Elder Welch where are you?

Haha Elder Welch is officially off his mission now. I was able to spend my last P day with him on Monday and we went hiking. We hiked with two of his other former companions and we all had a good time. He was really happy and it was fun. He was an amazing 3rd companion and I learned so much from him and he's a stud. I dropped him off on Wednesday morning giving him a goodbye hug and then letting him go. I hope he doesn't get married too fast haha. 

This week was a pretty big change. A lot happened! Right when Elder Welch said that he was going home, a bunch of members wanted to eat with us. We ended up having a dinner with someone for the next three nights! I swear that it is the Members' goal to get me fat. They are always giving me so much food. Even though they know I'm full and can't take anymore they make me eat more! Haha I never thought I wouldn't have a choice how much food I shovel into my body. They just make me eat! I heard when Chinese New Year comes it gets crazy and people get sick... needless to say, I'm not super excited for that haha.

Since Elder Welch was leaving, the luzhou elders had to be with me until I got my new companion. While I was with them a member called me and asked for a priesthood blessing. I hadn't ever been the one to say the blessing before so it was a new experience. I was able to do it in English, and Elder Endicott said that through the whole blessing he was thinking of stuff I needed to say, but I ended up saying it all. The spirit was truly guiding me which was a cool experience! After that we headed to the MRT station and picked up my new companion Elder Hyde. He is a pretty nice guy, and super obedient which is always good. His Dad actually served a mission in Taizhong so when he was 8 years old, they moved to Hong Kong. He lived there for ten years because of his dad's work， so that's pretty cool! I think we'll do well in this area and receive blessings for our service. 

On Friday this week was pretty cold. I think it was in the 40 degrees with wind chill and everything. It wasn't actually that cold, but with the moisture in the air that's what it actually felt like. For some reason I decided to just wear my short sleeved shirt and go out. Everyone on the street was just saying:"他不怕冷!!" Which means that He doesn't fear the cold!! People were so worried about it to the point where they brought a sweater for me. I kept telling them I just left my coat at home, but they didn't understand and were genuinely concerned haha. They are super nice people and always willing to do something to help someone.

I am still adjusting to changes, and missionary work is never easy work. Most people don't like to talk to you and things can be hard sometimes. Yesterday morning I received a call from my RC An Zhi. He told me that he had overtime work and that he was super tired and hadn't had the opportunity to sleep yet. He said for some reason he felt like he needed to call me and tell me that I will become a good missionary. He bore his testimony to me and said that I'm doing the right thing and my parents are proud of me. He also said that I am a good kid and I'm providing for my family in a spiritual way. Right after he said all of this he  hung up and went to sleep. It was just really cool to me that he called me to strengthen me. I'm super lucky to have got to know them.

I love all of you and your emails make my week! Thanks for all the love and support. Choose the Right!!