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New Year, New Country, New Language

Hope you have started 2024 off strong and ready for a new year! New Year's is actually one of my favorite holidays, because it is a holiday celebrated by mostly everyone on Earth. It's interesting to see how the world unites for this brief period of time, to celebrate a new beginning. 

Vietnam:
I'm starting off this new year in an exciting way! As I write this email, I am currently on my way to Vietnam! I will have a short layover in Seoul, South Korea and then a 5 hour flight to Vietnam. I am so excited to reunite with some of my fellow MTC missionaries and see some friendly faces again! My language skills are far from perfect, I am certainly a bit nervous. Simultaneously,  I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity to start this next adventure and serve in Vietnam. Next week, I should have plenty of photos to share!

The Last Day in Bemidji:
While preparing to leave Bemidji and head to Bismarck where I would temporarily stay until my flight on Monday, we got a phone call from one of our friends. We asked what we could do for him, and he casually asked "Yeah, when is the soonest I can get my family baptized in your church?". We were shocked to say the least. What an amazing miracle to see on my last day. Although I won't be their for there baptism I am fulfilled knowing we helped someone.

I am so grateful for my extraordinary trainer Elder Mayne and my wonderful district in the North Dakota Bismarck Mission. They have been great examples of diligent missionaries. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to serve alongside so many great missionaries. 

Being a Missionary Pays:
While visiting a family in Mandan ND, we closed with our prayer and asked if we could do anything for them. The oldest native man walked away, came back and handed us each (in a trio) $200 in cash. He said it was for gas money, and since he didn't have time to feed us, we could go get ourselves food. We tried kindly turning down the offer, until he finally told us "You can not say no to an Indian". 

Despite this, I believe there is currently a plan to somehow return the $600. I left my $200 back in Bismarck with leadership. If the family truly refuses to take it back, hopefully the mission office can put it towards some missionaries who may need extra winter clothes or materials. 

Spiritual Thought:
I have been thinking about the New Year and 2024 quite a bit lately. There are a lot of things I am ready to move on from in 2023. Although new year's is a great time to feel this sense of renewal and a new beginning, I realized we can do this every week as we partake of the sacrament. I don't need to wait for a new year to feel refreshed. In fact, we can have this renewal as we repent daily and rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It doesn't mean our problems, insecurities, stress, or trials will be healed or immediately fixed - but it does enables us to have a new perspective and clear mind on how we can continue moving forward. 

Wishing you the best and a smooth start to 2024. Remember, I have about a 14hr time difference now, so I may be late to respond to some messages!

Love you all,
Elder Reynolds
Anh Cả Reynolds


Arrival in Seoul

My parents (Mom) were happy to see I was alive

Arrival in Vietnam
(Photo by President/Sister Hughes)

My District back together again!




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