Heavenly Father
doesn't need superheroes, He needs servants. Sometimes you need the
humility to see His vineyard as the life changing landscape that it is.
There is work to do, and it is His work. Find joy in the small labor He
requires of you. Only you can do it, and it is marvelous in His eyes!
So, this week we had a number 8 typhoon, (8 out of 10, the worst typhoon in 10 years), so we had to stay inside until 3pm on Wednesday and Sunday. I was so sad church was canceled, but it did look like we were underwater on Sunday
morning, so it was probably for the best. Other areas were hit harder, especially Macau, where people died. Fortunately, we were completely
safe! The worst part was a small leak in the window, and just finding
stuff to do to stay busy. We still continued to work, call people,
update records, plan, study, and laugh together. Sister Johnson is the
best companion in the world. We sang Master, the Tempest is Raging
during companionship study :) Yesterday, it went down to level 3, so we
went out to visit a member. She was baptized last year, and is in the
hospital. So, everyone remember how we are white washing? I am still not
very good at getting around. We took the wrong bus twice, and then
finally walked up a long hill toward the hospital. The walk had a
breathtaking view of all the cargo crates and ocean here in Kwai Chung.
It's bigger than life and makes you feel so small and so powerful at the
same time.
Around the curve toward the entrance, we saw a
nurse and another woman burning stuff in a trash can. That and the rain,
and memories of horror movies, scared us a bit, but we kept our
imaginations in check and continued onward! haha, we found our friend
Serena and shared a message on the love and power of God in enabling us
to do all things. And about the worth of souls. She told us that she
wanted to be taller, and prettier. I am astounded at home universal and
real this is for girls! Self esteem issues aren't just in ballet studios
and high schools. But these things are so insignificant and trivial in
the perspective of the gospel! However, on my mission I have definitely
also struggled to look past my frizzy hair, sweaty face, and rice cheeks
and see the beloved missionary I am, and then STOP thinking of myself
and serve others. It requires effort, but as you study the gospel and
accept God's love, it becomes easy. I am just SO incredibly grateful for
the lens the gospel gives me. When things are hard and confusing, I
remind myself to look through the gospel lens and see what is of
significance and what will bless others. They aren't rose-colored
glasses, that is for sure, but it does work!
This
week we also read scriptures with a member named Candice! She is
amazing and loved reading about Charity with us in Preach My Gospel. She
was baptized a few years ago, and has a great testimony and desire to
increase her testimony.
We have eaten dinner with some great
member families, and have 4 more this week! We are so excited! Sister
Johnson and I are starting a program to help each missionary make their
own Family Mission Plan, then share with the Bishop what it is. Then
they are making a small family crest focused on the gospel. We will put
all the crests on our ward bulletin board, under KWAI CHUNG FAMILY. We
hope we can help each member understand their missionary potential and
responsibility!!
So, my mom this week told me "We have
realized you haven't told us anything for 14 months! Send more
information!" hhahaa, I have also noticed how my emails have not
described in detail my investigators' progress, area, or ward, or
schedule, etc. etc. I guess because all these things are really precious
to me, and all written in my journal, but when it comes to the end of
the week, and I reflect on what I have learned, it is always the
spiritual enlightenment I remember. Also, perhaps things out of context
would worry my family ;) Anyway, I will strive to have a better balance
of the real life and stuffy stuff, with the gospel messages :)
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