2023-09-11 Elder Ly Begins his Mission

Elder Henri Ly officially began his mission on September 11, 2023. He will spend one week being trained online before going out to the Provo MTC to train in person. Then he will travel to the California San Jose Mission. Below is his first email to his family and friends, explaining his first week on his mission. Good luck on your mission, Elder Ly.

Xin chào (Hello)! If you are on this email list one of two things has happened.
You have expressed interest in hearing from me, or I have taken the liberty of
assuming you want to hear from me. I hope my assumptions aren't wrong haha.

Today was my first full day set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My first week is going to be spent at home, with
online classes. My eyes are fatigued from all the time I looking at a screen in
Zoom meetings but the Spirit is so strong and I know it's going to be a good
time!

I've been wanting to do a handstand for so long and today I was able to support
one for around 4 seconds before losing my balance. I would appreciate any advice
and insights!

I got to meet my district today, 12 other missionaries learning about the
Vietnamese language and the gospel with me. I love how comfortable I feel around
them already. My companions are wonderful! I can't wait to meet them all in
person, including my teachers.

The past few weeks I've felt pretty swamped, even though there kind of aren't
that many things I have to worry about. But I've felt this incredible increase
in capacity, and know that God loves and sees me. To everyone who's emailed me
individually, I love you endlessly and appreciate your emails more than you
know. I will try to get back to everyone as soon as I can! 

Packing does seem like it's going to be an issue. I don't know how or where I
will find the time. I also have to write my farewell talk still. Haha 😃

I invite you each to pray to God. He loves you and wants to hear from you. Tell
him what's on your mind and what you're striving for in your life. I promise you
he hears your prayers. He will bless you with what you need. Look for his hand
in your life and you will find it, in ways you never expected.

Love, Anh Cả (Elder) Ly