Enjoy his latest update.
NiHao Everyone!
This week has been a good one. We have had a lot of opportunities to teach and feel the Spirit.
I hopefully will answer everyone's questions through this email.
Companions:
Elder Anderson and Elder Thacker both have very strong testimonies and are very committed missionaries, however, it is sometimes evident that I am the older one of the three of us. Its definitely been an opportunity for me to work on my patience. They are both accomplished volleyball players, a favorite activity of our zone during exercise time. I, of course, am not the best when it comes to sports, coordination, or anything related to the use of a ball...so I kind of stick to my running and push-ups, sit-ups, and the casual entrance into a game. We've had a couple of good lessons this week, and a couple of ones where we learned a lot. I learned this week that teaching by the Spirit doesn't necessarily mean that the lesson can't have a direction. It is my job as a missionary to focus on the needs of the investigator, and if their questions could be answered at a later time/when they are better ready to receive the answer, the Spirit will guide.
Food:
There is a LOT of food at the MTC, BUT I CAN'T MAKE ANY OF IT! I'm desperate to make a batch of cookies right now, or a pound cake, or ANYTHING!!! Elder Thacker is also a chef of sorts, so its been cool to hear what he likes to make as well.
Classes:
Classes are tough, but there is always a chance to learn something. My district has learned how to recite the missionary purpose and Moroni 10:5 in Mandarin already! We are also working on the First Vision right now, and have a goal to memorize it by Saturday. We have some great teachers who always bring the Spirit with them. They also act as previous investigators they taught on their missions in role-play type scenarios for us to practice. I have a lesson to teach with each of my "investigators" tomorrow.
One of my teachers said something that I've been thinking about a lot lately. Sis. Wood (Wu Jie Mei) walked into class and asked what miracles we've seen today. We also learned in a devotional this week that it is our choice to be happy, and if we choose not to be, we are basically refusing the Atonement. I have been praying lately to feel happier and see the miracles that happen everyday, and I challenge you all to do the same.
District Leader:
As a DL, I have to attend a weekly meeting in Branch Council. We have a recently called Branch Pres who just got back from being a Mission Pres is El Salvador. Pres. Young is a good guy. I also have to conduct twice-weekly district meetings and call on people to say prayers and assign them to teach classes on Sunday. Its been a good opportunity for me to lead and I hope will provide for good experience in the field.
Fun Stuff:
Language is coming along. I have learned this week the importance of using proper tones in Mandarin. Every word has a specific way it needs to be pronounced/influnctated in order to make sense, or give the proper definition the speaker intends. I learned that we need to be very careful how we share the First Vision; "This is my Beloved Son" sounds much better that "This is my Midget..."
We have two weekly devotionals, and one of them was given by Jenny Oaks Baker and her family. She is the daughter or Dallin H. Oaks and is a Juilliard violinist. She performed and bared her testimony through scripture and music to us all on Sunday. I love the power of music, and seeing people pursue their talents with the help of God. It gives me hope for my future, and reminds me the reason God gives His children their talents.
Also, I ran into a few people I know from my Hale days. Shaunna (Catch Me If You Can) and Rob (Mary Poppins) were at last night's devotional, and I couldn't believe I was seeing them. I miss my theatre people so much. In fact, I miss everyone!
Your prayers and thoughts are very much appreciated. I am so grateful to have people at home thinking about me. I love you all!
Wo Ai NiMen!
Elder Butters (Bao ZhangLao)
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