When One Door Closes, the Lord Opens Another

There are times as a missionary when you wonder if you are doing all that you possibly can. I often ask myself, "Was my effort today enough?" I always feel the need to improve, it is in my nature, thanks to "goodly parents" as Nephi so wisely put it.

Last week when Sister Ng and I broke records I felt at peace, but an even greater desire to continue doing our best. All week Satan was trying to discourage us. Monday night we had a great lesson with Robin and I felt so confident that he was now ready to be baptized. Then when we were supposed to meet with him Thursday evening, he texted us and said he'd had some coffee and alcohol and felt guilty and wouldn't be able to meet with us anymore. I tried talking to him and letting him know that we were here for him. I tried to set up another appointment with him to help resolve his concerns and to no avail. It broke my heart, and I began to let Satan get hold of my emotions as I felt like I was a bad missionary. Sister Ng was really good though and helped me come to understand that everyone has agency and as missionaries we have to respect that and hope that one day things will change.

Then the rest of the week our appointments kept falling through. I was getting really frustrated and wondering why in the world this was happening! I will forever be working on the virtue of patience. Then one night as an appointment fell through and I didn't feel like talking to anyone, I decided to just get over myself and go talk to the next Asian I saw. Lo and Behold I go up to this guy and say, "Hello, how are you today?" He said good and then asked, "Where are you from?" I am usually the one to ask that question and was caught off guard a little bit. I cheerfully answered, "America. I am a missionary. Have you ever seen a missionary before?"

"Nope."

"Do you have a religion?"

"Do you want to learn about God?"

"Yes."

"Do you have time this Saturday?"

"Yes."

Then just like that I knew why Heavenly Father needed our appointment to be cancelled and we needed to go out GQ'ing instead. God works in mysterious ways that is for sure.

We also had trade-offs this week. Usually I am not a big fan of trade-offs because the English Program is so different from the Chinese Program and well it just isn't as effective I like. However, I hit my knees like I always do when trade-offs approach and plead with my Heavenly Father to allow me to learn at least one useful thing. Guess what? God answers prayers.

I stayed in my area with Sister Young. I was a bit nervous because we had an appointment with a former investigator who only Sister Ng had met and he was from China with not so good English. Seeing as my companion for the day couldn't speak any Chinese I knew that I would be the only one speaking. Thankfully, a Chinese member was able to help us out and so that gave me some comfort. During the lesson I was amazed at how well I could explain the Plan of Salvation. I could remember all the words I usually struggle with (like the three kingdoms of glory). I was also blessed to understand Tom's questions and it was just a great feeling. With a native companion, my confidence in the language went down a little bit because I am obviously not as good as them, but on trade-offs I was able to realize that my language ability is good enough to get the Lord's work done.

The big thing I was able to learn from Sister Young is that when we feel our faith is not enough to baptize, as I had been feeling ever since Robin dropped us, we need to start thinking of things to sacrifice in order to receive extra blessing from the Lord. Sister Young challenged me to make a list of things I can sacrifice everyday. Small things that could help me focus more on my purpose as a missionary and yet draw extra blessings from Heavenly Father as well. She promised me as I sacrificed the Lord would help me to baptize.

Yesterday was the first Chinese Regional Conference where all Chinese missionaries in the mission, all 30 of us, gathered together and had training that actually could apply directly to our missionary work and language studies. It was amazing. President Henderson spoke to us and he has some things in motion that are really going to start putting things into play. He talked about technology a lot, so I am hoping iPads are coming soon...we shall see!

I hope all is well in the states! Transfers are next week I am probably staying put.  I love you all and pray for you. I know this Gospel is true. I know if you follow the commandments of God you will receive blessings from on high. Until next time <3

Time to be BOLD

May I just say that cities are not for wimps. I may have been a wimp once upon a time, though I like to think not, but I can assure you all now that I am no longer a wimp, especially when it comes to standing up for my Savior, Jesus Christ.

This week was the week before the Easter Holidays and so the city was either bursting at the seams with people or there was nobody to be seen. Michael Buble made an appearance as well as Nickelodeon and as always so did the missionaries. On Tuesday I was getting pretty frustrated because no one was interested and no one was actually living here in Australia. It seemed like the only people I came in contact with were here on holiday. Finally I saw a familiar face of a girl i knew lived here. I had talked to her before and she didn't express any interest, but I said, "Suanle" and went and talked to her.

As we talked I could feel the Holy Ghost guiding our conversation. There was a window of time when she expressed that actually she wasn't a member of the church she was attending, but was visiting to see if she liked it. I BOLDLY told her she should come investigate our church as well. Then I shared a brief summary of how Joseph Smith did the same thing until he prayed and asked God which church was true. She said okay and we will be meeting with her later this week.

Wednesday the Jehovah Witnesses were out and about trying to tell people all about Jesus Christ. I think it is a little funny that they don't celebrate Christmas or Easter but those are the only times of the year when they come out and try to get people to join their church. Usually I try to avoid them, but a lady captured me! I was walking towards a man to go talk to when she said, "Oh my Sister!" Usually only members say that, and this lady was dressed pretty modest so I thought oh dang I don't recognize this gal from church, better say hello. So we start talking and then she asks what I am doing. I told her I was out talking to people about Jesus Christ and how he can help everyone! Then she folded her arms and said, "Oh really? Teach me." Naive little me thought she was really interested so I began sharing about the God head. That's when she pulled out her iPad and asked me what version of the Bible I used. I told her King James. That's when she tried to convince me that Jehovah was God's name and that Jesus Christ was not the Old Testament God. I tried to tell her the truth that God was not Jehovah, but it was to no avail. She began to bash Mormons and I was about to have none of that so I BOLDLY recited:

"I am called of God. My authority is above that of kings of the earth.

By revelation I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

He is my master and he has chosen me to represent him.

To say and do what he himself would say and do if he personally were ministering to the very people to whom he has sent me.

My voice is his voice, my acts are his acts, and my doctrine is his doctrine.

My commission is to do what he wants done, to say what he wants said;

To be a living, modern day witness in word and in deed of the divinity of this great and marvelous latter-day work!
How great is my calling."

I then told her that if she wanted to truly know Jesus Christ that I would invite her to read the Book of Mormon because that's how I came to know Jesus Christ so personally. I wish I could have seen her face as I walked away.

Friday was a bit dry because all the stores were closed. We GQ'ed all the day long. As it was nearing 6pm, the time we have to leave the city on Friday and Saturday night, Sister Ng found a person to talk to. I was calling through numbers because there was literally no one else on the street. I looked up and saw a group of three intoxicated men. BIG MEN. One ran across the street and draped his arms around the guy Sister Ng was talking to. One walked away and one looked right at me just as I hung up the phone. I looked over at Sister Ng who seemed to still be teaching as the drunk "hugger" had moved on down the street. However, my guy was still looking at me when he said, "I'm glad you hung up the phone." My heart stopped for a fraction of a second and then he said, "What are you doing here on Good Friday?"

My heart relaxed and feelings of peace filled my soul. I told him I was a missionary for my church and we were in town sharing the message of Jesus Christ. As we talked I guessed he was the least intoxicated of his friends. Daniel opened up to me about how he was getting ready to marry the love of his life in just two weeks. The Holy Ghost prompted me to ask him if he loved his fiance enough to be with her for eternity. He didn't pause very long before saying, "I thought that's kinda how it works." I told him yes, but we have to do certain things in order to have that forever family. As we talked he wanted to know how I had come to have such great faith. I told him mainly because of the Book of Mormon. That's when I pulled out the copy of the English Book of Mormon I had felt inspired to put in my bag earlier that morning. It is also when his two highly more intoxicated friends decided to come and see what we were talking about. The really big guy that had previously hugged Sister Ng's person saw my Book of Mormon and said, "Oh come on none of that crap." Daniel tried to push his friend away, but it was getting a little rough and I was backed into a corner at this point. Sister Ng tried coming to my rescue, but she is so very tiny and the biggest guy just scared her until she was standing right next to me. Despite all of this, the only thing I could feel was the Holy Ghost urging me to give Daniel the Book of Mormon.

I could see Daniel really wanted to hear how I had come to know the Book of Mormon was true and so I took a deep breath and then began to BOLDY tell my story. I made it brief and made sure my voice carried over the really drunk guy. When I said, "That's how I came to know the Book of Mormon to be true..." a sudden silence filled the air. I testified that the Book of Mormon could help Daniel's desire to have faith become a reality and that it was the only book on the planet earth that could change his life forever and lead him to an eternal marriage. I handed him the Book of Mormon with two hands so he'd know that it was a special book and then said, "We have to get going."

The silence was broken as the big drunk tried to block our way out, but we shoved our way past and ran to the bus station. It was 5:55 and we had five minutes to get out of the city.

Well that was the exciting adventures of this past week! Oh Sister Ng and I also had a record breaking week. We had a total of 52 proselyting hours (which is made of of lessons and finding) and 30 potentials (people we've taught or people who agreed to meet with us). It was a week where every night I fell into bed completely exhausted and woke up praying desperately for the strength of the Lord as it seemed every ounce of my own was gone. We worked hard, saw many mighty miracles and are continuing to work hard this week to become better week by week day by day.

Also had interviews with President and I was able to just sit and chat with him and got some really great pointers on how to become a better missionary. It was my first interview where I didn't go in with a problem, rather just wanted some advice. It was great. I love President and Sister Henderson. One thing President told me was "Celebrate, you deserve it."

I am at peace with the direction I am headed. Month 10 of my mission is here and I can't believe how fast time is passing. I am just glad I am trying my best and that the Lord is able to do much with my best. I love you all!

What Do I Stand For?

Often as we walk the city streets there are multiple street side shows going on. We never stop to watch, but that doesn't mean my ears don't hear. This past week a group of high school students were singing and the words to the song asked, "What do I stand for?" As I continued walking and talking to people the words stayed with me and I pondered the question in my heart: What DO I stand for?

I stand for Jesus Christ. It is the plain and simple truth. So simple and yet because of my knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ I am helping so many people change their lives and come closer to Christ, as I personally change and come closer to my Savior as well.

This week we taught a girl named April who is going to be baptized on the 26th of this month. We taught her about the Law of Chastity and she told us that she had some problems with her boyfriend and was worried if she told him about the Law of Chastity it might end the relationship. I could only understand what she was saying and had no idea how to address her concern with my level of Chinese. Usually this is never a problem because the Asian culture believes so strongly in waiting until marriage. However, Sister Ng was amazing in explaining that main reason God gave us this commandment was so that we could develop lasting relationships that could weather anything. The Holy Ghost was so strong and my love went out to April. At the end of the lesson we committed her to talk to her boyfriend and then start living the Law of Chastity. She said yes. She also made a sacrifice on Sunday and came to church to watch General Conference. It was the Sunday Morning Session and she paid very close attention. She was also dressed so cute in a dress and when I talked to her I could sense the change that is starting to take place in her.

Robin is still going strong towards the 26th of this month. When we first committed him to live the Word of Wisdom Robin was a little hesitant because every morning he goes to a cafe with his friends to discuss homework and stuff. Well Monday morning Robin went to meet up with his friends and as he relayed the story to us, spent 10 minutes at the cash register asking the worker if they had anything that tasted like coffee but didn't have coffee in it. They suggested tea, in which Robin said no I can't drink that. Finally, they suggested hot chocolate. Robin showed us a picture of his large hot chocolate. He was so happy to have made the decision to follow the Word of Wisdom. He's a funny guy.

While I have been in city I have been finding it hard to find those special souls like I was finding in SunnyBank every week. But much like SunnyBank after two weeks of really hard work in finding people on the streets the Lord is now willing to place into my hands the prepared souls. His name is Eddie and I met him on Queen Street amongst all the chaos of the city. Anyways on the street he asked me why there were so many churches. Perfect question. I whipped out my Restoration pamphlet and began to give a brief overview of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. Afterwards I prayed with him and asked if he would like to meet again. He said yes! We met with Eddie on Saturday at the chapel before Priesthood Session of Conference. We taught him about the Book of Mormon. He opened up to us and told Sister Ng and me a little bit about the challenges he is facing in life right now. He said the thing he desired most in all of this was peace and comfort. I shared with him my favorite scripture in 2 Nephi 4: 20-21 "My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep. He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh." We told Eddie that if he would begin to read the Book of Mormon and pray everyday that he would start to feel that peace he so desired in his life. We then invited Eddie to be baptized and he accepted for the 17th of May.
I love being a missionary. It was such an uplifting week with teaching many good lessons and then of course the power of General Conference! I loved Gary E. Stevenson's talk about athletes and the 4 minutes we have to perform. I was quite emotional as I thought about how much volleyball has assisted me in performing during the "4 minutes" that is our earth life. I sure miss volleyball everyday of my life, but I am so grateful that I am able to use the lessons I learned in the gym out in the mission field.

I know this gospel is true. It brings happiness to my life and comfort to my sorrows. I am stronger because of my belief in the Atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. What do I stand for? I stand as one called of God to spread the truth and light that comes from knowing Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world!

"...For he knoweth whither he hath taken them."

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City Lights, Rainy Nights

My tears are gone, and I am now officially a city girl! I remember sitting in high school dreaming about going to NYC for school or just to live because I love the energy the big city has to offer. Well, now I am in the biggest city in Queensland and like it or not I am a city girl and it is nothing like I dreamed it would be! Being a missionary in the city is perhaps my worst nightmare, but it is becoming quite the adventure as I try to sanctify myself and talk to the swarms of people that now surround me.

The city is so different from SunnyBank. No longer do we have an office to teach at, no longer do I ride my bike, no longer am I in a family ward, no longer do I GQ bus stops, and thankfully no longer do I have hot sleepless nights. We leave the flat after lunch and do not come back until the end of the day. We teach in food courts and the library when we can book a study room. The ward I serve in is a Young Single Adult (YSA) ward. The best part is our flat has air conditioning.

My first full day in the city was a complete distraction. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Aldo, etc. called at the natural woman in me. All day long I tried to focus on my purpose as a missionary by reciting in my head the scriptures President Henderson has had us memorize. It was hard with all the beautiful window displays, but I tried my best to look at people and not store windows. Luckily we had a lot of appointments and so my only struggle was to look at the investigators and not the people around us.

My birthday was Thursday and that is a day I will never forget! We had a packed day full of lessons and GQ and a dinner appointment planned for the night. We start off with GQ'ing. It was raining and so no one was sitting down. So there I am standing in the middle of Queen Street Square with people all around me. Sister Ng is off talking to someone and I feel the urge to find someone to talk to as well. I turn around in circles trying to figure out who I should talk to. I felt my heart jump into my throat as panic began to wash over me and feelings of inadequacy consumed me. How could I GQ here? Why so many white people? Why did the Lord send me here? I am not good enough or brave enough to talk to all these people.

The thought came to pray. I bowed my head right there in the middle of all those people and begged my Heavenly Father to help me calm down and regain control. I told Him my worries and my desire to continue being a good missionary. I asked, "Heavenly Father, I don't know if I can do this. Help me not to lose my faith." Almost immediately my heart dropped back into my chest and my thoughts turned into, I can do this. I am a servant of the Lord. I may have just wasted five minutes, but there is still time in the day for the Lord to work miracles. I have faith in miracles. Then I went and talked to someone who is now going to meet with us tomorrow. It strengthened my testimony that the Lord watches over me and understands that my desire is to do His will, but He also understands that I am weak and in a new area and so He is giving me the strength to adjust and become a city missionary.

Finally, it was time for dinner. We met up with our investigator and then the rain really came! It was like a summer thunderstorm in South Carolina, with sheets of rain rather than raindrops! We hopped onto the bus to go to our dinner appointment. We got off the bus and somehow, I'm not sure how it was possible, but it was raining harder. We had a 10 minute walk ahead of us until we got to the member's home. Sister Ng and I are sharing an umbrella because I don't have one and we were walking on small Australian sidewalks. All of a sudden I feel sidewalk against touching my foot and I realize my shoe has come off! I look back to see it sinking into some mud. I grabbed it and put it back on, mud and all. By the time we got to the member's house we were all pretty wet, especially our feet as every crossing had turned into a mini river.

By the time we got home we were soaked from head to toe! We had to lay out shoes, socks, skirts and shirts to dry and then rushed into dry pj's. Then we thanked the Lord that through the hectic storm we had remained safe and unharmed. What a birthday eh?

I have completed my first week in the city and I feel much better than I did on my birthday. I have felt the Atonement immensely as I have used its comfort to adjust to missionary life in the city. My favorite part about the city is that we can teach lessons by ourselves on the street. If we are talking to someone and they are interested then you just start teaching and pray with them. Multiple times this week I would be GQ'ing a person and the impression to teach them a lesson would come to mind. I would pull out a pamphlet and teach, usually about prayer. One guy, named Adam, wasn't that interested when I started talking to him, but the Holy Ghost prompted me to teach him about prayer. So I continued talking to him until he gave me something I could relate to prayer. Then I taught him how to pray and said a prayer with him. It was a simple prayer, as often my Chinese prayers are, but afterwards when I asked Adam how he felt he said, "Peaceful, and like everything is going to be okay." Then he gave me his number because he wants to meet up again. Moments like this truly testify to me the power of Heavenly Father who, amongst all the hustle and bustle of a big city, takes the time to touch the heart of a single man who I had the pleasure of praying with.

I know that God loves each and everyone one of us. He wants us to succeed and we need only believe in Him enough to ask for His help. He will give it. I can testify of this! I love my mission and I love the city. Sister Ng and I are praying for miracles everyday and everyday we see them.

Loves!

"Isn't it a blessing to love and be loved so much it hurts?"

Where to begin on the fabulous week that was just spent in SunnyBank? I must admit that as I write my brain is a little scattered and that my emotions are a bit on edge. Forgive my imperfections.

This week we taught so many lessons that we barely had time to go to the bus stop. No complaining here! We met with Peter and he is still progressing superbly. We called him Sunday night to make sure he could come to church on Sunday and when he tried saying he had to work, we asked him what time. Turns out work didn't start until 11:30 so we were able to convince him to come to sacrament meeting and receive the blessings of putting forth the effort.

We met with two new people I am really excited about. One guy is named Chao Fan (if you look it up you will find that the most common interpretation is fried rice, but I promise his parents aren't that cruel!). It was late one night when a member invited us to dinner. It was a Thursday night, which means we weren't allowed to eat with members unless we had a non-member present. We had just finished a lesson with a non-member and the idea of just going trickled into our minds, but we decided to decline and go GQ instead. The very first guy I walked up to was Chao Fan. I asked him how his day was going and we did small talk for about one minute. Then he asked me what I was doing in Australia. I told him I was a missionary. Then he asked, "Oh so you are going to ask me to join?" I was shocked, but could not lie so I said, "Well yes." In which his reply was, "Good I want to join!" I literally took a step back. I was definitely taken by surprise and like an idiot asked him if he was sure. Thankfully he said yes. As we talked I found out that Chao Fan has a car that is in the shop for two weeks. He has been taking the bus, and his friends warned him about the missionaries, however he was hoping that someone would find him because he wants to start believing in God and wants religion in his life. We met with him and now he is preparing to be baptized on April 26th. I love the power of the Lord. I love that He is trusting me to talk to such amazing people here in Australia.

Friday we had dinner with Elizabeth and Tina came! Tina is one of the Elder's investigators who has been meeting with them as long as Tony has been meeting with us! Finally, Tina made the wonderful decision to be baptized and so we had a little dinner party at Elizabeth's Friday night to celebrate. Elizabeth taught me how to make a perfect omelet and we also had curry. It was so good. Unfortunately I wasn't able to eat much because it seems as if my allergies are kicking in and I have been suffering from a sore throat and bad sinus's. NO worries though I am eating less and my tummy is getting smaller! Blessings come in all forms.

Saturday was awesome as we were able to see Tina get baptized and another Elder's investigator, Ida! They are both so cute and bore such powerful testimonies after they were baptized. I love to see the growth of the church in the Chinese Program. The rest of the day was filled with lessons as we ran from place to place getting in all the lessons. We were able to meet with a new guy Robin who agreed to work towards April 26th for baptism. He is very cheery and I am excited to continue working with him.

Then Sunday, dreaded Sunday. It was all good until I remembered that it was the end of transfers and we might get a call. As the day went on and our investigators came to church I began to reflect on how much I love SunnyBank and didn't want to leave. We have 8 people on date and all of them are quite solid. I felt confident that they wouldn't move anyone out of our companionship because of all the success we were having.

The call came, and as our beloved Zone Leader, Elder Fa'oa read out the names of people staying, my name wasn't heard. When I did hear my name it was to tell me to start packing my bags. I felt as if the world came crashing down in and around me. All six months I have been in Australia not once have I broken down and cried. Before the tears just wouldn't come, but when I heard I would be leaving SunnyBank the dam that had been there these six months completely disappeared and the tears came and didn't stop. Maybe it was because I was a little sick, but I just sat on the floor crying and looking up at our investigator's names on our wall. I felt Sister Lai and Cabamongan's arms around me and I could feel my heart thumping wildly. I love each and everyone of our investigator's so much. I love Sister Lai and Cabamongan so much and I love the members in the ward so much. Now it was all going away, and I had no control over my situation. I had seen so many miracles with people like Peter and Chao Fan and now I had to say goodbye. It just seemed to be too much to handle at the moment and so I had my last big cry as a teenage girl. It was embarrassing!

Monday was filled with lessons saying to goodbye to this person and that. Tina helped us fellowship and after the lesson when I told her I would be leaving she cried! Then Elizabeth came and there were more tears. Then Peter and more tears. Monday night we went out as a district and though I didn't eat much, we were together and I just felt love. I felt love for the Elders in my district, for their investigators, for Fan, Tina and Elizabeth and love for the area. Why would God want me to leave all that I love? Then I remembered something Mom told me when we left South Carolina, "Isn't a blessing to love and be loved so much is hurts?" I have truly been blessed to serve in SunnyBank and I will be blessed now in my new area, the great city of Brisbane! I will learn to love my new companion, Sister Ng from Hong Kong and I will be okay. I am on the Lord's errand and He must have need of me here. As Nephi said, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded me, for I know the Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them to accomplish that which he hath commanded them."

Goodbye SunnyBank hello Brisbane!

I love you all. Thanks for the birthday wishes and all the support you've given me. I am 9 months in with 9 to go. I pray that I continue to bless the lives of those around me and that I become changed for the better. Next time I talk to you all I won't be 19!

Miracle March

This is usually a month I like to enjoy March Madness and the beautiful array of college basketball. However, as a missionary I am set apart from all of that physical beauty in order to enjoy the spiritual beauty that comes from seeing Miracles of the Lord.

It all started on Monday after we were done emailing. We went to Aldi to buy our groceries and when we got to the cashier she added ten dollars to each of our bill! When we asked why she said some lady had given her three ten dollar bills and said to add it to our bill. It was a blessing and a miracle because I wasn't sure if I had enough cash and then low and behold I was well taken care of!

That miracle boosted our companionship urgency to be more obedient. We pushed it to the limit. Staying out at the bus stop until 8:55 and then running home to our flat to get in by 9:00pm. It was fun and we were able to make some solid contacts in the few extra minutes we put in at the bus stop. We needed those extra minutes because the majority of our time this week was spent in the OFFICE!!!! Yay yay yay!

Tuesday we taught a girl named May who is going back to Taiwan this Friday. The Spirit was very strong as we taught her about God and Jesus Christ. When she gave the closing prayer she said (in Chinese that I understood!), "Please help me to find sister missionaries in Taiwan as good as these sisters." Oh my heart just about melted and I felt comforted that what we had shared had instilled in her a desire to find missionaries on her return to Taiwan.

Wednesday we had Zone Meeting with guest speakers President Henderson and my area's Stake President, President Smiber. They really inspired and uplifted me to become more aware of people, members and investigators. To really listen to what they have to say and then testify of whatever they are talking about. President Smiber did a role-play of how to hand away a Book of Mormon and ever since our companionship is trying to treat the Book of Mormon with more respect and dignity when we pass it to new investigators.

Thursday was super busy. We woke up early just so we could get our studies in and then it was lessons all day! We biked to our first lesson and I love biking. It is quite a challenge to be modest with a skirt flying in the wind, but the feeling of my body moving is invigorating. Our next appointment was with Peter. I love teaching Peter he is full of so many funny one liners, but he is also really sincere in his desire to become a member of this Gospel. Some of his one liner's from Thursday are:

1) "I am grateful for the super fat man, he comes to me to get thin and it takes a long time. I make more money that way."

2) After telling him to come church every Sunday "Ahhhh man are you sure?" pause "Okay sounds good."

3) "I used to be very fat, not super fat, but my face was really round."

4) "I play the piano cause my hands are big."

5) "The super fat man's shirt was so wet you could make water. That was just his warm-up."

He is such a hoot and a holler! I wish I could record him and then you would really be rolling on the floor laughing.

Friday was an amazing lesson with Max as we prepared him to go to the temple on Saturday. We have been meaning to go with him for three weeks now and so when we asked him if he was excited he said, "Yes. Looking forward to it very much because delay delay delay!"

Saturday morning before we went to the temple we had a lesson with a Vietnamese woman, Gemma, who is so petite and cute and just wants to have happiness in her life. We shared with her the plan of salvation and the Spirit was so strong. I could feel all the love I owned going towards this one person. I didn't think it was possible for me to love a practical stranger so much, but it was as if my heart grew and more love entered in. At the end of the lesson Gemma pulled out a little baggy with three small items in it. She then proceeded to hand each of us a gift. She gave Sister Lai a notebook because in the first lesson Sister Lai drew some things for Gemma to explain the Godhead. She gave me a polka-dotted scarf/headband thing because the first time we met I was wearing a headband. She gave Sister Cabamongan a snow globe with a lamb inside because she said Sister Cabamongan reminded her of a little lamb. She said the reason she wanted us to have these small gifts is because we'd given her a gift of comfort that she didn't know could exist. I looked into her grateful eyes and at her slumped frame and told her "Thank you. But it has nothing to do with us and everything to do with the Holy Ghost." She nodded and tears trickled down her face. These were tears of comfort and gratitude for the Savior. Gemma is beginning to realize that she is never alone in this world.

Then we went to the temple with Max where Sister Chen joined us and it was very special. Max is very carefree and easy going, but even the most care free person in the world can feel the power and sanctity of the temple. Afterwards when we asked him how he felt he explained that he felt the same as when he was baptized just over a month ago. That was a great reminder to me to be more grateful for the opportunity I have to go to the temple whilst on my mission so that I can remember the covenants I have made with my Heavenly Father and so that I can feel of His love.

It was a thumbs-up day for sure!

BUT...That was not the end of our Saturday! We had a lesson with Tony as soon as we got back from the temple and it was amazing. We did a hands on thing where we fold a piece of paper and then rip it down the middle and it comes out with a cross. Then we talked about the Atonement and how it is there for us everyday and so we should repent everyday. Tony made a huge step forward this week. He went out with his friends and he didn't break the Word of Wisdom! He found a new drink that is a type of Soda that he really likes and said he prefers over tea or coffer or alcohol! I feel like he is ready for baptism and he, himself believes his confidence is increasing and is progressing towards the 5th of April.

We met with Peter again on Saturday and it was another really good lesson. At the beginning of each lesson we always ask how their Book of Mormon reading is coming along. When we asked Peter he told us he was at 2 Nephi Chapter 31. We were all surprised at how much he'd read in just two weeks, so we asked him how he managed to read so much and study and work. He said (as best as I can remember), "Well you know last night I was really drunk. It's true. we had a party and you know... I came home and was super sick so I drank a lot of tea. Most people drink coffee to help, but I drink tea. Then the tea gave me a lot of energy and I couldn't go to sleep. So I read a lot last night. Like 15 chapters." We all just stared at him and then Sister Cabamongan said, "Wow, that's really great Peter." Sister Lai looked at her with a he read while super drunk that's not super great face and said, "It's good that you are reading the Book of Mormon." Then I said, "Yes, and today after our main message we will talk about all that alcohol you drank."

We taught the Restoration and then we taught the Word of Wisdom. Peter took it like a man. Only a few gasps here and there, but when he read the promise that living the Word of Wisdom will bring more wisdom he understood and wanted to live it because in Peter's words "everyone wants to be smart right?"

After Peter we taught Alvin, a jolly guy from China! He was just so cute. Whenever we asked him if he wanted to return to live with God he would say, "I will try my best!" and put two thumbs up. Then when we asked him to be baptized on April 5th, he paused. We asked him to make it a goal and follow the example of Jesus Christ and then came the two thumbs up and a "I'll try my best." It was cool to see his earnest desire to just put forth his best effort.

Sunday was a crazy day. We had six people at church. A member fresh from Taiwan brought her three non-member friends with her. Then we had Peter, Tony, and a guy named Max (another man we are teaching) come as well. It was a full house and then on top of all that it was my turn to translate! By Sunday night we were all very very tired and ready for bed. As we complied our numbers together we realized how much success we'd been blessed with in one week. We taught 18 lessons and met all our of goals except for contacts and finding hours. I was excited at that all our hard work is coming together in getting people closer to the waters of baptism. I also have to remember to continue to be humble. It would be easy to let Pride slip and think of how well WE did this past week, but I am reminded of Alma when he said, "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."

I know that this is the work of God. I am merely a tool in His mighty hands. I feel as if I have now worked hard enough that He can trust me with His children in helping them come closer to Christ. I am forever grateful for this opportunity I have to be busy and to be serving the Lord.