Goodbye Colorado Springs!

Note: As of 5:00 a.m. Mountain Time this morning, Elder Chase Matua has departed the Colorado Springs area for the long overdue and very anticipated trip to Taipei, Taiwan. We had the opportunity to speak with him briefly last night over the phone. He is nervous but very excited to finally be serving in Taiwan and speaking Mandarin. He sends his deep love and appreciation to all who have been writing him diligently over the past months and hopes that he will continue to hear from you in the future.

Here are his final thoughts and photos from CCSM...

Playing "Zombies"

Another intense week, mostly for the events that happened over the weekend. It all started late Friday night. I was reading the Book of Mormon, when our phone buzzed. Elder Guy looked at the phone, then told me it was President Rehm, and that our visas came! Immediately, a flood of emotions hit me. I have absolutely loved my time here in the Springs. The ward, the people, the missionaries, the work, it's all incredible out here, and I will certainly miss it. I am really excited to head out to Taiwan. They will be flying us out on the 25th. It will be a crazy day. I'm nervous, but eager to continue my journey in Taipei.

Saturday was so busy. We woke up early to play some basketball. We then helped some older folks in our ward move some furniture out of their home. We went home and got ready for the wedding of one of our investigators (they're now living the law of chastity, so he's right on track to baptism!). We had a teaching appointment and lunch with a family in our ward and another teaching appointment right after that.

Last crazy photo with my District -
Farewell CCSM!

Saturday night we went out to dinner with another set of missionaries.We had one last appointment with our new investigator that night, which went really well. We got home at around 9:00 p.m. and we were all dead tired. Easily one of the busiest days of my life haha.

Sunday went really well. We had a great lesson in elders quorum about remaining happy in times of trouble. It was definitely what I needed. A quote that really hit me was, "God is at the helm, we have no need to worry". Simple, but profound. This'll be a phrase I live by for the rest of my life.

I'm happy to hear things went well with the Vegas trip family. Sounds like mica tore it up! Watching those clips you sent me made me miss rugby so much. I hope the rest of the season goes awesome!
Sorry, I know this is a super short update. I'm still just a little shocked at the whole visa situation.
I wish you guys an awesome week. Do all that you can to serve others! Remember that Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ are always there for us. We just need to come unto them!

Scripture of the week 3 Nephi 22: 7-8

Love and miss you all!
Elder Chase Matua

The Rivera boys

Coolest 8-year-old's I've ever met

Saying goodbye to them was so sad