Well, that's another week for the books! There's been a lot happening. We've (as always) have spent quite a bit of time walking about and talking and knocking and now, sweating. Summer is making an early appearance, and it has been up in the 90s for most of the later part of this last week. This has made for drinking a LOT of water, and feeling drips of sweat run down my back at awkward intervals. But hey, it beats the HECK out of being frigid all the time. My favorite doors this week have been opened my a magician with a blue mohawk, and an elderly gentleman. When we asked him how he was doing, he responded, "Terrible. I'm dying of cancer...." That was awkward...and the continued swearing as we continued our conversation only added to the awkwardness a little more...
We taught Wu Di Xiong and Fang Jie Mei again this week. A miracle happened with them; they told us that they are really starting to feel at peace and comforted when they pray. They are terrific on keeping commitments, but we haven't been sure if they are genuinely developing testimony. After Thursday, we feel great about them. They continue to be an active part of the ward and have settled in to the branch family already. They attended our monthly FHE activity on Saturday, and really threw themselves into it, food, games, and all!
We also went on exchanges with our Zone Leaders, and I was with Elder Gomez (who's from Guatemala) in the English Area. We taught a lesson to their recent converts, the Blys, about the Plan of Salvation. I felt a really sweet spirit throughout, and we both agreed afterward that the Blys really needed to hear that message! I'm so grateful for the Plan of Salvation, and the fact that our family relationships can withstand time and carry into eternity! What a massive blessing!
Speaking of blessings, We also got to attend the temple with our branch on Saturday. There is only one day a month where ordinances are performed in Chinese, and we got special permission from our mission president to go attend and help with baptisms and confirmations for a few of our branch's recent converts! The baptistery in the Oakland Temple is massive and absolutely beautiful, and I got to participate in confirmations and act as a witness to a few baptisms. I wish we as missionaries were allowed to attend the temple more, but I am so grateful that there is a temple in my mission. The temple is a very special place to me.
Another less spiritual blessing: its awesome when you walk into a sandwich shop one day and the cashier (a member) pays for your lunch. Good people are all around us!
I love you all! Thank you for the support and love you offer to me! Have a fantastic week!
Love,
Elder Butters (Bao ZhangLao)
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