September 27, 2010

Here we are again

Wow! Another week gone by. They really seem to fly by way too fast. We're approaching the end of my second move call in Taiwan already. How'd you like those pictures of a flooded Donggang? It was kinda fun, even though I was soaked from the knees down. If I'd had a canoe you can bet I would have gone paddling around the streets, throwing lifesavers to people.

This week was a week of incredible miracles. We've been working hard for a couple weeks now to find investigators, and we've been sitting down and teaching very little. We pressed forward with faith that the Lord would give us success if we were diligent. Well, in the last two days we've seen the fruits of our labor. We started teaching a 17-year-old kid named (name) who I found last Tuesday, and he is so incredibly willing! He's excited to learn about the gospel, he came to stake conference yesterday and loved it. He is such a good kid, and he recognizes that this gospel is what will fill a void in his life.

We also met with a girl who wants really badly to be baptized, but her dad won't allow it until she's 18. We shared the story of Esther with her and testified that if she and the branch all fasted and prayed, she would be able to get her dad's permission. The Spirit was very strong, and I was just amazed by her faith and desire to be baptized.

Members have started giving us more referrals, we've been having good sit-down lessons with pretty solid investigators, and I've just been feeling like the Lord is pouring out His blessings on us. I know that the field is white already to harvest. It may be hard at times, but all we have to do is press forward through the hard times with an eye of faith, looking forward to the blessings that will come. That's why the scripture I want on my missionary plaque is 2 Nephi 4:20, 30. My God is my support, and I know that He will help us overcome any trial that comes our way.

Fun cultural thing for the day: last Wednesday was the Mid-Autumn Festival. The traditions on that day (9/22) include barbecueing out in front of your house and worshipping your ancestors. Ancestor worship (aka "baibai") takes many forms, but on the Mid-Autumn Festival it's usually buying stacks of paper "money" and burning it in a fire or putting a piece of fruit in the family shrine. It sure makes the air smokey when everyone is burning paper money or barbecueing. And people give away moon cakes on that day, so naturally every member of the branch had to give the missionaries about twenty of them. Our fridge is so full of moon cakes it's sagging. Just kidding.

Well, my time's up for this week. I love you all so much, and I pray for you every day. Please remember to study the scriptures and pray daily! Talk to you next week.

Love,

Carter