What does Elder Manhardt's Vietnamese name mean??

Xin chào!

Its been another week here at the MTC and that means that there is one less for me to do before I can go to the field! The MTC is great, but we're at the point now where we just want to get out there and do something. We still have a TON to learn, but that doesn't change that desire any. Just 4 more weeks... funny though, an normal English missionary is still here for less than that. Oh well. We'll get there eventually.

 

I'm really starting to run out of things to write in these emails. Every week is essentially the same. What do you guys want to hear about? Any questions about the MTC or anything? Anything that I've said that doesn't make sense or need to be explained further? Just give me something to write about.... please!

 

Our district is doing pretty well. We are starting to get used to being without Elder Phan, but it still feels a little like someone is missing. Our district and zone continue to come closer together. Language study continues as expected. We just keep learning. I've recently take to studying from the Book of Mormon Stories book in Vietnamese. Its nice because it puts the scriptures in simpler language. Hopefully it helps out. In addition to reading, I'm trying to focus on speaking a little better now. Getting the tones right and just speaking quicker and more fluidly.

 

Well, I guess I can use some of this time to write a little about my name, Phong. First of all, its pronounced F - O (as in Octapus) - M. FOM. Phong. Yeah, Vietnamese pronunciation. Fun Stuff. When my teachers first explained the meaning of my name, they did it in Vietnamese. Really helpful. I understood exactly 0% of it. Luckily, I had an opportunity to interview with one of them and when they asked if I had any questions, I was able to ask. So Phong means plentiful or numerous. She explained that I have been blessed with many experiences and have many blessings in my life. Also that as I share the Gospel with others, they will receive numerous blessings, as will I. Pretty cool stuff. I also found my name in the Sách Mặc Môn the other day. It said Phong Phú which is the word for the land Bountiful. Also really cool.

 

Well, hopefully all continues to go well for you guys.

 

Tình yêu thương,

Anh Cả Phong