"Cast a Wider Net"

Thanksgiving week! There is simply too much to be grateful for. I am honestly in awe of Heavenly Father's generosity. I am grateful for my family, the Savior, the gospel, my mission, my investigators, music, bright sunshine, my zone and companion, the scriptures, and so much more. I am thankful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. A quote I really liked this week was "Because Joseph Smith was a prophet, we have more than a window into heaven, we have a door into the eternities." ~Craig C. Christensen. 

We also had a tropical storm on Saturday! It rained so hard and was so fun and beautiful! It started at the beginning of a mutual BBQ, which we invited our 14 year old investigator, Kelly, to. We were all walking together, and I was the only one with an umbrella. I held it over her as we walked, and it just reminded me of the protection and safety the gospel can give. I am so thankful I can give that to others, and eventually help them have their own umbrellas (she was on her phone and didn't want to hold it at that moment haha). 

Yesterday was also probably the prettiest day I have ever seen in Hong Kong. The rain cleared out the sky and the ocean sparkled and the boats and trees seemed so vibrant in the crisp, bright air. 

My ward here is starting to feel like family. We reschedule the BBQ to last night in the church, and when Sister Gomez and I arrived, everyone cheered and smiled and said they were so glad we were here. It meant a lot to me and made me feel like I was home and that I was where I needed to be. The small moments on my mission have been the most meaningful and comforting.

This week I thought about the theme or idea, "Cast a wider net." Because this week I studied the New Testament story when Christ beckons his disciples to follow him and become fishers of men. And then they immediately leave their nets and follow him. I just wanted to cast a wider net, or talk to more people, try to make my example reach further, and have more memorable lessons, so that I can be a better "fisher of men" and help more people have the opportunity to come unto Christ. I have so many flaws and weaknesses, but as I concentrate on the Savior and day by day developing his attributes, I am filled with hope, joy, and love. I hope that everyone this week can rejoice and give thanks in that we have a "door into the eternities." Emily Abel, my favorite word to say in Cantonese is "Yehsou Geiduk wuhtjeukge."  Jesus Christ lives. And because he is our Savior, he stands at the door, knocking, waiting to let us into an eternity of joy.