I have lived in Vietnam for over 6 weeks now and it has been excellent. I will be staying another 6 weeks in the Phú M? Hung area with Elder Vuong, this is exactly what I wanted. This area is excellent and I am getting to know the branch better and better. My Vietnamese is not amazing by any means but I can sort of get through the get to know you conversations so I’m starting to get to know the members and friends.
I want to share a quick story from my week. We were at a park trying to find new people to teach recently and I started talking to a really nice man from China. He could speak English but not Vietnamese, that works for me. Anyways, while I was talking to him, about 5 old vietnamese ladies on a late night walk in the park interrupt my conversation with this man I was talking to. I was then trapped as each of the ladies wanted an individual picture with me, and then 2 group photos. The kept yelling ‘cao quá!' And 'd?p trai!' (really tall and handsome). They thought I was the coolest thing ever, and then a few other people in the park started realizing that I was taking pictures and they started coming. I had about 10 pictures taken with me in about 3 minutes. It was hilarious and those old ladies are the best. I’ll send a picture below.
This week we have had a big emphasis on goals as a mission. We have been studying why goals are important to progress spiritually and how to set and plan for goals. A good set of goals mixed with desire and discipline will help everyone focus on their purpose in a more consistent and effective way. Goals are an important part of the gospel. Whether the goal is to make and keep covenants, or enter the Celestial kingdom, all our goals should be pointed toward strengthening our relationships with those we love most. Our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and our families. Set some big goals this week that will build good habits!
Ok, I don’t think I’ve shared about English Club yet but it’s awesome. we had 38 people come to English Club this week. People here desperately want to learn! Regardless of if they accept the gospel, it’s a good way to let the people here know that we want to help in any way that we can.
I hope you all are doing well, I am loving it here in Vietnam, this will never get old!
-Elder McConkie
