First full week in AUS

Hello Everybody!

So I have officially survived a full week in Australia! My Vietnamese is still pretty terrible. I mostly just sit quietly in lessons and smile. (like this ^_^) and nod. We work with a lot of University students from Vietnam. So retention can be difficult, but the members are super solid! We have some amazing members currently, and there is a lot of great things happening.

I've heard that there was a super big announcement in the broadcast, but as of yet, I don't know what it is... I haven't seen it yet. I can't wait to find out though.

I've seen a lot of opposition here, and ultimately every objection I've heard can be directly answered in the bible, supported by the Book of Mormon. But people have their agency and the right to find out for themselves. There is a huge difference between here and the Bronx. In the Bronx, people respected the missionaries and would keep their ill mannered thoughts to themselves. Here people speak them openly, even going as far as shouting across the train platforms. Even though there is a lot of negativity all around, the work is still amazing! It's the little successes and miracles that make it all worth it. This week I'm determined to pray for more miracles in our area. I know that as I serve and work harder that God will help me to find those who are seeking that relationship with Christ.

I love you all and hope you're all doing well!

An Uncommon Elder

Elder Timothy Ryan

my feelings

The rest of my mission can be summed up through reading my posts sent via email. The purpose of this post is to sum up some of my final feelings and bring some closure in my mind to the events that led to me finishing my mission early. Earlier today I read a blog post by another missionary who served in the same mission that I did. She went through a similar experience. She was so open and honest, and through her display of courage, I figured that I could do the same. (Her post can be found HERE ) To provide a short disclaimer, the things expressed in this post are entirely my own thoughts based on my own knowledge and experiences. They may not always be accurate because I don't know everything, and I would encourage anyone and everyone to investigate and form their own conclusions. In August of 2013, 5 months after I left on my mission, an ugly beast that had plagued me most of my life, decided to manifest itself in the most forward and unavoidable way. For most of my ...

Trials are a learning tool...

So, this week has been a very good week in some aspects, and a very grim week in other aspects. Another 2 of my former investigators have been baptized!!! One lady from the Bronx that I taught, and one of the people in the branch I'm currently serving in. It's amazing to see the miracles that come from serving selflessly. In contrast of the amazing things I've seen, personally, I've experienced some challenges in my self belief. I know that all things are possible through Christ, but sometimes it's difficult to believe that you are worthy enough, or capable enough to accomplish the things that God has asked you to do. I've felt that way this week. One of my personal goals is to trust the Savior more; trust in His atonement. Be willing to ask for help when it's needed from God and those around me. I know God loves me, I know he wants me to succeed. I'm working on knowing the same thing of myself. I hope you're all doing well. With Love...

Pre-Story ( I love Context!)

My journey to becoming a missionary was far from your stock-standard, trial ridden, discovering of myself experience that it seems to have been for most of the missionaries that I served with. For me, the experience was pretty much just normal life, decisions, and an increase of trust and faith. Anyone who is familiar with the culture that exists in most LDS congregations (wards) will understand; missionary service is highly respected, and highly encouraged (even expected) of young men. At an early age, in Primary (Sunday school for children) I remember being taught about the great calling of missionaries. We would sing songs about hoping to serve a mission, color pages and write letters to missionaries serving from our ward. Growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the church) I don't ever really remember being confused about what it was that missionaries did -- Even if my original idea was that they came to people's homes ate dinner and shared scriptur...

Life as an Uncommon Elder

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