This week we had the Christmas Party! Yay! It was so much fun! We went to Sun Moon Lake. It is so beautiful there. And there was a good market that we got to shop at. We also went to a buffet. A buffet of Chinese food? Not a good idea. It was soooo good and I felt sick afterwards. It was really cool to see everyone there! Literally everyone was there. We also had a Christmas fireside. It was full of singing and the office put on the Nativity. It was about a 4 hour long fireside. We didn't get home until after midnight. Super late. But totally worth it. The Spirit of Christmas is coming! People here don't really celebrate Christmas. Even members. But we are making sure that EVERYONE knows that it is Christmas time.
On Monday we went to the church and watched the Christmas tree lights. Super simple. But it was good to talk to Sister Nelson just about family traditions and stuff. We found out that Grace, our investigator, is in the other area. Dang it! She is sooo awesome! She went to the other ward for church on Sunday - which was good. She liked it and she will start meeting with the Elders. We have become really good friends. On Sunday she brought a letter that our district wrote her for her birthday. She treasures that thing. Sometimes all a person needs is to feel loved. |
We had a great lesson with Liu Pin Shao. She told us that she has been given a lot of trials lately. And she bore her testimony about God's plan. She is awesome! She still has trouble coming to church. She said that she would come this Sunday but...never came.
We taught a family (Zhang and Chen) about church and why we go to church. They don't have time to come to church this week. The wife, Zhang, is regularly praying. She tried to read the Book of Mormon when she can. But she worries that she cannot understand everything or remember the events. It is a big book. She also doesn't want us to visit as often. That is ok...man man lai.
We had a great lesson with an Active member. Her name is Ye Jie Mei. She is a mother of 3. And she wants us to help her go caroling at an old folks home on Christmas Eve morning. So we went over to plan it out. After talking she confessed that she hadn't been coming to church. Her husband is just too tired to go. We brought up the scripture, Mosiah 4:27. Super good. And it applies to everyone! Especially those here in Taiwan. Everyone here cares a lot about work and getting money. After sharing this scripture the words came out of my mouth, "By daily reading the scriptures and praying and by going to church everyday we can make decisions more effectively." I know that over email it sounds like no big deal. But it was said with such authority and power. I could really feel the Holy Ghost. And then the wife (ye jie mei) reminded her husband that when they did those things his work went smoother and they were a happier family. I think that sometimes we all forget the power and beauty of doing the small and simple things. And my testimony on "open your mouth and it shall be filled" has increased.
We got to see a 5 day old Taiwanese baby! Soooooo cute! He had a ton of hair and would spaz out every once in a while. The mom told me to sing to the little baby boy, a lullaby. I sang, "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam" I used to sing that with my parents every night. Brought back so many memories.
There are a couple of old ladies that I keep in touch with from my last area. They are not members but come to English class. One of them actually asked me to tell her more about Jesus Christ. I think it is really cool that over time she is coming to WANT to know more about what we share. Love you all and I will see you next week with more news on what is goin down in 沙鹿! -Sister Graham Saying goodbye to Sister Nelson :( --------> |