A white guy from China

This week we had some awesome miracles and met some awesome people. We're getting more and more into a rhythm in quarantine. 

We got a referral from some Elders in Texas. Turns out one of them was my boy from the MTC so that was pretty awesome. It was fun to reconnect and realize that both of us actually speak Chinese now. Anyway, he ended up introducing us to this sweet family with 3 kids. They are really prepared and have even been to church before. They had been taught by the Elders in Texas but they live here in our area so we have started teaching them now. The mom asks such good questions and it's been really rewarding to help her see how the gospel can help her burdens as a mother of 3 kids in quarantine.



We also finally got in contact with a guy named Jake who we've been reaching out to ever since I got here to California. 
We just had his number and heard he was interested in the gospel. We finally ended up meeting with him in a park this week and realized that this guy's story is unique. He shows up, this blonde white guy, pretty tall, just chilling, and we say hi to him and then he starts speaking English and we're like 'man his English is not that good' like he could communicate but it was like talking to a 6 year old. Then he explains that he actually was adopted by a Chinese family and grew up in Northern China. We switched into Chinese and it was a surreal experience. He spoke completely fluent and perfect Chinese and suddenly his personality just came out. It was so amazing to see a white guy who spoke just like a Chinese person. I'm used to us missionaries' Chinese who can communicate just fine but still have the white accent- and then this guy was just going back and forth with Elder Yang just like any other Chinese dude. It was amazing. Also he was happy to meet me, he said he was so excited that he finally met one of his kind: a white guy who speaks Mandarin. Anyway, he turned out to be a straight golden investigator. He wants to learn about God, prayer, scriptures, and join the church. Like he straight up told us he wants to join the church. We explained that we will act as guides to help him get closer to God. I'm excited to keep working with him. It's a big blessing to meet someone who is really seeking the truth. 

We got to visit another member this week and their little 2 year old is so cute. Already speaks Chinese better than me and he's just a little stud. I feel so much love in these Chinese members' households. It's cool to see that the same Spirit I felt at home growing up can also reside in anyone who chooses to pray and read the scriptures together as a family. The gospel can apply to anybody and everybody.

I am so grateful for the doctrine of repentance. As I have learned over time, it is much more than just regretting, confessing, and changing our mistakes. It is growing to become more like our perfect Savior. He is willing to show us our shortcomings in order to help us improve. I have learned from Chinese culture that correction is an expression of love, and I seek to be corrected by God. I know He has a perfect plan for each one of us and is so willing to show us the next step if we will just ask Him. Improving in little ways every day has helped me feel fulfilled and like I'm accomplishing my life's purpose.

The virus keeps spreading, everyone please wear a mask and be safe. 
Still sending it in Cali
Elder Halverson
海长老

This week I did a role play with myself. With no mask I was a missionary, and with a mask on I was an angry old Chinese man. 





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