January 9, 2017 Justin's email and photos!

Xin Chào gia đình. Hello family and friends!

I have been in Vietnam for just about 10 days now, and I have so many experiences and pictures to share! It has been a huge cultural shock being here, but once I have gotten use to it, it has been a really cool place! Vietnam is so much more modernized than you would think. The Mission home is right across the street from a Lexus Dealership! It's very hot here, but the moisture is nice, because we really don't have to use lotion or chapstick that much! The roads here are absolutely crrazy compared to America. They have traffic lights, but people cross the street whenever they want, and the don't really seem to have speed limits. But, it is amazing how it all comes together and works in the end. Nobody hits each other. I remember how crazy it was the first time I rode my one gear Vietnamese bike in all that traffic. The most important thing to remember is to keep moving, be aggressive, and people will not hit you. I am going to start including in my group email, interesting things that I ate for the week. So, here it is.

Interesting things that I ate for the week: quail eggs (they are actually much more flavorful than hard boiled eggs), pork blood (it basically looks like red tofu).

I miss all of you guys so much, and I hope you has a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! We currently have three branches here in Vietnam. There is one up in Hanoi (North Vietnam), and two where I am in Ho Chi Minh City (South Vietnam). The church that we go to is a 35 minute bike ride, which is great exercise especially with a one gear bike!

Testimony Time:

During my short time here in Vietnam, it has been a wonderful time of learning and growth. It has been difficult though to get used to the culture, the roads, the food, the language, adjusting to Missionary life (it's much more difficult out here than in the MTC), getting along with my companion, etc. However, these are all small matters in the long run. What the Lord really needs me to focus on through all of this, is learning how to focus all of efforts and attention to building his kingdom. I have seen that as I focus more on serving others, that some of my personal fears don't matter as much. I have also seen what a powerful tool prayer has been for me in my conversion. It really is such a gift to be able to speak to God everyday. I invite all of you to pray morning and night, anytime and in any setting. I invite all of you to speak openly and honestly to God. He will answer your prayers. love you all, and I say these things in the name of thy son, Jesus Christ, amen.

Now for the pictures! P.S. A lot of the pictures I am sending can only be sent through google drive, because they exceed 25 MB. Please let me know if you guys are still able to see them, because most of my photos are like that.

Love, 

Elder Lý (Anh Cả Đứng)