Elder Yu attended a zone conference in Ogden, Utah, where missionaries gathered to learn, share experiences, and strengthen their testimonies of Jesus Christ.
As I think about his missionary journey, I feel grateful for the opportunities he has to grow spiritually, learn from his leaders, and build friendships with fellow missionaries.
I hope this experience strengthened his faith and reminded him of the joy of serving the Lord. ❤️
哈喽哈喽，这是余长老。Recently we just had our transfers and I am staying in Ogden with my Golden area. But more than that I got a new companion. Elder Tang got tag out, but Elder Dubreuil is now in the ring ✨️♂️DING!
And this week has really been interesting.
Transfers
While transfers were happening, one of the most scariest and frightening thing I've found out was managing and planning everything on the spot is insanely hard. Like just managing and finding the right people to help, as well as keeping in mind the situation of other missionaries and their plans to create my own one is soo chaotic. And it is soo difficult which even got me to feel overwhelmed and scared with all these changes. Getting new companion, being placed as the senior companion and just leading in area. Everything happening all at one's, or what I thought it felt like.
But I learned that things are being unfolded one step at a time. And I found out with more time and a better experience of planning. The task which I faced seemed more and more easier. But I have just gotten a few experiences. So it's still gonna be tuff.
I loved the challenges that the mission gives, it's hard but never impossible. Just as the Lord plans it out for each and everyone of us.
Senior Companion
That is a tuff role, like just leading the area out of the blue is something I think you guys understand too. It's somewhat hard but never impossible. But not having another companion to turn to for guidance it is scary, like feeling somewhat lonely in heart, mind always flooded with so many ideas, flushing and clashing with one another. And it feels like a storm in my thoughts. Not knowing where to start nor when to end. Yet time is going and never waits, which causes the soul to feel inadequate as well as rushing to get one task accomplished even though it's a terrible job too in the plans and ideas.
Learning that the Savior is there to help us connect back to my Father in Heaven has always been comforting me in my life. To know that I can always turn to Him and increasing my companionship with my eternal companion….
The Holy Ghost! Oops did I scare you but with the Holy Ghost, it helps to guide me in the thoughts that comes to me, gives the courage I need to act on it and helps me to accomplish with whatever I could think of. In the Lord's way. Even in His work. We do it his way.
Christ-Mas
We met with a Sister who decorated a tree which looked so beautiful! and she made it so pretty and upon looking at it. It has the whitest and purest leaves with a warm summer coat and radiating a sunset light. Brilliant in colour and accompanied with several white ornaments as well as lines of red beads hanging and coming out as if from the tree and staying on its leaf. It was amazing, being crowded with so many ornaments even with names such as Prince of Peace, Wonderful, Counsellor and etc. It was a tree which represented the Savior being made for this Christmas season. And it's amazing how she expressed her Savior through her artistic creation. The pain, loneliness, hope, peace, Joy and Love the tree Radiates.
And I am grateful to be able to see hat tree that night as it taught me how much the Savior loves us.
It was lovely to see that tree it was awestrucking, breath taking and just peaceful quite and softening to view.
Kate's Baptism
We got a new Bappy too and it's for Kate a person which I rarely teach but is really elect an has been waiting to be baptised for 6 months. She had to go through many interviews and came a long way to enter into the covenant to have the Lord's presence ever more in her life✨️ She had the toughest time to in the past and it was amazing to see how much she has changes as well as the love and radiance that beams out from her after her baptism.
She is soo awesome and it just reminded me of her love and peace that covenants brings into our lives. To have the Lord's presence ever more and ever universal in our lives. And it's awesome!
With our Mission President Tooo
Holy Ghost 3.0
Well this is my 3rd time I think talking about the Holy Ghost and it is Awesome. Something I realised is how things are brought to me by small and simple ways in my life. As we were assigned to give a talk yesterday, me and Elder Dubreuil were prepping with what we would like to share. The many beautiful and wonderful messages and experiences we wanted to give to the members in the ward.
As I pondered I realised I had nothing coming in. As I tried to write on a Wednesday, I had to restart on Friday to write it again and even just lost at how I wanted to convey my message to the members. But as the day passes by, I realised whenever I thought of the talk, a small thought came in. Which I noticed it at first, but didn't really hold on to it. Not yet, till the second and a third time. I started to record it and added it in to my talk. Gradually I saw how the message seems more and more clearer and even during the meeting thoughts still came into my mind.
From scripture verses to quotes and even songs it all slowly came. It was interesting. And on Sunday as the sacrament meet went on. I found that an Elderly member was giving an awesome talk, but it was too long To which we still had a hymn and my companions talk and finally me.
Being placed on the spot with 5 mins left to give a talk. I too felt the guidance on which part of the talks I wanted to share and eventually everything was brought to my Remembrance. Keeping the message short, sweet and simple and end it off there. And I am grateful to listen and heed on the thought and the still small voice throughout the week.
Spiritual Thoughts.
Well recently I am studying the Christmas Plan found in the gospel Library and something that stood out to me was Mary and Elisabeth experiences with the knowledge of their children's identity and purpose. But ultimately in Luke 1: 39-66 it was really awesome to see how Mary supported her cousin Elisabeth during her time of hardship (pregnancy) and I was comforting to see that as Mary received her testimony and conversion to the Lord, she shared it to others, that others may be lifted up in their struggles. To testify of the knowledge of their Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son Jesus Christ.
Luke 22:32:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
And I know that as we so all that we can to share out testimony as well as live to others. They can be strengthened and supported in their hardships. And I say all this things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Best cowboy in the South East Asia
Yeap I know I know your welcome you got extra stuff to read for your next meal time! DING!✨️Also we changed our P-Day to Tuesday for a temple trip so that is going to be fun✨️
Okay well we can start off
Joyous Day
We had an amazing working for 4 days and it was interesting. Just yesterday we had a member appointment and taught a homie member and it's amazing and fun . I like to see how they are always there to help nd guide us. And he is AMAZING. he mentioned how every day should be a Joyous Day! And it's comforting to learn about that. How whenever things are bad, we can always turn a sad day upside-down and just constantly seek the Savior's help to do so.
Chinese Lesson
Well we are able to teach a few Chinese this week. And we got Kitty, Jin Qi and Hao Mai and they are really awesome! Practicing mandarin and improving it is really crucial and I am starting to see the fruit of my language study even though it's hard cause we are really busy too ☠️⚰️
Transfer Week
Well this week we will be having our transfer and I am placed with my new comp which is Elder DUBREUIL ✨️♂️♂️He is Awesome and my brother in the mission! ✨️✨️ I love it and I know we can do better together ✨️ Also we had an AMAZING time together up in Logan at my first transfer✨️ and also we had a tonn of fun too for about a week.
And for English work I will be staying in the same area with these amazing members and leaders too So I am really excited. As well as having a car as well✨️ I am really excited and grateful for all teh many blessings and lesson the Lord has taught like FR it's INSANE!
Temple Trip
We just went to the temple today an dit was amazing. Just getting back to the temple after close to 9 weeks it's amazing. I am grateful for the temple we have on earth. And the beauty and strength it brings as we stay and learn in temple. It's really a amazing to have a reminder on how important temple is, and also the power of a temple recommend. The beauty it brings into our lives✨️
Focusing our lives on the temple and seeking to learn more about the Lord is truly a blessing. I love the temple. And living worthily to go to the temple and having a temple recommend is amazing✨️
Ward Christmas Party
It's the most interesting party I've ever seen. Like it reminded me of my home branch only it's like 20 times bigger⚰️ It's so funn and we met with so many members and was well fed too♥️ So that's is AMAZINGGG also had turkey and pies and cookies too It's comforting to be able to see and meet with so many members
Spiritual Thoughts
Well for this short week I was able to learn about the love that the Savior has for us. It is comforting to know that He is there and wants us to be comforted and guided in our lives. I feel comforted and always felt amazing
3 Nephi 12:14-16
14 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house;
16 Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
I love this verse because it reminds me so much about the purpose of Christmas, how can we in this season ponder on ways we can glow and radiate the light of Christ. And to be an angel in someone else's life is such an amazing blessing. To help others and guide others to come unto Christ. In all their hardships✨️
We had District Lunch in B-Dubs and this time my stomach was not Beat-Up✨️DING DING DING ✨️
Us at the Ogden temple trip ✨️✨️
My comp deciding which rice cooker to buy
Exchanges with our ZL'S is the funnest thing on ✨️✨️✨️
After our lunch at Real Don Restaurant, Annabelle joined the Young Women for a Christmas activity at Sister Joyce’s house to decorate cookies for the upcoming Puchong Branch Christmas party.
It was lovely to know that the young women had an opportunity to gather, spend time together, and prepare something special for the visitors who would be attending the party. Sometimes, the simplest activities bring people closer together. Decorating cookies may seem like an ordinary activity, but when there is a purpose behind it, even something small can become meaningful.
I imagine the girls sitting around the table, choosing colours, decorating their cookies, and sharing ideas with one another. Each cookie would have its own little design, made with care and creativity. There is something enjoyable about making things by hand, especially when we know that someone else will receive and appreciate them.
What makes this activity special is that the cookies were not just for the young women themselves. They were preparing them for the visitors who would come to the branch Christmas party. Through this small act of service, they were helping to create a warm and welcoming experience for others.
This reminds me that service does not always require a lot of time, money, or effort. Sometimes, it is simply about thinking of someone else and doing what we can to make their day a little brighter. A homemade cookie may be a small gift, but the thought and care behind it can make it special.
I also appreciate Sister Joyce for opening her home and providing a place for the young women to come together. Activities like this give them time to build friendships, get to know one another better, and create happy memories outside their usual Church meetings. These shared experiences can help strengthen their sense of belonging and make their time together more meaningful.
I hope Annabelle and the other young women enjoyed the activity and felt the joy that comes from serving others. These opportunities remind us that following Jesus Christ is not only about attending church or learning gospel principles. It is also about putting those teachings into practice through simple acts of kindness.
As we celebrate Christmas, we remember the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, and the love He has shown to all of us. Preparing cookies for the branch Christmas party may be a small contribution, but it is one way the young women can share that love with others.
This little Christmas activity reminded that we do not need to do something extraordinary to make a difference. Sometimes, it begins with a group of young women, a table full of cookies, a little creativity, and a willingness to serve.
Perhaps that is one of the sweetest parts of Christmas—not just receiving gifts, but finding joy in giving something of ourselves to others. ❤️
December 8, 2024
Bangkok Thailand Temple Trip
Dear Elder Yu,
I know it is a little bit late as I only can sit down and write about my feelings or the things I went through about the temple trip.
Honestly, I think I am not prepared myself enough to enter the House of the Lord. I was keeping myself busy with work, school, home, and not all the important things that I should be preparing myself for going in.
I told your Daddy after you texted me in irregular hours because not a P-Day. His response was, “Is this trip funded by the Church or do you pay for yourself?” I told him that I paid for myself and the air tickets were around RM700.00++. I felt as if he had started calculating what is his gained and lost from me. He even asked me the same questions when fetched me at the airport on the day I returned.
I guess the timing is just nice as on the 28th of November morning, we went to Mecaje earlier had breakfast with Annabelle, and drove back home to wait for Uncle Felix’s Grab car. On the way to KLIA 1, Uncle Felix shared that he is glad and happy to see both you and Annabelle growing in the church and he sees how both transform into a fine young man and a young woman, especially Annabelle! Haha!
He remembered Annabelle used to be so grumpy and hot-tempered, now she becomes an example to her fellow young women in her class! Uncle Felix said he was enjoying your class while you were still here teaching the Sunday School. Both Auntie Joyce and he are very proud of both of you.
There was joy, and comfort in me. I felt as Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were there with me and reassured me that I was and I am doing the right in keep on bringing both of you to the Church despite what happened in my marriage all these years.
It indeed felt like home when I stepped into the temple. The prayers I offered the night before were to plead to the Lord to give me all the strength, courage, and wisdom I need to conclude and move forward from my dying marriage. The other so-called homework I did was reading about your first endowment experience email again and again. Haha! I know that it is funny and crazy but I want to feel that long lost feeling again. Your testimony about the temple covenant is humongous! (=v=)
When I changed into the temple clothing and walked into the waiting room, a temple worker asked if I would like to do the proxy initiatory ordinances while I was waiting for the endowment session. I just nodded my head. When I sat on the round cushion stool, I was overwhelmed and my tears filled my eyes. I was so touched when hearing the initiatory prayers or blessings – the washing and anointing that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ would want us to have. My tears could not stop. I am glad that this trip I was able to do for my great grandmother which on my mother's side.
I have to relearn everything as I have forgotten so much about all the covenants, signs, tokens, marks, etc that I covenanted with the Lord in His House. I relearn about the Creation, the Garden of Eden, the Telestial World, the Terrestrial World, and the Veil.
I love how Eve exercised her agency to invite Adam and explain or counsel him after she had eaten the fruits of the knowledge of good and evil, she still remembered the Lord’s commandments for them to replenish this earth with their posterity.
I wish I was as wise as Eve when dealing with my husband before, but I am not a wise woman, and there is no medicine of regrets and the things that happened could not re-take in our lives.
Well, the most unforgettable moment for me was when I stepped into the Celestial Room, I bowed my head, prayed, and asked what the Lord would want me to do at this moment in my marriage. I heard nothing, and there wasn’t any answer.
I think I should have expected this to happen because He wants me to use my agency to choose for myself. I cried so hard inside the Celestial Room. I was crying like a baby except I wept quietly. Even the temple worker lady came up to me twice and handed me tissues.
I know that there is no more room for me to be in denial anymore about how your Daddy feels about me, there isn’t any love left for me except complaints and blaming. I know that I should not be in denial and have to learn to accept the fact and that is the reason why God did not answer my prayer.
Or actually, as Sister Peggy shared today at the Puchong Branch Conference, “When you feel that God did not answer your prayer, He already did. The feeling you feel inside your heart…” God wants me to learn to accept the outcomes because He loves me so much that He knows what is the best for me, and something awaiting me on my path ahead.
My mind was blank at that moment and my heart pleaded to the Lord to bless me with all the courage, strength, wisdom, and knowledge I need to move on despite I do not know what would happen in front of me.
Honestly, these past weeks some thoughts came into my mind and reminded me how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ blessed me especially when I exercised my agency to decide to resign and look for a better-paying job last year.
When I had the desire to choose to have a better-paying job to sustain my monthly commitment, the opportunity came through the persons I know who contacted me, and eventually I got a better-paying job. I resigned from Auntie Jessie’s company – Floorphase Projects Sdn Bhd, and joined back my ex-boss’s company – Virtuals Space Sdn Bhd (a.k.a. SUA Interiors). From RM3,500.00 in December 2022 to RM5,500.00 in January 2023 monthly salary.
And, it did not happen once, but twice. I felt stressed out at the company in the Q.S. cum Procurement Manager position, as I feel I am more into project management which can give me more flexibility and not just sitting in the office. And, looking at my age which is growing older, eventually, my current company’s boss – Emily who we knew each other since we were in our twenties called me and asked if there was any project person who could lead her project team. I called her after a few months and asked her if she had found someone for the job. I said I was interested, and you know the rest of the story. I resigned and started as a Project Manager in my current company – Zenith Projects Sdn Bhd in September 2023 with an RM7,000.00 monthly salary and was given a company car for the work.
Of course, the increased salary also comes with more job responsibilities and load, but all these are just like what you said, “I came to see how much desire and eagerness He wants to be with us, that love He wants to be next to us. Like really next to you standing there and wanting to talk to you, asking you how mortality was and if you had fun with life?”
I can feel that the Lord eagerly wants to bless me, the only thing that I need to do is to have a righteous desire and decide what I want, and He will or is always there to support and bless me in whatever I decide. He is waiting there for me to make a decision. It is just like how I can see His hand in my career path.
It is the same I feel the Lord wants me to trust in Him when it is time for me to decide my marriage. I have been ignored too long and I think I have been given multiple opportunities or I missed out on the best timings to patch back the broken vessels. My mind, soul, and strength have been drained out much because of my worries about my husband. He could not become a better man, neither am I to become a better version of myself.
It is time to make a change, change for the better. I know that I need a very big courage to cut this marriage ties because I love him so much. I need to walk out from there. As Elder Jefferey R. Holland taught, “Such dwelling on past lives, including past mistakes, is just not right! It is not the gospel of Jesus Christ… In these cases of marriage and family and wards and apartments and neighborhoods, we can end up destroying so many, many others.” I hope I am not destroying your and Annabelle’s goals or dreams of building your eternal marriage and family.
Well, besides all these things I have gone through during my Bangkok Temple Trip, all is well. I went through 3 endowment sessions and 1 sealing session during this 3 days and 2 nights stay at the temple. I think it is normal to see the temple attendance, sisters are more than the brethren. I never attended a sealing session before except for my sealing with your Daddy, Annabelle, and you while we were in Cebu City Temple.
It was a brand new experience when attending as a proxy to seal for others. It was kind of funny when I was in the sealing room. There were Thai Priesthood holders as the sealers, brethren and sisters from Cambodia, and India, and of course Sister E Chin and me as Malaysians. You imagine that: the sealer sitting in his seat; the Indian priesthood was sitting at his side to help him pronounce the names given, while the Cambodian brethren knelt at the sacred altar to be sealed. It felt funny at first when I heard the names pronounced, but it felt warmth and joy in my heart seeing all of us were doing the Lord’s work here.
On the 29th November, 2024 Sister E Chin brought me to the Platinum Mall which is a fashion wholesale hub in Bangkok, all the clothing there is considered cheap even compared with here. I did buy a few for myself and am thinking of sharing some with Annabelle.
I could see vendors or hawkers selling street foods along the roadsides while strolling the streets. This brought me so many memories of our family vacation trips many years back – Cebu City, Bali, Saigon, Hatyai, Phattalong, etc. I could not describe my feelings at that very moment. It was sadness. I thought this temple trip should be something different, or spiritual but it turned out to be a lot of mixed feelings in it – my past and present feelings and where I go from here. I feel I should stay for more days to settle my tangled emotions.
As I sit in front of the laptop, and proofread whatever I wrote what‘s in my mind, I know that the length of my stay is nothing compared to what I know – God wants to reveal to me. I am still not completely OK, but I am ready to learn to let go and to be healed. I know that I could not do it alone, but “I can do all things through the Atonement of Jesus Christ”
Elder Yu, please do not worry about me and home. You know that we are in God’s good hands. Know that you are loved! A lot and lots from us, and God too!
Love,
Mommy
The Bangkok Temple. It is considered very convenient because we are using MAS Airline where the flight stopped at the Suvarnabhumi Airport. Using the Airport Rail Link Line, it is only 6 stops reached Makkasan Station, and reached the temple only in walking distance.
Brother Juno and Sister Jully were on their first temple endowment session where Juno was escorted by President Lim and Jully was escorted by her mum, Michelle.
We met returned sisters missionaries here because all the returned brothers and sisters missionaries were having a Conference here in Bangkok. I met Elder Teh as well, the second counselor of the Asia Area Presidency. I think he is attending the return missionaries conference here.
Me in front of Christ. I am really fat and look fat! OMG!
Night view in front of the temple. Of course, the picture got edited to lighten the background of the temple.
Met with Sister Poh Peng and Sister Man Ling. Sister Poh Peng said that initially she planned for a solo temple trip, but it turned out to meet so many familiar faces here! Haha!
December always brings a different feeling. As Christmas approaches, the decorations, festive atmosphere, and little touches of the season remind me to slow down and appreciate the people around me. Today I had a meal with my daughter, Annabelle, at Real Don Restaurant in USJ 21. We had grilled chicken chop, and the restaurant's Christmas decorations added a lovely festive touch to our dining experience.
It was a simple meal, but sometimes the simplest moments become meaningful memories. Sitting down with Annabelle and enjoying our food gave us a little time together away from our usual routines. As a mother, I treasure these moments with my children. They are growing up and building their own lives, and I know that the time we spend together will look different as the years go by.
The Christmas decorations made the restaurant feel more festive. I enjoy seeing how restaurants dress up for the season, bringing a little Christmas cheer into an ordinary day. There is something comforting about this time of year. It reminds me of family, love, giving, and the importance of making time for the people who matter most.
Our grilled chicken chop was the main part of the meal, but what made the outing special to me was having Annabelle there. We did not need a grand celebration or an elaborate plan. Just sharing a meal with my daughter was enough to make the occasion worth remembering.
As a mother, I sometimes think about how quickly children grow up. When they are young, we spend so much time caring for them, preparing their meals, and making decisions for them. Before we realise it, they become young adults with their own thoughts, interests, and plans. I am learning to appreciate the little opportunities we have to connect, even when they come in the form of an ordinary lunch or dinner.
Looking back at this visit, I am reminded that family memories do not always come from holidays, expensive gifts, or special events. Sometimes, they begin with a simple meal, a festive restaurant, and the company of someone we love.
This Christmas season, I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with Annabelle. My hope is that, even as our lives become busier and our paths continue to develop, we will keep making time for one another and creating these small but precious memories.
After all, the heart of Christmas is not just in the decorations or celebrations. It is in the love we share and the time we give to the people who make our lives meaningful.
What a lovely evening to remember! Annabelle was the Master of Ceremonies for her graduation year-end concert, Cultural Night. It was wonderful to see her standing confidently on stage, holding the microphone, guiding the programme, and introducing the different cultural performances.
The evening was filled with music, beautiful costumes, and performances celebrating different cultures and traditions. It was lovely to see everyone coming together to share their talents and make the event special. Annabelle also had the opportunity to interact with the participants and be part of the team that brought the programme together.
Looking at these photos, I feel happy seeing how much Annabelle has grown and how she is learning to take on new responsibilities. Being an MC requires preparation, confidence, and the ability to communicate with an audience. Experiences like this give her opportunities to challenge herself, discover her strengths, and learn things that go beyond the classroom.
Time really flies! Sometimes, we are so caught up in our daily routines that we don't realise how quickly our children are growing up. Then, moments like these remind us to pause, appreciate their progress, and celebrate the little milestones along the way.
So happy to see you taking on this role and creating beautiful memories, Annabelle! ❤️ Keep learning, keep growing, and keep shining in your own way. May you always have the courage to try new things, the confidence to use your talents, and the joy of discovering what you are capable of. So proud of you! ✨
