China vs. USA Fried Rice Cook-Off

On Monday, March 13, 2017 3:35 PM, Dustin Thelander <dustin.thelander@myldsmail.net> wrote:

On Monday after the email session, we gathered together for possibly the greatest event one could ever behold. Elder Gress (USA) in our zone challenged Elder Liu (People's Republic of China) to a Fried Rice Cook-off. We played sports while the cooking occurred, and then the rice came out and all eyes were on the judges. We had a panel of 5 judges from all walks of life. The result.... 4 to 1 in favor of the Chinaman. It was really fun and a great activity to bind us together for our last week as a zone.

Tuesday, we had a great district meeting and after that we had to move at mach speed to Cal Poly Pomona. We had a meeting with the institute teacher up there. He is Brother Tolley, and he is a really great guy. There is apparently not a ton that he can do for us, but we have a good ground work for the future. He is a great teacher, and we learned a ton just in the little time we caught him teaching his class. In the evening, we had dinner with the Zavalas, and it was amazing. She is an amazing cook- great Mexican food every time we go.

On Wednesday, we got a call that the Rasmussen family needed help moving some stuff and doing yard work. We accepted, and when we got there we turned right around to go to Lowe's. We picked up a ton of very large decorative bricks, stuffed our car, and got to work. We took all 45 of the bricks to the back, cleared the vegetation that has accumulated, and created the turtle habitat. (Picture below) After that fun time we got ready real quick and headed to Rancho Cucamonga to attend a little meeting. It was called "helping each other". We learned how to love and help those we serve, especially new missionaries. The overlying conclusions were these: Love everyone you serve as the Savior would, and build them, not just lift them up. It's amazing to see how people respond to these things- they listen and respond. We taught the Book of Mormon class in the evening which went very well.

On Thursday, we received a training from the Upland Stake about a really cool event that is coming to Chino Hills. Moses' Tabernacle is coming to town. It is an exact replica of the Old Testament temple. It is way legit, and the missionaries will play a huge role in it. In fact, I will be running the missionary side and coordinate those serving over the 72 hours of time it will be open. Yay! Then we visited the Cal Poly Pomona institute class again and it was fantastic. He covered some of the book of Revelation, and he explained how easy it is to understand along with the Book of Mormon. And, we learned a lot about the Plan of Salvation. In the evening, we taught the Rice family, and it went really well. We read the introduction to the Book of Mormon and it was powerful. Just simple words really caused a big impact, especially on Sister Rice. We hope to help their 13 year old son who is quite difficult by helping mom.

Friday was nice I guess. No, it was really good, just we got packing calls. Elder Ludwig is outta here. Really sad. I love that guy. He really has been my favorite companion!!! Later in the day we taught Veronica. She is having a bit of a hard time right now. She struggles with some things and now is a bad time, and she feels it is interfering with her ability to feel the spirit. Now, we know that she is feeling the spirit as she described to us several times that she has even in the last week. We need to help her recognize that. After all, she started in the lessons only like 2 months ago. More to come on V later!! Saturday, we had the chance to see Jose. We had a great lesson with him, and Elder Ludwig got a chance to say good-bye. Jose never ceases to make us laugh. We made some other stops for Elder Ludwig to say good-bye, and he packed for a good part of the afternoon.

Sunday, we rose early for a meeting which went great. Church was fantastic, and we had the chance to hear some wonderful talks. The Stake President in the area talked in the YSA ward, and he said a line I will not soon forget. It is this, "Brothers and Sisters, through the hard times in life, when it is not so easy, are we becoming bitter, or better?" Wow, that is pretty eye opening. We in the evening got the document that tells us what is happening to everyone. Elder Ludwig is training a new missionary (it will be Elder Yang from mainland China, pretty cool opportunity for him!!!!), and he's going back to Apple Valley. I will be staying here with Elder Lanier. He has been out 10 months and is from New Hampshire. I am so excited to be companions with him. We will have a great 6 weeks here at least. Quick note on Veronica. She got a temple recommend to go to the temple. Elder Ludwig and I will go with her on the 22nd!!!! I love this work so much.

Scripture of the week is from 2 Nephi, chapter 4, verses 27-28, "And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy? Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul."

Love,

Elder Thelander