GO Outside

I would like to take a second to personally thank the creators of the new game, Pokemon Go. I don't know much about it, but it seems to be a smartphone app game that connects to GPS. The game requires players to walk around outside to different locations throughout their community in order to achieve some desired result. This means that a lot more people are outside! We've met several people this week simply because they were playing Pokemon Go.


Lots of driving this week as transfers have come and gone! Lots of travelling, meeting new missionaries, and several stops at the mission office.


Sorry to keep it short, but there's still much to do! Spend some extra time outside this week!


-Elder Reynolds

An Elder of Two Cities

The transfer call has come and gone! Elder Ushio has been assigned to serve in Vancouver, and Elder Walker has been called to serve in the promised land of Prince George! I will be here in Burnaby for this final transfer, and my new companion will be Elder Frye! Elder Frye is from Las Vegas, and we served for two transfers in the same ward when I was in Surrey. This certainly going to be a busy and exciting transfer.


This past week, we were blessed with the opportunity to drive to Richmond and meet with President Burt and other phenomenal missionaries for our Council meeting, where we learned a lot about ministering, leadership, and of course missionary work. We then were able to relay that same Spirit and information to the Vancouver and Burnaby zones in a combined zone meeting. We also had a great meeting with the Vancouver Stake President as we align our efforts with his.


We've had some very powerful lessons this week. One that stands out was with a man named Shawn; he is originally from Iran, and he is extremely eager to learn more about the church! He has agreed to baptism in August, and we will be meeting with the rest of his family this week.


-Elder Reynolds



Wildfire in Delta

(no homes affected, just swamp land)






Elder Ushio and mission car

Home of the Brave, eh?

God keep our land
Glorious and free,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!


I am ashamed to say it, but I do not remember much else of the Canadian national anthem, "O Canada." On July 1st, we had the opportunity to attend a church BBQ in commemoration of Canada Day, and I was more than happy to help with the grilling. The turnout was great, and the weather was perfect.


The patriotic culture is different in Canada; the people here love their country, but it doesn't appear to be as die-hard as we are raised in America. I do not think there is a pledge of allegiance, and there aren't any patriotic songs that top the music charts. But here I am blasting the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's "Spirit of America" album out the window! I've often considered myself an American patriot, but serving in Canada has really brought out my American side.


https://mormontabernaclechoir.org/videos/god-bless-the-usa-dallyn-vail-bayles.html



That said, however, I've also never felt so patriotic to the cause of my God, who inspired these great nations! Missionary work is not easy, nor was it ever intended to be. But it is extremely fulfilling; I've never had so much fun working.


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-Elder Reynolds