Failure is only failure if you keep it that way...week 88

This week was a tough one. We didn't have too many people at church this week, and some of our investigators are struggling a little bit. That's the hard part, but let me tell you how it gets better.

I was sitting in sacrament, trying to keep my thoughts off of the fact that we didn't have nearly as many people as usual, trying to convince myself that it's just a bit of an off week. It rained a lot. A lot of people are getting sick. As I was struggling to stay afloat, the hymn began. I don't remember what the words were, but as I was singing, I felt a prompting to look around and think. As I did so, I saw strong members, working through their challenges, helping their children stay reverent as possible. My thoughts were led to wondering: "What if these were my children?" I know that this is a strange question at first, especially considering that I don't have any children period. The feeling of hope overwhelmed me though. I saw so much power for good surrounding me. We were there, and we are respectively trying our hardest to keep the commandments. A song of need and desire flowed as we all plead in our hearts for the peace that comes in forgiveness and in promised blessings, also known as covenants. I was so happy that I forgot all those little things that didn't matter. I saw my companion as an amazing teacher that had been helping me through struggles that he didn't even know about let alone understand fully. I thought about the strength of faith that comes in covenants, knowing that we all believed the same stuff, the same God, the same Savior, and the same Plan.

Nothing that I say is original or new. Nothing I say can change someone else. I can stand as a witness though, and then you can know that they only possible way to lose is when you give up. Don't let the scoffing and scorning from the great and spacious building shame you, nor let the mists of darkness blind you from the ultimate goal of JOY! Use the tools you have been given, and find hope in it. The scriptures are true not just because they are there. It is because of who caused it to be written and what his purposes were: to bring to pass YOUR immortality and eternal life.

That was me trying to describe what happened all because I sang a song. Pretty amazing what small and simple things can do:) Never give up your hope in Christ for something of infinitely less worth.

If the gospel sounds repetitive to you, it's because you have ceased to be amazed with just how amazing the promises are. We are not joking when we promise a blessing from God. We need to take the gospel more seriously. Otherwise, we will become like those who fall and wander into forbidden and strange paths. The Tree of Life is RIGHT THERE!

I ate a lot of food this week...it was a bad idea...

We went to Korean BBQ (must try...) with Elder Love and his trainee plus we also WENT TO THE TEMPLE on Friday with our district. Twas much fun. I will send you the template for suit measurements next week. I also found a random picture from FOREVER ago (Thanksgiving last year).

This is a picture of Ian and Elder Darrington in Sheung Shui: 

Notes from Mom:  Ian responded to a few other brief emails, which included our talking about safety in Simon's mission, but we are faithful and hopeful and understand the blessings of obedience.  Ian does too:    "Elder Johnson goes home June 16th (his birthday...). Simon will be protected according to his obedience. You might want to point out that this means being home ON TIME and not wasting time with members. It's hard sometimes, but he will know the spirit AND the letter of the law as he keeps the rules of the mission and becomes more familiar with the Holy Ghost. I have seen a couple of scorpions, and there was once a cobra in another missionary's hallway outside the apartment. No one has ever been hurt by these kinds of things on this mission though. They almost seem to just avoid the missionaries. The biggest problem would be big dogs in the new territories. I mean HUGE. They are easily twice as big as Ozzie. Always chained up though... Hopefully I didn't just freak you out. No need to worry about this kind of stuff:) Simon just needs to avoid any missionary that would try to mess with the animals. Jacob 6:12...always Jacob 6:12."  As a mom, I appreciate Ian's counsel even more as it is advice from one loving brother to another.  He added several pictures on google mail. Patience is a virtue, but here they are now:

Suffer the little children...week 87

Before the inspiring experiences of the week, quick update for all:

1) MY BROTHER SIMON IS GOING ON A MISSION TO MEXICO AND HE LEAVES 10 DAYS AFTER I GO HOME! I GET TO SEE MY BROTHER!!!!! I also get to call him Elder now...😊

2) Today is Elder Zachery Love's birthday! Turning 22 this year and going strong! I remember the days of finding, teaching, baptizing, etc with this awesome servant of the Lord. He's like an older brother to me. Those 8 months together were not wasted in any way whatsoever. He taught me things that I will never forget.

Notes from Mom:  Simon opened his call on Friday and has been called to the Mexico Saltillo mission.  He reports to the Mexico Missionary Training Center on Tuesday, August 29.  Ian gets home August 19 so we have 10 days of everyone together.  We are so excited!  

This Sunday, my heart was touched by a young boy named Sebastian. His parents are less active. His grandma is in the process of being reactivated. We met with him before church very early in the morning with his grandma. She has been struggling, though she didn't say to much in front of her grandson. This young boy, in the middle of the lesson, and plainly said: "I just have one question...is Jesus the Son of God?" A little surprised, we answered in the affirmative. He smiled real wide and his entire body was shaking with excitement. We gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon. We told him that they were written on gold plates and translated by a prophet of God. He repeated his previous response. Then it got interesting...his grandma leaned over and told him to calm down and stop acting like that. She looked at us as if she was embarrassed and a little frustrated with her excited grandson. Mark 10:14 went immediately through my head: Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

I have two pleas with you my brothers and sisters. One, please never be ashamed of the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Don't suppress those who are excited about the message of hope that has been restored. Rather, we should become as Sebastian, joyful and hopeful.

Two, read the Book of Mormon. I saw this young boy again outside after church on his way home. His mother guiding him along the road because he COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN! I started to cry, and immediately evaluated my own conversion to the gospel. NEVER LOSE FAITH IN THIS PERFECT GOSPEL! It is true. It is HIS, and so are we, each one a child of God.

I know that this is true. I love you all. Let us all press on in the work of the Lord.

Notes from Mom:  Ian also forwarded a picture with the following description:  

We visited this family just last week. Their oldest son is serving in Taiwan. Caleb is their next son. He'll be with me at BYU this fall. Going on a mission after 1 semester. Simon's age. Nice kid. Very athletic. Very faithful family. Mom just got called as the Relief Society president and he was just released as the second counselor of the branch presidency a few weeks ago. I wanted to ask, has your sister mentioned anyone by the name of Hawkins? They moved to Saudi Arabia a few weeks ago, and I'm wondering how they have been.

Ian and Elder Johnson with the Hyde family:

Tennis is fun...week 86

I just played a lot of tennis with a professional tennis player. Sure I got my trash kicked. Sure I am not very good. Doesn't matter though.

This is one of the nicest members ever. I will get a picture for y'all later of all of us at an oceanside court! 

For now, I'll just say that General Conference was everything that I hoped for and MORE! I actually had a list of questions almost a page long. EVERY SINGLE ONE WAS ALMOST DIRECTLY QUOTED BY A SPEAKER AND ADDRESSED! Each was also relayed in a way that helped me to know for a fact that it was true.

Don't you just love having the Holy Ghost as your best friend...if he isn't your best friend yet, MAKE IT HAPPEN!

I don't have a favorite talk. Every single one I was inspired by. The music of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was, as always, a spiritual standing ovation!

Saw Elder Belknap at General Conference! I also saw sister Terry a week ago for a baptism (Forgot to take pictures...or mention it last week...woops...). We are still going strong here with the most fantastic Branch in the entire world. A lot of friends from India and Bangladesh came together and it was amazing to chat with them for a while after the conference. They are such great and kind people!

Elder Johnson's got some scary features in that last one...I love my companion!

Notes from Mom:  Our family has been able to resume our Sunday evening walks now that it snows less frequently.  I sent Ian a picture of the moon rising.  It was remarkably clear.  He said, "Something I miss...clean air. I don't think I have seen a clear moon for my entire mission. I once got really excited in Sheung Shui when I saw 4 stars at the same time."  

We sent Ian a package this week, filled with some Easter goodies for him and Elder Johnson.  I know it was delivered and signed for, but asked if he got it.  "Couldn't go today. I went and played tennis with a member who is sponsored by Prince. Super Fun! We had tacos afterwards (SO GOOD!).

Elder Stratford said that he would bring it down to the Wan Chai chapel sometime this week though, so I will get it in time :)"

"I don't know if you have become friends with Brother Jeff Johnson yet, but he took us to a REALLY nice place and got us ribs! Best ribs any of us have ever had!"

The work is not hastened by full time missionaries alone...week 85

This week was probably the most joyful week of my mission. Monday, I saw Brother Ng Chun Kuen from a year ago in Tai Wai that I baptized.

He's got the Einstein look for an Asian. Super cool looking. Had some vegetarian food which was delicious. Then when we thought we were done eating, we switched over to the next restaurant and he bought an entire roast duck...Lots of food. Still doing really well. There's no happier moment than to see him politely discuss with the waitress how we DON'T DRINK TEA! She just wasn't getting it. We had to ask the owner of the restaurant for some water (hot as always:)). 

We taught a ton this week. Served a lot of people, and met a new family from India. Funny thing. The dad's first name is Britto (if you don't roll the R it sounds like "Burrito") and his last name is Laban...like the Book of Mormon one...we laughed about that after the lesson. We are super excited for this family. They showed up after having received a lot of encouragement from their family in America who are members to go to church and try it out. We scheduled them for that Saturday.

Their home felt a lot like mine did. Loud kids, sometimes even screaming, but a desire to listen, share, learn, and grow was present.

They have two sons. One is 5 the other is 2.

This is what I reported to the mission president: So this week may have been the most successful week of my mission. I don't know about numbers wise, but as far as the way I felt, it was AMAZING! Sunday was definitely the climax of the entire thing. We had a lot of people at church, our fast proved to be unified and powerful for the sake of one of our investigators who had originally been having a really big conflict and was angry at us. He came that day to church telling us that his concerns had "evaporated." I know that fasting is powerful, but I learned something about it this week. Having a companion who is united with you in fasting is POWERFUL.

We had another investigator who came with his wife and children. He is very prepared. In Elders Quorum, our branch mission leader will start the whole thing off by asking for anyone to share a missionary experience they had that week. After a couple of people shared, this investigator rose his hand and said that he had one from the opposite perspective and had the elders over and that they shared about the Book of Mormon and the Family: A Proclamation to the World. We went to a dinner gathering at the branch president's home later that night and everyone was joking about it and laughing and asking us what it was like and wondering what their family was like. We had probably 3 different families offer to help teach them or have them over for dinner. Sunday School Class was amazing and we had probably 7 branch missionaries there as well as 3 recent converts, a person who just got baptized yesterday, and 5 investigators!

I love God. He really is my Father and your Father. I have struggled to comprehend more and more about his character and grace. I'm therefore very grateful for modern day prophets seers and revelators that regularly instruct us on these things. I wish I could do that.

Imagine. I would really want to just retire at 40 (or maybe even sooner if possible) and just be ready for callings. Do what Alma did when the work in his nation was slowing down. He left the judgment seat and put his all into spreading the Gospel. I hope to keep this kind of dedication to God as my first priority. I would invite all to do the same.

PS This elevator went 40 floors in about 8 seconds. Craziest elevator I have ever been in. SO MANY FLOORS!

Notes from Mom:  I gave Ian some spoilers for General Conference and told him that traditions continue.  Ian won't see Conference until next weekend, once it is translated to Cantonese. The boys went with Bryan and friends to the Priesthood session and out to eat.  This time was Cracker Barrel.  Ian's response:  "Filipino words always seem to be so hard to remember. HASHBROWN CASSEROLE!!!!! That will be my first meal outside of the house. As for opening it, I didn't think it was so much who I was with as how fast I opened it. I would say that he shouldn't wait...for anyone. I LOVE THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR!"

Church...week 84

The work has made a very large tremor this week. We had been doing pretty well this month with helping our investigators enjoy the Sabbath by attending the sacrament meetings and classes. We have had between 23 and 26 people zone wide. This week though...WE HAD 46 PEOPLE COME TO CHURCH, and they all stayed for the 3 hours of church and some even stayed afterwards for the baptism of someone they didn't even KNOW! The zone worked hard this month, and Heavenly Father is starting to show us just how much potential this area has.

Otherwise, we have a lot of other miracles as well. One is the upcoming and reliable miracle of General Conference! I won't get to watch it until a week after most of you, but I'M SO READY for this general conference. This is the last one that I will see in the field.

I also have tracked down a friend from a year ago, brother Ng Chun Kuen! He's doing really well, and I am having lunch with him today!

Nothing much else. I'm realizing that I have not been using the Book of Mormon as much as I should in my mission. I am guilty of what the Lord described in D&C 84:54, treating this precious gift lightly. We have to each as individuals remove this cursing from off ourselves so that we can bring forth fruit meet for the Father's kingdom! (D&C 84:58)

It's not just a book. It's not just true. It's the keystone of our religion. Why do you think the Lord required the publishing of the Book of Mormon prior to the organization of the church? BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT! So read it.

Notes from Mom:  Ian forwarded a picture and letter from his companion, Elder Johnson.  I'm so glad he did because it is the picture for the week!  Some great things happening.

"This week has been really really crazy! We have been trying to keep up with all these people that heavenly father is blessing us with and it's been keeping me on my toes.

Just yesterday we had a whole Indian family walk in the church they said we could visit anytime and they want to come back next week. We also had another Indian man named Rakesh walk in and he stayed for the full three hours and he now also wants to be taught by the missionaries. 

This week there was a giant youth conference in Hong Kong with youth from Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and mainland who all came down for a few days. Well, Elder Taylor and I had met this 16 year old Danish kid on the train just a few weeks back and so we invited him to go. Well he only had time to show up for the last bit of it, which was actually perfect because it was the testimony meeting and treats. So he got to hear all these other youth share their testimonies and how Jesus Christ has helped them. Turns out one of the girls their was already his friend and they were in Hong Kong on the same exchange program. hahaha!!! Perfect! So now he wants to come to church next week!"

Not as cool as Simon, but still...week 83

So this week, on a Wednesday morning during an exchange that I was on with Elder Garcia, my best friend from Mexico, I get a call from a sister who was in charge of teaching gospel principles class that day. She reminded me about the story that I told her about "seminary donuts" (I will explain momentarily for those who haven't heard). She asked me if I would be willing to participate. I had just done my arms workout that morning and was actually feeling a little sore (weird feeling in your arms for a missionary). I also knew that I would need to go to a lesson before the class was over, and therefore would have to finish this thing in less than thirty minutes...I wanted to say no, but I thought it would be helpful for the members that day, and besides, there aren't that many people that come to the class anyways (usually 8 or 9). After sacrament I walked in and the lesson began. The stragglers started coming in, which scared me. We now have about 12 people. The example is that the teacher has a treat for everyone in attendance, but the trick is that I had to do 15 pushups for everyone there (she originally wanted me to do 25 per person, but I know my limits...). She went to the first person, and the struggle began. I'm glad that I've been keeping myself in SOMEWHAT good physical condition. More people flooded in during the class to see what was going on, and a total of 16 people were there. The entire time, I'm in a white shirt and tie (I was intelligent enough to wear a long sleeve shirt...). One of the Filipino sisters left because she was crying. People didn't want to eat their treat that I had won for them. Some people didn't even want me to do the pushups for them. The example required that everyone has the chance though, so I ended up doing 240 pushups. For times sake, I will only say that it hurt, and interestingly enough, my thought as I left was gratitude for deodorant. We closed, and even though I was out of breath, I was able to bear testimony of the reality of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The spirit was super strong.

I also realized something with a couple of missionaries that are leaders in the international zone. We are all pretty old in the mission. Elder Johnson and Elder Woolley are leaving in 3 months. I leave two months after them. We talked about how our work just doesn't seem to be as invigorating. Our flame of faith no longer seems to be as bright as before. Our work hasn't slowed down, but the problem was, it WASN'T SPEEDING UP! I met with the District president and the mission president this week to report what we thought was a lot of success. To our dismay and confusion, they were actually very dissatisfied with our results. We are overjoyed at the miracles that are consistently coming, but the leadership of the mission said that they are becoming "impatient with the missionaries and the members." We are preparing to again "lengthen our stride." I love this work, and the fire has once again begun to rage with a "fervent heat" that I know will someday fill the world! Now behold the awkwardness of my impromptu apple store missionary selfie! Love you 

Just sent out the weekly email. Filipino sisters are funny. There are obviously a large range of personalities. Most of them are just the best fellowshippers in the church and just recently had their Relief Society Celebration yesterday/last week. There have been some issues that have arisen from past missionaries supposedly being very flirtatious with some of the members, which is NOT good considering these are many young women who are away from any type of male counterpart for as long as 10 years. Elder Johnson and I have been talking with the Branch Presidents though, and we are in the middle of solving the problems. There is a lot of personal contact from the Elders that will be temporarily eliminated, but we can still minister. I love these sisters. They really do a good job of magnifying their callings.

Notes from Mom:  Ian sends his emails and I get alerts because he is VIP.  ONLY IAN is a VIP emailer; that is until Simon becomes the only other VIP emailer.  This status allows me to know when he emails and then I can send a few messages back and forth.  Ian telling the donut story and relating it to Simon is because Simon did the push ups for Senior primary where he did 340 push ups.  No easy feat.  Ian said, "Love you too momma. Tell Simon that I sometimes daydream of a testimony as big as his. His testimony has always been the stronger part of him."

Notes continued:  Ian has been asking if anyone would like a suit made.  We'd love to have one sent for Simon, whose papers go in this week!  "I'm going to Cheung Hings today. I can get a little sheet and email a photo of it next week." We will get some measurements taken and hopefully Ian can send that home.  We also sent Ian pictures of Simon asking a date to prom, where he had a poster and a tandem bike.  "I like the tandem. Where did he get it? Nice shoes as well!"  It was borrowed from our friends and everyone loved how he asked her.  

I also sent Ian a picture of Mexican Hot Chocolate Ice Cream, which is his favorite winter dirnk.  "I need that sent to me and Elder Garcia...I'm not serious though...sorry, I like joking. I will see Elder Garcia after the mission too. He's going to be at Utah State."  It pleases me to know Ian has met so many wonderful friends on his mission and they will be able to keep in touch.  Then Ian requested a picture of the kids together:  

冇問題. (Translation:  There is a problem.)  Can you get a quick photo of all the kids together. I just want to see them all together. I never see that in the pictures you send because everyone is always off doing something fun or important. 

I told him I could.

 多謝你吖! (Translation:  Thank you!)

I had to google what he wrote in Chinese:  Thank you acridly and asked him what it means:

What does that mean-thank you bitterly? Google translate doesn't like it.

Ian said, "No. It's just because it's a Cantonese sentence finishing particle. Google doesn't know those." 

Neither does his mom.

So we sent a few photos.  

Ian :  Somebody is not wearing pants...nothing has changed😎

Mom:  How can you tell someone isn’t wearing pants?!  Adam put on a shirt and I was hoping to keep it above the waist!  

Ian:  First photo. I see some nice leg right there:) I also know what underwear he likes, so...

Mom:  Ha!  Yes.  Like I said, he was getting ready for bed.  I had to tell him to put a shirt on.  They were glad to do them for you though!

Ian: They do look genuinely happy. I'm glad I didn't bother anyone. Seems like everyones being better peacemakers. Love them all!

Week 82

Notes from Mom:  Ian was busy helping someone today so the few emails he had time to send were to me.  I want to post them because they represent Ian's essence.  He is a shepherd to others.  He never worries about himself.  

Ian:  So we had visited a recent convert who is a refugee from India. She is just the nicest lady ever, and she's been having some struggles with her family in Hong Kong. We got her back to her apartment and she realized that she didn't have a key and there was no one inside her house. We helped her calm down (she gets really anxious really easily) and figured out how much it would be to get the lock removed. It was about HK$500. I decided to give her money for it, and I don't think she will ever have the money to pay me back. What is the balance on my card right now?

Mom:  Off hand I know you have over $200 but I'm not sure exactly. Is that enough?

Mom:  Will she get in trouble for removing the lock?
Mom:  HK $500 is about US $65. You should have had enough on your card.


Ian:  K. Thanks mom. I just need to make it through the month, and 500 is already 30% of my funds...

Mom:  That money on your debit card is there for you to use any time. I'm glad you could help her. 

Ian:  Does checking the balance on my card at an ATM take money out of my account?

Mom:  Not sure. I'll look right now.

Ian:  Thank you momma. Sorry to bother.

Mom:  Current balance is $243.37 without any intl fees being taking out if you use it. Consider that balance $230 just in case. Do you need more money? 

Ian:  I don't know. Were you still wanting me to get Simon (or anyone else) a suit?

Mom:  Also, Jen Crook is going to HK with her daughter who was released about a year ago. She's offering to take treats and things for missionaries if we meet her at the airport. I'm planning on sending an Easter box, but I'm wondering if you need anything sent via Sister Crook.

Mom:  I'm a bit wary of sending measurements. I'd like to, but if it doesn't fit then it's not worth it. Would you consider having a tuxedo made?

Ian:  I don't think I need anything. I am wondering about souvenirs for y'all if you are wanting anything. I don't know if I would want a tuxedo made. What for?

Mom:  I'd love some, but we will have to figure out shipping them here. Sister Crook is only delivering because the suitcases they take with stuff for missionaries will be emptied and then filled with souvenirs they buy. I'd love some artwork or prints. You'd need an art tube for that though.

Ian:  In the end, I can always come back here with simon if he wants a suit and pay an extra amount of money for it to be done in a week.

Mom:  After he gets home from his mission? I can do the shipping I use (mymissionaryshipping.com) if I know details of what you're sending. We can figure it out. I'm very interested in going to HK over Christmas break!

Ian:  Gotta go. I don't have that much that I will be bringing back (I don't think I will want to be in these shirts after my mission. They are kind of gross on the collar, but they work for now. Just have one summer left.

Mom:  Send your weekly email then!

No weekly email and he's off and running to help this sister.  As usual, other people post pictures of Ian even when he doesn't have time.  Elder Walker posted a picture of all of the zone leaders who were in their group at the MTC so many months ago!

Elder Wooley's mom posted a few pictures on Facebook, one of which is this one with Elder Wooley, Ian, and the Sister Training Leaders.  Bonus pictures are the best!