Twists and Turns

Hi everyone,

This is an update from Mindy... a lot has happened in the past week and a half! I'm sure Luke will catch everyone up in his next letter, but since he didn't have the chance to write one this week, here are a few highlights:

• The happiest thing happened on Saturday, November 11th! Helen, who Luke refers to as his "Chinese momma," was baptized! She has been such a light in Luke's mission and we're all so happy for her to take this next step on her spiritual journey! Helen, some of you may recall, is Clark's mom :) 
• Transfer calls were last Wednesday. Two new missionaries were scheduled to come to the DC South Chinese mission... one from Utah and one from China! We've been anticipating their arrival for many months now and so excited because they would nearly double the Chinese mission! We knew it would be an exciting transfer... which new missionary would Luke help train? Would he be in a duo or a trio? Would he stay in Centreville or go back to Crystal City? Turns out... none of the above! Luke was called to be a Zone Leader in Woodbridge and will not be part of the Chinese mission this transfer. He was sad to say goodbye for now to all his friends in the Chinese branch, but is looking forward to the opportunity to serve in this new capacity. 
• Luke's new companion is Elder Bartley, from Santa Clarita, California. He came out at the same time as Luke and it sounds like they're really happy for this chance to work together! One of the Sister Training Leaders is also somebody Luke knows because she was in his district a few transfers ago. It sounds like he actually knows several people in his new area, which will be fun! His first Sunday in the new ward was wonderful because the members were so friendly and welcoming. I think he and Elder Bartley received a half dozen invitations to Thanksgiving dinner.... so they will be having a Thankgiving lunch as well as dinner, and another member brought them an early Thanksgiving prequel dinner a couple of nights ago ;) I'm so grateful for all the incredible people in the DC South mission that are helping to take care of my boy! 

Well, there's your update and I'll include a few pics below, but stay tuned for Luke's next letter, when I'm sure he'll share all the details in the Luke-fashion we all know and love :) 

Happy Thanksgivine!

Mindy

Luke was able to baptize his "Chinese momma"

District shenanigans ;) 

Chinese babies 💗💗💗

Meet Elder Bartley!

First order of business... getting a Christmas tree!