What a crazy past few days its been. I finished up my time at the MTC and arrived in Oakland on the 28th. I still cannot believe I'm in the field. Its scary, exciting, and nerve-racking all at the same time!
We had a great Christmas at the MTC, getting to call home and open presents really early in the morning. My companions and I participated in the Christmas Eve Nativity Pageant, and I got to sing a solo, which was fun. David Archuleta showed up Christmas Day for a private little concert, and just about every Sister lost it...seriously, pandemonium...It was a fun Christmas to remember.
We finished up our time at the MTC strong and we headed out to our missions over the course of the next few days. I arrived in Oakland on Wednesday with eight other missionaries, where we met Pres. and Sis. Frandsen, and they took us to lunch and then to Temple Hill for training. The Oakland Temple is GORGEOUS! Holy cow, the view is spectacular!
We then met our trainers and were set to work. My trainer is Elder Li, a native of Harbin, China, and he has been out in the field for about 5 months. My first area is Union City, a small community with a lot of Chinese immigrants. Our branch comprises about 25 people (tiny...). We've literally been working ever since I got off the plane.
We've visited with a lot of people this week, some who seem to want the gospel message more than others. However, they are all very welcoming to us and love having Elder Li and I around. I just wish i could better understand what the heck they were saying! I've gotten really good at giving a self introduction, as right now that is just about all I can do...but oh well!
We've taught English class as well, in which we received a referral to a retirement community with a lot of Chinese elderly people. We knocked on a door, and an 87 year old woman let us in. She told us that she's basically lost all hope, and is "waiting to die." What was worse, she kept saying "no one can help me." We prayed with her and promised to return. I'm so grateful to know that there is someone who can always help us. I know that we can rely on that help, and we will be assisted.
Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, and well wishes. I love you all and think of you often!
TianFu Ai NiMen!
Elder Butters (Bao ZhangLao)
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