Light the World

Sometimes it hits me that I cannot do everything and that the distance
between perfection and me is equivalent to the distance between Hong Kong
and Utah. And that I single-handledly cannot convert all of Hong Kong
Island or introduce Pok Fu Lam to the gospel in one transfer. And it is
joyful and humbling when these moments occur because then Heavenly Father
helps me realize what matters most. It is not what I cannot do. It is what
I can do with the Lord's help. I can have direct communication with God. A
much faster communication that even my communication with my family in
Utah. The commercialness and materialism of Hong Kong contracts distinctly
with the precious knowledge of the gospel that I hold in my heart. It is
like comparing emails to prayer. They are both communication and get the
job done. One is happy and quite efficient and a little convenient. But one
is life-changing, constant, always two-way, and powerful. One depends the
world-wide web, and the other depends on the Creator of the universe. One
goes through Wi-fi, the other goes through the Savior of the world. These
seem obvious and too simple, but it is sometimes how I feel when people
fail to accept the gospel. I guess what I am trying to describe is that
nothing can compare to the knowledge of the gospel. The perspective the
gospel gives is priceless. There is simply nothing better.
We had a pretty busy week this week and hopefully this week will be even
busier! We had zone training on preparation and it was so amazing! We
really focused on how missionaries can "prepare every needful thing" and be
two steps ahead so we can have the Lord's promised blessings and be
prepared whenever our testimonies or help are needed. The Elders ended with
"It all began with a plan in heaven. Heavenly Father understands the
importance of planning." It was just really powerful and helped me see the
bigger picture and connect it to Christ.
We also did exchanges and I got to teach with Sister Yost, from California.
She almost had to go home for a medical surgery, but she is sticking it out
for 2 more transfers and she is honestly such an amazing missionary. She
has taught me so much. We taught Kelly together and it went so well. Even
though Kelly isn't ready to get baptized yet, and can hardly say a prayer,
I am thankful we can introduce her to the gospel and teach these lessons to
someone who needs them so much and has never heard them.
Yesterday we had dinner at a member's and it was so happy. It just felt
like a home away from home. I am so thankful the ward members and this
family in particular are so welcoming and loving. The food was also really
good :)
I hope everyone continues to do the 25 Days Christmas challenge! It is so
powerful! Let's LIGHT THE WORLD!

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*Sister Dopp*