The Typhoon That Never Came

Dear family and friends,

 

I'm just going to put it out right now that the typhoon didn't influence us at all. It hit the east a lot. Especially the islands. But we got nothing where I was. We had maybe 40 mile per hour winds for 5 minutes. And some rain that got me drenched in 10 minutes. But that was it.

 

So from the beginning of the week! Tuesday we had a sweet DTM in which a few members came as well as part of our practicing and training. It was really cool working with them and seeing them be the investigators they once were. And we thought of ideas for working with the ward to help them get more involved in missionary work.   We then had English proselyting in the rain. Not a whole lot of success... And that night we had a good/bad lesson with a member referral and his friend. It was going really well, but then it took a turn for the worst when people kept coming into the room and interrupting the lesson. Then they had to leave extremely fast, so we had to wrap it up super quick. I was bugged. But our investigators are sweet, so they understood and still have desire!

Wednesday we had a day of finding. We grabbed out a ton of former records and went to all their houses. We planned it out so it would end in the area of the city where we're never looked for less active members. So we got the maps out and looked for them. There were a few that I know were super active not even a year ago. So we really hope they got our letters and call us back soon. We're going to head by there again soon too.   That night at English was a little drop since the next day was the mid autumn festival. But my class still had a good amount and loved it. Talking about emotions is really funny when you have them act it out. Enough said. Haha.

 

Thursday we had lunch at a members house. It was really good. I love Taiwan sausage. It's just so good! Then we met with a former in the afternoon. He has really good English because he studied in Canada. He's a computer guy. When we walked into his shop, I felt so much at home. Like walking into dad's office. The smell and everything. He has a ton of desire, but family problems make it hard for him to come. But he's so willing!   Also we had a less active dinner at a steak grill/hotpot. It was so good and really cheap. I'm going there from now on. Elder Teerlink bonded with a less active that all 4 of us Elders have been working on. It was super cool!

 

Friday we had Zone Conference. It was on conversion and repentance. The practices helped a lot. We also got to learn about Taiwan culture by one of President Blickenstaff's counselors that is his south counselor. And his wife made us some AMAZING curry rice. And the drink was like a tropical version of Buckwalter Punch. Super good.

Saturday was the so called Typhoon that never came. People showed us satellite images of it right above us, but we felt nothing. It was a let down. And everyone cancelled their lessons because of it. But there was a lady with TREMENDOUS faith that wanted a Priesthood blessing. She had heard about it from her daughter, who heard about it from a friend who is a member. So we went over to give her a blessing before she goes in for an operation. She was so beyond thankful and her faith was so strong.   We also had ward Coordination meeting and a good night of calling and visiting less active members.

 

Sunday we had a better turn out than the previous two weeks. And on a "typhoon day" too. An aborigine family brought their friend from Australia that is living with them while working on his PHD. He's a super cool guy and has a lot of interest. He doesn't speak any Chinese, so we just kept translating for him. We're heading out to the mountains this week to visit with him!  And to end the night we got to visit Hou didi. He's this super cool 10 year old member. He's less active because he has no way of getting to church. But he tries when he can. He lives right by us and we made a plan to ride with him and his 15 year old aunt to church every Sunday. He's so cool. And his little s

isters are so adorable. Whenever I call, I just hear these 5 and 6 year old voices yelling my name. It's so funny.

And that's my week. It was not what I was expecting at all. That typhoon was almost as big of a let down as the snow storm of the century. But I liked the week. It was a grand week. Haha. I love you all! I can't wait to hear back from all of you! Have a great week! Keep thinking of questions of the soul for the upcoming conference! I love conference!

 

Love, Elder Anthony Kai Buckwalter