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!

From the Island of Jersey to the Land of Kent

From:  Camille Gunnell 

Subject:  There is a right way to live and be happy!

Date:  June 2, 2014

dear family,

It has been a rainy week.  So cloudy.  I really think that the weather does something to the mind haha.  England is just so crazy! I love it though.  On Tuesday we had an incredible last District Meeting with our Zone Leader, Elder Smith, that I love to bits.  He is going home.  Elder Herrod, our District Leader, is moving to Oxford.  At the end of the District Meeting we had a little testimony meeting.  It was just great!  The Spirit was so there.  I felt like there was a line from my chest all the way up to heaven.  I just knew that my Heavenly Father loves me.  Missionary's testimonies are just incredible.  So simple and so heartfelt.  I love when missionaries finally realize that they don't have to say such powerful statements or anything to have the Spirit be there.  It is just all what is in the heart. 

Yesterday while I was studying the scriptures,

 I came across this incredible scripture that I now have on my new planner for the next transfer.. it says in 2 Nephi 9:14 that the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment.  In the long run that is what we remember.. the joyful times... so my advice to you.. make as many as you can each day!!

I am striving this week to be a little more obedient.  I just feel like there is never enough time to do everything and then time gets in the way.  It is so difficult.  The white handbook brings protection just like the commandments.  Living a life with commandments is great and will make life less stressful!  I can do this! :)  

A cool story this week.. there has been an investigator we went and saw once and then we haven't been able to contact him again until this past week.. it has been a couple of weeks.. and he is half way through the Book of Mormon!! Yippee!!

Oh my goodness one more cool story haha.. there is this thing that they do in Europe called AUFs.. Address Unknown Files.  The church is trying to find this "lost sheep" that have maybe moved and they want us to track them down.  Well we went to this gated community to find this person named ___ and we just went it in "aw".  The houses were MANSIONS! I was like ok don't get worldly Camille.  Then we knocked on this huge house's door.  A sweet lady opened it.  We asked if ____ lived there.  He said that he is Spain for the next couple of weeks on his boat. Well.. come to find out he ran into someone from the church a couple of days ago and then he told his wife how he is thinking about going back.  His dad was a bishop when he was younger.  His parents split up and he lived with his mother and she went less active quickly afterwards.  She said that when they were younger he would talk about the church, but then they hadn't since then.  She said that she is unlabeled Christian.  We gave her a Book of Mormon and Restoration pamphlet and we will go back in a few weeks when ___ is home.  I am just so excited.  You can never judge a book by its cover.. I would've never guessed that we would find any success in that area because it was so wealthy.  The Lord is hastening his work folks!  

I love you all so much! Thank you for the SUPPORT!! I don't know what I would do without all of you!  I can't believe that it is June!  Enjoy the summer! 

Love,

Sister Gunnell

From:  Camille Gunnell 

Subject:  Lifes what you make it.. SO LETS MAKE IT RIGHT!! 

Date:  May 26, 2014

Hey Family!!!  we went to London.. It was great!! The elders were so sweet and made it feel like it was a "birthday present" for me.  I was able to hand out all of these free passes to London to them at district meeting that they made.  It was just fun.  They all made desserts for me.. Elder Hale made peanut butter ice cream that was bomb and Elder Herrod make this brownie thing with tons of frosting.. hilarious, but so nice! I love them.  We went to Trafalga Square, the National Art Gallery, Big Ben, The London Eye, Westminster's Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Book of Mormon theater, West End.. it was just great.  The Elders were kind of in a rush to get home and email and do their shopping, but Sister Hickman and I already got that all done so we stayed just us two for a long time in London.  We got some gifts for ourselves to treasure forever.  I just still cannot believe that I went to London.  It is one of those places that is great, but I wouldn't be eager to go every P-Day or something because it is really exhausting.  We came home during rush hour and the trains were PACKED!! We left from Charing Cross and whoa I would not like to work in London.  Everyone uses the trains here.  We were standing up and people were definitely in my bubble.  There I guess was a delay and that is why it was so booked, but it was just crazy!! I am definitely a country girl. I got this epic picture of the London Eye, Big Ben and a book of Mormon double decker.  I just turned around and hurried and took a picture because we were in a rush.. I looked at it and then saw the bus in the picture!! It was so cool!! Best picture Ever!!

 

We have been able to be a part of three of our investigators being baptized in the past two weeks.  This is pure Joy!

From: Camille Gunnell 

Subject:  Happy Day!!

Date:  May 5, 2014 

Dear Family,

How are you all doing?  I am doing great!  We have had an awesome week here in Orpington!! Starting off with a Medieval, Chislehurst caves thing on P-Day.  It was so cool!! I guess during
World War II those caves were where people came to hide or whatever (ok that sounds like the blondest statement after I wrote it and read it haha).  They had a hospital and post office down there and everything!  It was so fun to do with our district.  Very good way to get to know each other.  I have so many pictures :)  I even dressed up.  Now people, like Bridger, with weapons and stuff dress up and pretend like they are from that time period and fight each other.  The problem is is when I was even down there I was so close into running into walls because it is SSOO dark! How in the world do people run around down there with swords and stuff and not die because it is so dark?! It baffles me!! 

Then for the rest of the week we just go go go!! I love it! We will be having a couple of baptisms this month.  It is very exciting!  Five of our investigators came to church yesterday.  We got six referrals from the elders and members.  Yesterday, ____, decided that she wants to get baptized.  We have been patiently waiting for this day for a long time.  Her whole family got baptized a while ago, but she was just a little skeptical.  She finally realized that there is nothing holding her back from not getting baptized.  That will be in a couple of weeks time.  The week after hers we will hopefully be having one also.  These people are just prepared.  Something cool that happened was we got a referral to go see a ___ Cowdery.. yep she is related to Oliver Cowdery.  

I love serving with Sister Hickman.  It is just fun to have the same kind of culture.  Idaho girls are awesome!! We just get caught up all the time just talking about everything.  It is so fun!! She is so organized.  We both stress really easily.  We try to just usually laugh off stuff.  

We work so hard.   Heavenly Father protects His missionaries.  Sometimes there are drunk people all around us screaming and stuff on the bus and I just think thank Heaven for this badge of mine!! I feel the armor on me.  One thing that came out of that experience on the bus is one of the drunk guys said something really cool.. One of the guys was talking on the phone and asked his mate where he was at.. then the guy sitting next to him yelled into the phone, "It doesn't matter where you are.  It only matters where you are going!"  I found it pretty inspirational.  Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that is so true.  I wanted to talk to him about that and how through the Atonement that is possible, but he probably wasn't in the right mind frame at that time to talk about that kind of stuff.  You can learn things from every person that you come in contact with!  

This week is going to be super busy!! We have Multi-Zone Conference in Crawley tomorrow.  We then are doing a work over in Bromley to help the Elders out there on Wednesday.    Then it pretty is a packed week full of appointments.  I love being with Sister Hickman because she is a huge planner! She has pretty much the whole entire week figured out.  That is how we get work done!!  Then I will be talking to all y'all on Sunday.  It is an exciting time.  I can't believe next week I will be 21.  My 20th year probably went quicker than any other year!! I just loved it and would never take it back.  Such good memories!!  I love you all so much!! Congrats to Max getting baptized!! Best decision of his life!  It is all just so significant!  

Today we are going to Winston Churchill's home where he lived during World War II.  I am pretty stoked!! I wish that I knew more about the dude, but he seems like he was a power house.  (HAHAHAHAHAHAHA)  You know how I am with history.  Love you all!!! 

Sister Gunnell

From:  Camille Gunnell 

Subject:  I am in the fast lane!!

Date:  April 28, 2014

Dear Family,

Oh my goodness.. I have just so much to tell you, so many pictures to send, so many stories to tell, and so much stress/craziness that makes it all worth laughing about.  

To start it off I had the best last couple of days in Jersey.  I was able to meet with our three solid investigators the last day that I was there.  I told ...... that I was leaving and he said that he would stop by so we could say goodbye.  I made him this book full of some members testimonies in it and also Sister Cowley's and my own. You know how much I love to scrapbook.  He would always say that quote that I put on the first page.  They are all just so solid!! It is great!  I am so excited to hear how they are doing.  It is difficult to leave areas because these investigators and the work in that area is what you eat, sleep, and breath for and then it is gone and you have to focus on all other people.  I still think about my investigators in Jersey though.  

Packing was a crazy experience.  I stuffed it all in.  Gamel, the Egyptian, lent us his scale so I was able to weigh it all.  I thought that I was all good.  When we arrived at the airport I wasn't.  My big suitcase was the right size and weight, but last time we were able to bring two carry-ons.. one to go under the seat and the other over the top.  We went through a different area this time.  We could only take one or we would have to pay £30 pounds for each of them.  I had to leave some of my shoes there and some clothes to make room for the things I needed.  I was like running around the airport with a huge coat on and sweater and all of my heavy things on like a chicken with it's head cut off. We only had like 15 minutes until our flight left because I didn't know that this whole thing would happen.  Sister Cowley is so sweet.  Right now she is washing all of my clothes and then she is going to send them.  Like the sweetest girl ever!  I miss her like crazy, but I love Sister Hickman!! Oh my goodness is it fun to serve with her.  I seriously think that I have had two of the girls that I would've wanted to serve with the most in a row! I can't believe that we are together!  It is fun to have the same background and culture.  Idaho culture is so fun hahahaha.  We laugh all of the time.  

This area, Orpington, is so great!! 20 minutes and there is London.  It is just so fun!! We are go go going all day!! Yesterday at church everyone was wanting to talk to us about things.  Every situation is very stressful haha.  I went home for lunch and just fell on the ground and laid there for a long time haha.  I was just so dead!! Every night I am exhausted.  I feel like I am in the fast lane now or something of missionary work.  Our investigators here are solid too.  The ward is big.  I like it.  There are a lot of YSA, which is fun.  Our flat is way big compared to the one in Jersey.  I don't know how these sisters lived because there is no food in the kitchen haha.  I am going to have to go on a food shopping spree to survive.  I feel pretty proud of myself though because I have been eating healthy for the past couple of days (as right now I am eating McDonalds... haahahahah).  

We are in a rush.  We are going with the senior couple from Texas in our ward to the Chislehurst caves and our district, Elder Herrod, Elder Goldsmith, Elder Nohaingoinana, and Elder Hale.  It is just awesome!! In a couple of weeks we are planning on going to go to Winston Churchill's house.  SWEET BABY!!  Also, Charles Darwin's house is in our house too. 

Coolest spiritual experiences that happened this week:
Our 17 year old investigator, praying for the first time at our lesson.. so sincere! Tears came to my eyes. 

Another sweet investigator, praying also.  She loves the Book of Mormon and loves learning and feeling closer to God.  

Finding last night and no luck.. then we were at a bus stop ready to go home.. we taught four other lessons at that bus stop.  

Funny things:

I was starving after church got over.. we were at the church from 7:50-2:30.. I was kind of getting cranky.. I look down and there was a little cadbury chocolate frog not opened.  I was like thank you Heavenly Father!

The first day Sister Hickman and I ran across a really busy road.. in the middle of the road we ran into each other as we tried to go around the car.  The lady in the car was seeing this all happen outside of her window and just gave us the weirdest look. It was so weird.. good thing that the bus waited for us!

Me flossing during weekly planning.. I just always think what if there was a camera and we were on the district (the missionary videos) how funny!  

Sister Hickman and I were just so happy so we hugged before we went in to teach a member.  She opened the door when we were hugging.   

Love you all so much!! Now we are headed off to the caves!! Enjoy the fun pictures!!

Sister Gunnell

P.S. Mother's Day is coming up (the 11th of May!) also my year mark/birthday!! Can you believe it?!! 

Sister Cowley and I at The London Temple with our new companions,
Sister Morgan and Sister Hickman

From: Camille Gunnell 

Subject:  No Way!!!

Date:  April 21, 2014 

Dear Family,

Orpington.. I asked the zone leaders if they said Orbington or Orpington.. never had heard of it.  It is Southeast of London probably 30 minutes from central London.  You will never guess who my new companion will be.  It is Sister Hickman from Blackfoot, Idaho!! As I was the Sister Trainer Leader in the Plymouth zone, she was in Exeter and I went on a couple of exchanges with her.  She is so cool and knows the Lovelands and went to the temple with one of them each week in high school.  I am so sad that I have to leave Jersey, but I know that this isn't the end and I will definitely be coming back here in my lifetime.  Sister Cowley and I will be catching a plane on Wednesday morning to the mainland. 

After that whole phone call, the elders rang and told us the news about .......  He wasn't going to be able to get baptised the next day.  He had some Word of Wisdom problems that he has to work on, but he will be ready soon.  It was weird because we had told all of the members about the baptism, the programs ready, and everything and then we didn't know what to do in this situation.. why doesn't Preach My Gospel have a part when if something goes wrong like this what to do ;) jk.  It is all in the Lord's hands though and I was ok.  I am totally over the part in my mission where I would get discouraged about things don't flow how "I" would like them to.  This is not my work. 

The next day at church word got around fast and it all worked out.  ....... is so strong though.  He even came to church!  It was a great meeting about the Atonement.  The members here are incredible.  I will miss them dearly, but I know that all members around the world are so great.  They will be great in Orpington too.  I am a little nervous about it being closer to London.  I don't know really what to expect because I have kind of been in more chillaxed areas... Cornwall and Jersey.  I feel like I am literally getting placed though in the best parts of the mission.  Orpington is near Kent.  It will be a fun, new experience.  I have just learned that during the mission you just have to learn to go with it. 

The members have made sure to me that if I ever want to come back there is definitely a place to stay.  

I will dearly miss all of these people, these great investigators and it all, but I love getting a small feel of how the pioneers felt as they left their homes to go to the promised land.  I have been privileged to be around the director of the British Pageant and the some of the main actors.. one has just been called our new Ward Mission Leader.  They are incredible people.  I received the soundtrack of the British Pageant and it is just great! I am so jealous that I will not be able to go to Nauvoo this summer to watch the Nauvoo and British Pageant be there.  It is a once in a lifetime deal this summer.  To get a little taste of what the British Pageant was like I will hopefully be able to send you a song.. my favourite from it.  I know mom you will like it.  

Memories are just the best.  I have had so many fond memories here that I will always treasure.  Now comes new beginnings.  I can become a better, stronger missionary as I head to Orpington.  I have heard that there are a lot of Africans there and there will be a lot of running from appointment to appointment.  We will see when I get there.  I love you all so much.  Easter Sunday was just beautiful.  "Because of Him" is absolutely stunning and I have watched it over and over again.  He lives! It is the best news!  I am so grateful to share this news and knowledge that I have with everyone!  

Love,

Sister Gunnell

Goodbye Sister Cowley

Goodbye Jersey

From: Camille Gunnell 

Subject: The Time Is Far Spent

Date: March 24, 2014

Dear Family,

How fun it was for me to scroll through all of the pictures.  I just feel so blessed to see all of you doing so well.  I can't believe that the time has come for my little brother to go on a mission.  He will love it.  He has been prepared for years to do what he is just starting.  Being a full-time representative of Jesus Christ is a huge responsibility, but there is so much protection and blessings that come by having this calling.  Missionaries are the same people and are in the same world, but receive armor and strength that comes by nothing from the world.  It is something that couldn't come from any other source than heaven. 

I promise you that I am having the exact same feelings as you all are having at home at this time.  I have no doubt that Heavenly Father has a great plan ahead for Bridger in the mission field.  I am so excited to see what lies ahead of him and hear the experiences that help his testimony grow and make him stronger.  Those times that make us stronger are usually not times where we want to be kept in them for long because they are uncomfortable. They are the times where you literally feel God's arms wrapped around you and somehow He lifts you up to do things you wouldn't be able to otherwise.  I am a Fellows.. I cry.  Right now I feel so strongly how much Heavenly Father loves me and all of His children.  The mission makes you always eager to feel the Spirit.  When you do, you know.  I am so blessed to know that my brother will be serving and working to help other people feel the mercy that comes from the Book of Mormon, the love of God and Jesus Christ, and the gospel, which ultimately sets us free.  And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me. Alma 26:10  The only we can feel of this mercy is by prayer.
 My heart is just full at this time. 

This day has made my whole week so much better.  This week was full of trying to find people to teach like every week in the mission field.  The days do go by pretty fast though when I keep my mind thinking about good thoughts.  I love thinking about memories and they just make me start laughing out of no where.  I am so blessed for my good life.  There always things that can keep us from being happy.. all you have to do is just think of something negative and then something else negative comes to mind and it goes on an on.  It is the same if we think a happy though.. then it goes to more happy thoughts.  We decide which road to go down.  We have so much power in us. 

Create a good week!! God Be With You Til We Meet Again, Bridger, or should I say Elder Gunnell.  You will be great out there.  Don't EVER give up on yourself, on those people around you, on Heavenly Father, on your companion, and on the power of the scriptures.  Believe in yourself, in those people around you, in Heavenly Father, in your companion, and in the power of the scriptures.  This is to all of you. Believing brings peace.

I love you all so much!!

Love,

Sister Gunnell

Great contacts and investigators!

From:  Camille Gunnell 

Subject:  10 Months

Date: March 10, 2014

I just love you all so much!! This week was fabulous!! If every week was this one, WOWEE!! A lot of spiritual experiences occurred that made me firmer in the faith and helped me see how this really is the Lord's work.  I am just an instrument.  Really seeing the miracles that occur with the Lord is incredible.  There are no coincedences!!

To start it off we were able to invite two people to be baptized on the same day.  We found two people, one while knocking and one street contacting.  We went to teach and the Spirit was there.  In Preach My Gospel it says to invite the investigator to be baptized on the first teach.  The Spirit was there and I felt prompted to do so.  They both said yes.  I know that it is so important to teach the doctrine simply and clearly.  If they understand the doctrine, they will understand how relevant this message is to them.  This is just the beginning.  There is a lot to do now and we have to focus on these people a lot, but it is worth it.  I have realized just how important each person truly is to our loving Heavenly Father.  Everyone has different concerns and challenges they have to face. Heavenly Father knows that.  He knows His children.  It is just so great!

The attribute faith has really been on my mind lately.  I just think I feel like I have faith to see miracles happen.  I want to see these people be baptized.  I am willing to help them progress and teach them all that they need to know to do so.  I have enough faith to see this happen.  But.. it doesn't happen.  I think why?  I have the right desires right?  Heavenly Father wants His children also to have the gospel in their lives so why?  Why in some areas of the world is the gospel spreading so rapidly.  Isn't where I am at right now the same?  Is it me not having enough faith?  It is just all questioning.  I studied a couple of times last week during my personal study about faith.  The puzzle pieces just still weren't connecting to me.  I just said to myself fine I have had enough!! I am going to exercise my faith.  I have noticed a lot in the scriptures how faith leads to action!!  I wanted to act and try it out.  I also know for myself that prayers are answered.  I decided to be specific in my prayers.  I wanted Heavenly Father to see that I am relying on Him and I am letting myself go to what He wants me to do and say.  That is what I did.  Before we left the flat, I prayed.  I prayed with all of my heart to find someone that is really having family struggles and he/she needs peace.  I prayed that the person would feel of the Spirit and understand that the gospel can truly bless their life.  Well.. after I was just filled to the brim with the Spirit.  I was a little anxious to see what would happen.  We opened the door out into the world and boom.. lady walking down the street right in front of us.  Sister Cowley and I stopped her, spoke to her about families, bore our testimonies, listened to her, and were just in aw.  Her mother had passed away and it has been a really big struggle for her family and her.  We told her about the gospel and the Restoration a little bit.. how it can really bless her life.  She was interested and we have an appointment with her.  Ok.. that was the fastest prayer answered! Afterwards I just stopped, looked at Sister Cowley and we just smiled at each other and just said, "What just happened?"  It was simple and clear that there is more to this work than just us.  Faith works.  I just love it!!

I am probably in one of the most beautiful places in the world.. Flowers everywhere, You can see the coast pretty much everywhere we go.  It has been absolutely beautiful weather with the sun shining and birds chirping and seagulls doing their thing. Spring is here.  People are out and about loving life and enjoying God's creations!  I come in contact with such incredible people each day.. they usually don't want to listen to our message, but nothing is a coincidence.. we met them for a reason :)  I have the most inspired Mission President. I just feel blessed to be able to have him as my mission president.  I have a wonderful companion.  She loves the work, loves the scriptures, loves the people, and just loves life.  It is just good.  There is always things in life to bring us down, but when things are all around us that bring joy to our lives what is the point of letting something Rain on our PARADE?!  There are times where we cry hahah.. like last night talking to a manipulative lady that really really hurt our feelings.. but we just sat down shaked it off and kept going.  But those experiences are what truly make us stronger.  The Restoration is true and the priesthood is sacred.  I am learning so much!!  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth.  It is true:) I love you all!! Have a great week!!

Love,

Sister Gunnell

From:  Camille Gunnell 

Subject:  Is it really half way?

Date:  February 10, 2014 

The work here is going to begin to get huge.  The elders are seeing miracles happen and we will be soon too.  Every day has been so eventful since Sister Cowley is here.  It is so fun!! I love working with her.  She lifts me up so much.  Companions are a huge deal :) 

 This week we were able to go to a school and teach a classroom of kids.  It was all set up by a 16 year old member and she wanted us to come to her religious education class. It was one of the coolest things.  The elders and us went and just shared the truth :)  It was SO SWEET!! We gave out so many copies of the Book of Mormon.  One of the coolest things happened.  While we were talking about prophets, there was a kid that asked us the question "if the prophet has like deity and doesn't talk to everyone and kind of shuns like Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father would?"  I told him with all of my heart that I know that the prophet is not like that and would love talking to you.  Also, I know that I shouldn't have born my testimony in that setting, but I just said that will all of my heart I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ would never shun and think that they were better than you.  They love you and would wrap their arms around you, talk to you, and comfort you.  The kid afterwards came up to me, asked me for a Book of Mormon and said that he is really interested in all of this.  I know that the Spirit was able to bear witness at that moment to him that Jesus Christ loves him unconditionally.  I was so grateful to be able to do that.  These three missionaries that are out here on the island with me are just incredible.  Like seriously.. I am just astonished by how swiftly they share the gospel.  I am just blessed to be around them and to be able to hear their testimonies.  It is a good life :) 

I was able to have a steak this week :)  We were invited to go to a restaurant with a guy that has been investigating for a couple of years.. He is a Jehovah's Witness and just kind of bible bashes, but he is a nice guy.  It was so good!! I think that I will be able to handle another 9 months without steak. 

Great sisters from their Jersey Ward

Investigating the Island on P-day with Elder Jackman and Elder Kirk