Typhoon Nepartek – isn’t Mother Nature purdy?!!!
I neglected to say this last week, but our p-day this week got moved to today, Wednesday, because Monday was our temple day. Probably wasn’t the best mistake to make since there was a typhoon last week – yes, I’m still alive! (Small editorial from “Mother Terresa” – Thank you all for your requested prayers…it worked!) The typhoon was about twice the size of Taiwan and was forecasted to go directly through the center of Taiwan. Thursday evening we ended up getting the text message that stated we needed to go back home and stay inside until we were told it was safe to go out again. Anyways, it ended up that it shifted its track and mainly hit the southern part of Taiwan. The Taipei area only got a bit of the winds and the thunderstorm from the storm.
Charlie’s Angels – Taiwanese version
Sister Lin and Elder Simonson
Yesterday we actually had a super fun activity that us Elders organized. To celebrate the Fourth of July, we got the ward together and roasted marshmallows and hot dogs over some fires behind the church! Some of the members also ended up bringing some meat to barbecue.
New bromance over roasted marshmallows
Hot dogs? Must have filleted that one!
Fortunately Costco had most all the stuff we need since they import food from America! We taught all of them how to make s’mores with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate!
(We actually were not able to find graham crackers anywhere here, despite living in the most Westernized city in all of Taiwan – we just used some crackers that were really similar tasting, so it was okay). It was a super fun night!
Campfire cuisine – Taiwanese style
Last mango ice with Elder Chia…at least as my companion!
Now that I’m finishing up my email in the evening time, I’ve already found out that I’m not moving this upcoming transfer! I’ll be staying in Tianmu with one of the other Elders, Elder Puzey. Right now in our apartment we have Elder Huntsman, Elder Puzey, Elder Chia, and me. Elder Huntsman has been here for two years and will be going home this week; Elder Chia will be moving to a different area in the Taipei region.
With the new do, Kevin looks like he could be one of a tripanionship! 😉
They’re reducing our area to only two Elders so it’s just Elder Puzey and I starting tomorrow, which should be really fun! I’m excited for this next transfer!
– Elder Austin Simonson
文長老
What a goof!
If you need a clip, Elder, your hair needs cutting!
(Photo credits to Kevin Yang, Hellen Tsai – for the wonderful candid shots above, and Taylor L’Ecuyer – for the well posed shots below of our Elder!)
Oh no you don’t!
Strike a pose…