Photos From Christmas Week

Tracting in a shipyard does not produce many investigators but it produced great evening views of the city!

Mission Christmas Party!

District White Elephant Gift Exchange! Benjamin received tubs of Body Butter (everyone thinks it is great that his name is Butters and that in Chinese, it is a food!)

The homemade pillow case and body butter that Benjamin received!

Trying to get all the Christmas gifts and Elder McKean's bicycle home from the mission home after the Christmas party!

Elder Smith who is described as a "Nut Job".

District Lunch for Christmas Eve.

A Merry Christmas from San Francisco.

Elder Kotiah and Benjamin participated in a Christmas game at the YSA Christmas party.

This boy makes crepes for Christmas breakfast for his fellow missionaries! Not a bad guy to live with, if you ask me.

A Christmas Letter

ShengDan KuaiLe, Everyone!

Merry Christmas to you all! This is the best time of the year! In addition to being apart of all the hustle and bustle, we have had a week full of miracles!

Tracting has continued as usual, but this week has helped us to yield some great concrete results. We tracted into a young man named Gilbert last week, as he said we could return to teach him a little more. We did so Saturday morning, and managed to share with him a little more about God as our Heavenly Father. We also left him with a copy of the Book of Mormon, and he seemed pretty intrigued by the idea of developing a personal relationship with God through prayer. He is a YSA, so will be passed to the English Elders should he become a new investigator, but Elder McKean and I both loved the fact that we got to teach a little.

The real miracle comes from one of the referrals we received a few weeks ago! Kai Wang visited the Salt Lake City Visitors Center a few weeks ago, and gave the sister missionaries there his contact information. Due to finals and being busy as a college student, he was unable to meet with us recently.Friday night, we invited him to our Branch Christmas Party in a hop e to get to know him a little in a fun environment. He CAME! Our members talked to him throughout the night, and loved being with him. We learned a little more about his recent graduation as a Hospitality Management Major, and his love of video games and sports. Having some other missionaries there to fellowship him really helped as well. Anyway, the miracle of it all is that while there, we managed to teach him a little basic doctrine, and were able to solidify a return appointment upon his return from travelling a few weeks from now! We FINALLY have a new investigator, and both Elder McKean and I are thrilled. It was a true blessing to meet Kai, and we are really looking forward to teaching him. 

I've also had some great studies this week. I've been in the chapters of Alma where Alma is sharing his departing counsel to his three sons. I loved Alma 37:38-47, encouraging all of us to "look unto God and live!" What a miraculous promise! I also found a lot of insight into the missionary purpose by reading Alma 39:16: we are to help God's children to receive the word He has to offer them by the time of His Secomd Coming. We prepare their hearts, and that is all we can do. I hope to continue to try hard to prepare people's hearts. 

Christmas has been fun! We've had countless events and dinners aside from the Branch Christmas Party, which has helped to make this a very memorable Christmas for me. We had a District Gift Exschange, and everyone likes to capitalize on the fact that my last name is "Butters..." I got three tubs of Body Butter from Elder Smith...clever. We also had a great traditional missionary Christmas Zone Conference at the temple. Elder McKean and I have been having a blast in our apartment lately, talking adn shoting each other with NERF guns (He's shot me about six times in the face and head today already...the welts I got were fun!) This year is a very different Christmas to the one I experienced last year in the MTC. I am SO grateful that I get to spend my second and final Christmas as a missionary in San Francisco. I love this city! I love teaching people about my Savior and His Life and Birth! He LIVES!!!

I love you all! Thanks to all of those who remembered me all throughout the holiday season. We have so much sugar and warm clothes in our home, its great! I hope not to gain weight over the next few days.....

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Wo Ai NiMen!

Elder Butters/Bao ZhangLao

Elder McKean's First Trip To The Bridge (and Christmas!)

The Christmas Box arrives at the apartment and Elders Smith, Kotia, and McKean, seem to think it suits them just fine!  There won't be much to open on Christmas Day but perhaps the food will last long enough to keep the smiles until then.

This guy knows how to get his companions out for a day on the Bridge - for most it is there first time there.  Another nine weeks in San Fran for this kid (at least) and he couldn't be happier.

Elder McKean having his first PDay at the Bridge - this is a tradition for the new San Francisco elders to be taken out to the Bridge with their companions on their first PDay.  Good plan, I think.

58th Email: Messy Gingerbread House, Roasted Potatoes and Couscous

DaJia Hao!

This week has been a pretty normal one for us. Its been one in which I've learned a lot from the examples of those around me. Finally, its starting to feel a little more like Christmas, too!

We've been tracting like crazy this week in an area called Bayshore. Its one of the more humble areas in the city, so we hoped that the people living there would be a little more responsive to our message. We spent hours down there, knocking and met with rejection, but some interesting gospel related conversations in between. One day in particular, when we had spent WAY too much time in traffic, we only had tie to ring a few doorbells, the last one of which we ran was opened by a man named Mr. Liu. We introduced ourselves, and he quickly explained to us that he has no idea who God is. I can't imagine living without a knowledge of Heavenly Father. What's exciting is that we have planned to stop by next Saturday to teach him a little more. Mr. Liu is among one of a few potentials we have found in this new area, and we are excited for some increased prospects. This week we want to try talking a little more about the Plan of Salvation and Family History in our finding efforts. Hopefully the change from the usual "share the First Vision on the doorstep" approach will yield some more potentials and exciting results.

I have had a lot of fun with Elder McKean this week! He is a great missionary, and had already taught me a lot about faith. On Sunday after our Branch Council meeting, after feeling particularly frustrated, he pulled me aside and reminded me that missionary work "is not about our own glory." I was humbled by his comments and reassurance, and even more so by his undying faith. Training has continued to be a blessing to me. We have a lot of fun with our friends, Elder Kotiah and Elder Smith, who serve in the Sunset and YSA Wards that meet in our chapel as well. We built a crazy gingerbread house with them as part of the YSA Christmas party. Seriously, my little sister Dorothy would be proud of how much candy was loaded on this bad boy!

We had the chance to do a LOT of service this week, and that always feels good around this time of year! Because we didn't have many scheduled appointments, we decided to fill our time being "in the service of our fellow beings," thus "being in the service of [our] God." The time I've spent serving in my mission has helped me to become quite the weed-puller and roasted-potato-scooper! Useful skills for my future, I'm sure!

My District is doing very well. The Chinese sisters are very busy and are working very hard with all of their recent excitement involving a date scheduled for the 30th. We pray as a district over the phone every night together, and it has really brought us closer together. I'm grateful to be working with them. 

I'm grateful for the incredible Christmas Season! I cannot believe I get to celebrate it in San Fran this year! Should be a memorable Christmas!

Have a great week! I love you all and wish you all the best!

Elder Butters/Bao ZhangLao

Photos From A Busy (Not Particularly Successful Week)

At the top of a long stairway near Benjamin's apartment, is this gorgeous sunrise view. The companionship climb the stairs for exercise and are rewarded by this sunrise!

The view from Bernal Heights across the Bay.  What a lovely place to live.

At Land's End during a Planning Session break.  I think this man likes living by the ocean!

In awe of his character writing and his willingness to serve the people he is working with.  This letter is written to Rebecca, a woman who was going to get baptized but cancelled and Benjamin felt impressed to send her a Christmas card.

The perfect tree sent to the apartment by Grandma Reynolds!  The guys did a nice job decorating.

The box filled with goodies alongside the Christmas tree.  So much gratitude for people taking good care of these good missionaries.

Week 57: Look Through Heaven's Eyes

NiHao, Everybody!

On a mission, the weeks seem like days, and the days seem like weeks. This week was no different. 

As always, we are still trying to find investigators to teach, and I have gotten a little down about our recent disappointing prospects. Its especially hard because I really want to give the best to Elder McKean for his first few weeks in the field. No one is interested, and all we want to or regularly meet with are busy...ugh...
We continue to knock doors, and that "opens" some great opportunities for us. This past week, we met a Philippino man named Salvador, and were able to teach him of the Apostasy, and left his doorstep with giving him a Book of Mormon. A highlight though, was contacting a woman named Dana Cheng. We knocked on her door Tuesday night, but she was busy playing Ma Jiang, so she brushed us off telling us to return during the weekend. We did so last night, and were able to pray with her on her doorstep. Both Elder McKean and I had the chance to bear testimony of the power of prayer to Dana, as well as to pray for her husband Byron, who is currently recovering from hip surgery. Its been interesting to see just how significant the little meetings we make and have can become.

We taught one of our less-active members this week as well. Bro. Tzeng is in the process of going blind, which is horrible, but the man has faith unlike anything I've ever known! Elder McKean shared with him the story of Enos, and explained that our faith in prayer should prompt us to do better at praying for those who need our help. In Enos' case, the apostate Lamanites. Thinking of others before yourself while you pray is a good way to add to the power of any prayer we say!

I've also found great hope in my studies this week. I've been reading in the Book of Mormon, Alma 26-32, and boy, was there some great doctrine therein! On one particularly frustrating day, I found Alma 31:38, saying that our trials are promised to be swallowed up in joy if we endure them! What a powerful promise. These chapters helped me to understand a little more about my personal desires to develop hope in this, the last transfer of 2017 (cannot believe its here!). Alma 32:21 defines faith as "a hope in things which are not seen, which are true." I In previous studies, I've come to define hope as having "confidence, optimism, and enthusiasm" in the Lord and his blessings. Placing my definition of hope into this scripture helped me to understand that I need to develop my faith just as much as my hope; the two are inseparably connected. I need to do better at having faith: confidence, optimism, and enthusiasm in my work and in the restored Gospel.

Christmas is well under way here in San Francisco. I'm SO EXCITED to spend the holidays here! We've gotten the chance to go around a little bit, see some gorgeous views from up on hills and streets around, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas! Its a little weird at times; because we're so busy, it almost just feels like any normal time of year. But, thanks to some awesome family, Elder McKean and I now have a house with a trimmed tree, Christmas pillowcases, and enough Peanut Butter/Chocolate candy to sink a ship! Man, I love this time of year. I love my Savior!

I'm grateful to be able to share the ups and the downs with all of you! I'm grateful for the Christmas season, and the time of reflection and love it is for our world. 

Love and best wishes to you all! 

Elder Butters/Bao ZhangLao

A New Companion, Goodbye Elder Li and A New Name Tag

Playing around in the grocery store with Elder Li's name tag.

Elder Li packs up to move back to Hayward - this is the second time Benjamin has helped him pack his things to go elsewhere.  Curious, whether they will cross paths again.

Elder McKean joins Benjamin as the junior companion for a while - after one week together, Benjamin reports that Elder McKean is fun, athletic and in tune with the spirit!

A visit to the mission home to exchange companions and make new friends.

Greg found his name tag from his mission in Taiwan.  We sent it to Benjamin wondering if he might like to wear it a few times on his own mission.  It has the old name of the church on it but we thought it would be a unique opportunity for Benjamin to walk around with his father close by.

M Is For Miracles

DaJia Hao!

This has been such a great week! We've been SUPER busy! So many blessings have come into our area!

Firstly, The nws you've all been waiting for...My "son" arrived! My new companion is Elder McKean, from Layton, UT. He is a great missionary; diligent, dedicated, humble, eager to learn, and lots of fun! He is a mountain-biker, and has worked previously at several bike shops. He is also a great skateboarder, soccer player, and very talented artist! His primary concern is in the language right now, as was mine first coming into the field (and at most times is still a concern), but he is already doing a great job!

He didn't arrive till Wednesday night, so I got to spend the day with Elder Kotiah while we waited for our new companions (he's an Elder in my District who is training, too!). We spent most of the day in the YSA area, where we ran into a few former investigators. One such former was a woman named Elizabeth, and she invited us in. We taught her the Restoration and also had the chance to pray with her. In reality this is nothing very special, but I'm grateful for every teaching opportunity I have, as I don't get to experience that very much. We also had a fascinating lesson on how Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. I learned that more than anything, it was a truly revelatory process.

Anyway, picking up Elder McKean was fun! We have seen a few miracles as a result of his arrival. We have been out tracting all week, as part of the new initiative Pres. Frandsen has applied into our mission! One afternoon, we decided to contact around a specific area not far from the beach, but we soon realized that tracting there was not being very fruitful. Elder McKean felt impressed to leave, and we made our way to a MUNI train to get back into the central part of the city. While on the train, we tried to talk with a lot of people, and used Mandarin to speak to one another. A man and his son overheard our conversation, and were very impressed to hear us speaking Chinese. We introduced ourselves, and came to know a little bit more about them; the Ying family just moved here from Ning Bo, China, and have spent the last three months looking for work. We managed to add them as potential investigators, leaving them with a pamphlet, an English Class card, and receiving their number in return. We plan to try to call them this week to make things more official. After we got off the train, one of the first doors we knocked was opened by an elderly woman named Mrs. Li, who was kind enough to listen to the First Vision. She doesn't seem as interested as the Ying's, but anyone willing to listen to us I consider to be a blessing! I was grateful for a companion who was inspired by the Spirit, and the mercies of the Lord to put those who are prepared into our path.

Since beginning my time in the field, we have focused on developing a new Christlike Attribute each transfer as a mission. For this, the final transfer of 2017, we've been given permission to choose which Attribute to focus on. I'm excited for this idea; I feel that it makes the goal much more personal for all of us! I have chosen to focus on Hope, and a lot of my studies this week focused on that attribute. Through reading Alma 26 I learned a lot about the confidence I need to have in my Heavenly Father, not only believing in, but expecting good things to come from my efforts. I want to improve the confidence I have in the Lord, my optimism toward the work/our goals, and my enthusiasm toward each and every day.

In other news of the week, we did service with Juan Cahua at his kitchen, attended Institute for our Branch, had a great testimony meeting (including a "break the fast" with the YSA Ward), and a good Weekly Planning session. I've never been busier, I don't think!

I love this time of year. Christmas is definitely something very, very special! I encourage you all to keep "Christ" in Christmas this year!

Love and joy to you all! Merry Christmas!

Elder Butters/Bao ZhangLao

Photos from A Great P Day Activity at Strawberry Hill

A District service project in the gardens at Strawberry Hill for P Day - riding home in a gardening truck was the highlight for sure!

The kid's still got it!  Hits the splits on an old stump......13 months in and everything still works like it should!

P Day breakfast with the district before District meetings.

The District - Benjamin will remain here after transfers on Tuesday and become a trainer to a new missionary arriving tomorrow!

Trainer and Thanksgiving

NiMen Hao!

Hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving! We definitely did over here in the Bay Area!

Before we get into that, we had some disappointments at the beginning of the week...Unfortunately, one of the Church Headquarters referrals we received (a woman named Donna Wu) finally returned some of our calls, and told us she wasn't interested in meeting with us...that was fun. 

But, regardless, the good definitely outweighed the bad this week! We have been trying to achieve a mission goal of helping 200 people be baptized since June of this year, and we only have 33 to go! In an effort to more fully achieve this goal, we have been asked to set 4:00-6:00pm everyday to go our and find new investigators! This can be done by tracting, street-contacting, whatever, all in an effort to find those truly prepared! We are already seeing great blessings from this initiative!Thanks to this new finding time, we have been much more diligent in trying to locate those prepared, especially closer to our apartment. Elder Li and I have tracted into several potentials these past few days, so we hopefully will get to add anew investigator soon!

I went on exchanges with Elder Fernandez this week, and he is a totally fun Elder. He goes home on Wednesday, so it was the last exchange in his mission! We did yard work and cleanup at Golden Gate Park, which I love, and had an incredible lesson with the Sunset Elders' current investigator, Glen. Glen shared with us his concerns about the difference between revelation from church leaders and personal revelation. Elder Fernandez pulled out a scripture from D&C 58 quite literally out of thin air, and it provided the answer to Glen's queries perfectly! I was in awe of the power of the Spirit during that lesson. It was a great motivator to me to keep up my studies and to more fully try to remain worthy of the Spirit.

Speaking of studies, I have learned some AWESOME things this week! Especially after the experience with Glen, I felt kind of down on myself and the current situation of our work. I was jealous of and coveted the opportunities English speaking missionaries have to teach and share meaningful testimony compared to a Chinese missionary such as myself. I read in Alma 20:29-30 the next day, which tells us that the Lord gives us specific trials and challenges individual to each of His children. It made me realize that my mission will have different struggles, but that those struggles were ones that the Lord intended for me to receive personally. Further studying the parables of Christ's life has really confirmed to me how personal the Gospel is to each of us, both in the way we chose to live it and the specific plans Heavenly Father has for each of us.

I am very proud of our District this week! Not only were we able to have a fun Thanksgiving together, but we were also able to achieve our District Baptismal Goal of three baptisms! We are all very excited about that effort and the blessings the Lord has given us. I hope we can further contribute to the 200 goal as it comes to a close over these next few weeks.

By way of Thanksgiving, we had an incredible dinner with Hermana Betty herself. She is an incredible woman, who invites all of the missionaries in the San Francisco Zone over to her house every Thursday night for dinner. About 10 of us went over last week to spend Thanksgiving with her. She is such a good lady, and so lovely to provide such a wonderful memory for all of us. 

It is definitely good to be grateful! I am grateful for the Gospel, and this chance that I have to strengthen my relationship with my Savior. I am grateful for all the blessing that I receive through this work. It's been hard, but its doable. 

Love to you all! Have a great week!

Elder Butters/Bao ZhangLao

Photos from Exchanges and Planning Meetings

Elder Kotiah and Elder Ferandez aren't too much fun to have around......exchanges are rather dull and boring and the guys don't get along very well.

It is a chore to labor beside these men and the days are long and difficult.

We never have fun on exchanges....nope, we never ever do.  Love these guys!!

Benjamin loves Elder Li but the question, "How is it best to throw pizza in someone's face?" didn't seem to fit in the middle of a late night planning meeting at the library.  Hang in there!

Week 55: Revelation and Becoming a Trainer

DaJia Hao!

Another week come and gone!  Its been a good one for Elder Li and I. 

Firstly, we received another miracle with a referral who lives in our area! Though we have tried to contact Donna Wu twice by phone and once at her address, we have been unable to make contact with her yet. We are praying that we will get a hold of her soon, so hopefully we can add a new investigator! That would be a real miracle! While we wait, we have been doing some late night tracting, and also have been working with some of our Recent Converts. Bro. Guan is doing well, but we want to help him increase in his testimony. We hope that a Priesthood-related calling will help to keep his current testimony burning and help it to grow in the process.

Our 2nd Counselor has recently stepped up to the plate as our Ward Mission Leader (Bro. Gao, our previous one, was released this week), and has done a great job! He has developed a computer program system that will allow us to quickly upload information about our week and our labors, almost like an electronic Progress Record. It is so great to be working so closely with someone who genuinely wants to improve the missionary efforts of our Branch. He is excited for the upcoming "Light the World" initiative, and is actively trying to find ways to help us as missionaries. I love that.

Speaking of which, "Light the World" is coming up again this year for Christmas! If you haven't had the chance to look it up yet, DO IT! Every way we can bring others joy this Christmas season will only make it more memorable for ourselves.

This past Thursday, I went on exchanges with Elder Kotiah, and we had a great day together. We did service and also sat in on our YSA's Institute class. We also had a great time talking all about what we should be focusing on as missionaries. He explained to me that though numbers a great, we need to make sure that there is a face to the number. I really appreciated that. At the beginning of my mission, I was a very "numbers-based" missionary, wanting high numbers for the sake of getting high numbers. I learned that unless we focus on the people behind our indicators, those numbers won't mean a thing. Missionary work is about PEOPLE! I was grateful for his wisdom and council. He's a very good-hearted missionary.

We also had some great conferences this week! Zone Conference was on Wednesday, and we had some great trainings on Personal Study, improving our Teaching abilities, and improving Finding efforts. It was a really fun day. What added to the fun was that a miracle took place! Elder Li and I went to a Polynesian restaurant for dinner after the conference while waiting for a ride. Not only was the food free (the owners were members!), but someone requested a blessing while we were there! Because no one else was in the restaurant, we were able to give the blessing right out in the open. It really brought the spirit and a special feeling to our day. 

I've been having great studies lately, particularly in taking the time to use the footnotes sections and other manuals and available resources, which Pres. Frandsen has been pushing us all to do. I've been focusing this week on the story of Ammon in Alma 17-18. I wish I had the same faith he did; the ability to see tribulation as a way to teach his fellow servants about the hope the gospel can bring, and the power that comes when we plead with God for him to give it to us. My language study is improving too, which I desperately need right now, especially considering I will be training next transfer.

Next week I have some goals to be better at utilizing all of my time, and not wasting it. Something I've learned on my mission is that we don't have much time, and that we need to try to use every second we have. I have had troubles with that in the past, and will strive to improve in that capacity her in the field. I hope that I can be a good example to my new companion next transfer. 

Oh, right...I'M GOING TO BE A FATHER! Both Elder Li and I will be trainers starting at the end of November for two new arriving Mandarin Elders. He will be returning to Hayward, and I'll be staying here in San Francisco (YES!). I'm very excited, but terrified at the same time. I hope my Chinese is up to par! 

Wo Ai NiMen, TeBie GanXie Wei NiMen Dui Wo De BangZhu!

JiaYou! Gan'En Jie Kuai Le!

Elder Butters/Bao ZhangLao

Week 54 - Giant Memories and Events including a GA and a China Visitors!

DaJiaHao!

What a week! So many memories, many of which have become highlights of my mission! 

We had my first Mission Tour in the field this week, conducted by Elder Scott D. Whiting of the Seventy. The meeting was a great positive experience for me. It inspired me to be a little more committed to this work then I currently am. I sometimes struggle with the thoughts of if I'm doing enough or how I can better improve myself.  Elder Whiting had some very powerful things to say, for which I am grateful. I also got to provide a special musical number, "This Is The Christ," which was great!

My favorite part of the week was our Visitor's Center lesson. A week ago we received a phonecall from Pres. Frandsen, asking us to teach a man and his son who'd come from China to investigate the church. Fridaymorning, we rove up to Oakland and were introduced to Bros. Liang WenFeng (father) and Liang YangShou (son).  Bro. Pinkerton, their member connection to the States, accompanied them on the visit. He informed us that Bro. Liang WenFeng is a very well-noted businessman, and was interested in helping to open the doors for the gospel to be preached in China! Thus, he had come to meet with the missionaries and learn a little more about the church. Elder Li and I both felt terrified and so excited: we are the only companionship of missionaries currently in the mission that both share experience e with living in the Mainland, and we had waited for an opportunity like this for EVER! In some small way, I feel that Friday's proceedings were one of many reasons why I was called to this mission. China means so much to me, and the idea that I could have a small part of opening the doors to the preaching of the gospel there is something remarkable! 

The meeting itself was a little interesting. It seemed more like a business transaction that an actual teaching scenario. Though very intrigued by the temple and the presentations at the VC, Bro. Liang constantly asked Elder Li and I "How can I help you?" We didn't really know what to think, so we both shared our experiences of living in the Mainland as active members, and from what we've experienced needs to be done from here. It was an incredible experience, and I pray that it is the start of something very special. 

(Please note: this does not mean in any way that the gospel will now be available to China. We simply fulfilled our assignment, and I have no other information as to the future of China and its relationship to the church! That is all! But still, HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!) 

Elder Li and I have  talked a lot about trying to find new ways to find. We have been struggling with that for a while now; it seems like whenever we get a new investigator, after our first meeting, they are blown off the face of the earth...I guess I need to be more patient with that. But until then, we will try some new locations for finding this week, in a hope to reach out to someone! In an effort this week, we managed to stumble onto a Bible Discussion Group on the campus of San Francisco State University, and they welcomed us warmly. We talked to a guy named Chris about the Book of Mormon, and he had a lot of challenging questions. It was a cool way to spend our early afternoon.

We've also spent more time with our Branch this week. One of our sisters had a baby shower for her first son who is due in January, and we had a fun game night with our YSA members, where we played a game called "Secret Hitler." Simply put, its a game where everyone receives and identity and then everyone has to figure out who Hitler is. It was a LOUD night!

Love to you all! Things are good, a little wet and a little lacking of a teaching pool, but good. Have a fantastic week!

TianFu Ai NiMen!

Elder Butters/Bao ZhangLao

Photos of Allergies and Visitors

These two best friends and companions purchased matching ties in China Town for the mission tour of Elder Whiting, a General Authority visiting from Utah.

And then the kid found out he is allergic to Kiwi Fruit....what?  Swollen lips and hives.....super fun!

$40 later, with allergy medicine in hand, all is well and he will not be eating Kiwi Fruit anytime soon.

Asked to meet with a prominent business man from China, these boys talked at length about the church, the gospel, the difficulty of accessing the church in China and more.  Elder Li and Elder Butters are the only companionship in which both missionaries have lived on the Mainland and could speak to things they have experienced trying to be a member of the church in that part of the world. Such a profoundly fantastic experience and one that may not have come to Benjamin without his unique background and life history.

Week 53 Email - Costco is not for Elderly Chinese Women!

NiMen Hao!

I hope you all had a very festive Halloween! Elder Li and I spent our night deep-cleaning our apartment, which is the typical way a missionary sensibly spends his or her Halloween night. 

Needless to say, we've had a lot of fun this week, with a Temple Day, cleaning the apartment, and a host of other meetings. However, this week has been a tough one as well, but its interesting to see that the weeks which I have the most struggles are also the weeks which I grow and learn the most.

Our primary proselyting effort this week has been going around San Francisco with a list of Less-Active members, trying to locate some of them that have "fallen off the map," so to speak. Elder Li and I have really enjoyed this activity, it has brought a real sense of accomplishment checking names off our list (both literally and figuratively). We've tried to do some finding along the way, and also made a trip to a college campus this past Tuesday in order to attempt to find some potential there. So far, nothing concrete has come of our efforts. We will keep trying.

We had the first Language Conference on my mission on Saturday, and it was the highlight of my week. We are a mission with 11 different language programs among those who serve here, and because we're so diverse, language learning has somewhat taken a back seat. We gathered at Temple Hill to receive some training on how to improve our studies, and how we as language-speaking missionaries can improve our utilization of the Gift of Tongues. 

I had the chance to apply some of the things I learned and felt into an appointment we had Sunday night. Mandarin has been stressing me out as of late, and I never feel like it will be good enough. However, I was intrigued about how much we learned at the conference about how the Gift of Tongues relates to having Charity and Love for the people we serve. I realized that I'm so worried about what to say at times, that I never take the time to listen.
Anyway, at our appointment with Bro. Tzeng (an elderly member who requested a Priesthood Blessing last night), I decided that I would simply try to "listen with love (that phrase has been ringing in my ears since Language Conference)." It was wonderful. Though I didn't understand everything, and though I had to ask for the definitions to a few words, I felt as though I understood what Bro. Tzeng was saying. What's more, I felt I better knew how to respond. It was a blessing that came at the end of a very tough week. I am grateful for what the Spirit taught me that night. I now want to make sure that I focus on my listening skills just as much as my vocabulary and speaking skills.

In a more lighthearted turn of events, we helped a Potential Investigator and her friend on a grocery run to Costco for a service activity...we spent about an hour and a half in the store, watching three women bicker and fight about what to get, how to stack things in the cart, and which bag of frozen dumplings would be the best to buy...Costco has now taken on a new meaning...it was crazy! What added to the craziness is that the potential decided to use one of the little shopping cart-wheelchair things (my family calls them "Disneyland Fat People Chairs...), and she had no clue how to drive it...She made some very interesting purchases...This woman spent $100+ on toilet paper and paper towels ALONE! It was a very frustrating and long afternoon, but an afternoon I will not forget. Its been fascinating to see just how many ways we can show love for others as disciples of Christ, and it made me grateful that past trips to Costco with my family were never that adventurous. 

The weather is definitely cooling off here, we've finally made it to Autumn, it seems. The city is beautiful, and signs of Christmas are already being seen all around (I'm not a big fan of that...). Should be a nice November here.

Love to gratitude to you all for the incredible joy you bring into my life. I miss you all, have a fantastic week! Happy belated Halloween!

Elder Butters/Bao ZhangLao

Week Fifty Two Photos

A box arrived from Grandma Reynolds!

The table where Benjamin serves as the translator for Sacrament Meeting!  One year into this and now others rely on him to translate this difficult language for them!  God is great.

The mission Winter coat emerges for the season.

A midnight feast of leftovers found at the church after a long Sunday.

At the temple with Elder Li.

A little more sophisticated in this shot.

On exchanges with the San Francisco elders.

What are they thinking?

Chinese speaking missionaries in San Francisco - these four young men have lots to do!

The San Francisco Zone - Sister Ellis is still around with that lovely smile.

Week Fifty-Two (That would be THE week 52)

NiMen Hao!

This week has been full of many memories, primarily due to the fact that this past Thursday, I passed my year mark as a missionary! It is hard to describe the incredible influence the past 365 days have had in my life. I can honestly say that I am a new person. Already this mission has changed my life, and I am very grateful for it. The good, the bad, the in-between, its all been something that has meant so much to me. I feel as though I have become more converted and more determined to serve my Savior. This has been the adventure of a lifetime, and an adventure I didn't realize I needed until I was dropped of October 26th 2016. I am so grateful for this experience already, and cannot wait to see what the next year has in store. Yes, I'm halfway there, but I intend to ALWAYS be living on prayers!

Like I said, this week has brought a lot of memories. It began with a great study session in Mosiah 18. As a missionary, one of the scriptures that I read and share a lot is Mosiah 18:8-10, over-viewing the baptismal covenant that we invite others to commit to. This time, I realized that I at times do not always live up to the covenant that I made at eight year old. There is a lot more to that covenant than we realize. It involves not just taking Christ's name upon us and holding it high, but also becoming like Him. He mourned with those that mourned and comforted those that stood in need of comfort. I've committed to more fully live by my baptismal covenant in a effort to truly become more Christlike. 

This last Thursday, I went on exchanges with one of my Zone Leaders, Elder Scholes. He is a great missionary, and we had a great time doing service in Golden Gate Park and hunting down members who live downtown. I love the fact that should I ever return to Golden Gate Park after my mission, I will be able to find a tree/shrub and tell my family that I planted it! I feel like I'm truly "planting my roots" in San Francisco! It was also my actual first-year anniversary day, so we went to get ice cream, which was a nice little treat!

We are still working with some of our Less Active members, and have been given a special assignment by our Branch Presidency to search out a TON of them, many of whose records remain in our Branch, but we've been unable to contact/meet with in months! Elder Li and I have spent the last few days running all over town finding them (or not), some being much happier to see us than others. It feels good to be doing something that seems so effective and will build trust with the leadership of our Branch. 

In addition to trying to find a new investigator, we've done more Tai Chi, more knocking, more bus rides...and a tap-dance-off with a street performer one afternoon. That was a highlight!

I love you all! Thank you for the support and love that you have sent to me this past year. It wouldn't have been the same without all of your contributions, encouragement, and belief in me. I am so grateful to you all, and cannot believe that I will be seeing you all in about 365 more days!

Here's to another great year! 

Happy Halloween! (Sorry I didn't email yesterday, I had a shorter P-Day to accommodate a Temple Trip today.) 

Wo Ai NiMen!

Elder Butters (Bao ZhangLao)

One Year Mark - A Letter From Mom

Dear Benjamin:

It has been a year - to this very day - a whole year since we left you off at the MTC.  I could recreate that entire day almost perfectly, I think.  The best part was the ride to and from Provo when everyone was relating their favorite memories about you.  I hope you noticed that every person in the car had specific favorite memories that centered around you and them.  That shows effort on your part to be an effective part of your family - to make sure that you really mattered to each member of your family.

Wow!  Do you ever matter!!

And, as I look back on the year that has gone by since that day, I am blown away by the people you have touched and the lives you have effected since then.  I am also grateful and forever in debt to those people who have taken the time to effect you and lift you and to question you, doubt you and challenge you.

I am grateful for Elder Li.  I doubt you will ever forget him.  Good, bad, in between, crazy, tired, humorous, silly, focused and well-intended; regardless of your memories over time, Elder Li has effected you.  I am glad you have each other.

Your blog book is becoming quite the memory record.  I am sure your journal will be much more valuable in the coming years as you work to remember all that you have learned.  But, your blog book will be fun for your children!  It will spark questions and you will have occasion to tell them stories - I hope I am around to hear you tell some of them.

A year is a long time for a Mom to go without seeing her boy.  No doubt, there will be long stretches like this in the future.  But, these mission years will be my favorite of all the ones we will spend apart.  I have treasured by bird's eye view into your growth, your frustration, your learning, your stretching and your achievements.  There is no question that you are not the man you were 365 days ago.

Imagine what you will be after the next 365 go by!!  

I am in awe of you.  I love you.  I have never felt the joy of the gospel as I have felt since October, 2016.  Thank you!

Go forward with faith, my son.  I've got your back and YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!

Love, MOM

Photos of Week 51

The three men on the wall are Harrison, Travis and Ryan - the musketeers from High School.  They have all returned from their missions and sent that crazy photo to Benjamin.

Doing Tai Chi with his new friends in the park - hoping that this will strike up a conversation.  All those dance classes are paying off in strange ways.

The view from the apartment window.

Pacifica Park - location for this week's service project.

Painting and sanding park benches to benefit the city!

Returning home from serving to find the surprise we left at his mailbox to mark his ONE YEAR achievement!

The show is coming back......this man plans to make waves on the street just outside the theatre when he sings his version and attracts the right kind of attention to this awesome book.