From: Braydon Carter <braydon.carter@myldsmail.net>
Date: Mon, Feb 11, 2019 at 12:22 AM
Subject: Paradise Island.
Date: Mon, Feb 11, 2019 at 12:22 AM
Subject: Paradise Island.
Hello Everyone! And happy Chinese New Year!
I hope everyone is having a really good week! And I especially hope that everyone was able to enjoy themselves some Chinese New Year! For us, it is still going on. In fact, in Asia, Chinese New Years last for 15 days. So its just fireworks everywhere, the loudest firecrackers you have ever heard. People just joyous and going crazy. Its my kind of Holiday!
But anyways I realized I haven't been able to explain a whole lot about where I am, or the culture that I am in too much, so I want to go into more detail talking about that!
So currently I am on an Island of the coast of Malaysia called Penang. If I had to guess, I would say the population is over 1 Million [Penang ~1.767M, Island ~700K] and the Island itself isn't to big [~113 square miles]. Maybe from about Provo to Lehi, it could be even smaller [Alpine School District is ~787 square miles, Lehi ~26.7 square miles]. But the Island is just FULL of culture. It has Chinese, Indian, Malay, Nepalese, Filipinos, Thai, Bangladesh, and it just continues. That's not even to mention a lot of the Expats [expatriates] that live at the top of the Island which adds most western countries. The culture itself is just so fast. Its a big business culture. And it has a lot of Chinese businessmen. So really I'm pretty much in my paradise Island right now.
Then Penang is also known for its famous Hawker Center foods. If you haven't heard of a Hawker Center its very much like an outdoor food court. In all honesty they look a little scary, especially coming from a country where food and health laws are set high. But the food is SOO good. It is so full of flavor and many spices. Its pretty interesting because really the big choices there are noodles, and rice. But you would be mistaken to think that was a small choice variety. In all reality it is MASSIVE. They have so many styles of cooking it, and many things to add. They have so many different types of noodles. Really its limitless, and often times you leave more than satisfied for a little less than 2 dollars in the US. Here is an example of a noodle dish I had this week. Which it had 2 different types of noodles, as well as different meats. It is one of Penang's favorites.
Then for me this week. I learned something big as a missionary. And that is, the gospel is something that really is, and can be structured to our lives. As I have been able to go out and talk to other people I really have started to notice my energy, skill, knowledge, experiences, and thinking have all been heighten because my willingness to obey, and follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I also learned that just because we should tried to avoid being of the world. Doesn't mean that we can't be in the world. As I have gone out, talking to what seems likes thousands everyday you quickly see that the world is a good place, with amazing people. And once you add the gospel in your life it also helps you know and see that all these people around you are children of a Heavenly Father, and our brothers and sisters here on earth. Not only that but God has a plan for every single one of them. And that is to be on this earth to seek and obtain happiness in this life.
This week I also just saw miracle after miracle. Not only have I been able to see how the gospel can help bless and strengthen other people in their lives. But I've also been able to see the preparedness of the people. This week we ran and started teaching 3 new people we are all in their young adult lives. All of them were looking for a little bit more out of life. And wanted greater happiness and joy out of life. It was cool to meet with them and teach them because all of them had different backgrounds. In fact one of them was from India her as an intern. But as we shared the gospel with them it touched them all in different ways. It helped them with different challenges. It was really cool to see. It was even cooler to teach a man named Gabriel. He is a young Chinese man whose style is just on fire. He has an awesome since of humor. And is just a go getter. As we were teaching him and was helping him I saw more and more that he could be one of the people I am here for. I was able to connect with him so well. The way I taught was kind of as if I was teaching myself. It was a tender mercy and a reminder of an impact one can make.
Lastly this week I just want to share my testimony on the Book of Mormon. I have noticed a massive difference in my life because of that book. The best way I can describe it is like the greatest cleanest fuel and oil you need for your car. As I have been able to fuel my self every morning because of it I just become so ready to go take on the world. It helps me through any trail or negativity, it motivates me. It helps me realize why I am here, and my purpose in life. I know as we all dive into it and read it well all have our own impact stories.
I love you all so much!!
Elder Carter
From Ranes
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