I'm in SCOTLAND!..and it's a wee bit different

Hello Everyone!

Wow! Scotland was a HUGE culture shock! Seriously! It's just across the sea and the people are entirely different. I almost just wanted to cry during the first few lessons because I honestly could not understand the people at all! (TV Scottish, and Scotland Scottish are totally different). No worries. I've been praying for the gift of interpretation (if that one exists) and I feel as though I am rapidly grasping the way they speak. It's kind of hard to mimic because they just kind of slur all their words together, don't pronounce consonants, and when they talk in groups of 3-4 they can't even understand each other (The lady at the bus stop verified this for me).

The good news though is that they are very accommodating. While in Ireland, everyone was face friendly (would always say hello to you as you passed) and here they don't; In Scotland they tend to be more willing to stop and chat and carry on a conversation. So I hope to be seeing more results! :D

My new companion is Elder Hensley. He is from Lacey Washington! He is a good man and a good missionary. This is his last six weeks and then he goes home.

Another interesting thing about Elder Hensley is he has a Kilt! I encouraged him to wear it and we took pictures. It was actually quite interesting to see how it all was worn & what-not. And contrary to popular belief, it is not a skirt J

The mission merger has been different, but good. I am excited to grow from the strengths that I see around me. It has been really interesting to have traveled through 4 countries on my mission so far! (England, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland!)

I dare say that few people will be able to say that! I think what I like most about this merger has been the opportunity to see things from an entirely new point of view. It might have been the same as combining with the Japan mission, just considering how different the missionaries are and such. I consider myself blessed to have been able to see the MTC (Missionary Training Center), the IDM (Ireland Dublin Mission) and now the SIM (Scotland Ireland Mission). It's been a blessing of different cultures, ideas, and beliefs. I'm especially encouraged because I have been seeing how important education has been and is, in my life. I am constantly searching for ways to advance my knowledge, and I have realized that when I get angry or upset or refuse an opportunity because of the way I feel (emotional reasoning). I merely deny myself the opportunity to be what God sees in me.

I love serving a mission. I'm going to see if they'll let me stay out here for another two years J;

Maybe so, maybe not.

I love you all!

-Elder Stephen C Beacham