Elder Brigham Blackhurst: Wo xihuan ni de lingdai

Hey everyone! Week 4 and a half or something like that. We kinda lose track of time over here. Every day is still lots of work. Workout to classes to meals to more classes. But the progress and growth in every aspect of my day compared to the beginning of my time here is staggering. Today compared to the beginning is definitely much better.

...and after writing that sentence, I'm realizing how much Chinese grammar is starting to take a toll on my English. Forgive me.

As far as Chinese goes, we're getting decently proficient at teaching. I can go into a lesson without anything prepared and kinda crash through it. I did ask one of our investigators What is mother was, in opposed to How she was doing. That was kinda awkward. I also forgot how to tell one investigator that I had been at the MTC for four weeks and had five left, so I picked the best word I knew and told her "women kefu le si ge xingxi", with respective tones. You Chinese speakers out there will get a kick out of that. Those of you who don't will probably be frustrated with me. Enjoy.

I'm starting to really love the language, though. I love it. And with every passing day, I'm more and more excited to go and teach in Australia. I've got the most incredible truth, most indescribable joy. I get to share it. Just have to get through August first.

Music was a big part of my week. An Elder in my district - Elder Pinnock - asked me to help him with a musical number in sacrament meeting. We sang Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy, him mostly on the melody and me jumping from harmony to harmony. Very fun. And then for choir, the song we're preparing for next Sunday is the MCO Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer. Hands down one of the most beautifully powerful pieces I've ever been able to sing. It really brought some comfort after a long day.

MTC food is starting to get old. To all of the missionaries coming out soon, I promise it's good. Just...only so long. I envy all the English speakers. Even though we generally just make fun of them all. It's lots of fun.

Speaking of English speakers, fun story. I could not, for the life of me, remember the word "xihuan". So I decided to use it every time I pass someone. I've taken to saying, "wo xihuan ni de lingdai," which roughly translates to "I think you English speakers smell funny", every time I pass someone between classes and then laugh at their confused faces.

Causing a little harmless confusion is great fun.

We got to the temple for the first time today since we arrived. Absolutely beautiful. God has a plan for us. I'm so very grateful to be part of it. I'm also so grateful for the Book of Mormon and the restoration. Truly is an inspired work - the most inspired work - no other text in the world will bring us closer to Christ. I challenge you all to open it this week and take a look at Moroni 10:4-5. The promises enclosed were such a blessing to me this week. Spent a lot of time in there.

Also, I was supposed to have it memorized in Chinese by yesterday. Only got about two lines in.

Oops. Zao Gao.

Anyway! I love you all. Your emails and letters and packages make me smile every day. I feel your love and your support and it means the world. I love seeing pictures, keep them coming. I'll send some of my own out this afternoon, along with any other letters. For those of you who get annoyed when I take too long to respond *cough* Eliza *cough* I'll happily remind you that I do have other things to do today besides email. But I'll do my best.

Keep doing good. Do as the Savior did - therein lies happiness.

Love you all.

Elder Blackhurst