親愛的朋友們好
This week was another great one. But, is there even a week that isn't? (I sound like Sister Bernhardt haha) But really life is so amazing. Last week was crazy with transfers and sending off Sister Weaver back to America! In this past transfer, I had 3 past companions head home and now have more "dead" companions that living ones.. am I starting to get old? Too scary. With all of the "going home" festivities, every member and their dog fed us and we all gained probably 13 pounds but, as Sister Bernhardt says, "you only Taiwan once." hah Hoping this won't be a pattern for the rest of the holiday season.
My new companion is a 本地人(native) and the CUTEST thing in this world. Oh, I already love her so much. Her name is Sister Zhong, she is from PingDong (southern part of Taiwan), and we have the same birthday. Pretty much all the most important details. hah j/k really though she is the best. So ready to take on this new area and new leadership role, and just adorable. We are already having a blast!
My little oven that I have called home for the past many months has FINALLY started cooling down. To the point that sweaters are out and I am considering pulling out my tights soon. Such a weird feeling considering that it has been a million degrees for so long. Winter here we come!
We had a chance to meet with many great investigators this week, but I think my highlight was Zeng JM. (previously written zheng because with her Taiwanese accent it sounded like that. haha once she wrote it down we found out it was zeng.) She has made so much progress it is incredible. We only met her two weeks ago, but, she has now met with us three times each week and come to church for all three hours, as well as come to a baptism. She is so devoted to her baptismal date, and her efforts to keep the word of wisdom. She is working on quitting drinking coffee, tea, and smoking. When we taught her the Word of Wisdom this past week, she was a little apprehensive at first to share about her smoking problem. We knew because we could smell her breath, but she had yet to tell us herself. But through some great lessons and peikes (members present), she finally opened up to us about her ongoing smoking habit of 20 years... We were able to make some real goals and plans to help her quit well before her baptismal date!
Her desire is incredible to me. She understands the gospel so well. She makes these comments sometimes that really just blow our minds.
*talking about the Spirit*
Zeng Jm: "ya I really feel the Spirit everytime I come into the church, every time I open the scriptures, and every time I pray. I know it is because this church is the only church with Priesthood authority, and so God helps us to know it is true through the holy Ghost."
us: (jaw dropped).... Yes... exactly...
*sharing about trying to quit smoking*
Zeng Jm: "Today when I went to smoke, I heard this voice, not like an audible voice, but a voice in my heart, reminding me not to and to stay strong and so I didn't smoke. I know that God sent the spirit to touch my heart and help me to keep His commandments."
us: ... wow.
*every closing prayer*
Zeng Jm: "please help me to be able to keep all of your commandments so that I may be able to be baptized on my date. I know that I must be baptized to return to thee, and I want to be clean and worthy to enter into thy presence."
us: (jaw on the floor)
Needless to say, she is very prepared. We are so excited for the many miracles to come as she works to quit smoking and prepare for baptism!
One thing I really loved that I was reminded of this week was in regards to seeking answers to prayers. I ponder about this a lot becuase we have many investigators just waiting on an answer. It seems like they are doing all of the right steps, and according to our knowledge, should in fact be receiving an answer, but aren't for some reason. And as I was studying for this purpose this past week, I came accross Nephi's own "seeking an answer" experience in 1 Nephi 11. At this point, Nephi is seeking to see the vision that his father, Lehi, saw about the tree of life, and wants to understand the things his father has taught him. But before he even asks, he points out that he had a desire to know as well as faith he would receive. He had a sincere heart, but he also went into it believing that he would be given an answer. I think many of us seeking for an answer have the desire part down. We want to know, and are even willing to act on our answer. But do we go into it already believing we will receive?
I want to give you all an invitiation this week, and that is to follow Nephi's example. Exercise faith in Him even before going to Him for help. I know as we all do this, we really wilil receive the help and answers we are looking for.
I love you all and hope you all have a great week! I have lots of pics from the past couple weeks to share, so enjoy:)
xoxo
Sister Richards
李姐妹
Lǐ Jǐemeì
Taiwan Taipei Mission
4/F, #24, Lane 183
Jin Hua Street
Taipei, Taiwan 106
also side note- our mission has asked that any Christmas gifts be sent between 11/10 and 12/10. so if anyone was planning on hittin ya girl up, try and send it in that time frame:) MUCH LOVE
1- bye sister weaver:(
2- YongHe from above
3- blessings of modern technology- skype lessons when your investigators go out of town
4- our very musical district
5- our best friends, ethan. ariel, and ian
6- cutest new companion, Zhong Jm
7- YongHe part 2
8- missionary probs
9- cutest Sister B. I love having her close enough to p-day with
10-12: Pday in Yilan :)))))
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