A Day of Good Food, Laughter, and Little Moments ❤️

Lunch at Oriental Kopi

We started the day with lunch at Oriental Kopi. There is something comforting about enjoying a warm bowl of noodles, a good meal, and familiar flavours. It was a simple lunch, but sometimes simple things are exactly what we need.

After all, food is not just about filling our stomachs. It is also about taking a break from our busy routines, sitting down together, and enjoying the moment. These are the little things that can easily be taken for granted when life gets too busy.

Dinner at Jibby & Co

For dinner, we went to Jibby & Co. The atmosphere was cosy, and the colourful drinks and beautifully presented food made the meal feel a little more special.

We ordered pasta, pizza, a burger with sweet potato fries, and refreshing drinks. Of course, there were plenty of photos taken along the way!

Looking at the pictures, I realised that some of the most memorable moments are not necessarily the perfectly posed ones. They are the candid moments when someone is busy looking at a phone, making a funny face while drinking, or trying to take a bite of a slice of pizza.

Those little moments made me smile. They remind me that life does not always have to be serious or perfectly organised. Sometimes, we simply need to enjoy ourselves, laugh a little, and allow the day to unfold naturally.

Collecting Little Moments

As I looked through the photos, I found myself appreciating these ordinary moments more than I might have in the past.

Life can be complicated. There are responsibilities to manage, decisions to make, and worries that sometimes follow us even when we are supposed to be resting. Yet, in the middle of everything, there are still moments of happiness waiting to be noticed.

A lunch together. A dinner shared. A favourite drink. A plate of pasta. A slice of pizza. A funny photograph that makes us laugh when we look at it again.

Perhaps this is what finding balance means to me—not having every part of life perfectly in place, but learning to appreciate the good moments even when everything else is still a work in progress.

I may not always have everything figured out, but I can still be grateful for the little joys that come my way.

After all, life is made up of these small pieces of happiness, collected one day at a time.

Perfect... Imperfection... Seeking A Balance...

Learning to appreciate the ordinary, because sometimes the ordinary becomes the memory we treasure most. ❤️

ZC Ogden ~ Fellowship & Service 3 Oct 2024

Another little glimpse into Elder Yu’s missionary life in the Utah Ogden Mission!

Zone Conference is a special opportunity for missionaries to gather, learn from their leaders, strengthen one another, and refocus on the work of the Lord. Looking at these photos, I can imagine the excitement of being surrounded by so many young missionaries, each serving the Lord and sharing the gospel in their own way.

Of course, missionary life is not just about attending meetings and studying the gospel. There are also opportunities to serve, help with refreshments, talk with companions and fellow missionaries, and enjoy the friendships formed along the way. Even the simplest moments can become precious memories of a mission.

I especially enjoy seeing Elder Yu among his fellow missionaries. Being away from home and serving in a different country must bring its own challenges, but it also offers opportunities to grow in faith, patience, confidence, and love for others. These experiences are shaping him in ways that may only become clear to him years from now.

Every photo tells a little story—not just of a conference, but of a young missionary learning, serving, laughing, and growing as he goes about the Lord’s work.

One day, these moments will become treasured memories. For now, I am grateful for these little windows into his missionary journey and for the opportunity he has to serve the Lord alongside so many wonderful missionaries.

Little moments, lasting memories, and lessons learned while serving the Lord. ❤️

9th Week in the Mission Field ✨️ Bappy Helps Others Feel Happy✨️

哈喽! How are ya'll doing? ✨️✨️ This week has been really wild and just fun. However towards the end of the week I was feeling sick like just unable to go do the work. Nonetheless the rest was so rejuvenating. Luckily the sickness came on Sunday. So early P Day

Okay let's goo with da dayyy

It's ADORABLE and a wonderful start to the week actually ✨️✨️

Youth Conference

Okay first of all for those who knows and lives in Utah. How is there soo many YOUTHS in 1 WARDD. We had the opportunity to teach the youths about the Restoration they had a blast... I hope. Nonetheless we got them laughing, having fun and just happy. As well as ponder on the invitation we extended to them. About the B.O.M and it's proof of God's love for them ❤️

But yeah they had like 18 youths and that's just wild in my opinion. Like how is 18 a possible number?! Anyways they are all a group of awesome Padawans HAHAHAHA. Their answers to the question we gave are also really COOOL

Just a ball or awesomeness

Baptism

This Man is da GOATTT , LACABRAAA

He is the guy that wanted to be baptized in a week time and WOWW What a Rush it was

It was soo fun to see the change the gospel can bring to a person's life. At first when I first met Chris he was a straight on poker face guy. As we met with him more often, the brightness in his feature grew brighter. Like his eyes were always bright but his face looked dull and just Grey, from what the world put him through. His face just became ever more enthusiastic, his mouth just smiles ever more naturally and not only that but his entire being just becomes even more divine, happy and confident. That man is really elected for real It's a miracle that I got to meet him.

So that's how I saw the Gospel changes a person and it's sooo funn and fulfilling

Compañero

Elder Tang is a BALLER guy like he is just in the work and his desire to just serve is just there. He is working his best and I really love that aspect of that guy. But more than that, I currently has the best district everrr I know I said that for my previous district but so is this district✨️✨️ I love those guy!!

I have FUNNNN though it's hard but hey

The best area, district, companion and zone is the one we are currently at!!

Spiritual Thought

For me this week has been a hard one as I learned so much about humility and it's importance. More than that there were several things that caught my attention. And I just loved it.

Jacob 1: 19

19 And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.

And it's just always a blessing to understand even more about our part with the Lord's work. That we do our best in magnifying our calling. And we do it with accountability, never without responsibility. That we take accountability in all that we do and it's for our own good as well. That we learn and grow through the hardships and mistakes we come across. And what we do, how we do it and why we do it. It's all part of our responsibility, we manage and create that growth. So don't stop. And rest well as well. I think I've learned it the hard way so hehe no mind me.

Lastly another baller verse

2 Nephi 32: 9 

9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.

Prayer is truly important and it helps us soo muchore than just talking to God. But it concentrates our effort for our gain.

Conclusion 

Okay gtg and really keep up the work alright we're here for one another as well. Gotta go 再见我们下次见✨️

An Inspirational Thought

September 29, 2024

An Inspirational Thought

Dear Elder Yu,

How are you doing? I hope you are getting along well with your new companion in the new area. Is your newly assigned area nearer to the urban area, closer to the commercials or shops? Could you get your groceries and daily necessities easily?

You have already learned how to overcome frustration and discouragement, or at least part of how to do that. And, to be honest, you have learned things that most parents only dream of their son learning as an 18-year-old. Where else can this kind of growth happen?

I love where you are and what you are doing! You have already learned how to lean on the Lord for help and I promise you, Heavenly Father knows exactly where you are and what worries and excites you! I promise that is true. And, I am grateful and happy that you know it too!

I have been busy with my work, study, and calling lately, and of course with Annabelle (ha-ha), so please do not worry about me. I am taking things easy at a time. I am getting hands-on in my calling as the primary teacher for the younger children. It has been a while since we stopped teaching to focus and prepare for Primary Presentation. Thus, the lesson continues back. Children are so pure and innocent, and their responses and reactions are so natural and from their hearts! It feels so much fun and relaxing teaching children compared to the adult members. And that is the reason I love to serve as a primary teacher!

As you know, I took Math 221 Social Science Statistics this semester. My instructor will share a spiritual thought with us each week. He was sharing something related to the Holy Ghost last week. We have been taught and emphasized by the prophets and apostles on the need to teach by the Spirit when we teach gospel topics.

It reminds him of an experience that learning by the Spirit does not always take a conventional path. Years ago, while he served as a missionary in Argentina, he was in a small town; the missionaries had only arrived a few months earlier, which meant it was a new area. Three wonderful families that they taught in the church that day—none of them knew of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 9 months ago.

There was a man who was teaching, and he was reading from the Gospel Principles lesson manual. The lesson had a quote from Harold B. Lee from the book "Stand Ye in Holy Places." This good man was unfamiliar with the concept of a citation of a quote, so he just read the quote as it was and included the name of the book at the end, as if it were part of the quote.

Then he looked at the missionaries seriously and asked, "Why did they suddenly say 'Stand Ye in Holy Places' at the end of this quote? And what does it mean to stand in a holy place?"

You guess what? My instructor shared that what followed was a glorious 10-minute-long conversation about being in a holy place. He felt glad that his companion and he did not interrupt the conversation for the whole time.

One of the families said that the Holy Place meant that “we should be at church,” Another from a different family said, “We need to make their homes holy places.” Another said, “This meant we should all prepare to go to the temple since that is the holiest of places we can stand.” The conversations became a meaningful gospel-teaching moment for them.

Since then, my instructor shared that he has always found it useful in gospel conversations to go off track if the Spirit dictates. Because you may wind up somewhere wonderful, which the Lord wants you to be.

Lastly, I passed the food parcel to Brother Roger. His flight to Japan was on 28th September 2024 (Saturday). According to him, he will stay a night in Japan and then catch another flight on the next day, 29^th September 2024 (Sunday). I had a tele-conversation with Sister Amy as she too, has something to pass to her daughter, Gigi Lim, through Brother Roger. I am thinking of not bothering Brother Roger so much, Gigi will take the package and drop it off at your Utah Ogden Mission office once she is available to pick it up from Brother Roger. I will keep you updated on this yeah.

One thing I am not sure about is how many of the items I packed inside the box, would Brother Roger managed to take it over. It might be less than I intended due to his luggage weight limitation. I just assured Brother Roger that I am OK. In the event, he could not bring too much over to the States for you because I do not want to burden him as well.

Oops! One more thing, I just noticed last night that the Japanese curry cubes must have been expired since 2023. I did not realize it after I took out the rest of the flavors to plan for posting to you next time. If you get the parcel, you try to cook for one and see, if that is still can be consumed yeah. If you taste the flavor is spoilt, then you can just throw it away. So sorry for that! I did not check the expiry date, as I forgot how long it has been bought!

I hope this can help to ease your stomach for a while. Let's pray that all these food packages can be received in your hands in the next couple weeks.

There might be boring moments in the missionary field and slow times, but you are out there, in the middle of the Lord’s work! Remember that you have a family that loves you, thinks about you all the time, misses you, and prays for you multiple times daily. You have a companion who loves you. You have a mission president who loves you. You have friends who love you. You have people from both sides of the veil who will help you, whisper to you, and encourage you through the Spirit (2 Nephi 32:2).

You are a son of God blessed with talents and gifts more than most. Use them and develop them to bring forth the work of the Lord.

I love both Annabelle and you in my life. Love you all so much—to the moon and Back—hmm... I think all time and eternity are the words!

Love,
Mommy

Annabelle’s Mecaje 2024 School Camp ️

Annabelle had a memorable time at the Mecaje 2024 School Camp at Canaan Valley Heritage Park! It was a wonderful opportunity for her to spend time with her schoolmates, enjoy outdoor activities, and create special memories together.

The camp was filled with fun, teamwork, and laughter. From participating in group challenges and games to enjoying time in the swimming pool, the students had plenty of opportunities to bond with one another. Activities like the cup game required teamwork, concentration, and cooperation, while the group discussions encouraged everyone to share ideas and work together.

One of the highlights was seeing the students enjoy the outdoors, surrounded by greenery and nature. Away from their usual school routines, they could relax, have fun, and strengthen their friendships. These experiences are an important part of growing up, teaching them to communicate, support one another, and appreciate the value of working as a team.

Of course, a school camp would not be complete without funny moments and lots of photos! I especially love the pictures of Annabelle posing with her umbrella and bag, looking a little playful and perhaps ready for whatever adventure came next. These little moments capture her personality and make the memories even more precious.

am happy that Annabelle had this opportunity to learn and grow beyond the classroom. School camps are not just about games and activities; they also help young people develop independence, confidence, resilience, and lasting friendships.

I hope the memories of Mecaje 2024 at Canaan Valley Heritage Park will remain with Annabelle for many years to come. May she continue to enjoy learning, cherish her friendships, and embrace every opportunity to grow into a confident and caring young woman. ❤️

8th Week in the Mission Field?

To be honest, I have lost count with the number nonetheless. Yoo boy in da HOOD, well technically sandwiched between Ogden and South Ogden. And it's A BLASSST✨️✨️. Like did you know, getting a new and having his Bappy in 1 week is possible. TADAAAA NOW YOU KNOW✨️

Also 你好，KONICHIWAA, Bonjior, ANNYEONGHASAYO and Hola

Well it's been soo much fun in Pleasant Valley and Uintah area. The members are awesome, however we are intending to bring their awesomeness to people around them. With their neighbours and family and strangers all alike. To help rekindle that flame of conversion for the area. And hopefully we can be that spark to lit them up. Cause the fuels are all there, but we just need to light it up and I know that I have the Savior's help. So before leaving this area, my goal is to make sure there's at least a starting point for missionary work for the next pair of Elders to come here.

Chinese Ward

Okay now the Chinese Ward in Ogden is somewhat depressing, as they are not as much as the one in Logan. However that's the reason why I'm called to this mission. To gather all Mandarin speakers and unite them with the gospel. So I am glad to be in this mission. Also actually (nerd version) I am the 12th Mandarin speaking missionary called to this mission. Therefore Imma do my BESSTSTTTTT!!!! The members there are soo hmm friendly, but getting to know them will help a tonnn. And they are all so awesome, despite not being able to chat with all of them for my first attendance in that ward. However I do see that li h ht they have in their families and it's amazing✨️✨️✨️.

More than that I got to meet the recent converts and Mann they are strong. So I am going to have to start balancing the English Ward and Chinese Branch, with a car share that has less than 200 miles and just needing to work It out.

If any of you have some tips on how to manage this I need help, like no joke. Sometimes I feel like missionaries have every rights to go mentally insane and cuckoo. But we got the Savior's grace soo ehh we can brush the stress, anxiety and basically any known mental problems off with the Savior's help. DINGGGG✨️✨️✨️ KEEP GOING THE LORD WILL SUPPORT YOU IN EVERYTHING YOU DOO Ya'll got this.

New Comp NEW COMP 

Now Elder Tang is an interesting guy, nonetheless he is a fellow to the YELLOWW

In my honest opinion, I feel like the mission president placing me and Elder Tang together might actually be the funniest comp in the history of the Utah Ogden mission. Like who would want to say no to these 2 little fellas? I mean aren't they cute? ✨️

Some white guys and many catholics ehmm ehmm. Cough cough.

A~nyways.  I do feel like we could dominate the   So watch out Ogden we are going to go on an Asian CRUSADE So things are going to be INTERESTING!! Nonetheless, he is an amazing senior a d working with him is honestly a very special experience I needed as well in the mission. So we'll be doing all that we can to reignite this area. ELDER TANG'S DA MANN!!!

Also he is an Amazing Chef. Like no joke I am getting tips from him and even borrowing his Asian ingredients while cooking. He is an awesome guy and funny too. Sometimes nervous but overall a divine fella.

The Holy Ghost

Now a recent missionary podcast I heard that's given by Elder David A Bednar, his talk is fire During the talk it talks about how we receive these revelations from the Holy Ghost. Often we always think of it as something big or just loud. Some experiences like Joseph Smith, Alma and even Paul. But maybe their state at that time. They required a lot of Christ's light in their life at that point in time. However maybe for us. It's that Still small voice that's all we need. Through rays we can gradually increase our light. Line upon line, precept upon precept. Here a little and there a little. 2 Nephi 28:30.

Likewise it's also equally important to understand that sometimes these voice can come without us noticing. Like Nephi he went into the city of Jerusalem not knowing before hand 1 Nephi 4:6 and Elder Bednar mentioned, maybe even Nephi hadn't notice he was led until we rethink back in the past as he is engraving in the plates of the Book of Mormon. And that's something I never thought of. And the most important part is, just do your best. The Spirit will lead us to opportunities that will help us grow. Through them and the spirit, it guides us to grow each day.

Lastly as Elder David A Bednar mentioned how he always asked President Hinkley, How am I supposed to make it work? President Hinkley always says it'll work out in the end. Therefore, keep doing your best and let the Lord work things our. Don't worry and trust yourself, as thoughts and actions will be guided by the Holy Ghost✨️✨️

慢慢来不急, slowly step by step trust in the Lord as you add all your effort to work It out. He will guide you ✨️

Spiritual Message 

Now I did forget to share a spiritual message to my family during the call just now. So sorry Dad, Mom and Belle but here it is. Something I found in 2 Nephi 11 regards about Nephi and how he felt about the words of God. It says

2 And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.

4 Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.

5 And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.

6 And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish.

From that verse I learned about how our soul can be delighted in the Lord's gospel. So here is a question for all of Ya'll

How can your soul be delighteth in the gospel?

How does it feel?

And what does that thing in the gospel mean to your soul and heart?

I am still finding that answer. But I did co.e to realise, that happiness we have to share the gospel. I think that's the delight in the soul. The comfort of knowing you can trust God. I think these are just a few ways how our souls delight in the gospel. Nonetheless I would love to hear the answer from Ya'll.  I could share it of you want and we can help edify one another. DINGGG✨️

Yeah and for missionaries D&C 18:10-16 IS A BALLER VERSE. But I also would love to share on more in Alma 27:17-18

17 Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.

18 Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.

We can find happiness while doing our best to serve our missions, so keep going we are close to 2 months in the mission alright? Mistakes will be made but that's how we can grow. Better yet, this term mistakes I think its just a nickname for it's real name and its growth opportunities ✨️ Okay, keep going. You are doing a GREAT WORK and we're not just some 18 or 19 or 20 or whatever age dressing and acting like a missionary.  Rather we are consecrated young people who are missionary, to serve, Invite and help others to Come Unto Christ.

So put your shoulders to the wheel, and push along. You got this✨️

Conclusion 

I LOVE YA'LL AND MISS ALL OF YOU GUYS TOOO Thank you for helping me to come this far! Sure maybe some efforts are placed but no one knows, but for the effort you have edified me. Well that effort is appreciated by you, me and your Father in Heaven. Love Ya'll ❤️ and till we email again.

P.S. Now if Ya'll, Sir and Madam is something you realised I am using a lot. That's okay it's cause of my South Carolina Trainer. I fear by the time you meet me again I will be a yellow Southern banana. Nonetheless I think I'll be fine hehe☠️⚰️

BYEEEEEEEEEEEE

Best spanich Elder in da world ELDER HARDY LACABRAA

Best service ever. Demolition Services is sooo WILDDD . It's like hiring a bunch of monkeys to tear down the house at last. So that is a real thing. . Nonetheless we did it pretty safely. Had a few bruises, scratches and soreness. But I still loved it so far. BEST SERVICE MISSIONARIES CAN PROVIDE

Okay now it's bye bye for real for real. Till next P Day

A Week of Rain, Laughter, and Lessons on Peace — A Letter from Annabelle to Elder Yu ❤️

Yo Elder,

I hope you enjoyed my self-satisfied smugness when Mom sent the email on Burger King, it was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!

Last Week’s Activity

For starters, the young women's activity on skincare was a blast! We learned more about how diet and what we eat could affect our skin; especially the face and the oil some foods contain. Coincidentally, I mentioned Milo as it was heaty, and there was a pack of Milo for us to drink for break. Cherrie, you remember her, mentioned that and I laughed. The whole activity was fun, I learned more about Vera and Jojo's impeccable speed on makeup as they are so familiar with the different brushes and products that they pick it up like trained royalties with their different cutlery utensils. Anika was there too and she was so peaceful to be with, pretty too!!! And of course, Jessie. He is interesting. When offering us a pack of opened snacks of seaweed which, to be honest, I don't know why he opened it in the first place if he wasn't gonna eat? Cherrie joked that seaweed was good for the skin, to which he responded with, " What? I'm not gay?" When I tell you I laughed so loud yet was so confused, it was an understatement enough. And to add the cherry on top, Jojo joked or recalled a story about Jessie feeling something in school. Yeah, I don't know what their sibling dynamic is like, but it's very homey. Don't know how Jordan, their youngest brother is gonna survive, or not cause he was a thief today during YW class. Bugger tried to steal tissues and bracelets.

This Week

So, this week. What to start with? Well Sept 16th-18th, both YW and YM had camps! YW camps were a blast, real fun compared to last year's. I felt I may have grown but I'm unsure if I did or if I avoided a situation.

First Day!

BOY, WHEN I TELL YOU IT STARTED WITH A BANG, I MEAN IT!!! IT RAINED SO BADLY AS SOON AS WE GOT OFF THE VAN! Our transportation, a van, couldn't go down the steep hill and we had to walk down after we got off near the entrance. It was a pretty nice steep hill to start as a jog before the actual camp, and as soon as we got off IT RAINED! It wasn't even a soft morning rain, it poured cats and dogs! Keyra and I ran down the wet rock pavements and booked it with us hunching our backs to avoid getting our bags, which were not waterproofed, wet. I had more important ones, like the letters and my Book of Mormon! Which spoiler alert, letters were safe but my scriptures got soaked up!!! We then introduced and decorated our notebooks after the rain stopped. During our free time, we walked around or played in the river. Skipped rocks or kicked around.

Sister Poh Peng saw this at our tent when I went to the river

I'll keep the second and third day for another, but it was a crazy and wild week, especially since I played my violin in an interfaith program where many different religions attended and showcased their way of praising God. Muslim, Baha'i, Soka Gakkai ( who held the whole event), and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a good experience, especially playing for so many people and was so, so comforting to be with people who were chill and cool YSAs. Before the event started though, Sister Wan Yng ( a PJ YSA) and I went to attend a Youth Exchange discussion. It was about making peace, which was the overall message of the whole program. We were formed into groups and discussed what we could to make peace. As the discussion went on, I found the things they mentioned familiar. Like synonyms, the concept was thee yet using different words. Nevertheless, I found it fun and even input my opinions, which was to judge righteously, and Sister Wan Yng said peacemaker. I wasn't until the whole program and event was over when I was looking through my notes on the way back home that Mom summarised it perfectly: " The gospel teaches it. " It made so much sense and found it like a spectacular realisation of the gospel, just really amazing and kinda cool to see gospel applications. Here are some of the suggestions:

• Be torchbearers of peace and sustainability
• Consultations
• Exercise love for each other, seek peace in discussions
• Everyone is equal
• Be an example or leader in kindness
• Be silent in conflicts, don't make it worse
• Be a listener
• Be open minded

Or as the speaker who presented the lesson when referencing how Christianity makes peace, " Blessed are the peacemakers" ( Matthew 5:9). Overall, amazing and eye-opening things

P.S. I even learned handwritten letters are meaningful and can be simple as I wrote one for Sister Haltiner for her birthday tomorrow.

Yours sincerely,
Annabelle