December 20, 2010

So yes I am doing very well, good things are happening, and it is a great and marvelous time to be a missionary. No England doesn't contain the nicest people, but they are all children of God and they make the days really interesting. I miss you my family as well and sometimes it is hard, but then I realize again why I am here and it makes it easier. I will miss the Christmas time spent together as a family, but I have learned something very valuable here at Christmas time while on a mission. I always knew presents and things like that were not important, but I didn't always have the right idea of Christmas. Being here and doing the work of Christ makes me realize and appreciate more of what this time of year means. So I am happy to have this opportunity to finally learn the true meaning of Christmas. I hope that all of you may do the same this wonderful time of year.

 

This week has been a great week. On Tuesday we had Training Camp. This camp was for all the new missionaries that came in the new transfer. So there were about 9 of us. It was great because we got to see the difference between what we knew at the beginning of our missions (basically nothing) and what we know now, (still not too much, but oh so much better than the start). We had the opportunity to look back and see all the progress we have made in knowing how best to talk with people and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. The camp was focused on Street Contacting. Inviting the Spirit into our lessons, and the baptismal invitation. The camp helped us to point out what we can do better and then told us how we can do so. In other words, the camp was great overall!

 

The other big event that happened this week was of course the Baptism's on Saturday. Can I just say "amazing" because it truly was. I have been truly blessed to receive such experiences and opportunities so early in my mission. I was honored to baptize Xu Peng (Eric) and Elder Jin baptized Bai Sumeng (Soom). They were so well prepared to receive baptism, and I know most of that had nothing to do with us. We were just the messengers, but fortunately we were able to be there the whole process and see them gain such great testimonies.

 

It snowed really bad the day before and we were worried that we would not be able to hold it, but fortunately it cleared up and the Ward Mission Leader said "the show must go on". So we went and shoveled half of the Church parking lot so that people would be able to get in safely. The baptism's themselves went fast and smoothly. The only bad thing was the water was much colder than I thought it would be. :) Haha. I can't wait to see the impact these two fine young Chinese men will have on their family and friends back home in China. I feel so blessed and honored to be a part of this great work. Not only have I helped some wonderful people find the light of Christ, I have gained friendships that will last forever. Both of them wanted to know my full name so they could add me on Facebook. Haha. Isn't technology so great? :)

 

I am very much looking forward to Christmas and being able to spend it at some members homes and with people that really care about us. Like I said, I will miss you very much, but I am appreciative of the fact that wonderful people are all around the world that you can be with. Also a great gift is that President Bullock is giving us permission to sleep in until 8:00!!! Something that he said really hit home to me.

 

He said, that for those of us who have been obedient, this will be a wonderful reward and gift that we will really appreciate. Whereas, those who have not, will not find it that great at all and won't appreciate it so much either. This just reminded me how thankful I was for you my family and especially my parents for encouraging me in one way or another to be obedient and to do it because I want to, not because I have to. You have taught me many things that have helped me so much out here. And I really thank you for that. So keep up the good work!! And siblings, once again, remember they love you, and the reason for their correction is because of that love and broader big picture seeing ability. :)

 

One last thing. I had and interesting experience while bus contacting someone the other day. I sat down and turned to talk to him, started sharing the message and he got mad and said that he had already had a bad enough day and didn't need me bugging him. He used other words of course. :) So I kindly let him be. About 8 minutes later he tapped me on the arm and apologetically said not to take it personally, just that he had had a bad day. We talked for a little bit, and he said he was still not interested and then we parted ways. I really did appreciate him for his willingness to say sorry and it was good to know that people do have bad days, but can still talk like civilized human beings. :) In the end he didnt' accept the message we share, but we both gained more respect for the other from our experience. This is just one of the many interesting things that happen on a mission and I love it!! Sorry if you thought it was boring. It doesn't sound as good in writing. :)

 

Well once again I must be off, but remember I love you and I really look forward to our talk on Christmas. Until then have fun and be safe!!!

 

Elder Fawcett

December 13, 2010

I hope all is going well!!

Unfortunately I don't have as much time as usually because the Internet is going on and off in the Library today. As for me here in the Mission field.... There were some really interesting things that happened this week. For one I went on Two exchanges, one with my District Leader, and one with the Assistants to the President. I learned so much from both of them in how to work more lovingly with those we meet on the streets, but also to be very persistent in the right way.

Truly we need to relate to those we speak with and show we care and then show we care even more by sharing the gospel. Just having some random teenagers dressed all nice telling you some random stuff you have never thought about before would not be on the top of my to do list either. Basically I learned to become real quick friends with those I contact. At least i try. Some don't want new friends if you know what i mean. :)

Some of the funniest experiences I have are the ones where I start talking to someone and they say something super absurd back. For example, I saw this little old lady walking with a rolled up umbrella on the street. So I went to go talk to her and in the nicest and least threatening way possible I asked her how she was doing and that we were sharing a message. She turned to me, and while shaking her umbrella at me she yelled, "You shouldn't go around accosting people on the streets young man!!" haha, picture that one if you will. :) Those kind of experiences happen somewhat often and it is hilarious and sad at the same time.

One more experience I wanted to share with you that was somewhat interesting. While on exchange with the AP's we were street contacting. I went up to a man and started talking to him and right away he went off about how his girlfriend of 5 years had just passed away. He went on to tell me his whole soul and feelings and then I asked if we could come teach him right now. He accepted. Later I found out a little of why he accepted so readily. He was slightly drunk.

When we got to his house his friend was there smoking and drinking, and it smelt really bad. Unfortunately I had the opportunity to sit next to him and throughout the course of the lesson I almost threw up multiple times. Later we found out that they were both drunk, so it was very hard to teach. But we did set up a return appointment and told them to throw away their alcohol and cigarettes. They both said they knew they should, but that it was just so hard. Too hard in fact. We still have not had the opportunity to meet with them again, but one said he is coming to church. We will see if he does.

The last really great thing I wanted to tell you was that we have 2 baptisms this Saturday and one of our investigators asked me if I would baptize him. Lets just say that I am super excited and somewhat nervous for this opportunity and responsibility. I didn't think I would have this opportunity so soon on my mission and I am very grateful for it. He is a Chinese student age 19 who speaks mediocre English. I love him so much, he has such an amazing attitude and desire to know for himself. He accepted all his commitments to keep the commandments and really read and asked questions about the BOM.

Over the month I have been here in England I have come to know more of why I am here specifically Chinese speaking. It is hard and I need to improve on a lot. But I do know I am here for a reason. I can't wait until I am done being trained and can be put solely to work focusing on the Chinese Population. I love them and feel the obligation to help them learn and grow as much as possible in both the Gospel and their personal lives here in England.

I want you to know how much I love you all, thank you for all your love and support.

I love you, have a great week, and remember why we celebrate this time of year!!

Elder Fawcett

December 6, 2010

Yes I had a wonderful week. Sick yes, but it was still wonderful. :) It is hard getting sick on a mission I have found, because you never get as much sleep as you need to recover, plus you are outside all day in the rain and cold. But oh it is so fun at the same time. :) So don't you worry about me, I am still alive.

 

I guess to answer your question about my purpose as a Mandarin Speaking Missionary: First, thanks for asking a specific question. I never really know what to write to you besides random events during the week, and it is nice to have some outside guidance in what I should write. :) Second, my purpose as a Mandarin Speaking Missionary is to focus on the Chinese people here in England. You might say, well duh, but it is kind of hard sometimes because all the Chinese people are usually in one area, and we are not always in that one area.

 

It is somewhat hard right now because of the way our companionship is set up. Having and English Trainer who is trying to teach me everything, but can't really teach me anything about Chinese and the Chinese people. Fortunately he is a great trainer and really tries to keep most of the time focused on the Chinese population. Sorry, that probably didn't make a lot of sense. Basically, after I get settled in and don't have to be trained anymore, get paired with another Mandarin speaking missionary, and get set loose, our efforts will be on the Chinese people and finding them. Right now we go everywhere and talk to everyone which is great. But later, we will probably only teach Chinese investigators. When we meet English investigators, we will teach them the first lesson, and then pass them on to the English missionaries. And Vice-versa.

 

In the end, we are a forever finding mission, but as a mandarin speaking missionary, we would rather be speaking to mandarin speakers. :) Now I just need to better my Chinese, which is really hard because of the previously mentioned problems. But I am trying my best and just need to pray harder. It will come i am sure.

 

The Chinese people who are baptized do not have a Chinese branch to go to, not anywhere close to enough members as of yet. So they go to the English ward, and can't quite understand everything, which is somewhat of a problem, but they still like to go to at least better their English. :) 

 

Most of the Chinese are Students. Pretty much what we are doing is converting the Chinese youth who will then return to China and spread the gospel themselves. Truthfully, they are going to be the reason the church gets into China. I can't wait to see the fruit of our labors. It is going to be amazing when China eventually opens and those Chinese youth will have already set somewhat of a foundation to build upon.

 

I will end with just a couple of funny things that happened this week. The other day we were waiting at a bus stop and started talking to a man. After a minute or so he specifically asked, "what part of Ireland are you from?" Haha, he didn't ask, where are you from, but what part of Ireland? A couple of days later I was asked the same type of question on a bus. So Kjanela, to answer your question, I am assuming the accent that I am slightly developing sounds Irish. :)

 

Also on Saturday the Zone leaders needed me to go help teach a Chinese investigator. So we went and started teaching. I started teaching or speaking in Chinese, and the two Chinese girls just busted out laughing (first time this has happened). Finally they stopped laughing and said that it wasn't because my Chinese was horrible, but because it was "cute". What does that even mean? Cute Chinese? That doesn't make any sense. I am going to have to work on not sounding cute.

 

I love you, and you are in my prayers as well,

 

Elder Fawcett

November 29, 2010

This last week was wonderful thank you! I am getting along much better thanks to your support and to my renewed efforts to do the Lords work in his way and not mine. I love it here even though there are some things I could do without. I am getting more settled in and feel more at home now. I guess I will just give you a rundown of the week and go from there. I guess that is kind of organized right? :)

So Tuesday we had a Chinese meeting which included all the Chinese Elders in the Manchester and Leeds mission. That totaled about 12 Chinese speaking missionaries. (there are only 4 in Leeds) I learned some new things about my mission. I am 1 of 4 missionaries that were specifically asked for and assigned to my mission. All the others are natives or previous Chinese speakers. I thought that was really interesting and very humbling. I know I was called here for a specific reason, now I just need to fulfill that calling.

The meeting helped me realize what my purpose as a Chinese speaking missionary in England really is. I need to make a more focused effort in learning Chinese because that is my calling. I won't always have a companion who speaks fluent Chinese. (This has actually been proven a hindrance thus far) We had a companionship inventory and focused on the problems that we had, and hopefully they can be fixed. I just need to do my part. SYL!!! Unfortunately there is not much of SYLing available. But I must try!!!!

On Thursday we had our Sports day. Can I just say SUPER COLD? Because it was. I ended up playing American Football and Basketball. Both of which were not the best because of the amount of people and the restrictions on play. For example we played 5 on 5 basketball on a small half court church gym. It was super crowded and you couldn't do much. Especially since there were not very many good players. :) Also we couldn't keep score in Football so it was hard to get into it for me. Don't get me wrong, it was still fun and I really enjoyed to break. It just wasn't enough to satisfy my competitive side. :)

Also at the sports day we received the mail. The way mail works is that when you send it to the address it sends it to the mission office and then at big events it is distributed to all the Elders who received mail. That means you get mail about once a month in an ordinary transfer schedule. Unfortunately the coat package didn't arrive, but thankfully there will be another group meeting I should be able to get it at in two weeks. So no worries. I am just borrowing my companions extra coat until then.

That night we went to the Ward Mission Leaders house for Thanksgiving Dinner (Brother Bogh) It was great, I didn't think I would get a real Thanksgiving dinner in England, but I did. Except it was not turkey, and there was not tons of food. It was great nonetheless. It just wasn't the same without the family there. But I was thinking of you so don't worry. It is kind of cool to think that our immediate family was celebrating Thanksgiving in 3 different countries. Canada, England, and of course the U.S.

Really nothing else different happened this week, just lots of teaching and proselyting. :) There are 2 specific things that I really thought were great this week that I would like to share with you real quick. The first being about an experience I had street contacting. We were on exchanges with the Zone leaders and There was Elder Jin, Elder Kersey (originally from England but family now in Highland Utah) and I. We were in a University area and we were literally talking to EVERYONE. Part of that everyone were two men that we were passing and one of my companions started telling them about our message. One of the men mockingly said "I don't speak English" and kept walking away. (Sorry if you have heard a part of this already)

I decided to follow them and started talking to them. At first they were somewhat rude, but as we kept walking they softened up a little. We ended up stopping and talking for 30 minutes or so. Now this is not the most effective use of time I have been told, but I like actually talking to people and getting to know them while sharing our message. I found out that they are two military men who have seen much war and death. They didn't believe in God.

Through talking to them I was able to tell them the message, enlighten them, and make them think about Jesus Christ and God and who they are. One of them specifically said, "If doing nothing else right now by talking to me, you will have made me think deeply about God. I will be doing so on my drive back to Manchester tonight." That alone made the whole thing worthwhile to me. But not only that, I gave one of them my book of mormon and he promised to read it.

I didn't know for sure if he really was, but I got his phone number and followed up by calling him on Wednesday. He told me that he had read some, he was really busy, but in some of his free time he started reading. He said he was very surprised by what he found in his reading, it was nothing like he had thought it would be. He had actually read through the middle of 1 Nephi. I am going to give him a call on Wednesday again and set up an appointment to talk to him more and invite again to come to church.

Now I don't know if he will accept, but I learned a couple of things from this experience. You can't just talk at someone about a message and expect them to believe it no matter if it is true or not. You have to take the time to actually get to know them a bit, show you care, and then you can have a much stronger impact. I also learned that no matter how someone looks, you never know if they would want to hear the gospel or how your talking to them will effect their life.

OK maybe that wasn't too quick but this one will be. We have a Chinese investigator names Eric. Or Ping xu. I met him on the street two weeks ago and set up an appointment. He ended up being a friend of a recent convert Chinese student. To me that is a miracle. We have been teaching him, and he is going to be baptized on the 18. I am so happy to be here on a mission and I know that we can all effect peoples life's no matter where we are.

Well I am off everyone! Have fun and be safe and remember who you are until next week!!!!

Then I will remind you.

Love you,

Elder Fawcett

November 22, 2010

This last week was much better and I am getting a little more used to the life of a missionary. Yes I still have a long ways to go before I feel completely comfortable, but at least I am progressing right? It really has been a lot better and was made amazing by the email I just read. I can't express my thanks (especially in words in an email) that I have for you my family. I greatly appreciate your love and support and the advice that you have given and will give. It means so much.

 

This week was very busy and there were different things that happened that don't usually happen every week, like Zone Conference. I Loved Zone Conference! It is so nice to sit in a room with a group of missionaries who are filled with the spirit and the love of the work. Somewhat different than walking down the street with people who won't say hi to you. :)

 

President Bullock is a very inspired, and very strict mission President. No I don't understand all the rules that are in place, but I do appreciate the intensity he has for missionary work. He really loves the work and wants us all to love it too. And yes dad, I try to be exactly obedient no matter what the rule is. :) The missionaries here are truly exceptional. I had no idea that there was such a large group of missionaries devoted so much to the work of the Lord. It gives me something to look up and forward to.

 

This week being very busy we taught 20 Lessons overall, and found 10 new potential investigators. This for England is very very good. I put most of our success on our trainer and his ability to teach and work hard, and then all of it to the Lord for seeing that, and blessing us with people to teach. We have 2 investigators who have a firm baptismal date, 2 others with less firm baptismal dates, and we are also teaching two families. Unfortunately they are both leaving on vacation for much of December so we will not have much progress in that regard. I just hope and pray they will continue to read the BOM and pray.

 

All of those investigators that I mentioned are Chinese. So that makes me doubly happy. It is good to know that I am fulfilling my calling and also shows that this Church organization is truly inspired of the Lord. Unfortunately many of the Chinese if not all are trying to learn English better so they speak in English as much as possible. Haha, so I am learning still, just not quite as fast as I would like. My Chinese companion Elder Jin does not like speaking Chinese to me still so it is hard. I am trying to put forth a greater effort in only speaking Chinese to him though. I know that will improve my Chinese faster than anything else. The other unfortunate thing is that during the day, if there is one thing that is sacrificed it ends up being Language Study. I don't know what to do about that though, so I try to learn new words during the day. Hopefully by the end of my mission I can speak some Chinese. :)

 

At Zone conference I was able to see my MTC companion Elder Peterson and unfortunately he is having a harder time than I am adjusting to the new life and the new environment. It was a nice relief to talk to him and the other new missionaries and see that they are just like me. President Bullock congratulated me for "being normal" when I said that it was going pretty rough. So I don't feel too bad now. :) Now I just need to stop being normal.

 

This next week will be another crazy week with fun events and many lessons. On Tuesday we are having a Chinese meeting with all the Chinese missionaries in the Manchester and Leeds mission. So that is going to be super cool. I will be able to see Elder Peterson again and many other Chinese speakers, maybe they will talk to me in Chinese. :) It is nice to know someone (Elder Peterson) from the very start of my mission to the very end. Whenever we see each other it is another happy reunion, and we get to see the changes in spirituality and maturity. Plus we can relate really well to how we are feeling.

 

This week we also have a Sports day on Thursday (Thanksgiving) and then afterwords we are going to the Ward Mission Leaders house for Thanksgiving dinner. Remember he is American. It is weird to think that no one celebrates Thanksgiving here, such a foreign idea. Haha, but I will celebrate it in my heart and remember all the reasons why I am thankful. Because I have many many many things to be thankful for. My family being up there at the top. ;)

 

So everything really is going well now. I am starting to know my way around Liverpool better, still can't read the map very well though. Haha. Starting to get a better relationship with my companions and really do appreciate my trainer. Though I did just find out that somehow I don't have any money on my mission card so I will have to use my visa debit card until my card gets reimbursed. So don't worry if you see some money being taken out of my account. It is slightly annoying though. The month isn't even close to being over and I already have to use personal funds. They said they will be fixing my account very soon though. So hopefully that happens.

 

I love you family!! Have a great week everyone, remember the Church is true. So be happy. :) Thank you again Mom and Dad for your email. It really did make my week. I love your advice and think of you in my prayers every day. 

 

I love you!!!

 

Elder Fawcett

November 15, 2010

It rains a lot here. So seeing as my other letter was cut short because of time constraints, I will try to sum up all the new sights, experiences, and whatever I might remember in between that. Haha, I know how much dad likes my organized e-mails. The first week is not over yet... but It has been fairly good. So much of a culture shock to tell you the truth. Switzerland and China don't really compare. It wouldn't be that bad except for the fact that as a missionary you are doing different things than you normally would.

 

The first thing that was interesting was our flat. It is pretty nice actually, but because of the people who had stayed in it before and because it is built for two people not three, it is really messy. I have found that I really don't work well in messy. Haha, imagine that. Fortunately today we were able to clean up a little bit and make it better, plus we should all be getting real beds some time this week.

 

Shopping here is fine, really england is not too different than the  U.S. in that regard so that makes me quite happy. No really funny foods.... yet. We cook together mostly, and we eat fairly well, as in health wise. So far we have been to two members houses to eat dinner, both of which have been really good. My trainer Elder Smart says that we average 2 or 3 dinner or (Tea) appointments a week. So that is nice as well.

 

Yesterday we had church of course. And I really enjoyed it, there are probably around 150 memebers in the ward. Active members that is, there is actually around 300 is what I am told. So the ward is pretty big and the people are really nice. The Ward Mission Leader is a man around his 30's from California. He is super awesome!!! He is completely stoked about missionary work and really gets the ward involved with the missionaries. The whole ward in general is very supportive and really loves working with the missionaries.

 

This week we ended up with two investigators at church for our companionship. Both of which are Chinese College students that we found at Liverpool University. My chinese is actually being used some here, not quite as much as I would like, but it is being used. So I have motivation to study and really get better in the language.

 

I don't know what I was thinking. For some reason I had this idea or picture in my mind that I would be working with Chinese people mostly. I was pretty wrong. We actually work with them a lot, but that is because they are more willing to listen to you. I think it is truly because they are just nice enough not to say no, or they don't know how to. On average we talk to 95% English people and 5% Chinese people, but we teach about 60% Chinese people and 40% everything else. Tells you how Europe is.

 

For some reason I also thought that English people were nice in regards to politeness. I mean they don't yell at you (most of the time) but they also don't really give you the time of day. It is really sad how little people actually care about God in general. I mean no one likes the LDS church really, but usually people believe in God. So often have I heard the words "I don't care." It saddens, dissapoints, and discourages me.

 

Haha, I have also found out that I am very much a coward and proud. Street and Bus Contacting scares me sooo much. I didn't think I would have such a problem with it, but I sure do. I am really trying to work on it, but it really bugs me and I hate it. I feel really bad for my previous MTC companion Elder Peterson and how he must be feeling right now. If there is anyone that doesn't like bugging people it is Elder Peterson. And that is what we as missionaries do.

 

So this first week is nothing like I thought it would be. I am contuniously lost when it comes to the city, I am scared to bother people because of what they will think of the Church and us as missionaries, my companions are good, but not really anything like me, and I actually miss home. Haha I do miss my family and just being able to talk to you all. But I do know why i am out here and why it is important, but I didn't think it would be this hard for me the first couple of weeks. My trainer and the Mission president both said that this is how everyone is at first. Just because it is such a shock to you culturally and spiritually coming out of the MTC. THey say it will start feeling more natural, and I really hope it does, because the way I feel right now is not what I expected at all.

 

I really am enjoying it though, don't get me wrong. I know rejection will become a part of my life and that it will hurt every time. But as Alma said, focus on those who are ready and willing to listen. Love everyone, invite everyone, but focus on those who really care and who you can ultimately help the most. I hope and believe that by this time next week I will be a little bit more settled in, less sleep deprived from Jet Lag, and overall a better person/ missionary.

 

I do have to say that I really ended up loving my MTC companion and my MTC district more than I actually knew. I really do love them and can't wait to see Elder Peterson in the next Zone Conference. And now I know we will be life friends and companions in the Lord. I just want that to be a lesson to all of you that you need to take the time you have with the people you have and truly show your love for them, because it means a lot.

 

I love teaching people the gospel and sharing my testimony and the gospel of Christ to those who will listen. Especially the Chinese people. I feel a special connection to them because of my time learning Chinese. I love seeing them progress in the Gospel, and I hope that I can really come to love and understand them in more than just a language level.

 

I love you all and I know this gospel is the center of our family and our lives. And that without it we can't be as happy as we are now. Thank you for all your love and support.

 

Keep working, Keep loving, and remember who you are and who you want to become, because we are all children of God and we can always become better.

 

Have a great week!!!!

 

Elder Fawcett (Fang Zhanglao) :)

November 11, 2010 First letter from England

Yes I am in England now. And I must say that it is a bit different than I thought it would be. After I called you, the flight went very well with no mishaps at all. On the plane next to us there were many English people. We talked to them all and got very similar responses. One asked us what an Elder was and we explained to him what it was, who we were, and what we were doing. Upon hearing that he chuckled, then told us good luck because the English people don't like religion unless they are catholic. Other people told us basically the same kind of things. They were all very nice about it, but we caught the drift that it was going to be hard to find people to teach. I have found that very true so far unfortunately.

When we arrived in the airport and found our luggage we walked outside and we had three Elders waiting for us. They were the AP's and one who was recently an AP, but we found out later that he was leaving the next day. They then took us to the President's house, or the 'Misssion home' and we had something to eat. He then talked to me and Elder Peterson about our mission. He told us that we had been chosen or called to be 2 of 4 Mandarin Missionaries going to the Manchester mission. The mission had been made in April, so we are the forerunners of the Chinese speaking misssionaries in the Manchester mission. That is really cool and scary at the same time.

The President (Bullock) then took each of us to have an interview and explained to me that we would be going to one of two places, Preston or Liverpool. Truthfully that did not mean much to me. He told us that we would find out the next day who our trainers would be and where each of us was going. Talk about anticipation.

We then went to the AP's flat (apartment) and took a 3 hour nap because we were dead tired. The flats are interesting by the way. The one we were in was quite nice, as are all the others I have been in thus far. After our nap we had dinner and were out into the night to go contact some people. (It gets dark very early here in the winters, around 6) We went into the city of Manchester looking for Chinese people to talk to. We didn't actually find any, but we didn't really have much time.

We did talk to a couple people, none of which were interested in the least bit. Then we met a woman who was going to school and was from Latvia. So she had an interesting accent. We asked if we could teach her more, and excitingly she said yes. She took us to her flat and we taught her for about fifteen minutes. Unfortunately we didn't have much time so we invited her to read the BOM and told her some other missionaries would be contacting her. (In her area). This was very exciting to us, we had finally taught a real lesson.

The next day we received our trainers. I was told I was going to Liverpool and would have two companions. Elder Smart from Sandy Utah, and Elder Jin from China. I was stoked to have a native. The problem is he doesn't like speaking Chinese because he wants to work on his English. The trainer Elder Smart is great though, different, but great. I should be able to learn a lot from him.

I love you all!!

Elder Fawcett