Cork 12/28/2105

Hello

It was so good to talk to my family on Christmas! It took a little while to adjust back but I loved it.

In Ireland, there is a lot of drinking around the holidays.  For instance, they celebrate the “Twelve Pubs of Christmas”.  During Christmas and New Years, we received permission from the Mission President to watch “U” rated movies because it is difficult to have teaching appointments.

After Skyping we ate Christmas dinner at the Branch President’s house . We had ham, turkey, fried potatoes and mashed potatoes. After that, we went to the Kagari’s house.  They are another family in the Cork Branch. 

The day after Christmas, Ronan was baptized by Brother Quirke. It was so great. I got really emotional because Ronan has made a wonderful choice in following Jesus Christ! The rest of the day we spent at the Stapleton's (Branch President’s House). We spent the day watching 3 movies that you could probably guess..The Star Wars Original Trilogy. It was so awesome! I hope the other missionaries didn't get annoyed because I quoted a lot of lines during the movies!

On Sunday, Ronan was confirmed a member of the church and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost during Sacrament Meeting, you could feel the spirit so strong!

I have to say this Christmas was so amazing and one of my favorites!

It’s so good to hear from you and all the support, because that really helps!

Hope you have a great week!!

Love,

Elder Joseph Udy

                                              Me / Ronan / Brother Quirke / Elder Olsen 

Cork 12/21/2015

We had a Branch Christmas party and it was so fun. We organized a service project to collect toiletries for woman in crisis and their children. It was a great success.

On Saturday I will witness my first Baptism!! We have been teaching Ronan, who is getting baptized.  He is so awesome. HE already seems like a member already!! This is going to be an awesome first Christmas as a Missionary!!

Anyways Christmas is coming up. I hope you all have a safe wonderful Christmas! Remember the real meaning of Christmas because Jesus Christ is truly the best Christmas gift ever!

                                                          Cork Branch Christmas Party

Cork 12/14/2015

So my wish came true, I'm staying in Cork for Christmas!!

This week has been really weird.   I was sick for most of the week. I stayed in the flat for almost 2 days and I'm still sick. I'm glad I brought medicine from home because the medicine here is very weak.

On Wednesday, we had our ALL IRELAND Conference. Elder Kearon of the Seventy taught us most of the day. He told us that we should attack everything we do. We should attack our mornings, so that we can have a really good and positive day. I took his advice and have been trying to do that. My mornings have been getting better!

On Saturday, the Sister Missionaries in Cork had a baptism for their Investigator Hannah.  We went to the baptism and it was so amazing. Afterwards we went to the Kagari's for some tacos. I can’t lie, the tacos were really good.

One of the Sisters Missionaries, Sister Skagen is from Scranton PA (A.K.A the Office). We talk a lot about Wegmans because they have Wegmans there!

On Sunday, all of the Missionaries put on a music Fireside. I was the tech guy, of course, I was in charge of the computer and videos. One of the videos we watched was the Piano Guys Christmas Video.  I really liked the songs they performed in it.

I can’t wait to Skype you all on Christmas, I know it will be a very special Christmas!

I hope everyone is able to have their own missionary experiences. You don't have to be a missionary to share the gospel. Just open your mouth!!

Hope you all have a great week!

I love and Miss you all!

Love,

Elder Joseph Udy

 A Cork Christmas The photo- (Left to right) Me, Elder Olsen, our investigator Gunhui, Elder Christiansen, and Elder Van Staden

Cork 12/7/2015

Hello:

We have had a ton of rain in Cork. We have some bad storms coming in.

On Saturday, we had a “Meet the Mormons” event for all investigators in Cork. It was a success and the Branch President even said it was fun! Later that night we went to the Kagari's House for a Thanksgiving dinner. It was really good!

Currently, we have two of our investigators with a Baptismal date. One is Bethan, who is 16 and from Wales. She can feel the spirit so strong. She is set to be baptized in early January.

The other person is a man named Gunhui, who is from South Korea. He is super solid and wants to baptized!

This Wednesday we are having an All-Ireland conference with Elder Kearon, of the Quorum of the Seventy.

This Sunday we get our transfer calls so it will be interesting! 

I'm so happy to hear from you it makes my week a lot better!

                                                                       

                                               Cork Missionaries at the Blarney Castle

Cork 11/30/2015

It’s been a crazy week! I can’t believe it’s almost December!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. I miss having Thanksgiving dinner. All that Ireland has is weekend Black Friday sales and the whole city of Cork has been really busy this week.

I went to the Blarney Castle last week.  It was awesome! I got some really good pictures! I was terrified because to kiss the stone you have hang upside down while the guy holds your legs so you don't fall and die.

I went on exchanges with other Elders three times last week. It’s really cool to travel around southern Ireland a lot. On Tuesday, I went with Elder Hansen, one of the zone leaders. He is such a great leader and helped me work on my goal of simplicity.

On Friday, I went to Tralee to go on exchanges with Elder Beveridge. He is so awesome and he gave me his ukulele so now I have 2!

On Saturday I went on exchanges with Elder Christiansen who is from Canada. We taught a really awesome restoration lesson to a French man named Fredrick!  I could understand some of his French, but didn’t get to speak any.

I am really enjoying the food here. I learned how to make something called a Samoan. It is just Raman noodles and scrambled eggs combined and put on a sandwich!

I might stay in Cork at the next transfer, but wherever the President wants me to go, that’s where I’ll go. I would love to stay in Cork!

Yesterday the Church launched the 2015 Christmas initiative with the new video. I invite you to take a look at christmas.mormon.org and think of someone you could share this with. The Birth of Savior is center of Christmas and is the ultimate gift because we have the chance to live with our Heavenly Father again. The whole world should know of the Birth of Christ and how great a gift that is. That has always been my favorite part of Christmas and I want others to know of the Joy I feel from it!

I love and miss you all and hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for all the prayers and mail. I love rereading letters that I get in the mail because they make me happy.  Have a great week!

                                                                      Blarney Castle

                                                                 At the Blarney Castle                   

Kissing the Blarney Stone

Cork 11/23/2016

Family,

It’s been a wonderful week with some ups and downs.

We had a record of dinner appointments this week which was 3. We usually don't get that many but it was amazing to go and visit with the church members!

My companion is good and he speaks English well.

It’s getting colder so I have to dress warmer! I bought a winter hat. I also bought an inexpensive backpack because all the other missionaries have them and it supports my back better. I use it when I am out.

Elder Cook traded me his Ukulele before he left so I’ve been learning some church songs on it. I can play “Come Thou Fount” on it!

Sister Kagari and another member named Britney (Both from America) are having an American Thanksgiving dinner on the 5th that we are going too!

On Saturday we had an All-Ireland Conference in Dublin. We were blessed to hear from Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It was amazing to shake his hand and hear him speak! When I shook his hand I knew that he was truly an Apostle of the Lord. I felt the spirit strongly as he instructed us!

Our Mission President talked about the importance of “Ponderizing” (pondering or thinking about scriptures) and that when we do that we have no room for bad thoughts to come into our mind only good!

I gave my talk on the how the Atonement blesses my life yesterday. I’ll have to send it to you in the coming weeks! I wasn't nervous and I gave it all by memory with the help the Holy Ghost. Everyone said they liked it so that made me happy!

I’m glad everything back home is going well!

Ireland is amazing and it is awesome to serve here in Cork, Ireland!

Love,

Elder Joseph Udy

                                                                     Cork At Night

Cork 11/16/2015

Today marks 2 months being out.

This week has been very crazy because of transfers.

Tuesday, Elder Cook and Elder Arave left so I was with Elder Van Staden for the day.

On Wednesday Elder Van Staden and I got up early to walk 2 hours to the Cork City bus station to catch a bus to Limerick. When we got to Limerick I traveled to Dublin for the day with the Zone Leaders. We went shopping and touring around Dublin because it was Preparation-Day. We went to a mall and they had a Star Wars section there. The other Dublin Elder and I gathered around because they were showing the New Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer there. It was so exciting and we were all bouncing around.

That night Elder Olsen came in from the Dublin Bus station and we drove to Limerick and we stayed there for the night.

Elder Olsen is an awesome missionary. He loves chocolate so we always get tons of chocolate. He is a great teacher and he is very humble. I look forward to this next transfer with him!

Elder Ballard is coming to Dublin on Saturday so all the missionaries in Ireland get to go to an All-Ireland-Conference. I am really excited.

I was asked to speak in church on Sunday in the Cork Branch.

It’s been really windy and cold here.

We were told by the Mission President that we should stay clear of Public gatherings/events because of the Terrorist attacks on Paris. 

It’s been such an exhausting week but the New Transfer is here and it’s time to get working hard.

I appreciate all the emails and prayers!

Love,

Elder Joseph Hyrum Udy

                                          A View From Dublin

Rice Crispy Treats We Made for Church Members

Cork: 11/9/2015

Hello Family,

Yesterday we got our moves to see if we are staying or moving to a different area.  I am staying in Cork. I love all the members here. They have a funny Irish sense of humor.  Elder Cook is going to Glasgow to be a Zone leader. Elder Arave one of the other elders in our flat is going there as well. Elder Van Staden, from South Africa, is staying and we are getting two new elders. Elder Olsen is my new companion.  He is from Denmark and has been out 6 or 7 months.  Everyone says he’s a really good missionary so I’m really excited. I will probably see him on Wednesday night or Thursday when he gets here.

I love not having electronics. I don’t really miss it. It’s good not to have that distracting you all the time

Not much really happened this week.  It’s just been a very busy week leading up to transfers.  We have been cleaning our flat so when we have new elders come in they can be impressed.

It’s been really rainy and cold here so I have to bundle up.

I did get to go to Tralee for exchanges. They filmed part of Star Wars there.  I’m jealous that I’m not in that area. I got to go with Elder Jamieson. We talked a lot about star wars on our breaks. There is a senior couple in Tralee.  They fed us sloppy joes.

I'm glad everything is going well back home. Thank you for the prayers and emails.

I miss you all.

Love,

Elder Joseph Udy

                                          Elder Van Staden and I

                                          Elder Arave (next to me) , Elder Cook and I

Cork: 11/2/2015

Answer to questions:

We get 2 hours to email every P-Day

If we email at the Internet Cafe it costs 2 Euros and the library costs 4 Euros. We get reimbursed for it so it doesn't matter where we go.

Elder Cook is awesome. He is such an awesome missionary/trainer. We get along so well.

The only kids we have in the branch that come every week are the Branch Presidents and District Presidents kids.

We had an interesting Halloween. Halloween was very crazy in the Cork City Centre  It was hard to really have discussions with people on the street because they were too busy getting ready for parties or going to the pub.  We went to a church party where they had a “trunk or treat” and a haunted house.  We had to go inside at 6 pm because of mission rules. We were allowed to go to a church member’s home named Paul during that time. He cooks some really good Nigerian Food. He says I look like a Military man.

On Sunday, I was able to confer the Aaronic Priesthood on a recent convert named Brandon. Brandon is originally from Oklahoma City and his mom is from Texas. Brandon is 18 and he and his mom moved here to get a better life.  It was an amazing experience for me.  He reminds me a lot of Dallin because he loves Kevin Durant/OKC Thunder and shoes.

The Rain here is random and its on and off a lot. Instead of buying Under Armor, I’ve been wearing my Adidas Sweat Pants under my pants. They actually work out pretty well.

I got a haircut today. I went to a Turkish Barber and they did really good. I'll send a picture of that as well.

I bought a MP3 player to listen to music. One of the missionary who used to be in cork left a speaker behind so I’m going to use that.

I also got my Irish Visa today. It was a long and hard process but it’s finally over.

Our investigators are progressing but they struggle to come to church.  I'm so grateful for the chance to share the Gospel with the people of Ireland.

I'm glad everything is going good back home. As the Irish would say, “I Miss Ye Aw”.

Thanks for the email and pictures!

                                                                       Brandon and I

Cork 10/26/15

Things are going great here in Cork.  We have a few solid investigators. Some I feel are ready for baptism. We have been meeting and talking to a lot of people on the streets.

We went to Limerick last Tuesday to go on exchanges. I saw Elder Davis, my companion from the Mission Training Center.  That was fun. 

It was Jazz Weekend so the city was very busy. There were 10+ bands on the streets playing. The night gets scary because a lot of people go drinking at the pubs.  We have to be careful because a lot of people get mugged at night.

This week I started to break down the Book of Mormon each verse at a time. I label each topic in a different color.

Last Pday I got a NYPD Gaelic Football Jersey and its really comfortable.

To answers some questions...

How is the branch(aka congregation)?

As branch missionaries, we are trying to reactivate members.  We are trying to fellowship them by getting to know them better.

The Cork Branch is very nice. All the missionaries have to sing in the Branch choir. I try to get out of singing by Helping with the Sacrament.  We have a Halloween party for the Cork Branch this Friday and the Young Men want us to be part of their Haunted House.  

Where do you go to send emails?

We go to a internet cafe because its the cheapest place to go.

How are you handling the cold?

This week has been very rainy and cold. I am getting good use out of my Sweater.

Did you buy under armor (to keep warm) yet?

I didn't  get to buy my under armor yet because most of the shops are closed today because it is a bank holiday.

Did you get your package?

I did get my Package when I went up to Limerick. I love all the decorations and candy. I think the other elders love the masks.

How do you get around in Cork?

We don't have bikes so we usually have to take the bus or walk. It was hard for me to walk far at first but it gets easier every day.  I love walking the streets here because there are usually Street Performers on every street.

I am glad everything is going well at home.

Cork 10/19/2015

Bonjour,

It is crazy that I've been out a month already.  The weeks are flying by.

To answer some of your questions:

The Church is doing great. The members are so friendly.

We've only eaten at a member’s house twice. On Wednesday we ate at a member’s house names Kagaris. Sister Kagaris is actually from around San Antonio. We had Chicken and chips at their house. Then we went to the church to teach the Young Men on Missionary work. They made us some really good milkshakes.

On Saturday night we went to a member’s house.  His name was Paul. Paul is from Nigeria. He made us some really good pasta and chips.

We have chips (fries). My companion got so tired of calling fries chips.  We talked about all the good American food we love.

People serve us a lot of Fanta. It is different than in the U.S. It has orange juice in it. I think it tastes weird but good.

We haven’t gotten IPads yet, hopefully we get them soon because my side bag is getting heavy.

Ireland weather has been so weird. It gets so cold then can be really warm.  Right now it is really chilly. I wish I would have brought some Thermals because my arms and legs get cold.

It’s been interesting so far but I love it. On Thursday I went on exchanges with Elder Arave. We went up the highest hill in Cork just to see a member who didn’t end up being there, but the view was amazing. 

Since we don’t have bikes here we either drive into town or use the bus.

I ate another Kebab on Saturday.  It was really good.

On Sunday, we almost had to use tortilla shells for the sacrament because no one had the bread.

Elder Cook wrestles me every night. He always beats me even though he is 50 pounds lighter than me because he is a wrestler. 

Tomorrow I go to Limerick on exchanges with one of the Zone Leaders so that will be fun

Most of the people are really nice here. Most nights it is hard to stop people to talk because they are too busy going to the pub to watch rugby.

The power of prayer is so great because of what I’ve learned this week. Heavenly Father is always there and is always there to give comfort to those who need it.

I invite everyone to share their testimony when they have the chance because the spirit comes so strong when you share.

‘Hope everyone is doing well.

Love,

Elder Udy

                                          Irish Bagpipers

                                         
                                          View From The Top of Cork

Cork 10/12/15

Its been a busy week since Ive last emailed. 

Since my companion, Elder Cook is a district leader I get to go on a bunch of exchanges.

Tuesday October 6th
I went on exchanges with an Elder named, Elder Beverage. It was an OK day. We went looking for people to teach all day but didn't really find anyone.

Wednesday October 7th

I went on exchanges with Elder Jamieson.   Today we had lots of success. Its proves that with a lot of faith we can accomplish great things. We ate Subway for lunch that day. Subway is a lot cheaper here. I got a foot long, a drink and 3 cookies for about 7 euros. I think things here are somewhat cheaper.

Thursday October 8th 

I got to attend my first Zone Conference. The zone conference was in Limerick so it was about a 2 hour drive from Cork. We got there early so we ate McDonald's. The one thing I'm not sure i like about Ireland is that there are no public bathrooms, so i ether have to go to the branch building or pay 20 cents to use some nasty ones in the middle of the city. During the conference we all had interviews with our mission president, President Donaldson. I enjoyed meeting with him. I told him how amazing this first week has been. For lunch we ate KFC. They brought tons of chicken to the church building. I didn't eat that much because I didn't want to get sick but Sister Donaldson insisted. After we ate we had some more instruction. Elder Davis is in my zone so i got see him there, so that was great. It was an enjoyable day.

Friday October 9th 

We taught a few investigators in the morning. We went finding most of the day. I stopped this one guy from the University and asked him about some of his interests.   He said he liked street preforming. He sang Rocky Raccoon by the Beatles in the middle of the city for us. It was great!. To end the day we had something really interesting happen. We started talking to a guy by the Library. He ended up being a bible preacher so he started to bash with Elder Cook and I. He was really rude to us.   He tried to cast a demon out of Elder Cook.  

Saturday October 10th 

It was a really cold day, we taught a couple of lessons at the library. We didn't find many people to teach because of the weather. We did have some good hot chocolate. We were suppose to teach a drug addiction class at the church but no one showed up.

Sunday October 11th

We attended Branch Council early that morning. It was interesting because it was my first time at such a meeting.   I got to pass the sacrament, so that was fun. Most of our investigators came to church so that was good. After our weekly planning, we went looking for people to teach around our flat.   A lot of people were drunk because Ireland won that night, so it was very productive night.

Monday October 12th

We went grocery shopping in the morning. At noon we took a bus into town to go shopping. There is a store called Penney's. Its basically a cheep version of of JCPenneys. I bought some gloves there because my hands get cold when we are outside. All The Elders and Sisters went to a place called Rockin Joes for lunch. It is  basically all American food. I had chicken fingers for lunch and a Kit Kat shake. 

For food we have a lot of Pasta and burritos. I

I went suit shopping today but i didn't find any that I liked so we have to keep looking.
Thanks for all the letters.  I miss you guys!

                                                          At my flat

                                                           Elder Cook and I

From England to Scotland and then on to Cork, Ireland

So I left the MTC on Wednesday the 30th. Elder Davis and I and some others traveled up to the Mission Home in Edinburgh. When we got there we were greeted by the president. We went hiking up pratts hill after that. 

Later that day, we were assigned our trainers. My trainer is Elder Cook. He is from Idaho.

During the evening. we went street finding in Edinburgh. It was interesting. It was my first time, since I didn't get to go in the MTC because i had to pick up my brp.

We stayed at the mission home that night so we could travel the next day.

I was assigned to serve in The Cork, Ireland District with Elder Cook.

My companion and I left Edinburgh, Scotland and on bus to catch a ferry to Belfast Ireland.

The Ferry was fun. I ate some good fish and chips and some Irn Bru.

When we arrived we took a bus from Belfast to Dublin.

In Dublin we got some good Pizza.

Since my trainer is a district leader. we picked up his car and drove 3 hours to our Flat in Cork.

We share a flat with two other elders. Elder Arvey and Elder Hansen.

The whole weekend (Friday and Saturday) we went Finding around the college (UCC).

I got a couple of peoples numbers myself.

On saturday we went teaching with a member named Brian. He loves protein powder and lifting weights. So we went shopping for protein powder with him. Dallin would probably like him.

Sunday we watched general conference all day. All the Talks were so good.

Today we went to go apply for my Ireland Visa. We stood in line for 3 hours but they closed so i have to go back.

In the Scotland/Ireland Mission, it is tradition for the Missionaries to get Kabaptized. The elder or sister has to eat Donner Kebab (baptism) then after drink a Coke (Holy Ghost). So all the Elders and sisters in the area got together to watch me eat one. It was actually pretty good. Even though its slaughtered lamb.

Anyways, everything is going well. There is so many miracles I've seen that I can't wait to share.

                                                           The Ferry to Belfast Ireland

                                                              Eating Donner Kebab

                                          Gordon B Hinkleys Flat when his was on his mission

                                                              "Pratt's Hill"  

Mission Training Center

Everything is going really well. I got called to a companionship of 3. My companions are Elder Davis, who is going to Scotland/Ireland, and Elder Ebisch. I actually got called to be the District leader of my district here at MTC. We have to do a lot of learning and teaching role play investigators. The food is great and interesting. I've felt the spirit so strongly as we pray and study to teach our investigators.

Its been kind of hard here because I have two companions and I'm district leader. I've done more praying then I've ever had before and I love the feeling 

Yesterday we gave a blessing to one of the Sisters In my district, Sister Pike. During that blessing i received inspiration to switch one of lessons, to the Book of Mormon, for a investigator named Falon. The lesson went so well and I'm glad i acted on the spirit.

Today we went to the Temple. Its so nice. Its on the same property as the MTC. The Temple was so nice inside. I loved being with all the Missionaries in the Temple.

 

 My district

Preston Temple

One Week to go