Temple P Day Week 13

I am so angry right now. I am officially an enemy of all sony products. I still haven't found any card reader that reads Sony memory sticks. I'm sorry everyone, I'm trying my best, but I don't have much time in the first place to look for an adaptor, and I may have made the massive mistake of sending the usb chord that works for this camera home. I understand that after this, none of you will ever want to talk to me again, but hopefully you can forgive me. I really am trying.

Sorry for the lateness, but this week is a little different...I was able to have the opportunity to go to the temple and do a session today. This is why my preparation day was moved to Wednesday (I guess it is Tuesday for you all. Almost Wednesday).

I have been exhausted the last week and a half, and I couldn't be happier about it.

Elder Tung and I were able to perform a priesthood blessing for a woman who had her operation for cancer. We still haven't received any news on how she's doing, but we're including her in our prayers.

We've also taught quite a few investigators and met with some less actives. One specific investigator named Cyrus (that's just his English name) offers every week to learn English from us in exchange for us teaching him the lessons. He has been not very receptive in his record, but since we started working with him, he has actually begun to progress. He's praying now. He is reading the Book of Mormon and ALL of the materials that we give him. We are going to invite him to church next week and see if he is willing to do that. If he does, that will be a huge success in getting passed his motive of learning english in order to actually help him develop faith.

The members are amazing. We are actually getting chenged out tonight by Leih Hing Daaih. Cheng out is when a member takes us out for a meal and we share a message with them. I'm in charge of the lesson, and we're really excited to be with him and his family. FYI, Hing Daaih and Ji muih are the way we say "brother" or "sister".

Also, random question that has actually been bothering me almost the entire week: How is Matthew Bingham doing? How is school for him? I would really like to get into contact with him and/or his family. Matt has always been a great example to me of how to be more christlike. He's a man of greatness, not complexity. A man of power, not of pride. Even if I can't get in contact with him, I hope that he knows how great his impact on me was.

I can no longer keep up with the push-ups per-second. I got to 89 and couldn't do the 90th push up in time. CHAAAAAAHM! Shoot! I'll still work on it though, even if my companion keeps calling me fat (still don't know if he's serious or not when he calls me that).

I am so glad that Simon Adam and Owen had the opportunity to meet Taysom. When he bore his testimony while I was in the MTC, I could almost feel a little bit of the anger that he had given up in order to be a truer disciple. His injuries are a trial, but he looks at them in a different way than most people do. He doesn't mind the effect that they have on his football career nearly as much as they affect him as a person. He really has quite a grasp on what is most important to him. He's a very inspiring individual.

Everyone is looking not too much older in the photos (except Adam and Owen of course, but I'm used to them looking older every day). Even my fellow missionaries cannot deny how powerful you all seem.

I had a little confusion when the 15th came around for me. I woke up thinking "Hey, it's my dad's birthday today, and I can't tell him how much I love him and how old he is. Chaam." I was also confused because even though it was the fifteenth that day for me, it was only the fifteenth for both of us simultaneously for a few hours. Got a little caught up in what time was actually the beginning of his birthday. Still not sure, but either way, my dad: He's now 44 years old, has the most impressive beard picture in the China Hong Kong mission, and the provider that my family needs but doesn't deserve. He gives up every ounce of his time and energy to help his wife and children find happiness, even if it isn't always the lasting kind. He simply wants to do the right thing. He is never satisfied with himself and his efforts though. Always pushing to become more, always seeking to magnify his callings as they come. I could never see him hurting someone else on purpose or seeking to be better than them. I know he's not perfect. He told me that almost every day. I still think of him as the best example of a man. I know you all can't see me right now, but I am seriously trying to not break down to tears in order to preserve the life of this macbook pro that doesn't belong to me and is very, very, very expensive, even in Hong Kong. My testimony, my desires, my life, my faith, any strength that I have I owe a lot to my Dad (Mom, you're next on the 29th, and Ana, don't doubt that I'm not going to remember you on the 28th). Dad, thanks for the advice, patience, and long late conversations that we had about things that I was only beginning to understand and still have such a short grasp on. Your forgiveness and willingness to wait for me to someday pick up on what you have taught repeatedly are a big motivation to keep trying. I wish you could see me now and hopefully I could get the approving smile that I caught so diligently in my growing up. I love you, and I have no doubt that you love me. I actually dedicate my ponderizing scripture to you this week (even though it may be a slightly shorter week).

Alma 48: 11-13, 17. "A strong and mighty man"? Check. "A man of perfect understanding"? No doubt. You don't delight in bloodshed, but your soul joys in the liberty and freedom of his brethren and country. A heart swelling with thanksgiving unto God. A man who labors diligently and exceedingly for the welfare of his people (family or otherwise). Firm in the faith of Christ. Sworn with an oath to defend his people even with his life.

"Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Bryan John Taylor, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men."

It's about midnight where most of you are (with a couple of exceptions). I hope I don't come off as offensive in any way when I send out my emails. I know that my English is struggling right now and I owe a lot to this macbook's ability to correct me so well.

Love to all. I pray for you. Please forgive me for my inability to send pictures at the time. Someday I'll get it right. To all of my siblings, I wish I could have been more than I was, but I hope that I can impart to you any fraction of what I feel this mission is turning me into. Almost 190 pounds and I don't feel fat. Almost done the second time through the book of mormon on my mission and I still feel like I don't know enough. Keep the faith. Ga yauh.

These are pictures of today's temple trip with the district. Not mine, my companion's.

 I tried to force a second baptism on my companion in front of the temple. A little ode to the Nacho Libre on the 4-wheeler picture of Uncle Matt that I saw (for those of you who understand that).

Ian's awesome Uncle Matt, which explains the Nacho Libre reference:

Q and A Week 12

So when you put your questions all together, it would be a lot easier if you just put them, how do I say this, ALL together. I don't have very much grip on English any more, so I'm struggling. To answer as many as I can though:

1) If you're not eating, your finding or with an investigator (or maybe on the subway). These people live to eat, which makes me wonder how they are all so small and skinny! Crazy, but that's how it is. I haven't actually met with any investigators yet. I'm very discouraged by that and how they are always rescheduling, but they are the ones rescheduling, so that's something to be happy about because at least they want to meet with us (I think). Either way we wouldn't eat with them though. In this culture you only feed the people you know, and you feed them until they explode.

2) Especially because we are living in Kowloon but serving in Tai Wai, we are forced to eat out quite often because of the inability to go home. It's very inexpensive though once you figure it out. That's why we have trainers right? My trainer actually never has the ability to finish his meals so he usually gives the rest to me, so I usually don't have to buy very much in the first place. Kind of sad that I'm literally feeding off of my companion, but that's the way it is. No waste of food will happen while I'm here.

3) Typical day: wake up and exercise for 30 min. 1 hour to get dressed and ready for the day. Personal Study for 1 hour, companionship study for 1, Language for 1. Lunch. We might go finding or to an appointment or do the other hour of comp study that I have to do for the first 12 weeks in the field. Finding is usually quite a long time since we are not very booked at the moment with investigators and we haven't had as much success as we would like in finding, but that's okay. Alma 26:27+37 has been especially helpful this week for that purpose of bearing afflictions and giving myself.

4) Language is still coming. It's hard having a companion who spends his time during language study doing other stuff not needing to learn a language, but I can't complain. I have seen so much improvement and hopefully others can see it too.

5) I decided to not worry about my release date for now. It's not too important at the moment and I don't want to get caught up looking beyond the mark. Everything has a time and place and the spirit tells me that release date is not now. I have met with President Lam though...almost every night. He's right across the hall from my apartment. Such an amazing man. I don't have anything in specific, but anything you send is super appreciated. I'll probably need toothpaste someday, but as far as soap goes, I have gone the way of my father in using baby soap. It's the best, cheapest, and simplest solution (plus it smells like peaches.)

I actually had quite a struggle with my companion this week. I have been a little frustrated in some situations where I try to talk to someone and he simply keeps walking. Afterwards, he tells me what I did wrong (like he should) as far as language goes and tells me how awkward it felt. "Trust me I know" was my sin of the week. Why? I'm realizing more and more how prideful I truly am. I read a talk this week by President Ezra Taft Benson from the May Ensign of 1989 called "Beware of Pride." I am now seeking to repent of all of my pride. I don't know all of my weaknesses. Am I supposed to though? If a man or woman had all their weaknesses made known to them by God at one moment, would it help, or would it destroy them? God teaches us line upon line so that we 1) don't get overwhelmed and 2) so that we don't become angry. I actually felt really close to getting angry with my companion for pointing out my weaknesses for a while. God made my pride known to me though, and I have a little more understanding of what real humility is and how it is really more of a process than anything. Getting rid of your pride is the first step to perfection...and the last. All sin comes from our choosing to let satan in through the door that we refuse to keep closed to him because when the spirit tells us to keep it closed, we too often tell it to shut up and get out. The spirit is then replaced. For if a man returneth to his house after having the evil spirit cast out, finding his house empty and garnished, then will he go and find seven other spirits more evil than he, and his circumstance will be worse than in the beginning (See Luke 11). Your pride causes damning and degrading consequences. I invite you to look up this talk by President Benson and find the suggestions that he gives on how to begin giving up your pride. If it's still not enough, look at this:

My ponderize scripture this week is Alma 33:14. If you have a problem or a question or you "just don't know" then...read the scriptures.

I know that they are sent from heaven. Sacrifice has been placed on every single page of these sacred works. We have innumerable resources both ancient and modern that can provide answers, comfort, insight, and the fullness of the gospel in these latter days. We have prophets, one who is living today holding all of the keys required for salvation and leading the Church of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is the truest book ever written and we would all do well to never forget to study it with the deepest intent that we can muster and abide by the principles that we learn. What then? Share. Discuss. Preach. Proclaim the good news to all within sight an hearing. 2 Timothy 4:1-5. This is the charge to all of us.

Q and A Week 11

1.        Does your camera work for you to upload pictures on the computers you use where you are?
2.       Where do you use the computer on p day?

3.       When will you typically use the computer on p day?

Answers:

1-3. Camera works fine. Yes I usually use a computer on P-day. It's just that last time (and unfortunately today as well) I have had to use a computer that doesn't have an SD port. Next week I promise I will have plenty of pictures, and this is why...

4.       Where do you live in Kwai Chung?  We looked it up.  So many shipping containers!  There is a large sports complex in the vicinity.  What is the train station closest to your house?  We want to look at what is around you.  

4. I have been in Kwai Fong/Chung for about two weeks (almost). Well, last night we got a call from the mission president. We are to be packed and ready tomorrow at an unknown time so far to go to a new area (Tai Wai). The actual place of our current apartment is on Mei Fong Road, where we are conveniently on the same road as a chapel 3 stories tall with a baptismal font.

5.       Have you been teaching lessons?  Do you have any baptism commitments yet?  No pressure, just wondering how teaching is going.

5. Yes to lessons. No baptisms or dates. However, yesterday was an amazing sacrament meeting. Fast and testimony meeting I was asked to come up and bear my testimony in Cantonese. Terrible grammar, but I could feel the spirit empowering me and the people in the congregation. I was able to participate in the confirmation of Sister Jeung as well with my companion. That was one of the top 10 most spiritual experiences of my life. Baptism of water and fire, of the spirit, is a special ordinance that is part of the distinguishing truths contained in the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My ultimate goal as a missionary. The gate to the way of salvation, peace, and Eternal Life.

We will actually have the amazing blessing to live in...the temple. WHAT! We'll be right across the street from the mission office. This is such an amazing opportunity! I'm so grateful for all the blessings that are just being piled on one after the other, where I am just now trying to learn how to swim in such a deep ocean of the love of my Heavenly Father. Of course all that love is not reserved for me alone. I am experiencing the love he has for me combined with every single individual I come in contact with. I simply cannot comprehend it and at times it is actually exhaustingly overwhelming trying to remember and absorb all of the principles and truths that are swirling around me. 

Temptations, when they come, are ripped away in the power of the calling that I have been given. I have never been happier in my life. I don't want to ever let this go.

Thankfully I don't have to. Now that I have this perspective, I can keep it and continue to expand it (as soon as I figure this level out first).

7.       Where do you grocery shop?
13.   You mentioned that you eat most meals out since it is less expensive.  What is your typical diet at your apartment and out on the road?

About your later questions, I shop wherever it's cheapest for the specific items. From massive malls to  tiny alleyway shops. I'm using my funds to the best of my ability.

8.       Do you share an apartment with other missionaries?

I currently am living with Elder Shipp (Zone Leader) and Elder Fields, who arrived the transfer before me. Great Elders with strong spirit of unity and involvement in the work. It's been amazing to work alongside them and learn from them.

9.       How did your interview with President Lam go?

The interview was very short. He told me some of the mission goals. Asked if I had any questions, and sent me on my way. Not before bearing his testimony though. The room's temperature seemed to drop as he began. I wasn't cold though. I was simply in awe at his conversion and dedication to the Lord. Even though he has never served a mission because he and his wife are more recently converted to the gospel. I love President and Sister Lam. They are good people and genuinely care for each person, missionary or not.

Ponderize this week is Alma 26:27,37. I love the entire chapter and I feel like it outlines how I desire to feel at the end of my mission. God is  currently hastening his work. I feel it wearing my bones and straining my muscles as I push to move at greater paces and climb higher and higher (in some cases literally due to half the landscape being STAIRS! My calves are going to be massive at the end of my mission). The context is just vital in more fully understanding what afflictions these brothers actually faced and suffered through with utmost patience. Thus we see the mercy of God. I may have challenges in my life. Mission or no. I am asked to endure through them with patience though. I know that I will see the mercy of God. He's promised it. 

10.   Who are some of the families/individuals you are teaching?  Not full names, but what kind of people are they? 

11.   How is the language going?

I'm especially excited this week to see a specific situation that has been such a challenge. I have been teaching a young man who's English name is Alex (English names are so funny here! In English class there's a man who calls himself Dinosaur. It's all I can to to keep myself from laughing in front of him every time he says it.) Anyways, Alex has been meeting with missionaries for about a year. He was not progressing for a long time, but when we started meeting with him, he started up again! This Sunday was the moment of truth though. He didn't keep his commitment to go to church. Now that I'm leaving the area, there's a chance that I will never see this young man again. I know God will care for him though. Obviously I am not meant to do any more with these people. It's sad, but I'm not the one who knows where I am supposed to be or when I am supposed to be there. I am glad for the short time I have had to get to know these people of Kwai Chung and I am expecting miracles to come in Tai Wai. I can feel it. Great things are coming. Any other questions, email me back and I will try to get back to you. Until then, keep the faith and endure your trials well.

Elder Tung is my trainer, so no, he's not going anywhere without me for now. We are leaving Elders Fields and Shipp. I broke my fast yesterday and I had a TON of food because we can't bring all of it that we have with us. Lot's of rice, dumplings, soup from the members yesterday that felt like a baptism in itself because of how healthy it felt. I think there may have been ancient chinese medicine in it. Siu Mai, which are like little dumplings filled with only meat that you steam over your rice. We actually had a Halloween party with the members the day before, so I had a lot  of candy as well. Ice cream from members.

I get to live with the Assistants to the President and the office elders, so all of these super language proficient elders are surrounding me. This is a huge blessing. Love you all! Gotta go though. Tell everyone I love them and pray for their success. Talk to you next week. Christmas is right around the corner!

First week in Hong Kong Week 10

**Ian's friend Kadyn Hillstead received his mission call this week and we told Ian.  He starts with his response to the news**

That's so wonderful! I wish I could've been there to see his family's reaction. They all are so well bound in their relationship as a family. I wish them all the happiness that I have found as a missionary and more. He's going to make an amazing missionary. Tell him that even after 3 years consecutively taking Mission Prep class, I still wish that I had studied Preach my Gospel SO much more. Memorize his purpose, the first vision, and whatever else is required of him PRIOR to entering the MTC. It will be a good head start for him on the MTC.

Anyways, about this city...HONG KONG! This city has some of the tallest structures in the world with even more floors because everything is super short. Hitting my head all the time has become a nuisance, but I will get over it.

It's very hot here, very humid, and VERY polluted. My vision has noticeably adjusted. I can't see as far because of the haze, but I don't think it's hurting my eyes. Everyone here is also super short. There are about 5 people total out of the million that I have seen that are about my height. Elder Turner, Elder Warner, Elder Smith, And myself are probably in the top .001% of tallest people in Hong Kong.

Sorry mom, you were so close, but my companions name is Elder Tung. He's a bundei (local Hong Konger) who speaks near fluent english. You must have been praying really hard, because he is GREAT! He likes sea kayaking and studied at BYU Hawaii for a year. It's a little hard to go finding with him because he has a really bad injury from his childhood where he has a little bit of difficulty walking, but we press forward. I try to be a support to him in any way that I can.

The food here is indescribable. There are no similarities to the food at home, even the stuff that claims to be genuine Chinese food. I have some of the freshest fruit in the world in my fridge for about $5 HKD/lb. My companion knows how to cook, but we are often going out to eat because of how cheap it is. You can't order water when you go out because they only give this to you hot. I learned that the hard way when I had a literal trial by fire in ordering my first meal of noodles. I accidentally ordered the spiciest kind and asked for water. I was miserable, but I finished the food. It actually tasted pretty good. It just hurt.

The apartment is super tiny. You could fit it all in the front entry area of our house with plenty of room to spare. We have a washer and a dryer though. YES!

I'm sweating so much. I have worked hard to make sure I don't lose weight though. Still about 180, just a little more defined. My face broke out really bad initially, but I think I'm more used to it now. It was probably just because of the plane ride.

Speaking of the plane ride, Elder Herzog and I had a really interesting experience. A man named Mark would walk down the aisle of the plane about every 25 minutes and would put a slip of paper on Elder Herzog's tray with a scripture on it. We both looked up all of these scriptures. All in the Bible. All talking about deceivers, false teachers, sons of perdition, and other evil stuff. I was actually surprised to find myself laughing a little bit. This man had never met us before, didn't know that we were 18 year old young men, and the only things he'd heard about the church were quite anti and untrue.  We ended up talking to him for about 40 minutes at the back of the plane explaining some of his questions, sharing our testimonies of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, and teaching the first lesson of the Restoration of the Gospel. He agreed with everything we had to say. We gave him a Book of Mormon, a pamphlet, and a passalong card. Don't know how he's doing right now, but we sent his contact info in when we arrived at the mission home.

I have my interview with president Lam today because there are simply to many new arrivals. He seems very kind and interested in our welfare, as well as his wonderful wife.

I am right now in the Kwai Chung area. We are actually opening it with 2 other elders and 2 other sisters because of the twenty four of us that just showed up. Elder Tuhng, Elder Shipp, Elder Fields, Sister Taylor, Sister Hadley, and myself make up the district. So many missionaries. We have been invited to so many members homes to eat amazing food and meet amazing and happy people.

I have had my eyes ripped open by the spirit to see through God's eyes how much he loves these people and see how much he has in store for them. The work in not only hastened...it's accelerating at such an amazing rate. All the gifts He has promised have hit me in the face one by one every second as I open my heart a little more to the reality of God's love and power being exercised. We are protected and supported on every hand. Forget left and right, it's almost like swimming in God's love and care. So this is what missionary work is supposed to feel like. I have never been happier.

The language is impossible, but I was thankfully prepared for that. With the spirit and the gift of tongues, I see so much potential here. and I can't wait to hit the ground running after all of this craziness.

To all the missionaries from ages one to 92, I say Gayauh, and keep the faith. This is worth it and more. God is almighty and all loving. I have nothing to fear but my own unwillingness to work hard. I won't ever let that happen.

Subway was easy to figure out. Still working on the bus system, but I think I'm close.

My ponderize scripture is D&C 4 because I still have yet to memorize the cantonese version.

I love you all! I was so grateful to be able to talk to everyone. Gayauh!

Elder Taylor's Mission President, President Lam, is so wonderful to post things on Facebook.  He included pictures and video of the trainer/trainees that recently arrived.

A picture borrowed from another blog, which has a back of the head shot of Ian.  Desperate for photos here.  

Elder Taylor's first area:  Kwai Chung (just an image from the internet.  No pictures from Ian yet.)

Thank you so much for your experiences and love. It's a real support and blessing. Two more things before I have to go. 1) Saw and thankfully killed my first Cockroach. 2) I don't have time to share a thought about the message from the first presidency this month, but PLEASE tell the Andersons and the Lundbecks that I love and pray for them. Also thank the Lundbecks for their kind card that they sent. Love you all!

Missionaries arrive safely China Hong Kong Mission...October 20, 2015

Today we got an email from Ian's Mission President.  He included a quick note and a photo. There was also a photo on his Facebook page.  It was so great to get this news and see Ian and his group arrive safely!

Dear Parents,

Just to let you all know that your missionary has arrived safely in Hong Kong. They are a little tired but excited and enthusiastic. Thank you so much for raising these fine young men and women of God. We love them already.

Best regards,

President Lam

China Hong Kong Mission

We may not hear from Ian on his P day because Russell M. Nelson is going to be visiting the mission.  Whatever we hear will be wonderful!  

President Lam has a Facebook page, on which was posted the following:   

Transfer week
We have 24 new missionaries and 8 departing this week. The 24 new one arrived the evening of the 20th. We were so busy that day and the APs and office elders were getting things ready for the new apartments that the mission has recently rented. We ended up grabbing a quick bit to eat at a Thai restaurant a few minutes from the airport before meeting them. This is another great group of missionaries that the Lord has sent to labor here. You can see from their countenance. They are eager and ready to serve and to bring people to come unto Christ. We are grateful to have them here, serving with us.  

So, not only did we get to see the group picked up at the airport, we got to see them standing in front of the temple.  This is taken just outside the mission home, which is across the street.  

Then, we also got video posted on President Lam's Facebook page of the trainers and the 24 new trainees!  If I can post a link to the video I will.  For the time being, here is the picture of the trainers

and the trainees!  Ian is the last one on the right.

Another missionary posted a photo in their cramped patron housing.  I'm pretty sure they were just glad to be off the airplane after such a long flight.

Missionaries depart the Provo MTC October 19, 2015

Wow.  So today we got to talk to Ian several times through the course of the day.  We spent some time arranging for him to have a phone with which to call us from the Salt Lake City airport, as well as the Seattle airport.  It was great to hear his voice!  He had time to call home, call his aunts Chrissy and Carrie, and even his grandfathers.  His call to Chrissy was hilarious.  He called her, and because she didn't recognize his number, she said "Sorry-I don't take calls from solicitors" and hung up.  He called her back.  She repeated herself,"Sorry-I don't take calls from solicitors" and hung up again.  He called her back and she answered aggressively, "Are you HARASSING me?"  Ian was finally able to talk to her and said, "You are making this a lot harder than this needs to be."  She quickly replied, "What is your name?!  I want to talk to your supervisor!"

Ian meekly said, "This is Elder Taylor."

She felt so badly, but it was so funny.  We got some photos from Elder Hansen, whose mom posted them on the Facebook page Hong Kong Missionary Parents.  It is a great place where we share photos, stories, and information.

Ian at the airport in Salt Lake City:

Ian at the airport in Seattle:

We all got to speak to him and hear some great stories.  Ian informed us that he scored a 5 out of 7 on his fluency exam.  He was pleased with how much he's learned, but he knows he has a long way to go.  The missionaries were able to call home only at the airport. They destroyed their phones as they boarded the plan.  He is excited to get there and meet his trainer.  We watched the progress of his flight as he crossed the Pacific.

 We know he will be really happy and work really hard!

Today week 9

Notes from Mom:  We heard from Ian on Saturday this week.  It was a half P day as they are leaving next Monday so they are taking care of some last minute emails.  There was a lot of back and forth.

This picture was posted on Facebook by another missionary's mom.  Sister Hoxer's mom had a bunch of t shirts made.  We ordered a few extra to wear at home to show our solidarity.

A couple of pictures we wish we'd gotten are Ian's MTC teachers:  Brother Johnson (Jong Hing Daai), and Sister Kuok (from Macau).

From Ian:  I will be checking this a couple times today, so send any questions or final statements and tidbits of wisdom. Love you!

I don't think I have Chrissy's email, but I'm short on time either way, so please tell her I said thank you for them! I also got the pictures. They are great. Also, guess what...I got a 5 out of 7 on my fluency test! 7 is supposed to mean that you sound fluent when you speak, so I'm on my way (hopefully).

Is there any way that they would just be able to skip the morning part of school (Ana should still be able to go to seminary and then come back home for when I'm calling). I don't know if we're using trax. They haven't told us means of transportation to the airport, but We're supposed to get there no later than 8. Maybe what I could do is talk to Simon Ana Adam and Owen for the first bit and then talk to you and dad for the rest of the time while Simon drops off everyone at school (He has driving privileges now right?). This is as specific as I can get as far as itinerary goes other than what I have already told you.

Thank you for your advice that you give so freely. I hope that I can constantly improve myself in every aspect in order to more fully fulfill my calling. Also I sent Art City a few things in a red new balance shoebox (including one of my nametags) for you guys. I would have sent both name tags, but they messed up on our new ones so we won't be getting those until Hong Kong, so until then I will be wearing the other one.

I love you all. I hope that you are able to figure out monday. You always do. I can't wait to hear all of you!

Also, this message is probably my last one I will ever send in America (unless you need me to answer any questions tonight). To Hong Kong!

Nope nevermind. Actually, about being in Seattle, the time I previously sent was Seattle time, so just so you know, I will be calling at 12:30ish seattle time which is, here, 1:30ish Springville time. I think that might be a better time to talk to Simon, Ana, Adam, and Owen since I won't be leaving TO Hong Kong until 3:30 in Seattle which will be 4:30 Springville. Sorry for the misunderstanding! Ask me if you have any questions or if you want to clarify.

Yes I did mean the airport. I'm pretty sure I can only call people once I get in the airports. I have actually pretty much finished packing and have everything at a good weight. I sent the box today. What happens is Art City is supposed to send someone every day to drop stuff off and pick stuff up, but sometimes they "forget" to pick it up because they usually don't have anything to pick up. Otherwise, that is how it should work. I used the MTC on stuff like a Hymn book, study supplies, envelopes (which I will bring with me to Hong Kong), and LOADS of flashcards.

You are all hopefully either having dinner right now, reading scriptures, scripture reading, or possibly just have a bunch of people at sport practices. I'm proud of all of you for having such faith in your lives. I thank you all for the strength you have given me, and for the love that I have felt here. I hope that all of you have success in the years to come. I have a lot more free time than I thought today, so I will just be reading talks here on the computer. If you wan't to say anything, I'm right here.

I'm sorry that I haven't responded to you as far as discipleship. I have every letter I have received in my suitcase (somewere among the 3 dozen other letters you and your sisters have sent). However, I am studying that question in my scripture study: "What are the attributes of a disciple?" I use a blue highlighter because true diciples are loyal and true (and it was the only highlighter I had initially brought with me).

Tell Simon and Jacob hi for me please. Tell them I love them and hope for their success. Also tell them that I invite them to TODAY share their ponderizing scriptures with each other and their testimonies in no more than 10 minutes and no less than 5 minutes. If they don't have ponderizing scriptures yet, tell them to GET ONE! Also, tell them to laminate and/or frame their trig sheets that their teachers gave them. Memorize them like their lives depended on it. I always found myself looking back to that stuff in Mr. Frossard's class because everything always built off of everything else. Sorry I can't be there to enjoy your company, but I hope that my notes are still at least somewhat helpful.

Also, tell your young women group, especially Ana, that I said hi, and that they should have an eternal perspective in relation to their church attendance. What if there was a recent convert in the room? Even better, what if their was an investigator there? Would they be more willing to share comments, or to pay attention? Would their hearts be more turned towards how they can improve their own testimonies? Elder Holland said that we are our first investigators. You wan't your investigators to keep their commitments? God wants you to keep yours! You wan't your investigators to pray more earnestly and study more intensely? God wan't you to that too! You wan't them to fully understand and keep their covenants they make with their Eternal Father in Heaven, the only one that can bring everlasting joy? You must strive every day, every minute, every second (muih yaht, muih fanjung, muih miu), to keep you own and focus on the real purpose life with trust in God that he will provide all other necessities for you if you will do it HIS way.

You can actually find that this is an invitation that Elder Bednar gave in an old MTC devotional: to read the Book of Mormon with one specific question in mind (or two in my case). You'll have to look for it. It might be the one titled "Character of Christ" but I can't be sure.

Note from Mom:  I asked Ian about the other talk.  His response was, 

"How can I become the missionary, husband, and father that I was meant to be?"

He also sent a music file of "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy."  It was magnificent.  

"Elder Jensen has a little voice recorder that we used to record the song we performed. It's difficult to hear in some spots because we were in a brick-wall classroom with 7 people singing into a tiny little 20 dollar USB. Hope you like it though. The third verse is a duet with me and Elder Chen. He's got a GREAT voice."