promise from Heavenly Father.

We have seen miracles happen this week.. one of our baptismal dates was two streets in from being out of our ward boundaries.  She has been excited to get baptized for eleven years, but has been living with her boyfriend.  Then she texted us yesterday and said that she is moving to Tunbridge Wells out of no where and have a good time on our missions.. She said that she would get ahold of the elders there.  so random but we told her to just never let go of that desire to be baptized.  She will get baptized, but it was just weird and I hope that nothing anti happened.

At the beginning of my mission, I felt like numbers are everything, but I have just realized that they are not what brings me a fulness inside of me which I thought they would.  I have just been searching for that fulness for a long time knowing that I have done enough.  It is such a personal battle, but I can honestly say that it is when I am trying to have the Spirit with me always.. it is when the Spirit leads me and tells me to talk to someone and I do.. most of the time nothing comes out of talking.. like no new investigator, but I really don't care anymore.. I just know that that person needed to be talked to today for some reason.  Heavenly Father knows more than we do.  I try to help them learn how the gospel can bless their lives, but I have figured out that just relying on the Spirit is the way to go.. no one can say you don't have enough lessons or you are not doing your best.. they will never say that.  Heavenly Father is proud of every effort that we give to do what is right.

I pray for Papa.  I am so grateful to be on a mission at this time in my life.  My heart has became stronger, bigger, and understands what the Spirit feels like since I have been out doing this work.  Every effort Heavenly Father smiles at.  I love my family.  It has been a good week.  I have seen the enabling power work.. seriously.. Saturday I was full of this energy.  I prayed Friday night that I could just give it my all on Saturday.. he gave me the strength to do it.  It was wonderful!! I love going to bed feeling like.. victory!! Nothing that specatacular happens, but feel of a fulness inside of me, which makes it all worth it! I love you all!!

Sister Gunnell





From: Camille Gunnell
Subject: They are going to get baptized!!!
Date: July 21, 2014 5:46:33 AM MDT

Hello my dear family,

I just love all of you so much!! 

This has been a week full of greatness.  Sister Bolinder, Sister Hickman, and I stayed
together til Wednesday.  It was a great couple of days with them.  A lot of tears were shed
between Sister Hickman and I. I have been very blessed to be with the companions that I have had.  Sister 
Brittain is from Texas.  She is so cool.  I can truly just be myself around her.. she makes fun of me a lot 
because I am very dramatic, but she knows me and I love that. It is so fun to serve with her!! She knows 
how much this work can change people.  It is just great! 

We have seen miracles each day.  I really believe that it is because of my reliance on the Spirit.  I have seen 
that as I have decided to just let Him lead me, I have been able to see the fruits.   It is hard sometimes when I 
feel prompted to knock a road and then all we get out of it is this really old man talking about his entire life 
story to us.. but hey he was alone and a child of God that maybe just needed someone to talk to that day.. 
he wasn't interested, but I believe that everything that we do benefits someone in some way.  It is hard to hear 
our leaders say do you feel like you are being guided by the Spirit to where to go and I think that I am, but then 
by that it doesn't really look like so.  I just sometimes don't like how we reflect upon how much we feel the 
spirit by how many people act upon our message we share.  It is hard on me because that means that I am not 
following the Spirit a whole ton, but whatever.  I like doing missionary work and seeing the little 
miracles of each day even if they don't reflect how much we work with our numbers.  

Ok.. this was the coolest story that I have to share.. 

There is an investigator that has been taught all of the lessons from the missionaries throughout the past ten 
years.. She has been living with her boyfriend, which has been the only hold back of getting baptized.  We 
have just pretty much I feel like been saying the same thing to her the entire time that I have been here.  She 
drops off the planet for a little while and then out of no where texts us and says how much we have helped her 
(after not seeing her for like a month).  She then said that she would like to meet with us. We meet on 
Saturday.. right when she walks in and we sit down with a member, she says that she has great news.  She 
broke up with her boyfriend that she has been with for seven years.. (She couldn't get baptized because he 
wouldn't let her because he thought it was a cult and wouldn't change his mind about that) and also that she is
 ready to be baptized.  We set a date for the second of August, but come to find out she is not in our area 
anymore because when she was living with her boyfriend he lived in Orpington.  Now she lives in Tunbridge 
Wells. She probably needs to be taught a lot again because it has been a little sporadic teaching throughout the  
years.  Also now that we need to teach lesson five BEFORE baptism.  It was so cool to see her doing well and 
looking much better.  I love her!! _______ is going to be baptized.. It is just incredible!

I also just found out from Sister Cowley that a lady that we found and were teaching in Jersey is going to be 
baptized next month with her daughter.. _____.. it is just great!! Oh man oh man!!  Sister Cowley just sent me 
this what she said about us.. She said:

I cannot even begin to tell you how much you and Sister Gunnell have touched me and mine, luv.  You'll 
probably never know how much we appreciate it.   Thank you, so very, very much!!!  Heavenly Father loves us 
all, and the Spirit definitely touches us all more than even we realise (for which I'm thankful!).  After all, look how 
it's brought us together. 

I love you all!! Wish me luck for this transfer.  It is always difficult to lead an area and feel the load of it all on 
you.  I can do it though. I thought it would get easier through time because I have been out fourteen months.. 
but it never does.. It always is a learning experience.  This upcoming Thursday is Zone Conference.  I hope that 
I don't get stressed out and just relax and learn the things that I need to at this time.   

Things are going good.  If I just focus on the good times, things really do seem to work out.  I love this gospel 
and how it changes people... especially me.  I love feeling close to my Savior.  Those times when I do are 
usually when I am going through some problems internally, but I do feel His love and then I come to know how 
much He loves us all.  He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other. 

Love,
Sister Gunnell

p.s. I forgot my camera at home today.. I will just get one of Sister Brittain's pictures. We were laughing so hard 
because of my outfit yesterday.  ( we went again to the temple last night for fireside with an investigator.. man 
the joys of being so close to the temple) She thinks it is so funny because I dress like a missionary missionary.. 
especially my shoes.  I laugh too because it is just hilarious. The mission is just hilarious man!





















Package from BRIDGER!!!! super stoked!!


















The Zone leaders.. the one on the left is going home in two days.  Elder Herrod from San 
Diego.. my last district leader was in welling for 7 1/2 months and then just moved this past 
transfer to Oxford.. now he is coming back to welling and being a zone leader with Elder 
Schumann from Germany.. he will be here for most of his mission haha.  too funny.  






















From: Camille Gunnell 
Subject:  Re: "The decisions I make now transpire into my decisions I will make later." Bishop Yao
Date: June 30, 2014 5:05:19 AM MDT


Dear Family,

Can I just tell you how much I love and pray for you.  I just hope that you are doing well and finding joy each day.

There have been plenty of things to be grateful for this week.  Here are some cool stories that need to be shared:

We were headed to a DA.  We were in High Street and were deciding if we should get on the bus at the bus stop right in front of us or go up to the next one to go.  I instinctively for some reason said the next one.  While walking you can imagine what happened, Sister Hickman and I stop and talked to a girl (like 20's) named Elizabeth.  She was interested and wants to learn more!! We scheduled an appointment, but she had family stuff come up, but she is definitely one of those that are pretty solid.  She is going to Nigeria to see her family in July so we hope to meet with her before that time.  It is always exciting to find people that are interested :)

As you know, we fasted and prayed for yesterday at sacrament meeting to have 200 investigators there.  We reached it.. 203 to be exact!! It was great to see that!! We had some miracles happen.  No one came that we invited, but there was a lady named May that just saw the church and decided to come that Sunday.  She didn't want to give us her information, but she said that she will definitely come back to church.  There was some others that surprisingly showed up.. like relatives of members and friends of members.  It was great to see!

Another awesome thing that we watched during our lunch break was the David Archuleta interview thing on the youth page.  Man was it so great!! I just think that he is great! It motivated us and helped us see the bigger picture of the whole mission.  It was great to hear him sing and see the light that he has in him as he has tried his best on his mission.  I loved everything that he said about the mission and how excited he got when he spoke about it.  That is how you can tell how much hard work he put into it.  What a great example for the youth and the world.

On Wednesday I decided to make Banana Bread because Elder Hale and Nohaingainaina wanted me to.  I used up most of my getting ready time to do that.. well it didn't cook all of the way I noticed right when I sliced into it.  I had made it so many times before and I was just frustrated.  Good thing that the Elders didn't ask about it.. it was a touchy subject for me haha.. just one of those mornings.  Then we went to District Meeting and wow was it so incredible!! I seriously have the best District Leaders on my mission.  Elder Hale spoke about the Spirit and comparing it to singing.  You know that I just loved it so much.  I loved when Sister Young, senior couple, said Giving up is like slashing the other tires when only one pops on a car.. it just doesn't make sense.  I just loved it so much!! So grateful for District Meetings.  These Leaders are truly called of God. You can just see it and feel it.  

We were able to teach some lessons with some investigators this week with members.  It was great! Members make the difference!! I love it! These investigators we have at the moment aren't really progressing, but they will get there.  This week I am going to try to be more bold.  Say what I need to say to help them understand how important this gospel is and how precious our time is.  Wish me luck that I can have love in my heart also :)  

Another exciting thing that is happening is the Tour de France is coming to England next Monday.. ok what are the odds that it will be going on on MONDAY of all days of the week.  The senior couple is going and I am totally asking President if we can go with them next Monday and watch it.  We will see what he says haha. 

I am excited to see the miracles of this upcoming week.  I have a feeling that I will need to exercise my faith and see what the Lord can help me do as I try to open my mouth and do my best.  I am going to focus on faith this week.  Last night we were accounting with the District Leader and he said do you think that you can get four new investigators this week?  Those kind of questions always bug me for some reason because I HAVE been trying to reach all of our goals each week of my mission.  I sometimes just have to say it wasn't those people's time to hear the gospel that I talked to.  Of course I would love four new investigators, but it isn't my choice if we get four new investigators it is the people's choice more than mine.  I told him that about their agency.  He talked a little bit about faith.  I kind of got smacked in the face.  I need to be more faithful.  I need to have more trust in my Heavenly Father.  I do have righteous desires, but I am always scared that my will is not God's will even though it is righteous.  I am going to study about this hopefully this week because it has been on my mind a lot :)

We went to the Bishop's last night and he was talking to us about activity ideas.  He said something about dance and you know me I got REALLY excited and put my hand up and pointer finger in the air and all haha.  He said oh no how about not.. I can already imagine Sister Gunnell going a little too crazy.. (I am the same Camille that way) it was hilarious!! He said he would have to take a picture and send it to mission president.. just hilarious!! I love our bishop in this ward.  He is phenomenal!! 



Oh by the way, I put in Landen's name in the London Temple.  I am so glad to hear that it all worked out.  It is going to be a great week!! 

Love,
Sister Gunnell







From:Camille Gunnell
Subject: Family.... :)
Date: June 23, 2014 5:30:52 AM MDT


Hello Family,
This is a picture from Zone Conference a couple of weeks ago.  We all ate at little tables.. ME CHINESE!  It was fun!  The Senior couple, the Young's, took this picture.  Us missionaries always have a good time.  By the way.. guess who came to Hyde Park yesterday.. The new President of BYU..Kevin J. Worthen.  I was so jealous that I could not go.  The Youngs went.  I am excited to hear how it was.  This is the zone conference where Sister Hickman and I had to speak, do a musical number, and I had to play the piano.  

Yesterday I had to speak in Sacrament Meeting about the Restoration.  You would sure be proud.  I didn't have any notes haha.  That was the first talk where I didn't really need any notes.  I shared my testimony and what I knew about the Restoration.  I was a little nervous to not have any notes, but every time I went down to write them I didn't really have any to write down.. these things are in my heart.  How grateful I am for the mission and for the knowledge that I have of the Restoration.  I have never cried as I have told Joseph Smith's account in the grove of trees, but you know me, up there I did.  I know that He did see God the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for the experiences that I have to share my testimony every day with those around me freely.  I love it because it strengthens me every time I do.  (Doctrine and Covenants 62:3)  I am trying to get out of the habit of saying D&C...

This week has been full of little tender miracles.  On Monday a 
Chinese lady called us and said that she would like to meet up.  A couple of days before I called a lot of former investigators so I thought it might be one of them.  On the phone I didn't ask her who it was because I don't like to do that.  I thought after I just could look up her number and it would be one of the formers.  Well it wasn't... we had no idea who this person was.  We met her that night and got to know who she was.  She got a mormon.org card from the missionaries a year ago and decided to call us.  She is going through some hard times and wants to find some kind of relief.  We taught her about the restoration.  She said she understood like 70% of what we were saying.  We promised her that she would find relief if she came to church, said prayers, and read the scriptures.  She even said the closing prayer in English and then Chinese.. she said quite a longer one in Chinese.  I wish that Chad was just here to help her understand all of this.  She was so sweet, but she says that she feels more comfortable going to the church where they speak Chinese.  She said that she will call us if she wants to get back in touch.  We will call her up in a few weeks ;)  We now have her phone number.  She was wonderful.  I just saw in her eyes how she was searching.. THIS IS IT!! I love this gospel and know how it can affect someone's life.   

Then another cool thing.. So we were headed to an appointment.  We were on the bus and a young adult came on.  I knew right then that I would talk to him.  He kind of looked out of it... I thought that he might have some disabilities or something.  He moved THREE times on the bus.. yeah kind of weird, but HE FINALLY SAT BY ME!! I was so excited!! I told him a little bit about the church.. he asked some of the best questions.. What happened to the people during the Great Apostasy.. the time during Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith and how there wasn't that authority to baptize.  Also what is the difference of the Holy Ghost and the GIFT of the Holy Ghost.  It was just great to know the answers to his questions.  That is what the mission has taught me.  It has given me knowledge to be able to answer these types of questions.  I promise I probably would've never understood a lot of things I do now understand if I had never went on a mission.  He said that he will ask his mom if he can meet with us.  I pray we see him again.  I got off of that bus feeling great!  Heavenly Father helps me so much.  He puts in my head what I need to say to people.  I know that it is not me just speaking because I can't normally have conversations like this.  It is great!

We then helped out our stake president's wife a lot this week with a luncheon that she was putting on for her charity.  They have a house exactly like Pride and Prejudice.  It was SO fun to be in it and cooking.  I just loved it! The luncheon turned out great and the people that came even asked about the church.  Sister Turner was a little nervous that it would be a little awkward to have us there, but it wasn't and she was relieved. 

We also went on an exchange.  I went with Sister Brooks.  I will tell you who she reminds me of exactly.. DOMINIQUE QUAST.  You can just understand right there how much fun I had.  I am so grateful for the support I have of my family.. all of hers is less active and usually doesn't write her most of the weeks.. so hard.  I can't even imagine.  It was so fun to be around her.  She just enjoys life.. every minute.  I hope that I helped her somehow. As I talked to everyone, I was able to see how much God loves each of His children.  There is a reason why we need to talk to everyone as missionaries.  Oh and guess what area I was in.. PURLEY!! It is so close to sounding like Burley!! I was so excited to go there.  I even took a little video haha.

I had a great week.  There are always things to bring me down.. each day.. but I try not to focus on those things and focus only on the things that will lift me up. 

I love you all!! Have a great week!! Lets all pray for Bub! 

Sister Gunnell 

Camille finds roads that remind her that home isn't that far away!

Camille's ancestors settled Chesterfield, Idaho.  Hence, her dad is Kent Chester.

Grandpa Dean Gunnell!

Sister Gunnell from the Oakley, Idaho Stake

Camille sporting some English looks, we guess!