Week 28: January 20, 2020

Hey all!

I basically just spent this past week getting used to Kendal! And the insane amount of food the members give us haha

Ive been finding some ways to practice my Chinese even here in Kendal! This past tuesday we went on splits with my zone leaders in Lancaster and I got to speak some Chinese! (Finally). Basically if theres a university theres gonna be a bunch of chinese people. So I'll get some opportunities to speak when im on exchanges. We also went to Windemere the other day which is this really touristy town in our area. It has a really pretty lake and backdrop (pics included at the bottom). But basically theres a couple of Chinese tourists (not a lot since it isnt the summer yet) so it was fun to talk to some of them

So last week I mentioned that we have this friend John, who was on date. He would've been the first person in more than 2 years to get baptized in the branch so I was pretty excited. But he sent us a text last Thursday basically saying he never wanted to meet with us again. So that was actually super depressing. Luckily we ran into him on the street the next day and spent a long time just talking to him on the street. Eventually he said he'll keep meeting with us. But as of right now he doesnt want to be baptized. So hopefully things will work out!

The one Chinese person（月亮） I found on my first day that wanted me to teach her English isnt as good as I expected. So she knew right off the bat that we're missionaries. But she still wanted to meet with me to learn English. So one time after teaching her a little english, I tried to share a short video about Jesus with her. Cause that's we normally did when we taught english back in Manchester. And she basically refused to watch it. She apparently just hates Christian churches and idk why. So I'll have to deal with that as well.

At zone conference, President McReynolds put a huge emphasis on focusing on things within your sphere of influence. And not to worry about things we cant control. And that's been something I've definitely had to apply this week. With John and 月亮 basically just rejecting the Gospel. Not to mention the hundreds of people we talk to everyday that dont want to learn the gospel. It's just been so frustrating and also been testing my patience so much. But I know God has a purpose for everything. And I just have to put my trust in him. 

-Elder Ensign

Classic missionary on bike picture

One of the many churches in kendal 

Windemere pt.1

Pt. 2 windemere

Also fun fact, elder smith and I are 4th cousins!

More kendal scenery