No words, except...week 104

I gave a talk in the Victoria 1 branch as a farewell testimony. The spirit was strong. I love each of them. I'm very blessed to have been able to serve these people for such a long time.

The gospel is true. Two years is short. Chicken feet taste better than American bbq.

Aim High. It's better than the alternative.

To all of my companions, especially the ones who are waiting for me at home in my house, I give my thanks for carrying my seemingly dead weight across the city of Hong Kong. I couldn't have made it alone. A tribute to you.

PS. I need to wear socks and sandals for the next couple of days due to an ingrown toenail. The first one on my mission. I got lazy in caring for my beat up feet.

I also love each missionary that has blessed me with their presence including these last apartment mates Elders Wong, Evans and Banihit. A very diverse tripanionship indeed. Not a single American.

Notes from Mom:  This is a feeling I didn't think I would have:  sorrow for his return.  We are thrilled to see Ian in just a few days, but I am feeling so much empathy for his leaving Hong Kong.  It has been better than I could have ever imagined.  We wrote briefly, and here is what Ian said:  "Yeah...I'm excited to come, but do you think you could buy me a return flight ticket for something like the week after. I'll just go to the airport with Simon!

Love you mom. Keep the Faith. See you Friday."

For the last time,

Elder Ian R. Taylor戴依永長老

Time is running out...(smeagol voice 是必須要的)...week 103

Well, we extended a baptismal date invitation for the third time to an investigator that I found a month ago and she finally accepted it...watch out world, Elder Taylor is not one to give up. September 17 is the date. I won't be here, but I am okay with that. I am still here. I'm staying. It's like when God sent the saints to Ohio.

16 And I consecrate unto them this land for a little season, until I, the Lord, shall provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence;

17 And the hour and the day is not given unto them, wherefore let them act upon this land as for years, and this shall turn unto them for their good.

He wanted them to not worry about what might come later. Focus on what you need to do now, for "sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof" (3 Nephi 13:34).

It's interesting how there is that specific difference in that verse from 3 Nephi and thee verse at the end of Matthew 6. Before He was resurrected, the hope was difficult to find to get through the day, and we didn't want to think about the other days because, lets face it, there was already enough evil for one day.

When He fulfilled the law through his atonement and resurrection however, that newfound hope switched the structure of this principle. The light of the day became enough. We need to focus on the day, but we have a hope in Christ that it will be well.

That's my hope right now. I believe in Christ. I believe that he will protect these people long after the "skin worms" destroy this body (Job 19:26)

It is amazing. I love it. I testify of a living and loving Savior.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

PS: I've got a triple companionship. Meet the mighty Elder Hsieh (his step-dad is chinese). Pronounced "shay."

I thought I looked pretty adorable with the suds on my face. I got a little carried away while washing the dishes...

Caught my companion falling asleep...so adorable.

Ian's companion Elder Hsieh having some fun while cleaning on P day.

I was having some back pain and went to Elder Lee's dad's shop for acupuncture. It's amazing how well it worked. I went two weeks in a row and I have one picture of what I think was the second time (20ish needles). Elder Wilcoxson said I should probably tell you now so you don't nearly strangle me when I show everyone the pictures I have.

Feeling better! Hopefully I can stay in-tact. This is sadly the time where many missionaries will get stupid and start to hurt themselves. I'll do my best to be better.