Nearing the end

Even though we're nearing the end of our mission here in Taichung, there is still plenty of work to do. And, even with all the new help, it seems like there is even more work to do, as we are now training the new folks, as well as carrying on with the work that needs to be done. We've been worried that we haven't done enough to document the procedures, etc., and might leave lots of question marks when we leave. But, we're feeling more confident each day that our replacements will be prepared to take over and things won't get left undone due to our lack of effort.

Our most joyful work, with the young missionaries learning English, the friends practicing English, and the Primary children continues. Although other senior missionaries make different decisions, traveling around to various wards to get to know more people, we are very happy that we chose to stick with one ward, and we have really enjoyed getting to know the wonderful members of the Wuquan 3rd Ward. Last Sunday, Sister Wells taught the children about Jacob's ladder, and we gave each child a chance to climb a ladder and identify an element of the story. 

Here is Ping An when it was her turn. All the children enjoyed this activity!

Sister Wells always prepares lots of visuals. The children's
chairs get closer and closer as the lesson goes on!

That evening, the Chen (Torrey Lin and her husband Yu Hong) family treated us to dinner at their home. Lots of delicious food and most delightful company!

Tuesday, we lead the discussion for English Conversation Group as usual. After class, everyone gathered for a photo.  

Thursday, we were invited to speak to the Institute group at their weekly meeting. After dinner, we entertained questions from the young people. They were mostly about how to plan for the future, find a spouse, and so on. Sister Wells regaled them with some funny anecdotes about our dating and marriage, and I offered some sage? advice which she usefully translated.




Friday morning, we taught English Connect for Missionaries from home, to avoid the crowd at the office, and as we prepared to eat lunch, our friend Stanley from the Taipei office called to invite us to lunch. We happily agreed, and after a quick bike trip to the office, found that everyone was going to lunch, courtesy of Emily! We had a great time at President Field's favorite lunch spot.

Emily was excited to use her new selfie stick! Pictured are: Emily Horng, Sister Wells, Elder Wells, Elder Volz, Elder Chuang, Elder DeWitt, Angela Chen (newly engaged!), Sister Turner, Elder Turner, Stanley, and Jones Lai.

We've begun to say "goodbye" to some of our friends here, too. Among them are Mr. Lin, our favorite guanliyuan (building guard), and Mrs. Huang, our favorite printer, and the lady who runs the "Bear House" restaurant (whose name I'm afraid we don't even know!).


The Bear House is next door to the Wuquan chapel.
The proprietor always gives a discount to the missionaries!

Saturday evening, we joined the Turners for a wonderful meal at Daisy's home. Daisy is the mission president's housekeeper. She is a convert to the Church, though her husband is not yet a member. 

At my request, Daisy demonstrated her skill at playing the guqin.
After studying only three years, she plays beautifully!

Our friends toured us through their lovely home on five levels, consisting of 1. Kitchen and living room 2. Master bedroom 3. Guest room 4. Children's bedrooms 5. Laundry and outside deck. Lots of stair climbing here in Taiwan!

Today, Sunday, we taught Primary as usual. After class, Xiao Yu showed off his new sunglasses. He struck this pose, which I thought was pretty cool for a 4 year old!


Jeff visited our ward today, and after choir practice, asked us to strike this pose of Sister Wells interpreting the Sacrament Meeting talks for me. It's posed, but this is about what it looks like. She's whispering sweet nothings gospel truths in my ear!






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