BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!!!!!!!!
ACTUALLY I AM FROZEN.
It is probably around 20 degrees F here. Good thing members are nice and give you tights and gloves. We're even bundled up at study time :)
Monday:
We went to the DongHai college to look around. There is a famous Christian church there that looks like a book. And they have a personal dairy there. So of course we got ice cream.
We totally got lost trying to find a potential's house. Finally found her and her, Chen Pei Xin. She is an aborigine. She is super cute. We didn't have much time to meet with her because we had to take a certain train ride home. She is already Christian but wants to learn more about Christ.
We went to the DongHai college to look around. There is a famous Christian church there that looks like a book. And they have a personal dairy there. So of course we got ice cream.
We totally got lost trying to find a potential's house. Finally found her and her, Chen Pei Xin. She is an aborigine. She is super cute. We didn't have much time to meet with her because we had to take a certain train ride home. She is already Christian but wants to learn more about Christ.
Tuesday:
We met with Vivi today. She wants to get baptized the week after her husband so that he can baptize her. Well, that wasn't the main reason. She follows in her husband's footsteps. He was the one to introduce her to Christianity and help her with so many things. So she wants him to get baptized first and then she will follow. After asking questions and giving her an opportunity to share her testimony, she was able to realize that she has the capability make these big decisions herself. She agreed to go through the baptismal interview and see if she wants to get baptized with her husband. Yay!
DTM: let me just say I love my mission family and so grateful for their support and help with building my testimony.
We also went on exchanges. I was with Sister Zhu in Feng Jia. We had a great time! We taught a recent convert, Ferrah. And do you know what is cool: I taught Ferrah on exchanges about 7 months ago--before she was even baptized. So this was like a mini reunion for us. It is really cool to see the progression.
On the bus I saw a white person. I m scared of white people here in Taiwan. Anyhoo- I got to talk to her. She wouldn't talk to me in English, only Chinese. But that was a cool experience.
We met with Vivi today. She wants to get baptized the week after her husband so that he can baptize her. Well, that wasn't the main reason. She follows in her husband's footsteps. He was the one to introduce her to Christianity and help her with so many things. So she wants him to get baptized first and then she will follow. After asking questions and giving her an opportunity to share her testimony, she was able to realize that she has the capability make these big decisions herself. She agreed to go through the baptismal interview and see if she wants to get baptized with her husband. Yay!
DTM: let me just say I love my mission family and so grateful for their support and help with building my testimony.
We also went on exchanges. I was with Sister Zhu in Feng Jia. We had a great time! We taught a recent convert, Ferrah. And do you know what is cool: I taught Ferrah on exchanges about 7 months ago--before she was even baptized. So this was like a mini reunion for us. It is really cool to see the progression.
On the bus I saw a white person. I m scared of white people here in Taiwan. Anyhoo- I got to talk to her. She wouldn't talk to me in English, only Chinese. But that was a cool experience.
Wednesday:
Guess who came to English tonight! GRACE! I haven't seen her in forever. She has been ignoring EVERYONE's visits and phone calls. And we think we know why. Her family is moving farther away in Sha Lu. But it would be pretty much impossible for her to come to the church. She would have to leave behind us, her best friends. And so to prevent the band-aid being ripped of, she will just rip it off herself. Meaning, no contact with us. Hope she knows that we still love her.
Little snip bits of what I learned today:
Today I learned a lot about honesty. About being a righteous person even though no one is watching.
Music invites the spirit more than anything else.
God, through other people, answers our prayers.
Guess who came to English tonight! GRACE! I haven't seen her in forever. She has been ignoring EVERYONE's visits and phone calls. And we think we know why. Her family is moving farther away in Sha Lu. But it would be pretty much impossible for her to come to the church. She would have to leave behind us, her best friends. And so to prevent the band-aid being ripped of, she will just rip it off herself. Meaning, no contact with us. Hope she knows that we still love her.
Little snip bits of what I learned today:
Today I learned a lot about honesty. About being a righteous person even though no one is watching.
Music invites the spirit more than anything else.
God, through other people, answers our prayers.
Thursday:
We went tracting tonight. We met probably over 30 families. And every single one of them refused the gospel. I almost cried I was so sad. I saw young parents with little 4 year-old kids. And I could just see how this gospel could help them. I pray that they will have more opportunities.
WE do a mini English class for kids on Thursday's. Today's story was about Moses. Big success. Again, the mom's say that they have a member friends and don't need to meet with us to know what the church is about. Man people.
Friday:
There was a world-wide missionary broadcast today. It was awesome! The Spirit is the teacher. We are just God's tools in His work. I didn't learn a whole lot of NEW things from the broadcast. But I was reminded of a lot of important values. And with that reminder the Spirit was able to whisper to be on what I need to do NOW to change and be a better missionary. I walked away from that experience wanting to be more aware of other people. The Spirit told me that I need to look with spiritual eyes and listen with spiritual ears. On the bus ride home we sat in the back and planned to make up studies. I sat there and was reminded again to be aware of others. I looked up from my notes and just observed for a few minutes. I noticed the people and what they are doing. I noticed the noises and the feel. I could see everyone as sons and daughters of God. I felt prompted to switch seats and talk to someone who was sitting in front of us. She was not Taiwanese and could not speak a lick of Chinese. But then someone on the other side of me started talking to me. I explained who I was. The lady told me about her experience that she has had at church before. She got off the bus shortly after. Even though there were no numbers exchanged, no added investigators, by being aware of those around you and following the spirit you can help other rekindle the Light of Christ which is in them.
Biggest highlight of the day was our lesson with Vivi and Titan, the cute couple. WE taught the commandments. We wrote scriptures and questions on cards. Everyone got two commandments and after a five minute study we had to share with the group what the commandment was. They committed to living all of the commandments. They reviewed every one making sure that they knew what it was. Titan is so funny. He asked who will baptize him. We told him that he could chose. He immediately turned to our pei ke and asked, "Are you free next Saturday to baptize me?" They also shared their testimonies. They testimonies about different things but they are growing together and growing in Christ. We also watched the testaments. Super good movie and really funny to watch in Chinese. I heard them whispering during the movie, sharing insights with each other and helping each other understand. Vivi was bawling by the end.
We went tracting tonight. We met probably over 30 families. And every single one of them refused the gospel. I almost cried I was so sad. I saw young parents with little 4 year-old kids. And I could just see how this gospel could help them. I pray that they will have more opportunities.
WE do a mini English class for kids on Thursday's. Today's story was about Moses. Big success. Again, the mom's say that they have a member friends and don't need to meet with us to know what the church is about. Man people.
Friday:
There was a world-wide missionary broadcast today. It was awesome! The Spirit is the teacher. We are just God's tools in His work. I didn't learn a whole lot of NEW things from the broadcast. But I was reminded of a lot of important values. And with that reminder the Spirit was able to whisper to be on what I need to do NOW to change and be a better missionary. I walked away from that experience wanting to be more aware of other people. The Spirit told me that I need to look with spiritual eyes and listen with spiritual ears. On the bus ride home we sat in the back and planned to make up studies. I sat there and was reminded again to be aware of others. I looked up from my notes and just observed for a few minutes. I noticed the people and what they are doing. I noticed the noises and the feel. I could see everyone as sons and daughters of God. I felt prompted to switch seats and talk to someone who was sitting in front of us. She was not Taiwanese and could not speak a lick of Chinese. But then someone on the other side of me started talking to me. I explained who I was. The lady told me about her experience that she has had at church before. She got off the bus shortly after. Even though there were no numbers exchanged, no added investigators, by being aware of those around you and following the spirit you can help other rekindle the Light of Christ which is in them.
Biggest highlight of the day was our lesson with Vivi and Titan, the cute couple. WE taught the commandments. We wrote scriptures and questions on cards. Everyone got two commandments and after a five minute study we had to share with the group what the commandment was. They committed to living all of the commandments. They reviewed every one making sure that they knew what it was. Titan is so funny. He asked who will baptize him. We told him that he could chose. He immediately turned to our pei ke and asked, "Are you free next Saturday to baptize me?" They also shared their testimonies. They testimonies about different things but they are growing together and growing in Christ. We also watched the testaments. Super good movie and really funny to watch in Chinese. I heard them whispering during the movie, sharing insights with each other and helping each other understand. Vivi was bawling by the end.
Saturday:
Well 0 degrees Celsius today. Even though it is super cold Vivi and Titan came to the church for their baptism interviews! They both past and agreed to be baptized TOGETHER on February 6th. I AM SOOOOOOOOO EXCITED! They have probably been investigating for about 1 month. The thing that has been the foundation of their testimony is the Holy Ghost and the Book of Mormon. They are the proof that God prepares His people. They feel the Holy Ghost when they pray read and come to church. They literally LIVE by the Book of Mormon and it's teachings. Titan, "The Book of Mormon told me that I can't lie to my mom." They are TRULY converted.
We went all the way out to Da Du to see Chen Pei Xin. She let us wear some of her traditional costumes and we got to take come pictures. :) We got to know her and her family. Her daughter in law was in on the lesson. She seems pretty interested. She is also prego in the ego. FAMILY!
We told her about the Book of Mormon and guess what we forgot to do: Bring one with us. Next time. She is excited to learn more. She even asked about baptism! She told us that she stopped drinking too. She used to party and all that. But after meeting Christian friends she stopped and she has seen great blessings come from it.
We had a potluck dinner for Meggi, who just came home from her mission in Canada! She is so cute. Lot's of investigators came. Surprised me because it is freezing!
Well 0 degrees Celsius today. Even though it is super cold Vivi and Titan came to the church for their baptism interviews! They both past and agreed to be baptized TOGETHER on February 6th. I AM SOOOOOOOOO EXCITED! They have probably been investigating for about 1 month. The thing that has been the foundation of their testimony is the Holy Ghost and the Book of Mormon. They are the proof that God prepares His people. They feel the Holy Ghost when they pray read and come to church. They literally LIVE by the Book of Mormon and it's teachings. Titan, "The Book of Mormon told me that I can't lie to my mom." They are TRULY converted.
We went all the way out to Da Du to see Chen Pei Xin. She let us wear some of her traditional costumes and we got to take come pictures. :) We got to know her and her family. Her daughter in law was in on the lesson. She seems pretty interested. She is also prego in the ego. FAMILY!
We told her about the Book of Mormon and guess what we forgot to do: Bring one with us. Next time. She is excited to learn more. She even asked about baptism! She told us that she stopped drinking too. She used to party and all that. But after meeting Christian friends she stopped and she has seen great blessings come from it.
We had a potluck dinner for Meggi, who just came home from her mission in Canada! She is so cute. Lot's of investigators came. Surprised me because it is freezing!
Sunday:
An Ting, Vivi and Titan came to church. An Ting is 17 years old and the more I see her the more I see her smile. She has the church service down like the back of her hand. She comes to sacrament then goes upstairs to the Sunday school room and then after that finds the YW leader. And then they leave together after church. We hardly get to even see her there. But she keeps on coming because she likes church! :)
Also found out that some members are sick in the hospital. It is out of our area so we cannot visit them. But keeping them in our prayers.
Members had us over for lunch and dinner, which was nice. We didn't have to make anything. And their homes are warmer than ours. We don't have a heater, or carpet...
Started snowing here in Taiwan! Been 40 years since that has happened. And it was here to witness it :)
This morning the elders went outside, in 7 layers of clothing, in the -0 weather to bring us one of their heaters. We have the best elders in the area! They always make sure that the sisters are included. They are hardworking and always invite the Spirit to meetings.
Well, I love you all and see ya'll next week. I hope I don't get frostbite by then.
-Sister Graham
Proverbs 25;25
An Ting, Vivi and Titan came to church. An Ting is 17 years old and the more I see her the more I see her smile. She has the church service down like the back of her hand. She comes to sacrament then goes upstairs to the Sunday school room and then after that finds the YW leader. And then they leave together after church. We hardly get to even see her there. But she keeps on coming because she likes church! :)
Also found out that some members are sick in the hospital. It is out of our area so we cannot visit them. But keeping them in our prayers.
Members had us over for lunch and dinner, which was nice. We didn't have to make anything. And their homes are warmer than ours. We don't have a heater, or carpet...
Started snowing here in Taiwan! Been 40 years since that has happened. And it was here to witness it :)
This morning the elders went outside, in 7 layers of clothing, in the -0 weather to bring us one of their heaters. We have the best elders in the area! They always make sure that the sisters are included. They are hardworking and always invite the Spirit to meetings.
Well, I love you all and see ya'll next week. I hope I don't get frostbite by then.
-Sister Graham
Proverbs 25;25