Surprise Update from Tainan, Goodbye Elder Baxter, and Welcome Elder Sagastegui!!!

大家好!

This week has been a little crazy getting ready for a new movecall and stuff, but it has definitely been pretty good. We are still working with some really cool people and trying to find new ones. And with movecall came some fun changes, but I will get to those in a minute.

Well, this last week, I got a really neat update from Elder Starkweather in Tainan. Our investigator Peter was baptized last Saturday!!! I was so stoked to hear that!!!!! He was able to find the means to come to church and he was able to be baptized! Because of distance and time, I wasn't able to attend his baptism, but I am so excited to be able to tell him congratulations. This is one of those miracles that really helps teach an important principle, about having faith in God's timing. I have such a strong testimony of that important truth.

Well, another movecall has begun. We got the call on Sunday morning that Elder Baxter would be moving to Tainan 2nd ward (the east side, not where I was before.) My new companion is Elder Sagastegui, from Alabama. He is in the same generation as Elder Baxter. He just came up from Tainan so him and Elder Baxter just switched places. Kind of funny how that works out. Well, aside from our companionship, Elder Bradford also moved out of Taiping. He moved down to ChangHwa to be in a tripanionship. Sister Zhang finished her mission and will go home to Taipei. So, half of our district changed. But it should be pretty fun. New move calls and new starts. Elder Park is still in DongGang for now. Elder Starkweather is still in Tainan. Elder Erwin is in Taichung now, over in the other zone. Elder Yeh is also in Taichung, over in Nantun. Elder Rogers is going to finish training a new missionary over in Puli. Yeah, been able to keep track of most of em. Pretty fun. And there are like 20 missionaries going home this move call, so that is kind of sad. But, we are thankful for their service. So, yeah, when I have the ability to send pictures, I will. This computer doesn't like reading sd cards and stuff, so I can't send any. But I'm sure I will when the time comes. Oh well.

Well, that is about it for now. Can't wait to hear from you guys! Sorry for the late email. People moving can make things kind of complicated sometimes, so we are emailing a little bit later. But, enjoy anyways. Love you guys! 

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷龘鬱長老

When your Missionary doesn't send Pictures, Mom finds her own!

Free English Class

6-16-16 Taichung Zone Conference - Taichung East, West and South Zones

6-16-16 Taichung Zone Conference - Taichung East, West and South Zones

King Young (Member of the ward where Elder Millett is serving)

Zone Conference, The Most 誇張吃到飽 I've Ever Been To, and Another Movecall Come and Gone

大家好。(Hello Everyone)

This week was definitely a very spiritually uplifting one. We got to attend President and Sister Blickenstaff's last Zone Conference, and that was a really neat experience. But I will talk more about that in a minute. It's been kind of strange getting ready to transition to a new mission president, but it is kind of a neat experience. Anyways, Elder Baxter and I are getting along great. We are expecting that he will move this next move call, only because this is his first area. I will probably get a new companion and will stay here for a little while. But I guess we will have to see what is in store. The work is progressing. We have some cool people we are working with, and we have actually been able to find some new people to teach. So thank you guys for all the prayers in our behalf. They are definitely felt on a daily basis.

Well, like I'd said, this last week was Zone Conference, the last one that President and Sister Blickenstaff would be holding. We talked about a lot of different things. One of the highlights is the discussion we had on a talk entitled, "Becoming a Preach My Gospel Missionary" by Elder David A. Bednar. We have looked at this talk multiple times over the time I've been on my mission, and I learn new principles from it every time. Elder Bednar puts into a very clear perspective principles such as the need for exact obedience, realizing who we serve, and having the confidence that the Lord will help those who serve Him. President bore a very powerful testimony of becoming a PMG missionary, and it really touched me and made me want to be even more consecrated. Sister Blickenstaff, as always, gave an entertaining and informative health and safety training. During this portion, we found out about some changes in the Dress and Grooming standards. Missionaries are now allowed to wear sunglasses, and even some forms of hats in order to protect themselves from the sun. So, might be going out and looking for a pair of shades now! Haha. We ate a delicious lunch of Costco pizza and homemade salad. We had a training on the Book of Mormon from the Assistants and our Zone Leaders. I got to perform in a musical performance with a few other members of the zone, singing "God Be with You Til We Meet Again." That was fun. I was excited to actually have a part in it. I saw old friends and companions, and all in all it was a good time.

Secondly, this past week, I went to the craziest Chi Dao Bao that I've ever been too in my life! We have this member, a recent convert, in our ward, who loves to take the missionaries out to eat. So, this last week, he had us taxi'd over, yes TAXI'D to a really high-end buffet. This place is like 900 kuai a person. I feasted on Abalone, steak, Hagen Daaz Ice cream, and all kinds of fancy drinks and things. It was SOOOOOOOOOOOO good. This member loves when missionaries eat a ton, because he wants to get his money's worth. So I ate like 10 steaks, making me number one on his "list." Yes, success! But I felt so full and lame afterwards. Haha. But it was awesome. Sorry, no pictures. I was too busy eating. Oh well, next time!

Lastly, another move call is about to come to an end. I have been in DongYing for about 6 weeks now. And it is a nice place. The ward is nice. People are nice. The area is pretty nice too. Not nearly as big as my last area, but still fairly good size. Well, like I'd said previously, we are expecting that Elder Baxter is going to move. But it's never a sure thing. So I guess we will have to see.

Well, that is about it for the week. Looking forward to hearing from you guys! Keep on Keeping on! Love ya and I'll talk to ya very soon!

Yours truly, Sincerely, and any other necessary closing,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷龘鬱長老

Zone Leader Exchanges, Doing the DL Dance, and Hitting the P90X Again

大家早安!

This week has been fairly average. Can't say it's been terrible. Can't say it's been too crazy fantastic either. There were some really neat miracles and spiritual experiences though. Elder Baxter and I are getting along great. We are very similar. He is just a lot more sarcastic! But the work is slowly picking up here in DongYing. We have some really neat people we are working with, and a couple of them with Baptismal Goals, so that is pretty exciting. Finally getting to know the area better as well, so that doesn't hurt things. 

Well, this last week, we got to go on exchanges with the Zone Leaders (that's what DL's do.) So, Elder Baxter went over to 霧峰 (WuFeng) with Elder Stringham, and Elder Tatton came here to DongYing, which, interestingly enough, is where he served a year earlier. He had a good time going back through his old area and working hard to help the work progress there again. We were out contacting in the rain for a few hours both Friday and Saturday, but it was worth it. I definitely learned a lot about effective contacting from him. He is a good, hard-working missionary. We just applied the invites that they gave us at the last Zone Training Meeting, to Plan effectively, work diligently, and exercise faith. This area has definitely inspired me to do that even more so than before. So, the exchange definitely boosted my Spirits and inspired me to work even harder. 

Well, since I've come to DongYing, I was made DL again. And man, that definitely comes with it's challenges. But it's very rewarding too. I get to work with more missionaries, which is something that I love to do. I get to prepare and present District Training Meetings to inspire our district in the work. I get to followup with everyone and really get to know their investigators, which is really neat. As I said though, it can be challenging though. Trying to keep a district unified can be tricky. I have to try and set some goals and expectations for the district, which require much pondering, study, and prayer. I have to be there when correction is needed. Our area has to be an example for other missionaries in the district. Needless to say, there is a lot to do there. There are times when doing the DL dance seems very complex, but in the end, it really is worth it. I feel like some of the most growth I've experienced is when I've been a DL. It's helped me to step out of my own comfort zone a little bit and really step up and be a leader. Two very important things that are essential for living a great life. And it's helped me to find out what some of my own weaknesses are and help them become strengths. And it's made my mission experience a lot more rewarding. (I don't know why I decided to share this, I just thought it was something I hadn't shared my thoughts on before.)

The weather: Some days it's hot. Some days it's rainy. Depends. But typhoon season is almost here That stresses mom out!) so that means that it will probably start raining a lot more though. Guess we'll have to see.

And lastly, I started doing P90X again this week! Woo Hoo!!!! Yup, I've decided that I really want to look good for when I get back. And I really plan on keeping it going this time. I've already worked out every day this past week, and my body being sore lets me know that it's working! So, just gotta keep "Bringing it." "X Like!" Haha. Gettin' up at 6:00 is quite the challenge though! But totally worth it!

​

Well, now that you're done laughing, that's about it for this week. The work goes on here in DongYing. We just keep planning effectively, working diligently, and exercising faith. I'm in good health, even more so now that I'm exercising again. Companionship is good. Life is good. Just keep on keeping on. Love you guys and I'll talk to you very soon!

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷龘鬱長老

ZTM, Some Visitors, and Elder Smith is Leaving Already!?

大家好.

This week has been ok I suppose. Been pretty warm recently. We've had a few fun things happen this week though. 

So, this last week, we had ZTM. Pretty lucky for us since the chapel is so dang close. But yeah, the whole zone got together and had a very spiritual meeting. It was all about Planning, Faith, and Diligence. I'll be completely honest, sometimes these meetings can seem a little repetitive and predictable, but it is really cool that we can learn new things from it every time. I personally get really spiritually revitalized by the things that are shared. And it is really neat to hear other missionaries' input. One highlight of this last ZTM was a small demonstration that the Zone Leaders put on. They had asked the Taiping Elders (Elder Smith and Elder Bradford) if they could help them do this demonstration. They had Elder Bradford put a blindfold on and take his shoes off. The Zone Leaders then put a bag of gummy bears on the ground and explained that Elder Smith would have to guide Elder Bradford to the gummy bears and lead them to "baptism," (a bowl of water on the other side of the room). Well, before they started, they dumped a couple hundred thumb tacks onto the floor, explaining that missionary work is not an easy task, and that it would have it's obstacles. Slowly, very slowly, Elder Smith guided Elder Bradford through this treacherous maze, almost stepping on quite a few tacks, quite a few times, but always coming through ok. I took a really funny video, but I don't think it will fit into the email, so I will not be able to send that. It was hilarious, but terrifying at the same time. All-in-all, a really good meeting.

Well, this last Sunday, some old friends from my old area came and visited our ward. I served in DongHai before and these Sisters, one from DongHai and one from FengJia came and saw me. It was fun to see how well they are doing. They are very strong in the Gospel and are planning a trip to Utah sometime next year. It was a wonderful surprise. (I will have to get the pictures to you guys next week. The computer I'm using does not like to upload pictures apparently.)Dang it.

Lastly, today was a mini move call. And well, to our great surprise, we found out on Saturday night that Elder Smith was moving. After only 3 weeks of being in Taiping, he left. And not only that, he moved out to Magong, the little tiny island off the coast of Taiwan. That's right, he's not even in Taiwan anymore. It was kind of sad to see him go, but at the same time, we know that he is going to do great things over there. That means that we got a new Elder in our District, Elder Duffin, who just came off of Magong. He is Elder Bradford's new companion, so that is kind of fun. And that looks like I'll be safe for another few weeks. I'm kind of hoping I don't move again before I "die." Only because it is kind of 麻煩 to try and move all of my stuff around. Plus, I'm really close to the mission home now, so I don't have to move all my stuff too far if I finish here. But, I guess we will have to see what the Lord has in store. I'm glad to serve here in DongYing. Although the work was slow when I got here, we are making plans and preparations to turn that around. Hopefully, it will all work out. And through the Lord's power, I'm sure it will, in HIS time.

Well, that is about it for this week. Elder Baxter and I are getting along fine. He is a great guy, and we have become good friends. Although, he does always make fun of how old a missionary I am now, always calling me "恐龍" or "dinosaur." But I love working with him and we are starting to see some small improvements in the work. Hopefully that pattern continues. Love you guys and I'll talk to you very soon. Pictures next week when I don't have to use a dump computer.

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷龘鬱長老

BaFang Err Day, We Got Fanged How Many Times?!, Transitioning

Hello Big House,

大家好.

Well, this week has been ok I guess. Just been out tryin to find some new people to teach. Not too incredible, but not bad either. But we have seen some neat miracles this week. Elder Baxter and I are getting along great. We are very much the same person, at least in some regards. Haha. But, I guess I could try to find a couple things to write about this week.

Well, let's see. So, in our area, the East District of Taichung, there are not a lot of restaurants, at least not tons that are really cheap. So, recently, we have been eating a lot of BaFang, a big chain restaurant that is all over the island. It is a dumpling place, but they have some other really good stuff too. I don't know if I'd written about them before, but yeah, they're pretty good. And since we're both still trying to figure out the area, we are also in the process of finding new places to eat food. So, we have pretty much eaten 70% BaFang this week. Lol. But it could be worse.

So, our numbers for this week got utterly destroyed! We were pretty excited because we had a day that was just completely filled with lessons and potential investigators. But then that dream day turned into a nightmare. We got fanged once and it was kind of like "man." But, that's ok, we still had a bunch of other lessons right? Well, as the day went on, we got fanged (or cancelled on) again. Then again. Then again. And so on. So, in that one day, we got fanged 6 times! Yes, in one day! GAH!!!!!!! Some days! Our dream day of new investigators soon turned into being out on the roads again. But hey, just another part of the work. The Lord will definitely try our faith in many different ways. But, maybe things were supposed to happen that way. Oh well, life goes on. The work goes on.

And lastly, I figured I would talk about transitioning to a new area. I have done that a few times in the past now. It can be fairly tricky adjusting to a new area! You have to get used to a brand new place, brand new ward, and brand new circumstances entirely. Some areas have been quicker to adjust to than others. I have made it my personal goal to get as acquainted with the area as I can as soon as I can. If you can get close to the area, the work can progress faster. You don't have to worry as much about that transition period. But, it is still kind of difficult. I am still trying to figure out where things are and stuff. But, it is definitely going faster than before. So hopefully that will help the area to pick up soon. But, we are still going. We are doing our best to find some new people to teach and whatnot. So, another week in the life of a missionary! I love the work. I love the people. I love the language. I love life! Love you all too and I will talk to you guys next week.

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷龘鬱長老 (Lei2 Ta4 Yu4 Zhang3 Lao3)

(I forgot to mention, another Taiwanese person gave me a new Chinese name again. The characters in this new name were super cool, so I decided to change it again. I know! I shouldn't be able to just randomly change my name, but this is the last time. I think this name is super shuai!) the first character is a really old character. Not a lot of people recognize or use it anymore. It just depicts a dragon in flight. And the second one is like luxurious I think. (But the second character could also mean melancholy.) I just like the name because the characters are super advanced. haha

Taipei Temple Trip

Back to Taichung!, Taipei Temple Trip, and Some Tainan Reflections

Well Everybody, I'm back.

Sorry for the lack of an email last week. I know that some of you were very worried and rather disappointed at this fact (shoutout to you, Mom!). But know that I am alive and well. As my heading states, I have moved back up to Taichung. I kind of figured it would work out that way. Yup, after 5 months in Tainan, I have moved to what could possibly be my last area, or my second to last. But I guess we will have to see. Guess I'd better start filling you in.

Well, my 2nd time in Taichung! Yeah, I am in the Taichung East Zone, in an area called DongYing (東英). It is in the East District of Taichung, but our area also includes the central part, where the train station is, so there are quite a few people. My new companion is Elder Baxter, yet another companion from Syracuse, Utah. He is fresh out of training, so I am his second companion on island, or his "mom" as some missionaries call it. He is just like me, just without Chinese, at least that's what everyone has told me about him. He is super cool though. Like me, very nerdy. Loves games and being sarcastic. Our district here has 3 companionships, the Taiping Elders, Elder Smith (Elder Crockett's trainee), Elder Bradford (needs no introduction.) The DongYing Sisters (Sister Zhang and Sister Yao, both Taiwanese), and Elder Baxter and I, the DongYing Elders. We meet in the biggest chapel in Taichung. There are four wards that meet here. It is the Stake Center, so it has all the goodies, like free computers for email. Free is good. There is a basketball court and everything. Just a really nice chapel. So, should make for quite a fun time. I'll fill you in more as time goes on I'm sure.

The District: Taiwan Edition

Yes, that is the Taipei Temple behind us. This last week, just two days after I moved here, we had the temple trip. This is the second time I've gotten to go to the Taipei temple, and I am so thankful I had another chance to go. Every time I go, the experience gets better and better. You really don't want to leave. We got to do an English Endowment, which was kind of nice, but it would've been cool to do the Chinese one. Maybe next time. But, took lots of pictures. Probably won't be able to fit them all into one email. But I will give you guys at least one. 

Me with all of my previous companions who made it on this trip, and my current companion. (Elder Yeh on my right. Elder Rogers on my left. Elder Baxter on the far left.) Man, I miss those guys!

Well, lastly, I figured I would talk a little about some of the things that I learned while I was in Tainan. I really think that Tainan has been the biggest growth period in my mission. I feel like I learned the most while serving there, and that I experienced the most change. Maybe it started with training. While I was training, I experienced some hardships, feeling like I wasn't doing good enough. But, it was during that phase of my mission that I learned about focusing on the simple things, and that the Lord would push the work forward in his own time. While there, I really came to understand the most important lesson of my mission. Looking back, I feel like the most important thing I've learned is companionship unity. Honestly, you can be working your butt off everyday, but if you and your companion are not unified or are not friends, it will be for nothing. I say that in all seriousness. You have to be willing to develop friendships with every companion, regardless of differences. I really feel that the companionship unity thing is the greatest lesson of my mission. I don't feel like that will change either. Obviously it was something the Lord has needed me to see and be a part of. And I will always thank him for that. My hope is that I will make friendships with every companion good enough that I would go and find each one of them after the mission and bro-down with them.  Yup, my mission has obviously been just perfect for me. No one else could've done the things that I've done or seen the things that the Lord wanted me to see. And oh yeah, I am definitely feeling the benefits of good relationships. Makes life more fun. And I feel like I've done just that. Tainan was also a time that I learned the most about diligence. When I first got to the area, we had like 2 investigators. By the time I'd left, we'd had a baptism and a list of other people who we were meeting with. It all came from hard work. There really is no other substitute. And I hope that I can carry that energy from Tainan to here as well. I made lots of friends in Tainan, and I will miss them dearly. But they are friendships that will extend far beyond this life. I will miss it, but there are new adventures ahead. 

Well, that is about it for now. I hope I was able to address everything. If there is anything that I've forgotten or left out, just let me know and I'll fill you in. But, I'm happy. As President Blickenstaff told me, these are the prime times of my mission. The Chinese is good. The skills are there. You just have to go do it. And I plan on doing just that. Hoping to see many miracles here in DongYing. Love this place. Love the people. Love the work. And I love you all. Talk to you very soon.

Sincerely,

Elder Chase Joseph Millett

雷長老

Saying Goodbye to Tainan and to Elder Starkweather. Wish him the best of luck with Elder Dalmer!

Last lunch with Eric before I moved. He made us Filipino food and it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good! 

Elder Gilbert and I sat next to each other on the train ride up. If you were to say train travel in the U.S., people would probably just laugh at you. Pretty old school. But pretty efficient.  I trained Elder Park. He "mom"ed him. Small world.

My "Shuai" temple picture.

Selfie with Hector, our Investigator in Tainan.

My last pictures with Elder Quist and one of my new good friends, Elder Taylor (now home). 

Moroni standing tall. Notice how the light is brighter around him.