Political Pottery

Alô mọi người,

Thank you for all the wonderful birthday messages and wishes. I had a great birthday and look forward to the next while I am here! This week was busy with lessons, making new friends, and preparing trainings.

Last Preparation Day:

Last preparation day was fun - we went to a big town called Bát Tràng which is an entire town dedicated to pottery. We walked around and learned all about the history of pottery and ceramics in Vietnam. I'm not a big pot head haha but it was interesting. I'm still trying to figure out how they decorate all the pottery after they shape it and fire it.

I was feeling a bit down that day - but Heavenly Father helped me out. While we were sitting at lunch a couple from Europe sat down next to us. The woman was from France and the man was from Spain, but spoke perfect Italian. They were on a long trip here in Vietnam "enjoying the cheap food" and "touring around". They were really friendly, until I called the city "Hồ Chí Minh" "Sài Gòn" and the French woman went on a small tangent about how I am supporting colonialism by calling it Saigon. I understand where she was coming from - I appreciate her being culturally sensitive. I won't get into the details, but if you think about it for a minute, you will see the irony. Anyways.

We went and did some pottery where I didn't do half bad of a job for my first time. I certainly made a bowl-like shape - unfortunately, while I was spinning the wheel I cut my finger pretty good on some dry clay. No worries though, because the old woman came over and washed my finger in the bowl of clay water (super dirty) and then covered my wound with the clay to stop the bleeding. I don't remember that being in Boy Scouts, but it worked. Stay tuned to see if my fingerprint comes back.

In the evening we went to the Mission Home for dinner and spent time with President and Sister Hughes, and their son and daughter-in-law who were visiting. They made a roast (oh how I have missed roast) with some cupcakes to celebrate my companions birthday.

21:
Yup, then I turned 21 this week. I blew out someone's phone flashlight over a pile of half-eaten mangos, which was pretty fun. I loved it. I wish I could show myself 1 year ago what this next birthday would've looked like. I would have been shocked.

Spiritual Thought:
I gave a talk this week in sacrament meeting about how missionary work has blessed my life. I talked about how missionary work has blessed me to trust in Heavenly Father's plan, and the reality of miracles.

Don't worry, I got some photos this week. Make sure to check out the album.

Love and miss you all,

Anh Cả Reynolds

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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