新年快樂！

I have just been informed by another Elder that I have just begun something ominously referred to as "The Dark Year", one full calendar year spent entirely on a mission. I don't know why it is called a Dark Year, I have actually loved my mission, and all the things I have learned! Maybe we can change the name to something less scary, like the "Your Friends at Home are All Getting Married this Year" Year... Yeah, actually that might be worse.

This week was crazy awesome! We had Tian Mama's baptism, she is such an awesome lady! She got up and bore her testimony after she was baptized, and she just kept saying how grateful she was for the opportunity she had to be baptized, and have her sins washed away! It is so amazing to see people make the choice to do the things and make the changes that might be hard at first, but will bring so much joy and peace. I am so excited to see Tian Mama continue to learn and have the guidance of the Holy Ghost as she grows closer to her Heavenly Father! 

We also went to Fengbin this week, a place in our area that is about a 3 hour bike ride away! Thankfully, modern transportation has reached FengLin, and we were able to take a bus there. The ride was still forty minutes, but that was much more manageable than a 3 hour bike ride. Fengbin is a nice, small town right next to the ocean, and the people there are nice! The first person I talked to was from America, and he was very surprised to see missionaries all the way out in Fengbin. We were a little surprised to see someone from America that far out, as well. We might head back to Fengbin later, but because of the distance and time required, it might be a while. I'll keep you all in the know (that means I'll keep you updated, sorry if I'm speaking too hipster for everyone). Also, FengLin hosted a barbeque activity this morning, and quite a few people came! We had members from North and South of us come as well! It was busy, so that is why this email is making it out so late! I will put some pictures on my Drive!

It's so weird to think that it is 2018! Not only because I will still be writing 2017 for 6 months, but because it's crazy to think back to how much has happened! I'm almost 20! I've almost caught up to my mom, at 29! But as the New Year dawns, and we set our resolutions and goals, I hope we can earnestly ponder not only the person we want to be this year, but the person our Father in Heaven wants us to be this year. What does He want us to accomplish, what does He hope we can become? I sincerely hope this year that I can grow even closer to my Father in Heaven, and to His Son, Jesus Christ. I want to be the best I can be, and I know that the only way to do that is through them. I still have imperfections, a lot of them, but I really do want to do my best, to make my Earthly parents and my Heavenly parents proud of who I am becoming. There is nothing better than families, than the gospel, than the peace that Christ offers. I know that with all my heart. I hope that everyone can find a way this year to make a Savior more a part of their lives, and partake of the fruit that Lehi called "most sweet". (1 Ne 8:11) 

I love my Father in Heaven, and I know He loves me, too! And I hope you know how much He loves you, and knows you. He will absolutely help you on this journey through life, if you let Him.

Love,

Elder Shope