The fruits of missionary work

For all of you who thought I was dead because I didn't email yesterday, I apologize. Some of our P Day time was moved to today because of a baptism that was scheduled out of the ordinary, which was quite a blessing. I know you're all dying to read my email, so here you go.

This last week was one of those weeks that you remember for the rest of your mission, and for years after. Liu Jing Long was baptized on November 11th, last Saturday, and I was able to participate the following Sunday to give him the gift of the Holy Ghost. Brothers and sisters, there is nothing in this world quite like seeing someone come out of that font, committing to change their lives to follow God and to receive the blessings promised by the Gospel of Christ. I am grateful for Liu and for every event that's happened in the last several years to get him to where he is today. 

My words will be brief this week. Liu's baptism was truly the highlight. Still, we had quite a few memorable experiences besides. Most of them are substantially less serious than the baptism. 

For example. At FHE last Monday, one of the sisters (bless her heart) decided that we would sing In Our Lovely Deseret for the opening hymn. I didn't even get through the first line before I busted up laughing. I was a mess. I can't take that song seriously. The Asians were all confused - I don't blame them, honestly. 

The other day, for language study with Elder Hu, I explained Mormon and American dating culture. That was quite the adventure. I also realized that all of the stereotypes I was explaining to him, more likely than not, many of my dear friends are currently living them. Gotta love BYU marriage rates. Also, I never want to define the words "making out" to any one ever again. Definitely not to a Chinese who keeps asking for alternative definitions. Aurgh. Besides that, the language is still coming along fine. One day at a time.

We spent a whole lot of time this last week focusing on our less actives. A message to all of you return missionaries: contact your members. If you served a mission in the last several decades and have a way to contact the people you associated with in the field, please do so this week. It makes a world of difference for them to know they haven't been forgotten. 

We went to the temple yesterday. How lucky we are to have the House of the Lord there for us, to go and serve and learn and grow. I am so grateful for temples. It's been too long since I've gone. I'm not sure how I'm going to make it to the next quarter without.

Beyond that, the work is going well. Our investigators are progressing and our area is growing, bit by bit. We changed the Heidelberg voicemail to our names, so we're pretty official. We love the work and we're grateful for the opportunity to serve. I'm grateful for all your kind messages (and to the occasional letter, thank you so much to those who have sent me things, you know who you are) and constant prayers and support. Keep up the good work, and I look forward to hearing from you all soon. Love you all.

Elder Blackhurst