聖誕快樂！！！

It was hoped for since the beginning of mankind, it has been remembered everyday since! The miraculous birth, life, atonement, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When He was born in that simple setting 2013 years ago, he didn't know what His mission was. He didn't know how many souls needed Him, how I would need Him. I rejoice that he accomplished all that He came here to do! I rejoice that I also have an opportunity to go on a mission, and taste of the victory, joy, and contentment that comes from helping brothers and sisters find their way. What a mission it has been! As I play the role of the messenger that told the shepherds where to find the baby Jesus, I also find myself in a role among the shepherds themselves. As I lead people to find Jesus Christ, I come closer to Him myself. What greater cause could I be working towards at this time in my life?! This week we taught a lot of people who have family members that already have been baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and have long been familiar with the message we share. They are just a few steps away from entering into so many blessings that they have not yet realized. As I draw closer to them, and feel more like their good friend, I feel their faith growing. I feel their willingness to do more, because they sense the goodness of more closely following Jesus Christ. I love Christmas! I love how it gives the common world an opportunity to accept part of a message that Mormons live every day of their lives. The best way to end a year, the best way to live another year, may we take this reminder into the next. Elder Lim

The Spirit of CHRISTmas

This week I had two special experiences that helped me to better understand what it means to have to spirit of Christmas. A couple days ago we were helplessly trying to get into a locked apartment building (which, sad to say, is usually not a problem) to visit someone that investigated the church over 4 years ago. After deliberating for a while on what we should do, since the call box didn't help us find any apartment over the 3rd floor, we decided we should just move on. As we were walking back to our car, I felt to ask this asian looking lady for help in Chinese. It's always scary to do that because you don't know if someone will get irritated at you for bothering them! She was on her way in to see a friend who was coming out to meet her! They were both so very nice to us, and Chinese of course! They said they would look for our friends and contact us. Later that night we got a call from one of them saying that the people we were looking for had passed away, but that she would love to take us up on our invitation to go see the Washington DC Temple! We'll see how that goes tomorrow! I learned that the spirit of Christmas is having extra faith to do things that Christ would do. That could be taking time out of your day to do good for others, or following the path that God wants you to take. The other experience happened not 2 hours ago. We were standing in the checkout line for our groceries, and this lady named Judy cut in front of us and insisted on paying for our food. This touched my heart in a way I can't described. She said she knew we didn't get paid, that her brother was on a mission in Washington state, and that she wanted to do this as a Christmas gift to us. It wasn't an outrageous act, but it was wonderful to me. I felt the love of my God through someone's divine act of service. There are angels all around us today. It truly feels like Christmas. What shall we give? "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

May you find that spirit of Christ in your heart this week, as I have -Elder Lim

Using Christmastime to become more like Christ

I've found myself reflecting a lot on the things that I invite people to do. The most important suggestion that I ever give to people as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, is to become more like him. I ask them to do this not just because I think it's a good idea, or just because I think he lived the most exemplary human life, but because I know with all my heart that following Him has brought more peace, love, and true joy into my life than anything else. Gymnastics makes me happy when I finally get a new skill, playing the cello brings me peace when I finally master a song, hanging out with my parents and my brothers and sisters laughing about how we're going to eat mangos at my Dad's funeral brings love into my life. But nothing compares to the blessings that come when I learn how to be a more caring brother, a more humble worker, a more faithful servant, a virtuous man and so on. In 3 Nephi chapter 19, Christ  is with the surviving people of the Americas. After He teaches them the principles of salvation, words that couldn't even all be recorded, He goes aside and prays for the people. "And now Father, I pray unto thee for them, and also for all those who shall believe on their words, that they may believe in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one." That's my goal, during this special time of year.
This week there were so many miracles! I was finally able to talk about the gospel to this wife of a member who I personally have done many hours of service at their home over the course of my mission. We met this former investigator who's father purchased a copy of the Book of Mormon for her when she was in middle school. She has had a testimony of the book her entire life, and has so much faith! It just strengthened me to speak with her. The only thing keeping her from baptism is her husband who strongly opposes religion. I met this wonderful couple from Shanghai and Beijing, who have had 2 generations of teachers in their family. That is quite rare for the opposition that educators have faced in China. They are both doctors and very interesting to talk to and teach. Our branch had one of the best church activities I've been to! So many people came, even our investigator that just got into MIT with a full-ride scholarship! I love the people I'm meeting here, and  I'm trying to show them what Christ is like through example. We got a call from the VC on our way to an appointment saying that there was a Chinese family that wants to learn more about the gospel! So we raced down there! They said I smile a lot ;) I'm just so happy!

Snowed in!!

Don't let it snow!! Because then we can't have church! This picture is just the beginning of a snowfall that turned out to be 3 inches! We were confined to our apartment and couldn't make it to church where the children were going to give a special musical performance. Sometimes I don't understand how these crazy things happen! Doesn't God know that we need to go to church?? Doesn't he have control over the weather?? In any case, I trust that He knows better than I do! We got to spend the evening riding around with our branch president in his SUV shoveling driveways! :D This week we met an especially sincere young man. The English missionaries knocked on his door, and met his chinese speaking grandfather. He called the young man over to come "deal with it!" Luckily, this young man is at a very important time of decisions in his life, and accepted the opportunity to meet with us. He's been in America for 7 years now, and was just blessed with several amazing educational opportunities. I know that God is showing him that He is there for him, and that He wants to bless him through these great blessings. And that is the message I shared as I stood on a chair, and read the proclamation of the Savior's birth by Samuel the Lamanite at a dinner with our branch members. The Lord wants to bless us through coming unto His son, even Jesus Christ. He's given us this special time of year, to do things that Jesus Christ would do. Visit the lonely, the sick and afflicted, give gifts to our brothers and sisters and sing praises to God together. That is pure religion. That is what will make us happy. I am so completely happy that I have a chance to represent Jesus Christ. To say what He would say, to do what he wants done. To be a living modern witness of the divinity of His great and marvelous latter-day work. I love my calling! May you find purpose and blessings in this special time of year. -Elder John H Lim

Second Thanksgiving!

今年我非常感謝,

1. The Atonement of Jesus Christ, that has changed my very heart. That has helped me feel stronger and better than I could ever become on my own.
2. My awesome family! They are a light to me and strengthen me in every way.
• My Dad - The greatest missionary that ever lived
• My Mom - The best cook that ever lived
• Hannah and Tyler - Best couple married this year
• AJ - The future Elder Lim!
• Antonio - The strongest Lim.
3. Being a Missionary. A real, fully qualified, full time, called of God, servant of the Lord.
4. Witnessing the sealing of my dear sister and new brother this year.
5. Leaders who love me. My mission presidents have been like fathers to me, and the prophets that have always led me.
6. The scriptures! They bring me so much peace, direction, and just make me happy.
7. My bestfriends, though far away, I still feel their love and faith.
8. My gymnastics family, they raised me to be the man I am today.
9. Learning to speak Chinese! Along with the best Chinese companions.
10. The opportunity to serve the Montgomery branch, and all the amazing families in it.

越來越冷,越來越光亮

It gets pretty cold in Renton during the winter, but not like here! The weather is soo cold! And unfortunately along with that, the work that I've been doing is cooling down too. Perhaps that is why we need the holidays, because otherwise people would just put their heads down and push through the more difficult times. The one glimmer of hope was the voices of an adult and children's choir from Virginia that performed at the Washington DC Temple visitor's center. Hundreds of Chinese families came to enjoy an evening of Chinese and American cultural music. I've never spoken to so many Chinese people in one setting in my life before! Music brings people together, just like the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are all seeking out the best things! Things in life that will calm us, bring solace to our souls and joy to our hearts. We don't find those things when we are alone. We find them in families, we find them in God, our Heavenly Father. At the end of the evening I walked out of the visitor's center with my three Chinese speaking missionary associates to discover the first snowfall of the year! As cold as it may be, there is light to be found. May we ever find that light, and may God give me opportunity to bring His light into the lives of others. -Elder Lim

At least I'm not THAT cold! The sun still shines on them (:

Elder Zwick 和許多奇蹟

     What kind of difference can one man make? I have the deepest desire to be an influence for good. I feel like those kinds of things are what really matter in the long run. I'm not speaking of a few good acts, nor a slew of sacrifices, but a transformation into something or someone that can really help better the lives of others, and my family. I feel like that happens when I follow Jesus Christ -the supreme example of human existence, and when I help others to do the same. This week was so wonderful, I don't even know where to begin. Elder Zwick of the church leadership came to visit our mission. He shared the depth of the calamity in the Philippines. My heart aches for my suffering brothers and sisters. He told us of the miraculous evacuation of missionaries from the most heavily destroyed island. They were saved by exactly obeying their mission president. A companionship of sisters narrowly escaped by finding passage into an attic and then climbing to the roof, only to have to cling together and endure 180 mph winds. Elder Zwick promised me that if I followed the doctrine and counsel of my president, it would bless my life forever. What a strong man he is! Not only in stature, but in spirit as well. He inspired me with his words this weekend, speaking of this work that I'm doing is like a wave, a tsunami even. That we missionaries are to become the undertow to the wave. We need to be that influence that I've been thinking of. I can do this by following Christ, for He is the ultimate force for good. Becoming like him, is becoming that force.

     This week we were blessed to meet so many people, willing to listen to the words of the gospel. A couple from Shanghai staying with their member sister, a couple from Guangdong staying with a part member couple, a man taught by my trainer Elder Mclane over a year ago, a young man that decided not to meet with the missionaries anymore because he feels like there are more important things to focus on, a woman married to a member who has been trying to learn English to pass the citizenship test for 7 years. So many new friends! I know that following Jesus Christ and His prophet will bring them greater blessings than they can imagine. Yes, the path of anyone's life can be fulfilled with a good career, a prosperous family, or great accomplishment. But there is just no other way to obtain greater happiness, greater fulfillment, nor stronger family than to follow Jesus Christ and His living prophet. I love teaching so much! We taught this 11 year old this week about the young man unwilling to give up his riches to follow Christ. There he could simply understand that it's so much better, to leave the things of the world to the world, and take up a better road! I hope I can help all these people and more in my life, to influence them for good. The wish of a missionary -Elder Lim

家譜活動

Could your 爺爺的爸爸 ever imagined you? And all the people he will have influenced by the goodness or the mistakes of his life?? It's so interesting!!! Family History is amazing. The Montgomery Chinese Branch knows how to start! I am so happy that members of the Chinese community from every kind of Chinese background got to spend an evening to appreciate the value of knowing about our ancestors, and learn how to preserve their memory for generations to come. I believe that those whom we love so dearly in this life can also be redeemed in the life to come. Such is the power and influence of the atonement of Jesus Christ. I love representing him as an ambassador of both sides of the veil. It is so worth the effort to get into researching your ancestors. I myself am converted to the importance and excitement of family history! It can definitely be difficult, especially for the Chinese people, but it is ever so worth it!! Our sights are now upon a regular English class to serve the Chinese community here.

I had one of the most interesting teaching experiences of my life last night! We've had this member referral for quite some time that has never had time to meet with us. Last night Elder He and I had a strong impression to go and invite him to the festival next month. He straightway invited us in and made fun of the fact that we were so ecstatic! He assumed that not many people let us in, and we told him it was true unfortunately. He has the most interesting religious background. He has sought the truth diligently his whole life. He knows the entire history of Christianity in China, and the resulting churches in America. That intrigued me so greatly! He then asked to receive the message that we bear. And so Elder He and I taught him the restoration of the fulness of the gospel! He is such a great teacher, and I was able to bear my witness in this man's native tongue. That is the greatest joy and gift to me! To speak to a man in the language that he was raised to speak. He sincerely took the invitation to read the book of mormon and to ask God in the name of Jesus Christ if it is scripture! I know that if he does, God will surely answer him. Because God loves us. He truly does. I've felt it and seen it time and time again. And this man lives right down the street from our chapel! It's God's will (: I love my job! -Elder Lim

秋天在華盛頓

Washington state is one of the most beautiful places, but there is no autumn that compares to the one that I am experiencing now! The trees here are so beautiful! There is a wonderful array of autumn leaves everywhere we go. How can you go a day without recognizing the greatness of our Earth? And the certainty of a divine creator, who loved us so much as to create such an amazing place for us to come experience mortality and live with a family. The most magnificent cycle of change in our environment reminds me of the slow and gradual progression of my spirit. In my life, I will go through period of intense heat, badgering winds and unquenchable storms. But there will also be times of mildness. In this generation, we have a comparable measure of peace! We have the opportunity to speak freely of our God and our religion. It is a wonderful opportunity to be a missionary! Last Monday at the end of the day, we had had little success finding a home to accept us and share time with us to come closer to Christ together, but we work to the end! This former investigator that had been dropped 5 years ago, because they were so difficult to get a hold of, was home! He said that he was a catholic minister! But that he was willing to meet with us the following evening. As we sat with him and spoke of the reality of our God, and His love for us, I felt the spirit so strongly! I testified to him that if he took our challenge to read the book of mormon and ask God the eternal Father in the name of Jesus Christ that God would certainly answer him! It turns out, he only had had a 6 month course to be a minister, and he said that he doesn't really even have time to read the bible right now, so he was unwilling to accept a copy of the book of mormon! That just breaks my heart! Something that has blessed me so greatly, to be taken as a thing of naught. Maybe someday, the spirit that he felt will soften his heart and he can take the chance to discover that he can come ever closer to his God through that book. No matter your understanding of God, your current beliefs or your past religion, that book can bless your life. It of itself has a power in its principles that I cannot deny. That is why we provide it for free! May everyone have an opportunity to read its contents, and come closer to their divine creator.

心的变化 Hearts can be changed

In the beginning of Alma's ministry to the main body of his people (Alma 5:12), he speaks of his father. Even in the grossest iniquity, Alma the older was able to see the light of the gospel, and then and there decide to change. In that decision, he exercised faith. The instant that he began to exercise his faith, his heart began to change. What does that mean? Is it literal? Is it permanent? This was the most important moment of his life! And so I ask myself, how can I help others have this same change of heart? How can I change my heart? The answer is simple, and yet difficult. We of ourselves do not have power to change others, nor ourselves even! Our desires and appetites are natural to our human state. However, there is power to overcome all these and live better. There is a way to access that power. The power is the atonement of Jesus Christ. The way to access it is the fullness of His gospel. I am so excited to share this message with every person that I meet here in Maryland/DC! We made this new friend that is currently living with a member. We talked to him about the sacrament after a meal with one of the members of the branch. It gave him the desire to come to church on Sunday! He came and I sat with him and he had a great experience! He made new friends, and he learned of the gospel. Exactly why we need to go to church every week! It's funny, one day he was out on a walk, and he discovered a bunch of young men shooting potato guns. They invited him to join in and he shot one! It turns out, that was our branch's young men's organization! He already had made friends with mormons and he didn't even know it! We drove over 100 miles on saturday to get to appointments and to help cantonese members teach those investigators from guang zhou. Again, I had no idea what was being said... But I think they talked about prayer (: He is still unwilling to pray! But I know that his heart can change, just like Alma's, and every one of us. I hope we each can continually become able to do more good, as our hearts turn to Christ. I hope to be able to share many miracles, of changing hearts on this blog -Elder Lim

Mandarin AND Cantonese??

Working with my Chinese companion is crazy!!! Not only is his mandarin super proficient, but his native language is actually cantonese! So those people that we would otherwise have no means to communicate with, can hear and understand the message of the gospel. We were searching out former investigators, and there was one in particular that said they were super nice people, but hard of hearing so they weren't interested at all. It turns out that they just don't really speak any mandarin! They were really willing to come to church, but not too interested in diving into the commitments we gave them to begin praying to God and to read the scriptures individually and as a family. I actually have no idea what is going on in lessons because I don't speak cantonese! I can say hello, and I speak mandarin, not cantonese. Too much fun! It was a miracle to see them come to church on sunday. They also brought their neighbor from hong kong. Our gospel principles class was perfect and amazing! Chapter 17, the restoration of the gospel! All the cantonese speaking members were so willing to translate for them and become their friends. It is the most beautiful thing to come together as brothers and sisters, from different lands and different cultures, to discuss and inspire each other to live better. In fact, to live the best way possible. To fill the measure of our creation! I love being able to help people see their divine heritage and destiny, and feel the love that God does have for them. As I do so, I feel His great love for me, and I feel closer to filling my own purpose. I feel so content every hour of the day, because my focus is on others. Right now we're gearing up for a family history activity! It's going to be soo interesting and so much fun! As far as my knowledge, there isn't too much work done in the Chinese division of family history. They have records, but it's not put into systems like family search where everyone can access that precious information. I hope we can light a fire that will turn hearts of the Chinese people to the salvation of their ancestors. That will bring so much joy to all the children of God! It's a beautiful day out on the mall, and no way to see it all in 100 preparation days! I love DC! :)

October beginnings

I cannot believe that one year ago I was in the middle of my MTC experience?? Preparing mentally, spiritually, linguistically, to come to this very place, where I now work and serve. Today marks the beginning of a new transfer, with just Elder Wenfa He and me! I knew such a day would come almost 10 months ago! He has grown so much. When he first entered the field, he had only been a member for 2 years! All that he knew to tell people was to follow the example of Jesus Christ. When I would talk to him about his personal testimony of why people should do that, he had no answer! Now, he is a converted disciple of Jesus Christ, and the most wonderful teacher. He has rich experiences that relate so well to the people we work with. He knows what it is like to live a hard life.. He knows what it's like to be unsure about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints, as we all do. But now, he truly knows what Christ has done for him. He knows the difference of the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful that he has learned so much, and I am very much looking forward to serving with him these next few weeks. Elder Ng is now serving on bike in Kensington, right down the street from the temple, WITH ELDER SYNELNIKOV! How crazy is that??? Elder Synelnikov is the district leader down there. This week I've been working really hard to create a vision for myself. Both of the kind of person/missionary I want to become and every way I can help the branch continue to progress to a zion like people! I know that through the atonement, the grace of my savior, all things are possible. I've seen and felt him change me. I know that he can do the same for all the people of this area. We're going to start working a lot more in the University of Maryland! Young people and families are so prepared to receive the fulness of the gospel. Right now, we don't have anyone progressing to baptism, but we continue to work as hard as we can! I feel content and successful with my effort level :) I got the 'diligence' award in my district for the transfer! Remember to read the Book of Mormon daily, and to invite all to come closer to the Savior, who stands ready to receive them.

'Longsuffering'

     

What a week it has been. Heavenly Father is really putting me through the ringer! I am continually stretched in so many ways, I can't wait for the day when I'm just everything I need to be to serve the Lord! I don't think that day will come in the next year and a half.. So I'm learning to enjoy the growing pains!
     A couple days ago, I just didn't know what to do. There was no one to visit, nothing to do. I just sat in front of our map for a couple hours racking my brain. I have such a strong desire to teach! To serve! To love and to learn. But that's impossible if I'm stuck in the apartment.. After struggling forever... The Lord's mercy came. I just felt ideas flow into my mind! I envisioned the kind of missionary that I want to be. Bold. Talking to everyone. Finding people for the English Elders to teach. Finding so many Chinese people that we don't have time to rest! Just invite invite invite. It all came down to better planning. And so everyday after that has been so awesome! Yesterday I served we did some special service! But...I got bunches of mosquito bites :P Sacrifice brings the blessings of heaven! I hope this softens his heart up :)

Autumn Moon festival!

     What a privilege it is to be a missionary! I can't get over it! When I received a recall from the first presidency, my heart just melted. This is for real! I've been called and set apart once again. It was pretty much 2 sentences that said, you're reassigned to DC North, and we are confident that you'll do great. Signed personally by the prophet. SO COOL! I'm so grateful. The moon festival was amazing. We made a push to invite everyone that we could. Nonmembers, less-actives, chinese people at the grocery store! And it was PACKED! So many people came. A whole family of investigators we just met a couple days before! I also met an 80 year old man that works for NIST. He taught physics at stanford, and currently teaches online courses for 2 universities in china. What a pleasure it was to talk to him! He told me that he was close to joining a protestant church many years ago, but he just had one point that he completely disagreed with. He asked them if he would see his parents again, and they said no. Then I told him about the temple. We're going to go to the visitors center next time he's in town! That was one of the highlights. Also seeing Sarah and her family again. They've grown in faith so much.We got a golden referral from the sisters the other day! She's retired and just visiting her daughter for a few months, but she is so sincere! She read this book that her friend gave her called "on our way" that talks about Heavenly father and the gospel. She said she didn't understand much, but one time when she was lost in the kentlands, she prayed to God to help her, and she found our church! Which helped her find her way home. I'm so excited to teach her and to help her understand Heavenly Father's real plan for her. I bet China is just full of people like that! Prepared, ready to receive the fulness of the gospel. It's so great that we have a branch to serve people like that. Only speak chinese, but are ready to convert. I hope the branch continues to grow.
     

I had a wonderful experience in the temple today. The power to bring about the salvation of man lies in the priesthood. Remember to always be worthy of it. Women as well. Remember D&C 121, those attributes are essential for the powers of heaven to be upon you. We need that to make our covenants, and we need that to keep them. Don't allow yourself to become subject to satan's power! I have experienced the reality of it. But also have faith/confidence(same thing) that the power of God is so much greater!!! Remember to be kind and loving, that is the result of living the gospel, the doctrine of Christ. I know it's hard to constantly apply these teachings, but the faster you do, the sooner you can be happier, and more at peace. I love the doctrine of christ so deeply. It's changed me for good, given me access to the sweet atonement, healed my soul. And now I bring that message to anyone that I can! Never hesitate to share the good news with anyone you meet as well, I know it will bless them forever.

Return with Honor

     It feels like I never left! One week has felt like a lifetime. But I'm diving into the work with the fire of conversion blazing! I feel like I have become what the gospel of Christ is. I'm always thinking about the doctrine of Christ. How it has given me access to the atonement, how it has changed me. I didn't know that such an experience would or could make my testimony any stronger... But when I talk of Christ, when I preach of repentance, I feel such power and confidence in my words. I feel like a true messenger sent from the Father. Just as He has always reached out to His children, I feel called of God as I declare that I am a missionary, and that I represent the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't think I should share the difficulties and opposition that I came to when I entered my area, but know that they have been utterly overcome. I prayed so much and so fervantly for my companions, for the work. And a miracle happened! Heavenly Father always pulls through for me. He just loves His children so much! Especially the Chinese people. I feel His love for them as I meet them, and see the light He has given them. I know that there are many prepared. The field is white. That doesn't mean that I'll be weeding out tares for 2 years! It means that there are many willing to accept Jesus Christ and repent. We have a few legit new investigators, but the really sincere one is moving back to taiwan next month! Ah! Chinese people are too quick! ;) Last night I had dinner with President Cooke! He is such a wonderful man. So humble, so genuine about the work. He has a lot of great new ideas! He's really open about them too! We were talking about some upcoming changes and he was telling me specifics and asking what I thought about it. I felt so respected and valuable! We had PF Chiangs with his wife, 2 daughters, and a new Elder from the Ivory coast. What a diverse mission. I am greatly looking forward to working with President for the rest of my mission. This week I felt like we really need more emphasis on getting the members involved in missionary work. Our branch mission plan is great, and has awesome ideas, but it's really long and no one looks at it! So the ideas are dead. What we came up with is that we need a simple plan with specific courses of action for the members that can help them to actually share the gospel, to teach with us, and to fellowship less active and recent converts. The potomac bethesda ward has a bookmark with the goals and initiatives that they put in a bucket in the foyer. Isn't that awesome!? What a great way to increase awareness and to initiate accountability. I feel like dad does that well in Elders quorum when he asks for a missionary moment. This truly must be a focus if we are to prepare the kingdom. I came to the mission just in time to go to a Nationals game! It was sweet! But mostly because I got to see Elder Synelnikov for the first time! I talked with him the WHOLE time! I could not stop laughing. I had such a great experience in the city, and he is such a great man. I am so grateful I chose not to remain upset at him in times of difficulty. It is always better to increase in love and patience for another, or you could miss out on an eternal friendship!
Become a better missionary!
Upon arrival to the Washington DC North mission, (the greatest mission on Earth!!!) I discovered that we are doing a mission-wide Book of Mormon reading. I have always loved the Book of mormon! And I know that it is from God. At first, I decided to do a read through in Chinese. I was moving through it so slowly, and my comprehension of what was being talked about was not that great. At the time, I felt the work was slow, and I kinda felt unenthused about working though the difficulties of missionary work. After getting 10 chapters in, I was told that we were actually supposed to be looking for specific things! The doctrine of Christ, evidences of the atonement, and examples of the missionary purpose. So I restarted. As I studied intently, for the purpose of finding these truths, everything changed. Such a simple act! Studying purely from the Book of Mormon. I feel excited about the work! I feel hope, I feel happy in the moment, and in all my actions. I feel fulfilled, and great gratitude for my many blessings that I can more easily recognize. I know that the Book of Mormon makes a difference. It is a gift to us in this day, because we truly need those blessings. 15 minutes a day could make every aspect of your life 115% better ;) Want more power? Try an hour.

Preview to an interview with God

     I keep thinking about how I remember Nick leaving like it was yesterday.. Time is so short! I don't want my mission to end! A lot of missionaries have the attitude of counting down the days, but every day that passes for me is a joy, and I don't want them to end.
     This last Thursday I had my first interview with President since the start of my mission. It was such a wonderful experience.. It was just like how I hope my judgement with Heavenly Father to be. We sat down and talked about everything important to me. He expressed how grateful he was for my service, sacrifice, and talked about my special talents. And then we talked about moving forward! I loved it! He said that I will most likely spend a long time in Chinese, but not the rest of my mission. But we'll see ;) You never know what the Lord has in store! We're getting that Elder this week, which means me and Elder He will be a team already! I'm really excited for that. It's even more difficult to be unified with three people! But since I've gotten back into the area, I've organized it a lot. I feel like that's how you need to prepare to work effectively. The zone leaders checked them and asked us what they can do better with theirs! Hopefully this next week we're able to pick up a little more and start working with more people.
     Sarah's confirmation was on Sunday. It's the first time I've stood in for a Chinese blessing. It was so beautiful and powerful, I feel like she is going to make such a difference in the Lord's kingdom. But my mission is just beginning! There are so many more hearts to touch, and people that need the light of the gospel.

Best start to a new lunar year!

     

Isn't time just flying by?? That feeling kinda makes me more patient. It makes me feel like this really is just a small part of an eternal progression, that I can bear it well, and be happy now! And ohh how full my joy is. The New Years party was a huge success! We had so many people come, as well as the Virginia Chinese branch. I got to meet the Elders from there and get some ideas for finding. A lot of the people we're working with also came. It reminds me of how activities are really the most naturally effective tool for helping people join the church. Not only do we need to help them convert to the gospel, but they also need to be comfortable being a part of the Lord's people, and that is a reason that many are not active. We also got to do the Lion's dance, because not enough young men showed up! Elder He and I were the golden dragon. You can look at the pictures! I'm not sure if I gave you the blog site.. It's montgomerybranch.blogspot.com. There are also a lot of pictures of the baptism of Sarah. I told you a lot about her in our Christmas call. It's been so amazing to return and see how much she's grown. She gave a 25 minute talk in Sacrament meeting on conversion.. And it was awesome! She is so extraordinary and I feel so blessed to have seen her entire progression. During the service, brother foulger spoke, and I was just awestruck. Heavenly Father sent me here, to this specific place, to these people, with a purpose, and I really felt like I was fulfilling it. Her parents are so wealthy. They took us to a french restaurant on friday. That was the best tasting fish ever! At dinner, her mother who we've been working with for a long time, was defending god and the bible to her husband and his friend who do business in China. They were talking about being baptized and building a temple in China. That just blew my mind! Where else in the world would this be happening?! How lucky and blessed I am to be here.

Short lived in DC 3rd

     Last night I was really anxious.. I felt like I learned so much in DC 3rd, would it all just go away when I returned to where I came from? I know that going there was part of Heavenly Father's plan, but was it really time to go so soon? I don't think growth is something that fades that quickly though. I have been changed, and that is sure. I've learned how to be a missionary for people. A missionary for anyone that crosses my path. I know how to relate, connect, love and share so much differently, I would have never learned these things in Chinese. What a blessed opportunity, I feel overflown with the Lord's love. It's so humbling to be back in Chinese. We have such a comfortable apartment, and a big bathroom, and it's clean, and we have more food than we can eat, I can appreciate that so much more! I feel full of faith and confidence, and hope for the work here. From what I can tell, things are going pretty great here, but I'm about to turn it up even more ;) apparently, we're getting ANOTHER Chinese Elder halfway through the transfer. Also, this is a worldwide 5 week transfer to adapt to the cut time in the MTC. So many crazy changes were made in transfers today. And I know so many more Elders because of my area last transfer. Elder Synelnikov has a new trainee that will NOT go home. He looked pretty solid! But if he does, President knows who to call! I am kind of heartbroken to leave my area.. I had two final great experiences with two very special children of God. Both of them are miracles, and I hope they make it to baptism! I love both of them so much already. On Sunday we took a lady from Nigeria to the VC. We had an AMAZING tour. The only issue is that she believes the Holy Ghost has come in the flesh... These false doctrines are way out of hand! But Sarah, the girl we were working with before I left Chinese, is getting baptized this Sunday. I am so excited I made it back just in time! And our new years party is this Saturday!

Eyes on the Temple, testimony in the Book of Mormon

     What a great week! I had the most amazing trip to the temple today. I love the temple so much, and I am so grateful that I have one so close in my mission. I could conceivably bike there! Our roommates didn't join us today, and I just thought what a shame that is! A temple so close, and we only get one chance a transfer, and they stayed home! But the work is really tiring, and so it's kind of understandable.. It just recharged my soul. I felt so close to Heavenly Father the whole time, I just didn't want it to end nor to leave! President and Sister Matsumori were there. I have been feeling so much love and support from them lately. I had an awesome experience at zone training. I gave the spiritual thought, and shared how relevant the end of President Monson's priesthood talk is like directly to me. It talks about missionaries today and it even quotes our mission scripture! But I felt like I didn't leave everyone with an increased desire to do something more, so I was kind of mulling over what I could do better. After the first workshop, President had to leave, so he went to the back to get is stuff. As I was kind of beating myself up wishing I could speak my heart better, I felt a hand on my back, and I heard president tell me good job, as he briskly left the meeting. I was filled with the spirit, and I knew that was an inspired action. That comforted me so much, and he even mentioned it again in the Temple today. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father called such a great man to be my President, I know he is called of God. And I know this is exactly the mission I was supposed to go to! Which reaffirms my testimony of the Prophet.

     Yesterday just felt so awesome. As I'm getting more and more practice approaching people, my faith and confidence are increasing. People actually stop to listen, and then I pour my heart out about how true I know this message is, and how I know the Book of Mormon will change their lives. I don't want to leave this area! This is such a unique opportunity, truly a gift from Heavenly Father. He is definitely looking out for me and providing me with so many blessings!
       So when I came to the area, one of the first things I did was get the area book super straightened out. It has everyone we're working with all sorted into their appropriate stages, particularly the less actives and the returning members. There's this brother, who was baptized 3 years ago, who is only considered less active because he has to work some sundays. He is such a cool guy! He got a brain tumor several years ago, and is just the sweetest spirit, he loves to laugh. I noticed that no one had marked that he had received the priesthood, which is supposed to happen soon after baptism. Someone neglected that! So we asked him about it, and he said he hadn't received it! So we taught him about the priesthood, and worked with the bishop, and he's going to be ordained on sunday! Last night at FHE I was talking to him about it, and he asked me if I would ordain him.. That touched me so deeply. I love him and I'm so excited for him to be making this progression, and I'm honored that he would choose me, who has only known him for a short time..
     The weather definitely affects the work! There is a difference between talking to people in the cold and in the warm! We have so much more success on warmer days, so I pray for those! I'm glad that President Anderson is reemphasizing the book of mormon. That will truly make a big difference, because the book of mormon does. It makes all the difference, and is truly a key to conversion. Imagine a whole stake converting together! Lasting conversion, something that the world and the adversary cannot shake. I am definitely experiencing the same thing over here. I spend most of my studies in the book of mormon, even for language study.
     
I don't know if I'll go back to Chinese! Whatever the case, I truly know that God will put me where he needs me. Wherever that is, he can count on me to do my very best. I like how you put acceptance and rejection. People must choose either one before that day, and it's better for me to offer it to them sooner than later!

Down the street from the National Mall

     Hello from the Library of Congress! Elder Synelnikov and I biked from our apartment on 16th street all the way down to the white house. Then we biked around and saw all the memorials. It's sooo much easier on bike! Remember how painful it was walking? We could go from the Lincoln to the capital easily :) The whole time we looked at the memorials the hymn "Faith of our Fathers" played in my head. In spite of all the opposition, they did great deeds on our behalf, and I am so eternally grateful for that. They prepared the way for the restoration. The only memorial they're missing is man who has had the greatest influence on us all.. Christ. They need a huge Christus or something, because there is none greater. None who deserve greater respect. Yes there have been many great free thinkers, but what of the author of freedom itself? Who made the great gift of agency available to us. That's just my rant for the day. We went through every bit of the air and space museum, and it's so weird being back there! I remember looking at the exhibits before, but I appreciate them even more now. Big museum though! I'm so tired!
     Last night I shared a message in Family Home Evening about how we can have peace in trying times. In unjust times. We have a lot of investigators and recent converts there, so I wanted it to be really practical, and have immediate application in their lives. So in Helamen 5:47, the Lord says that Nephi and Lehi will have peace, because of their faith in the only begotten. Then we had a discussion about how we develop our faith. Of course that's by working every day to become more like the Savior. I know this is a true principle. For some reason on Monday, I felt the difficulty of the work getting to me. Like, really getting to me. I haven't felt so down in such a long time. So for lunch, I poured over the Book of Mormon. And something changed. That book has power, it changed the very thoughts of my mind. I felt hope and peace, and the love of my Father. Then I was ready to go out. Instead of that feeling that my heart would break at another rejection, I felt the Lord before my face, and I couldn't stop smiling! I love how in his mercy, he made a way for our existence to be like His, full of joy.The people we're working with now are great! They're very pleasant and somewhat open to learning. But they're not really progressing. They're not picking up the book and reading! I know that if they do things will change for them, and I always express that, but people are kinda slow to do those things they really need to. As long as I'm giving them the best chance possible! I think that's what we can all do in our every effort, just give people the best chance possible. That may be from an invitation, or just being an example, but that is a duty each of us has.

Burning heart, freezing toes

I have not yet experienced COLD like this! The temperature here this week won't get above freezing.. Perfect time to be riding a bike around! It's so cold that at night, within 10 minutes I get brain freeze because it's so cold outside. I guess I should've just expected that! Apparently last year the temperature was really moderate during the winter though. But nonetheless, the work is going forward. I've put a lot of work into our area book and sorting out former investigators. Maybe I got that quality from Dad, but records really do need to be kept well. Otherwise you have no idea where people are at in their progression and who is worth giving another visit. We spent quite a bit of time up in the very northern tip of DC. We call that area the "Jew Square" because there are 2 synagogues up there on 16th and many Jewish people. While riding up there, we ran into a Jewish lady from New York. When we GQd her, she said that the Mormons helped her unflood her basement, and that they were angels! But when we invited her to share our beliefs, she took it as a form of disrepect. It wasn't until the next day that I found what my response should be. I'm reading our search for happiness, which puts our beliefs into really simple terms. And Elder Ballard points out that we believe it is our divine comission to share our beliefs. We have no intention of disrespecting nor taking away other's beliefs, in fact, we will defend their privilege to do so. However, it is our obligation as disciples of Jesus Christ to invite them to come unto him and receive a remission of their sins. That is a calling that each of us have. I just wish people would respect that idea. Out here I've been ignored, cursed, and disrespected, not anything like the Chinese! It's really sad because it closes them to learning of something more. I think people are just tired of being sold to. This area definitely has it's challenges, but I'm seeing all the blessings as well. There are humble people, people from every land. There isn't a much more diverse area in the world. People from El Salvador to Ethiopia to South Carolina all converge in this special place. I didn't get to go check out the inauguration, that day sucked! Everyone was gone! Zone Conference yesterday was so wonderful. President Eyring's younger brother is now the director of the visitor's center. President Matsumori invited him to bear his testimony at the end. He told us that when his older brother set him apart, he blessed him that all who would hear his testimony, would know in their hearts that it was true. And then he bore his testimony to us. It was so powerful, it pierced me to my very core. I'm so excited to be near that man! He looks and speaks just the way  his older brother does :) Excited for a new week, hopefully people start keeping commitments!

Inauguration to city life

It really has been quite a shock! The work has an entirely different dynamic here. I like having a confined space where I am assigned to minister as a representative of Jesus Christ. I've experienced a whole new level of opposition, but also a whole new level of openness to the gospel. Everyone knows who God and Christ are! The difference is showing them how our message can give them access to all that Heavenly Father has prepared for them. There's more happiness than just embracing Jesus! There is eternal peace and lasting joy that comes from becoming a true disciple of Christ and building His kingdom. I've met some truly awesome people, and I feel so loved already. So you see how DC is a big diamond? My area is the Northern most tip of all of DC. It is legitimately city! It's not ghetto at all though. That's down in Anacostia! But I wouldn't be surprised if I serve there at one point ;) I've accepted that Heavenly Father has a plan, and I can't even begin to predict it! My companion is the best! He is hardworking, bold, and soo funny! I can't believe I wouldn't have gotten the chance to serve with him. I've gotten all the things I need to do the rough missionary work. I probably have to get more durable shoes at one point, because the ones I got at the thrift store have their soles kind of ripping already. I only crashed ones! But my gymnast instincts kicked in and I ended up on my feet! I just messed my shoes up a bit and scraped one of my blue suit slacks! Too much fun! This weekend is inauguration, but we don't get to go. The mall looks sweet! We've gone there every preparation day so far. We went to the holocaust museum today.. Wow. I can't even believe it. This area is literally the coolest in the nation though!

Midnighted to DC

So guess what?! I got emergency transferred. I'm now in the middle of the northwest corner of DC, speaking English! I can't even believe it right now.. I feel like Heavenly Father is really pushing me to the maximum. I thought I would never get that feeling that I got in the MTC when they told me I was going to leave 3 weeks early again, and yet there it was. An Elder who just got out in the field decided to go home, leaving this area threatened to closing. And so, being the only trio, President's only resort was to pull me out and put me in the area. On bike, talking to black people all day. Completely opposite!! Talking to Ders all the time definitely prepared me for this ;) I sometimes feel like I'm talking to him when I talk to some people, I LOVE it!! My companion is from Ukraine, and he has excellent English. I hope he is doing alright, he's had some pretty difficult companions. I want to be the best that I can be for him. Even though this is unexpected, being my second transfer, I truly feel like this is part of Heavenly Father's plan for me. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. I was thinking about why he wouldn't call any Chinese Elder to this area for a year, and then 2. He was ready for this, and I'll be ready for this. It feels so unfair leaving the area I worked so hard on behind. I just was getting the hang of things. But I know this change is truly for my good as well. I have a specific purpose here, and I feel it is the best possible environment for me to grow the most that I can. I am ready to put my heart and soul into the work here, and love these people like my brothers and sisters. I had to get shoes to bike in and clothes to get dirty and I have to provide all my meals now, so I don't know how I'm going to make my money go this month, but I trust that the Lord will provide. I just haven't budgeted for I learned that I always have to be prepared for things like this to happen. I just think I should have been prepared to serve English at the beginning of my mission. I feel like one of my weaknesses is just the first approach, so I get a lot of practice in my own language! I hope I can bring it back to Chinese. I know my language can suffer too, so I'm putting a lot of effort into keeping it up through self study. I'm learning some Russian too from Elder Synelnikov! I love him already though, and I trust that there is a work very specific for us to do at this time.

Welcome Elder He and 2013

Elder He has arrived! Transfer meeting this morning was really cool, and I finally am starting to feel like I'm a real missionary ;) So Elder He is from San Fransisco. He came from China, near Hong Kong 2 years ago and is the only member of his family that decided to be baptized. He is turning 26 on Sunday! There is never a moment when he isn't smiling, he is so happy to be here. I feel bad for Elder Mclane having to finish my training and start his at the same time, but he can handle it. On New Years Eve we went to the VC where a GuZhang  society was playing. I have never seen it played before! Super cool instrument. There were tons of Chinese people so we found a few potentials. We had 7 investigators at Sacrament on Sunday! The people we're working with are progressing and building faith, and I feel like with Elder He, we have all the more potential to do great things. I really feel so much determination to put everything I have into working with these people and helping them increase their faith and develop their relationship with God. People in our branch are very migratory, but we'll just keep working at who is here! A lot of key active members are moving away in the next 6 months so the whole dynamic of the branch is about to change.