Oh, say can you see...

Hey everyone! Another great week. I'll apologize now for the shorter letter, I'm writing this from my new Samsung J5. I forgot how much I despise writing on a phone, but so it goes. I'll write what I can and type a proper letter next week. 
But it definitely was a fantastic week. Lots of new investigators and good lessons taught. I love going out and sharing my testimony. Not a lot of people are as excited to see me as I am to see them, but hey. All part of the gig. 

So, yes. New phones. Fancy. Now everything is online, phone calls are clearer, and I can Google translate everything. Texting us worlds easier and I'm so excited about all of our new language opportunities. I've taught several English lessons in the last week that wouldn't have been possible last week.

One of the apps we have is Duolingo - a free language learning app. Intended for language missionaries, but of course, most missionaries have given it a go. Our zone leaders are learning Greek, the APs Mandarin; Elder Liu started Klingon before very quickly abandoning hope. Lots of fun. 

Elder Liu and I went out with a member today for P Day. We had to get up early, so I set a 5 o clock alarm. What tone do you think I set for the alarm?  None other than the mighty MCO Star Spangled Banner. Happy 4th, my fellow Americans. 

Tracted lots recently. We've met lots of fun people. It always makes me laugh when people give stupid excuses for why they can't talk to us. Liru shuo, they're suddenly sick, or they have to go take care of "something". "I'm Christian", so don't bother. "I'm not Christian", so don't bother. But once in a while, we'll knock a door. Maybe it's a mother who comes to the door. Maybe she isn't interested in our message in particular. But she loves Christ and your love of the Savior connects you. Made me think: is our devotion to the Savior the first thing people notice about us? Or are we more concerned about other little things? May we all be a little more devoted to Him this week.
 
Thank you for the fun package I received this week. I hit my one year mark tomorrow - crazy. Seems like just yesterday I was getting out of the MTC. 

My dear brothers and sisters, I'm not the same Elder who stepped off the plane last September. And the Lord has only begun His refining process. When we let Him take the lead, He'll help us become everything He wants us to be. I know that. I love Him. I love missionary service and I look forward to the adventures coming up this next year. 

Have a great 4th and a great rest of the week!

Elder Blackhurst