Standing on The Headwaters of the Mississippi

Hello everyone! Happy December!

This past week was normal busy missionary work. We have been going into new areas and finding new people to teach, which has been fun! I really love meeting new people and hearing their stories. Some people have grown up here their whole lives here and never left. Some moved here to start a new life. Although I'm not in the most "international" part of the world, you certainly still meet people who come from very different walks of life.

I've found missionary work to be pretty unique. So far, being out just barely around 3 weeks, I have learned the importance of relationships. Both a relationship to God and those you teach is critical. As we strive to see and interact with others as Christ would, we see them as fellow children of God. I'm certainly no expert, but I strive daily to try.

I really like a scripture, Ephesians 2:19, which states:

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;"

This week I had the opportunity to visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi! I even got to cross a portion of the river on the rocks, so I can now say I've crossed the Mississippi – ha ha. Due to the cold weather, many parts of it are frozen over, allowing us to also walk, slide, and dance on the Mississippi River. Not something you get to say very often!

Don't worry - there is a fine line between me and the water. It's around 7-8 inches of ice! So, I'm still following standards. (Missionaries are not allowed to swim).
Wishing you a warm and enjoyable December! Love you all. Remember, you are doing better than you think you are!

Elder Reynolds
Anh Cả Reynolds
Explorer of the Headwaters of the Mississippi

Comments

Hanoian Hamburgers

Alo- Hope you are doing well and enjoying the Spring Weather. We are hoping to start getting some warmer weather this next week (meaning the grey overcast that has been here for the past 3.5 months leaves). This week I don't really have much to report on. Always Adjusting: This week was mainly just adjustment to the new area and assignment. This transfer I'll be helping as an Assistant, which is mainly a lot of behind the scenes work. It reminds me a lot of when I was doing Social Media work a little over a year ago - rather than managing the social media, you help with different aspects of the mission. There isn't anything extremely stressful or overwhelming -- it is just lots of small tasks you have to learn to do. My current companion has great experience in this role and has been teaching me lots. He leaves at the end of this transfer, so I am trying to absorb as much as I can to get it ready for the next transfer. The Mission Branch: One aspect I have been enjoying ...

30 Chưa Phải Là Tết

Alo, It has been a great week. After eating some delicious tacos and having a crossover with the Binh Duong/Phu My Hung districts in Saigon, we flew back to Hanoi in the evening. We finished our Hanoi Zone Conference and welcomed our two new senior missionaries. We've been meeting with lots of our friends and having member meals, which is always enjoyable. On Sunday we had a man from China come to participate in a sacrament meeting. We aren't certain how he found out about the church, because he randomly showed up at the building. I helped "interpret" for him, but I could really only give him the general idea of what was going on. I was feeling a little embarrassed how little I could communicate, despite my previous studies. During the sacrament, I was just praying I could at least do the basics to help him the best I can. After we took the water, he tapped me on my shoulder and asked me a question. I had to ask him to repeat it 2 times because I thought I misunder...

Unphởgettable

Alo- This week was enjoyable having our MLC meeting and preparing for the upcoming transfer. Lots of changes are happening, which is exciting. It just means more unforeseen good things are yet to come! Tuesday, I conclude my time as a missionary. Service as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been such a blessing to me. Both written and spoken words are inadequate to share about what I've learned in these last 23 months. So I'd just like to give a brief, but sincere testimony: I testify we have a loving God, who is our Heavenly Father. I know he has a Son, Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his life for us. I've learned how God's Plan for us will lead us to eternal happiness and joy. I know as we repent, we can overcome our burdens and be strengthened by the Lord. I know as we read in the Book of Mormon and pray, we will have an increased knowledge of His love for us. Overall, I testify true, pure happiness and joy is found in Jesus Christ...

Elder Reynolds in Hanoi

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