December 6, 2015 - The Crocodile King

Dear Family and Friends,

To start off the week we went with a member to do something very special...

We went to see the crocodile king! This thing was massive beyond belief. Also, it was very much alive!! Luckily it was so big, slow and tame that I could get a quick pic with it...but you best believe I wasn't staying in there very long.

The city of Tainan has been and is very humbling to me. Ever since I got here there hasn't been really anyone to teach and we haven't had any really strong investigators. 

I like the saying "If you haven't felt the spirit reprimanding you any time recently... you probably need to evaluate how close to the Spirit you are." Everyday I feel like like the Spirit is trying to tell me "You need to change Elder Erwin." I feel like that might be a big portion of my mission. Everyday repenting and evaluating what can I do to become the person God needs me to be. Allowing that feeling to not just burden me with regret but to change it into something that will allow me to ascend to new level of spiritual light. 

This week I also got the chance to play at a baptism we had here in Tainan! It always brightens my day a little when I get the chance to play again. 

One thing that is so evident and rings so true to me is that we must truly enjoy the little things. Hold on to them, and allow them to carry you through the struggles. 

Here are the answers to the weekly questions.

• Has your bike arrived? 

It got here my second day in Tainan:) they know how to mail stuff here so fast!;)

• How long has Elder Varvel been out? 

He came out about exactly one year before me so.. 1 1/2 years

• Tell us about Elder Varvel. What is he like? 

Elder Varvel is a funny guy. His mindset seems to be if force isn't the answer you are not using enough force  ;) So we are really different in that way.

• What things do you do that are different in your new area? 

It is pretty similar Elder Varvel likes contacting more than anything so there will be days when we are on our bikes for 5+ hours just contacting. 

• Are you still eating oatmeal with chocolate milk for breakfast? 

Or do they eat something different in your new area? I have kind of given up on breakfast. So nope I haven't eaten any oatmeal with chocolate milk:) 

• Do you share your apartment with another set of elders?

No 

• Do you ever go on splits? 

We did this week. I went with Elder Booth from Australia to his area.

• Were you able to download that music I ordered for you? I am going to try and do it today

• What is the city concert for that you wanted the music for? 

The government of Tainan asked for our church to perform at this thing in front of the train station. So all these government officials will be there.

• Is it a Christmas concert? Yes

• When is that concert? 

December 24th, Happy Christmas Eve!

• Will you be playing in it? 

I will be playing in it.