From Annabelle to Elder Yu: Day 2 of FSY Asia Conference

Well starting during this week was the question "Why be a disciple of Christ?", and we had to contemplate our answers to it during the whole FSY. What better way than having morning devotionals and gospel studies with the company?

Feast upon the Words of Christ

I learnt that the Lord will assist us through what He called us to do. 2 Nephi 32:3 is a great example of application to Nephi's life and actions when he feasted on the words of Christ. When we feast upon the words of Christ, we can know what we should do. I feel that helps us through callings we have during our mortal journey. Church callings or personal ones, we are bound to face hardships. I know that as we turn towards Him, He will help. Have you ever heard the phrase:

" If you want to talk to or ask God, pray to Him. If you want God to talk to you, read the scriptures."

Plus, it's His word, and as I echo what your trainer said to you: "God doesn't bet all that He has to a single missionary." Nor to a striving covenant path follower, He sent people we loved to strengthen each other. And as long as we have faith in Him and be meek and humble, we can be given the power to do "whatsoever thing is expedient in [Him]" ( Moroni 7:33). That because He had called us to do His work, doesn't mean He leaves it all to us. It's His work and it is our pleasure to serve Him. So we can have faith in our fun.

Words Matter

The next was a devotional with the session-directing couple, the Maitlands. He's Scottish!!! But I learnt that Words Matter! Not only to those we love and minister, the people we aren't so sure with, but also to us, ourselves! To treat ourselves and our neighbours kindly. Also! About the power of the words of Christ. No matter what time, mood or struggles you feel, the scriptures answer most of them because the verses are Living, Powerful and the Truth! They are quick and simple, but they still give power to us, if we but heed them.

Then Classes! 

First, was a couple by the Bell naps? Sister Cheryl and Elder Boyd. They taught us about the importance of our names by playing an icebreaker. We did so by taking one shoe and placing it on the table. People came up and chose a random shoe and asked whose it was, asking their name and its meaning. Then we learnt about taking upon the name of Christ and His different titles as we are baptised. We make and keep our covenants to remember Him and what He has done for us. However, as we're taking upon His name, does that mean we should just stop there? Nay! We must take action. So if we want to be a friend to others, we can't just sit and wait. This was beautifully illustrated by a song using actions and an American hat with three corners. Then slowly, the keywords would slowly disappear, but we still motioned the words. Even without the words, you could still tell what it meant. Then, we ended the class with a list of things we can do to be His disciples and take upon His name more effectively.

Second was "Boringness" or "Choose Your Adventure".  Brother Dustin. He started it off by saying that he had moved a lot during his childhood and that he was saddened at the fact he didn't feel at home. But he had the experience and comfort of the Holy Ghost that: No matter where you go, where you are right now and how far you are, you can always feel at home with the power of the Holy Ghost. Which leads to us relying on the Holy Ghost more often and our Spiritual Strength through our trials. Then, we can more fully rely and be more converted unto Him, GIVING THE APPLICATION OF:

"Because I know..., I will..."

We did this activity by writing our answer in the blank and crumpling the paper, throwing it to another person. This is what I got:

I like what this person wrote, it displaces my dread with joy because I know walking on the covenant path is hard, but it's not impossible. Which brings me to my topic:

Sometimes the Lord pushes us past our limits- more than what we had been practising for. Brother Dustin recounted his story of attempting a triathlon. He had thought it was a one-round race with 3 different activities. However! As it turns out, it was a 3-lap race with those 3 different activities. Of course, he was tired after everything but he recounted that sometimes we can be pushed above our limits - even tiring our physical capacity- but that's where we use our spiritual strength. To me, spirituality sounds like the motivation in your head that, hey you can do it because the Lord is with you. We still have to put in effort and consistent work to make a STEADY AND TRANQUIL DEDICATION OF A LIFETIME. Whether that be physical goals or our testimonies. Because we often have a powerful miracle but always let it be short-lived.

That's 2 classes, there are still 2 more but this is starting to get wordy and long. So I'll update you later. Because after the 2 classes, it was lunch! Hope you find peace today and have fun.

Sincerely,
Annabelle

From Annabelle to Elder Yu: Day 1 of FSY Asia Conference

HELLO ELDER YU!!! I'M BACK FROM MY FSY IN BANGKOK!!! AND MANY ARE THE THINGS I'D LIKE TO TELL YOU!

First of all, going there. The KL youths were gathered at the airport and shot off to Bangkok with the guidance of the chaperones, Janeelyn's grandparents. Throughout the whole journey, I was a nervous wreck. Like, I knew I would at least improve my socialising with people I never knew, even if it's just a bit, but I was still fumbling and quiet as I circled on what to say. Because the thing is, Cherrie and I had planned a little project or a little secret combination. HAHAHA

No nut really cause we recalled being shy on our first FSY and wanted first-timers to feel at ease, especially with people they want to know during it all, But even so, how do you bring this up to a person? Like it sounds easy but it was definitely out of my comfort zone. Even so, we did call Janeelyn and Annabelle for help. Despite it being her first time, Annabelle was the most excited about it. So yeah, really nervous but I felt a little at ease when a kid in the front row in the plane started playing with me, the chopstick game ( remember him cause he's important).

Arriving at FSY, I was taken aback by the clapping and cheers of joy at what I would then learn from the coordinators. If I were to describe the feeling, it'd be like how Kingson described our church - being welcomed back home- cause they were so excited and so loud too! Not a complaint but shocking. I then collected the 4 cotton T-shirts ( so happy they are not nylon or polyester, my body cannot take another electrostatic), an ID which tells you which group you are and a drawstring bag with a flask, 2 bands, coloured pencils, a participant handbook and 2 pens. All with the youth's theme, quote, logo and scripture verse. Like I'm saying they're going big!!! Especially after I entered a room of youths dancing to THE OFFICIAL FSY PB&J DANCE! And when I say it's like nothing of my first FSY, I MEAN IT! It was loud, crazy BUT FUN! Of course, I felt like I lost some of my hearing with people beside me screaming cause it was part of the dance Anyway, that was just the start of orientation.

We are introduced to a simple and humble college student who loves us and wants us to be safe, named Ty and his co-ordinator Tizzy! They are the ones who usually conduct. They are so cool and SO HYPER! Especially Ty. We are introduced to the theme, safety rules and the consequences of not following and yada yada

  BUT!!! WAIT! WANNA KNOW SOMETHING CRAZY?? My company is dark blue and we have 2 counsellors, but something about the counsellors is that: *drum roll*

I HAVE THE SAME COUNSELLOR FROM MY LAST FSY!!!

Her name is Liney!!! I love her and she's soooo cool!!!!♥️✨ And under is my other counsellor, a returned missionary called Isaac! ( it's weird to keep calling your name honestly HAHA)

So yeah, they're cool and we met up with our company and had a little Home Evening and games in the night, plus reflect and review

Company's Name

You're probably wondering why I'm creating a section for something small as a company's name but it will make sense as I write to you more in the next letters. However, I created this to keep track of my feelings about how I felt on that first day about the name. I'll give you a hint. It's in Moses 7:18. At first, I thought the name wasn't much, I felt that unity of being with other youths of the same beliefs before, so, of course, the word 'Zion' didn't stand out to me as much as it does now. So, Zion (one heart, one mind) was our company's name. Our company commitment - the company's goal - followed the theme a little with us wanting to be known as the most service-ful company during the week.

Well by then, you'll just have to wait for the other letters cause I want to keep every memory of the FSY detailed because I believe that these little details build up to my experience of FSY, which made it the most spiritual event I have experienced surrounded by youths- of whom I have no idea then, but love them so dearly now. So till we write again

Sincerely,
Annabelle Yu

My Husband and I

22 December, 2024

My Husband and I

Dear Elder Yu,

As you know, your Daddy returned and stayed with us at home on 28 November 2024, when I went to the Bangkok Temple. As I told you before, we briefly discussed our marriage. He opened up, and he wanted a divorce on the Sunday I came back from the temple trip, 1 December 2024. I agreed. He will look for a lawyer for the legislation matter. He said he would temporarily stay in the house for about a month and then move out.

Throughout the whole conversation, he blamed me for not being wise enough to be a wife and a mother. He feels that all the love and time he put into this family, turned out to be the children who respected him because of afraid of him. He kept on emphasizing that he was not satisfied with the outcome or results he got from this family because the children were not close to him and he felt he failed his duty as a father. All the efforts he put in by not going to the pub or night entertainment like other contractors did were wasted.

I could understand his point of view that being a mother does not teach both Annabelle and you well, especially since most Chinese parents would teach about virtues such as one should respect the elderly and love the young; a virtuous woman brings her husband good; a kind mother brings up children dutiful to the family; the younger brother should respect the elder brother and the elder brother should be gentle with the younger brother; passing good family traditions of having gathering or dinner when there is a festival; one should run the family diligently and thriftily; one should be learned and practice etiquette; do not be lazy or idle like your mommy in doing the household chores, etc. These are the areas which I lacked.

Your Auntie Agatha commented on all these values years ago if you remember on the dining table. Well, it was indeed your Daddy's good intention when he voiced out to both of you, but it probably in a stern voice so that both of you would remember that because he knows that all these things would be beneficial to you when you stepped into society one day to earn a living.

But, I am speechless when hearing all the excuses and comments from his mouth about the dumb words on how he felt he was not been appreciate his contributions and sacrifice to this family. I thought he was the one who betrayed me in the very first place by not obeying the law of chastity. He did say he was the one who did wrong, but I did not feel the sincerity and repented in his words. He is admitted because of the sack of saying.

He had the testimony of the Church is true and told that one day he will return to church but he has to make things right first. His retirement plan is to stay somewhere in northern Thailand after 6 years and do what he wants to do – open a homestay and a café and live a quiet life there. He did mention is with his now-new girlfriend. He hopes that one day the children and I able to visit him there.

He was expecting that I still could be on good terms with him after all this happened. I told him that sorry as I needed time to go through this time. Please do not expect me to react like nothing happened. I feel he is blaming everything about this family that he felt he is not getting what he expecting from us. My thought is why want to be calculative in your giving, sacrifice to your own family, and expect instant rewards? I feel it is just his excuse to get rid of his guilt and what he had done to this family. I cried many times ever since we had the conversation, I just kept on thinking that I have to trust in the Lord so that I can move on.

Well, he finally found a new place near his job site at Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. He is planning to move out I think next month. I plan to re-home Ally through Auntie Jessie’s help next month as well. I know both of you and Annabelle would be sad, but I do not think I can take care of Ally especially Annabelle next year she will become a teacher in Mecaje, and Mr. Heng asked her to take on tuition which would end at 6.00 pm. So, when she comes back home would be probably around 8.00 pm?

I know I should not talk much about this to you, but I do not want to paint a beautiful picture for you either. It is a burden that is hard to take on and carry, I know. You know what? I started to feel I should be forgiving and let go because this would do me good because all these are the gifts that my Savior gives me.

Love you as always,
Mommy

ZC Ogden 19 Dec 2024

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. ❤️

18th Week for Christmas Season

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

17th Week in the Mission Field

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 ✨️✨️✨️

A Little Christmas Service: Decorating Cookies with the Young Women 7 Dec 2024

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. ❤️