Wow it feels so good to finally be in Australia. The keyboards here are slightly different so I keep making typos, and I am in a library. The computers here log you out after one hour. So I apologize if I don't write that much.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that my experience at the MTC was awesome. No matter how much I complained, the time I spent in the MTC was so special. I learned so much about the Gospel, people, and Chinese. I met so many good people that I will be friends with for the rest of my life. My testimony grew a lot. I want all you from my old district to keep me updated on your visas, reasignments etc.
Leaving the MTC was bittersweet. A ton of people from my zone came to say goodbeye to me at the last minute. We missed our train, but that wasn't an issue. I traveled all the way to LAX with some missionaries headed to South America (My memory sitnks). They were super nice. On the train ride there, the train host told us these stories about crazy people on the train. After that, we took a tram to the airport. It's really dificult to carry around 2 large luggages and 2 carry ons. Anyway, we had Cafe Rio there. People were talking to us left and right. If you're a missionary in Utah, you're like a celebrity.
I met this very nice member at the airport named Brother Saunders. He took some pictures of me and sent them to my parents. He talked to me about his mission.
After LAX was the long flight to Sydney. I was all the way at the back of the plane, but I got a whole row to myself, so I laid across it and got some sleep.
The Sydney airport was the most intimidating part. I needed to do all this paperwork, and go through customs, get a shuttle to the domestic airport, and re-check my baggage. They never debriefed me for this, but I am here now, and that's what matters.
On the ride from Sydney to Melbourne, my seat was next to the same Brother Saunders that I met at the Salt Lake Airport. Wow. There are no such things as coincidences.
A missionary couple named Elder and Sister Wardle picked me up from the airport. They are related to Wardles in my home ward. They told me a bit about Australia. They were so kind.
We got to the mission home, and I saw my companions for the first time. I am in a trio. They are Elder Wang and Elder Eyring. They are great companions. Elder Wang is from China, so he is fluent in Chinese and English. He is mellow, but has such a good spirit. He cooks the best food (we don't really get fed in this area). Elder Eyring is awesome. He is very outgoing and funny. Elder Dorius knew him and told me about him at the MTC. What are the chances I would end up being his companion? Once again there are no such thing as coincidences.
When the Wardles dropped me off at the mission home, they were holding a training meeting. We had dinner there. Someone made Cafe Rio style food, and it was delicious. Then we went to the flat(appartment), and I had a chance to unpack. I was worn out form all the traveling.
Right now I am on my fifth day. The past 5 days have passed incredibly fast. Faster than any of my days spent in the MTC.
Melbourne is an awesome city. Every day when we go into the city, the buildings near Flenders Street and RMIT never fail to amaze me. Look those up on Google. The city is also very diverse. In our area, Australian born people are probably in the minority. There are tons of Chinese people, which is perfect.
Anyway, the first half of our day is similar to the MTC. We do personal, companion, and language study. And right now they are training me which takes an extra hour. Then we take the metro into the city where our church and our area are located. Our church is a floor on an office building. Its small, but it gets the job done. There is 1 Chinse branch and 1 English branch, so everything is very tight knit. If we don't have a lesson, we usually go out street contacting, and try to get them to take a tour of our church. Then we sit them down and offer to teach them the first lesson.
I can't say I like street contacting. It can be very akward. I am already getting a bit better at it though, and the less akward it gets, the more enjoyable it is. I got someone's phone number yesterday. Since Christmas is coming up, we usually talk about that and the "Christmas Initiative" (christmas.mormon.org). Many of the people are college students, so you can also ask them about that.
We also had a Christmas party, and we are going to have another one later this week. Our branch is Chinese, but most people can speak English to an extent. The people I met at the party were very nice. Everyone made delicious Chinese food.
I am out of time now. I have included my new address below. Until next week.
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http://elderjordanandersen.blogspot.com/
Elder Jordan Andersen
76 Cathies Lane
Wantirna South VIC 3152
Australia
This is Jordan's Mom. I have added the nice message and pictures that Brother Saunders emailed to me after meeting my son while traveling to Melbourne. I'm so thankful for him and taking the time to talk to my son, take pictures and email me. I hope to receive more as Elder Andersens journey begins.
Hi,
I'm *** Saunders. I have 2 sons currently serving (Helsinki and Cusco) so I know what an occasional photo means to the family at home. I'm traveling on business to Melbourne and ran into your son in the SLC airport and also found myself sitting by him now on the flight from Sydney to Melbourne. We are just getting ready to push back from the gate. He literally radiates light and goodness and I'm sure his impact in Australia will be significant. I've enjoyed talking to him. He is a fine young man. He told me he had a row of seats to himself on the flight to Sydney so he was able to rest on the long flight. May the Lord bless your family through your son's service. It's great to join with you as a family with missionaries on this great work.
All the best.
*** Saunders
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