I am a month into my mission. It is amazing how quickly time passes. I am grateful for the opportunity to give this update, and pray that it, with many others to come, will help all who read these words understand the opportunities and thought I am experiencing. I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the Restored Gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. This is what I will be doing both now and in Hong Kong. Learning the Cantonese language is difficult but enjoyable. I have two teachers, one of which is a native of Hong Kong which helps a lot. My district is made up of 3 other Elders besides myself and two Sisters. While everyone is learning Cantonese, one Elder is actually serving his mission in Toronto, Canada. I am assigned to be with one Elder, or companion, who is from Southern Utah. He grew up on a ranch and is a really good worker with a mellow personality like mine.
Being in the Missionary Training Center (MTC), rumor always has it that the missionaries gain weight because the food is good and all-you-can-eat. The food certainly is better than what I had at school, but with an hour exercise time most days of the week, I think I am staying fairly healthy. I like to run, play 4-square or basketball.
Besides studying and exercise, once a week we get to do service and listen to a leader in the church. I enjoy the life a missionary. The days are long and the weeks are short, but I am progressing and learning. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most precious message to enter in to the heart of man, to bring happiness to his soul and unity to his family forever. My best wishes for another month.
