How The Advice From A Nice Stranger Almost Got Us Killed And How We Survived

Week 17: 

OK so this experience may not have been as extreme as I said it was in the header, but its still pretty funny. Me and my companion were lost and at a stoplight. We asked for directions back to the street our house was on. The man told us to turn left on this street.  The road had no sidewalk and we asked him if bikes were allowed on the road. He said that he rode his bike there before and that he didn't get pulled over and that we should be fine. Following his advice we turned left and cars were passing very close to us at high speeds. It didn't take long for us to figure out that we were riding our bike on the freeway. Luckily the road had no shoulder and I was biking with a constant prayer in my heart that I wouldn't get hit. Then, while the streets were empty for a couple minutes, decided to go into the middle of the road and see how long I could ride my bike without holding the handlebars. (a long time). Let this email be proof that I survived and that God protects the not as smart missionaries. He was able to make this dangerous situation into a once in a lifetime opportunity. I even took a selfie.

Back to a normal note.

One of our most progressing investigators set a baptismal date. Roger is the most perfect investigator ever. He has been reading his scriptures and praying everyday and recently has had an experience with feeling the spirit. He really enjoyed coming to church the past couple times and learning more about Jesus. 

My Chinese is still struggling as usual. Not struggling as bad as the first couple days in Taiwan. I'm now able to teach the full first lesson in Chinese. I'm improving. My listening comprehension still isn't that good. I'm able to understand My companions Chinese, but native speakers talk really fast with a thick accent that throws me off. 

My companion also stepped this lizard on our apartment by accident.

I've been on a forced diet because I'm out of money. I've been relying on members to keep me alive haha. 

Right now we are about to leave for this hike that leads to a waterfall. Pictures coming later today.

Elder Andersen

Until next week 

Addendum from Elder Andersen's Mom:  
1.  Growing up we did teach him about safety and making safe, wise choices.  Riding on the freeway with no hands?  I don't even know where to begin.......
2.  We do give him money, Him saying he does not have money for food, it's more about him learning to budget.  He is a little slower at grasping this concept.   We definitely will not let this kid starve and whither away.  :)