Lion's Rock

Each passing week makes these weekly emails even more difficult. These
experiences are so special, sacred, difficult, amazing, and miraculous!
They really cannot be described, and expressing myself is so difficult.
Especially in English!
But this week has been so awesome. Even though it is tough to find
investigators, I am learning hope and patience and faith. It is also
teaching me the worth of souls. Like the scripture says "The whole of souls
is great in the sight of God." I am grateful to dedicate so much time,
prayer, and study to our little pool of investigators, as well as our
amazing Pok Fu Lam ward! The members here really inspire me, and they are
so willing to go above and beyond their callings. The deaf members
especially inspire me. It is neat to see Cantonese sign language every
week.
Today we hiked Lion's Rock and the view was breathtaking! Even though it
was a bit foggy, the skyscrapers, roads, large malls, and parks were
visible in all their glory! I am so happy I live in Hong Kong!!! Walking up
the mountain was so fun, every person we saw we'd say "Jou San!" (good
morning) and they would be so surprised and say we were so smart and clever
and "leng leiuh" (pretty girl) haha they are so kind and so encouraging of
our Cantonese! Even if they just hear us say one thing
We met a man in Cyberport this week that has been to Utah a few times for
business, and who has a daughter who may go to the school my companion went
to in Florida! There were so many coincidences and we talked for awhile.
Yesterday, in line for the bus we saw him again and he introduced us to his
wife and daughter! Gam kiu! (What a coincidence!) He is not religious, but
he says the saying from Islam, "Inshallah," "God willing." He was so kind
and we hope we can begin teaching them! I am grateful I could learn from
one of his sayings, which he adopted because of an open mind and acceptance
of others' beliefs. That is something I admire about people here. They are
usually very open to others' beliefs, and have very open minds. But I am
also thankful that we all have ONE eternal truth. Truth exists and we can
find it!
This week Psalm 46:1 has become very real to me. God IS a "our refuge and
strength, a very present help in trouble." (I'm not sure I quoted that
exactly right) But I know that Heavenly Father is really so very present in
our lives. Whenever I feel tired or nervous or overwhelmed or not enough, I
look forward to being able to end the day in prayer. To gain strength from
God and ponder about how much He loves me and how I can serve Him better.
It gives me the hope to keep going, the courage to talk to someone, the
love and motivation to share my testimony.
I have seen miracles on my mission. Not the kind of miracles they share in
General Conference, or make the front pages of newspapers, or that I can
easily explain in one email. But miracles are simply extraordinary events
that change lives, and the ones I have seen in Hong Kong have changed mine.
I know Christ lives. I know Heavenly Father loves us. These plain and
precious truths I have learned since I was little are becoming more plain
and precious to me as I teach in simple Cantonese to Heavenly Father's
children.
I love you all and hope 2017 is.....
well, whatever you want it to be!!!
--
*Sister Dopp*