I can barely believe that it has been a little more than 18 months here in Hong Kong. I feel a wave of emotions as I think about finishing my service as a full time missionary. What a privilege it has been to represent my Savior; to act, say and do as He would.
While I am excited to go home, see my family and begin the next new chapter of my life (this time with a better understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ), I will definitely miss Hong Kong. There is no way to express and put into words all that I have learned.
As we have just celebrated Easter, I really do KNOW that Jesus Christ, my Savior, lives. Because He lives I will always have someone who understands me completely. Who is ready, willing AND already has His hands outstretched to comfort, protect and strengthen me whenever I am in need.
I have felt His power countless times as I have been blessed with a wide range of adversity and had the opportunity to turn and rely on Him. On the other hand I have felt and seen true joy in my life and the lives of others that only comes from truly living as a disciple of Jesus Christ and the many blessings that are given to us as we accept and follow Him.
"He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come." He is my personal Savior and He loves me perfectly and completely.
The reason Hong Kong and these people will forever have a place in my heart is because I spent 18 months trying to minister, serve, and help them just as the Savior would. As a a result, I have grown SO close to my Savior! I have found the scripture, "If you are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" to be completely true. I hope that I can continue to serve all those that I come in contact with.
I really have no idea how to explain what my mission has meant to me, what it has taught me about my Savior, myself etc., and how it has helped me to know who I want to become. Every time I try I feel overwhelmed with happiness and at am a loss for words.
Ammon said it best (Alma 26 from the Book of Mormon).
"And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed upon us? Can ye tell? Behold, thousands of them do rejoice, and have been brought into the fold of God. Blessed be the name of our God; let us sing to his praise, yea, let us give thanks to his holy name, for he doth work righteousness forever."
"Behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever. Yea, we have reason to praise him forever, for he is the Most High God. Let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel."
I am so grateful that I had this time to really get to know my Savior and to share this wonderful message with those around me, to allow others to partake of the fruit of the tree of life and experience the 'exceedingly great joy' that I so often feel as a member of His church.
I know that it doesn't stop here, but it is a lifelong path, but I am grateful for this jump start :)
Thank you for all the help, support and prayers that you sent my way! I am very grateful for everything! I will see everyone on Friday :) :(
Love,
Sister Loo
April 2, 2018
March 25, 2018
Goals to finish strong...
This month our district set goals of 3/10/10/20 (Baptisms, Baptismal dates, At church average and new investigators). Well when numbers were sent in this week our districts actuals for the month of March was 3/13/10.5/16. We were absolutely stoked. At the beginning of the month we set these goals knowing that they were achievable, but that we would really have to work for them and have faith that the Lord would help us if we relied on Him. One of the elders said he would chang the district if we hit our goals this month too which is always good :) I still remember the days when this district would pull all 0's or maybe one at church, we have come so far and we are slowly improving it is so great!
On Tuesday we were doing calls because we had one appointment in the morning and then nothing the rest of the day until english class at night so we decided to call formers. Well much to my surprise we called and one they actually picked up and two she scheduled us for that very next day, which doesn't happen... ever.
We were super pumped and to make things even better, she has A TON of potential. Unfortunately she is going back to mainland and wont be back until the 16 of April, but I am excited to hear about her. She is really looking for the 'right' religion and knows that if she can find the right one it will bring a lot of peace and happiness.
We taught her the Plan of Salvation as she was really interested to the answers to the 3 questions. She is a single mother of an autistic boy. At the end of the lesson I had the impression to testify to her that God has entrusted her with a very special, precious soul because he really loves and trusts her. That even though I dont know how hard the path she has walked and how hard it is to be a single mother and have no family here in Hong Kong that Jesus Christ knows and He is there to help, comfort, and bless her whenever she made need it.
At the end of the lesson we all were teary eyed and she offered the most beautiful sincere prayer to know if the Plan of Salvation really was true. Sister Dodge and I walked away from that lesson so happy. As a missionary those are the moments you live for. To feel the spirit testify through you and to see someone else's face light up as they hear truth!
Funny story that might have been divine design?...
I now take a nap during my meal times and then sister Dodge wakes me up once our time is up. On Thursday she decided to also take a nap so she set the alarm, but it didnt go off! We ended up sleeping for 45 minutes over time. She looked at the alarm and there was literally no reason why it shouldnt have gone off so it was super weird.
Anyways, we got up and went with our plan of visiting an RC and her investigator mom. They NEVER schedule us or always cancel so we planned early in the week to go and just show up at their house. Well, when we arrived at their house she said, "wow we just got home not even 2 minutes ago!" so lets just say it was divine design. They would not have been there if we didnt sleep longer!
HA!
I think that might be all!
Love,
Sister Loo
On Tuesday we were doing calls because we had one appointment in the morning and then nothing the rest of the day until english class at night so we decided to call formers. Well much to my surprise we called and one they actually picked up and two she scheduled us for that very next day, which doesn't happen... ever.
We were super pumped and to make things even better, she has A TON of potential. Unfortunately she is going back to mainland and wont be back until the 16 of April, but I am excited to hear about her. She is really looking for the 'right' religion and knows that if she can find the right one it will bring a lot of peace and happiness.
We taught her the Plan of Salvation as she was really interested to the answers to the 3 questions. She is a single mother of an autistic boy. At the end of the lesson I had the impression to testify to her that God has entrusted her with a very special, precious soul because he really loves and trusts her. That even though I dont know how hard the path she has walked and how hard it is to be a single mother and have no family here in Hong Kong that Jesus Christ knows and He is there to help, comfort, and bless her whenever she made need it.
At the end of the lesson we all were teary eyed and she offered the most beautiful sincere prayer to know if the Plan of Salvation really was true. Sister Dodge and I walked away from that lesson so happy. As a missionary those are the moments you live for. To feel the spirit testify through you and to see someone else's face light up as they hear truth!
Funny story that might have been divine design?...
I now take a nap during my meal times and then sister Dodge wakes me up once our time is up. On Thursday she decided to also take a nap so she set the alarm, but it didnt go off! We ended up sleeping for 45 minutes over time. She looked at the alarm and there was literally no reason why it shouldnt have gone off so it was super weird.
Anyways, we got up and went with our plan of visiting an RC and her investigator mom. They NEVER schedule us or always cancel so we planned early in the week to go and just show up at their house. Well, when we arrived at their house she said, "wow we just got home not even 2 minutes ago!" so lets just say it was divine design. They would not have been there if we didnt sleep longer!
HA!
I think that might be all!
Love,
Sister Loo
March 11, 2018
Just a short note...
Okay I apologize but this is a short one!
The only thing that I can think of sharing this week was that Shirley's two friends were baptized yesterday! I say that because it really was because of Shirley and her example that her friends were willing and had a desire to stay active. They are really great friends and I think it was good for Shirley to see as well. It also never hurts to have your best friends have the same beliefs as you and you can keep each other strong! :)
Any-who, one of the sisters who gave the talk on baptisms told a story about a girl who was given 1 million dollars and decided to use it all on buying make up! She then asked what does this have to do with the gospel? If we just place the gospel as one of the 'things' that make up our lives or one of the 'things' we do, then we are wasting the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are not fully utilizing what it can do for us. We need to place it at the center of our lives and allow His gospel to influence everything that we do. That is when we fully unlock the potential of what our lives can become!
The gospel is the best!
Love you all!
Sister Loo
Funny story of the week:
So we were coming from a lesson and late to a musical practice with our district for singing at the baptism and we get a call and in order to get us to move faster (I didnt know this was their intentions at the beginning), they literally say, "Sister Loo there is a bunch of poly guys walking out of the chapel right now" Lol my district knows me too well. It has been too long :)
March 4, 2018
Too tired to even write...
So this week will be a short one.
We had a surprise visitor, once again her testimony shocked me. She was a devout Buddhist or as she said her heart was Buddhist. Her mom recently passed away (less than a month ago) from cancer and she found that no one was able or even willing to comfort her. No one was there for her, she told us that she even had thoughts of suicide. Well as she remembered the example of her mother and what she believed in she decided to pray. When she prayed she felt peace and just happy. She told us that the trial wasnt taken away, nor was the pain from the loss of her mother not there, but she felt peace. Two months later she came down and was baptized. She was so cute and giggly and I just love being able to participate with them!
Shirley was also baptized! She has been investigating for quite awhile and I remember her having a baptismal date multiple times that she never really committed too. It was interesting for me to see how much she changed. While she is still a teenage girl, the Lord has definitely refined her and she knows her purpose and I think has a stronger testimony then she wants to give off. She was SUPER happy yesterday and could not stop thanking everyone. She also has brought along 3 of her friends and has set a great example for them all. Her best friend Kay has also been investigating for over a year, but it is interesting because at some point it clicked for Shirley and she started taking it seriously and was ready and willing to be the only one to be baptized. I am excited to see where she goes from here.
That is it.. I guess my hands are also too exhausted to type weekly blog posts haha!
Love,
Sister Loo
February 25, 2018
Welcome back...
Today everyone starts school so we are just coming up out of Chinese New Year thank goodness!
The exciting thing about this week was we had the opportunity to talk with/teach a group of 10 YM/YW about missionary life and what it is that we do. They asked us all a lot of questions and it was so fun to see their curiosity and how excited they were about serving missions.
A lot of them are all from part member families, but they ALL have a desire to serve. We got to hear all of their conversion stories-how they met the gospel, what was the 'thing' that first helped their testimony to grow etc. and that has got to be one of my most favorite things.
The members in Mainland China are SO faithful! They also wanted to experience missionary work especially going out 'finding', which is funny because that is usually not anyones favorite part about missionary work. Well they all did super amazing and they are like 110% more prepared then I ever was!
As I have been asked to reflect back on my mission, more especially the spiritual truths that I have learned. I realized that ultimately what I already knew to be true has just been solidified.
Two of the most important truths that can encompass everything that I have learned is that He lives AND that He Loves me, individually. I know these things to be true without a shadow of a doubt.
There have been many times on my mission that I have seen the hand of God directing His work, to see myself and others use His Atonement and then to see the Spirit touch investigators, members, and my own heart. I can not question these things to be true and for that I am SO grateful!
Hmm I am drawing a blank about anything else that happened this week so I guess that is it!
Love,
Sister Loo
February 18, 2018
Happy Chinese New Year!
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!
So unfortunately, I do not like chinese new year that much (at least on the mission, in reality it would be great) because everyone and their mothers or anyone that can at least speak a little bit of mandarin (okay I am being dramatic, but it feels like it) heads home to Mainland, which means no contact with them.
Luckily this is only like a week long holiday so we only have like 3 more days of them being gone before we can talk with them, but I am not a fan! So our next thought was, "No problem we will find for the Cantonese missionaries since we are all on the same team" yeah...no. The streets had NO ONE!
SO then our next thought was do calls of formers. Another bad idea. It is a little inconsiderate to call people because they are spending time with their families on these days. So mafan!
Anyways, luckily president Lam being bendi knew this so put zone conference on one of these days. The assistants gave a great training on the restoration reminding us that this is our unique and special message to the world. It was super good to rethink and realize how marvelous this message is and how much power it brings when it is taught right.
They posed the question to us, "What does the restoration mean to you?" As we went home and I pondered on this question I felt so happy. Without the Restoration we wouldn't have the Book of Mormon, we wouldn't know much about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and I definitely would not have as close relationship with my Savior and know Him like I do now! I just feel extremely blessed and so thankful!
Well I think that is it.. hopefully when people come back life will get more exciting!
Oh yeah transfer calls came and sister Dodge and I are safe and I will spend my last transfer in Kowloon, thank goodness! Unfortunately that means that I am in my last transfer and everyone in my zone doesn't let me forget it.. Oh well, one last transfer to kill it :)
Love,
Sister Loo
So unfortunately, I do not like chinese new year that much (at least on the mission, in reality it would be great) because everyone and their mothers or anyone that can at least speak a little bit of mandarin (okay I am being dramatic, but it feels like it) heads home to Mainland, which means no contact with them.
Luckily this is only like a week long holiday so we only have like 3 more days of them being gone before we can talk with them, but I am not a fan! So our next thought was, "No problem we will find for the Cantonese missionaries since we are all on the same team" yeah...no. The streets had NO ONE!
SO then our next thought was do calls of formers. Another bad idea. It is a little inconsiderate to call people because they are spending time with their families on these days. So mafan!
Anyways, luckily president Lam being bendi knew this so put zone conference on one of these days. The assistants gave a great training on the restoration reminding us that this is our unique and special message to the world. It was super good to rethink and realize how marvelous this message is and how much power it brings when it is taught right.
They posed the question to us, "What does the restoration mean to you?" As we went home and I pondered on this question I felt so happy. Without the Restoration we wouldn't have the Book of Mormon, we wouldn't know much about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and I definitely would not have as close relationship with my Savior and know Him like I do now! I just feel extremely blessed and so thankful!
Well I think that is it.. hopefully when people come back life will get more exciting!
Oh yeah transfer calls came and sister Dodge and I are safe and I will spend my last transfer in Kowloon, thank goodness! Unfortunately that means that I am in my last transfer and everyone in my zone doesn't let me forget it.. Oh well, one last transfer to kill it :)
Love,
Sister Loo
February 11, 2018
One of the best weeks ever...
This week we had the opportunity to participate and witness 3 baptisms! It was the best week ever.
On Tuesday after District meeting and about to head home we were asked to teach an 8 year old girl whose mom joined the church 7 years ago and was here going through the temple. Well her mom wanted her to get baptized so we quickly asked permission from their branch president as well as the China Administrative Director, taught REALLY simply all the lessons and had the service 2 hours later. It was wonderful and she was super cute!
Wednesday we had Mission Leadership Conference which was amazing as well. We spent two hours just talking about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how it has helped us and then how we can better teach this principle this power to our investigators and you can never go wrong talking about the greatest gift we have ever been given! I love my Savior and am so grateful for his matchless gift and mercy extended to each and everyone of us. His atonement has the power not only to redeem us but strengthen us as we face the difficulties and trials of everyday life!
After our discussion (and a wonderful lunch) we had a very faithful discussion and time and set the China Hong Kong Mission baptismal goal. We set the goal to double the amount of baptisms from last year and many different things went into our decision, but it was a very faith promoting, inspiring experience as we all counseled together and set a goal in faith!
Thursday after our weekly service, we had Ted's baptismal service! He is so amazing and so prepared. He wanted to get baptized on his birthday and was so grateful for everyone who celebrated with him. He is one of those people who have a light about them and really is golden. He shared his conversion story and our branch president when welcoming him into the branch talked about how he might now be able to see or feel the difference between today and yesterday, but in 10 or so years from now he will see a huge difference between the road he is on and the road of (maybe) some of his pears. Long story short, it was a very wonderful service!
The last baptism of the week came on Saturday when the elders were teaching a 17 year old visitor and wanted our help during the service to help her through the ordinance. Well I think I spent an hour with her and love her so much. She took a 4 hour flight down here by herself to get baptized and she only met the church 2 months ago. During her testimony she shared how she originally went to church for fun then gradually she went back because of the the feeling that she always felt while there and the hospitality of the members there. There is no youth in her branch so she was so happy to the point of tears to meet people her age who had her same beliefs. She is just all around amazing and I can't explain how! Hoping to see her at BYU in the fall :)
I feel extremely blessed to be able to meet these people with such great faith, who accept and live the gospel and recognize the blessings and joy that come from Him! I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to participate and witness their faith and testimony that help my own.
As elder Uchtdorf says, We tread a path covered with diamonds, but we can scarcely distinguish them from ordinary pebbles. In the Church of Jesus Christ, we have been given so much. We are surrounded by such an astonishing wealth of light and truth that I wonder if we truly appreciate what we have."
The mission is amazing! I hope this week we can all recognize the many blessings that come from living the gospel and that are in the tiny details of our every day lives!
Love,
Sister Loo
Funny story of the week:
Talking about different sisters in the mission and my lovely Filipina roommate goes, "She is pretty but I just don't like looking at her for a long time"
On Tuesday after District meeting and about to head home we were asked to teach an 8 year old girl whose mom joined the church 7 years ago and was here going through the temple. Well her mom wanted her to get baptized so we quickly asked permission from their branch president as well as the China Administrative Director, taught REALLY simply all the lessons and had the service 2 hours later. It was wonderful and she was super cute!
Wednesday we had Mission Leadership Conference which was amazing as well. We spent two hours just talking about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how it has helped us and then how we can better teach this principle this power to our investigators and you can never go wrong talking about the greatest gift we have ever been given! I love my Savior and am so grateful for his matchless gift and mercy extended to each and everyone of us. His atonement has the power not only to redeem us but strengthen us as we face the difficulties and trials of everyday life!
After our discussion (and a wonderful lunch) we had a very faithful discussion and time and set the China Hong Kong Mission baptismal goal. We set the goal to double the amount of baptisms from last year and many different things went into our decision, but it was a very faith promoting, inspiring experience as we all counseled together and set a goal in faith!
Thursday after our weekly service, we had Ted's baptismal service! He is so amazing and so prepared. He wanted to get baptized on his birthday and was so grateful for everyone who celebrated with him. He is one of those people who have a light about them and really is golden. He shared his conversion story and our branch president when welcoming him into the branch talked about how he might now be able to see or feel the difference between today and yesterday, but in 10 or so years from now he will see a huge difference between the road he is on and the road of (maybe) some of his pears. Long story short, it was a very wonderful service!
The last baptism of the week came on Saturday when the elders were teaching a 17 year old visitor and wanted our help during the service to help her through the ordinance. Well I think I spent an hour with her and love her so much. She took a 4 hour flight down here by herself to get baptized and she only met the church 2 months ago. During her testimony she shared how she originally went to church for fun then gradually she went back because of the the feeling that she always felt while there and the hospitality of the members there. There is no youth in her branch so she was so happy to the point of tears to meet people her age who had her same beliefs. She is just all around amazing and I can't explain how! Hoping to see her at BYU in the fall :)
I feel extremely blessed to be able to meet these people with such great faith, who accept and live the gospel and recognize the blessings and joy that come from Him! I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to participate and witness their faith and testimony that help my own.
As elder Uchtdorf says, We tread a path covered with diamonds, but we can scarcely distinguish them from ordinary pebbles. In the Church of Jesus Christ, we have been given so much. We are surrounded by such an astonishing wealth of light and truth that I wonder if we truly appreciate what we have."
The mission is amazing! I hope this week we can all recognize the many blessings that come from living the gospel and that are in the tiny details of our every day lives!
Love,
Sister Loo
Funny story of the week:
Talking about different sisters in the mission and my lovely Filipina roommate goes, "She is pretty but I just don't like looking at her for a long time"
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Lunch with Sarah
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Teds baptism.. He came out with his white jumpsuit on and said, "My favorite birthday suit" HAHAHA
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| Dudus birthday party.. she is at least 50 and never celebrated her own birthday! |
February 4, 2018
In Kowloon...
In Kowloon because church starts at 1 it gives us the opportunity to work with Cantonese wards and attend their church at 9. Well it is an unbelievably long day sitting through 3 hours of church that you don't understand (reminds me of the start of my mission) and then on top of that being hungry from fasting.
Today at church, one of our investigators looked at us and was like, "You two look like you are fasting." Haha oops! Anywho it is a huge blessing because these members are super accepting and super awesome! We have already received a handful of referrals and a handful of chang outs :) The church is the same everywhere you go and they are all ready to welcome you with open arms. Although we (sometimes) can't communicate very well you can still feel of their warmth and see their happiness and that has been a blessing.
This week Thursday we also were able to go to the temple and that is always amazing. This time I went in with the question of if I should go to Spring term of school as well as what I should start to think about studying. I brought in my Patriarchal blessing to read in the Celestial Room and I received so many answers to my prayers. I came out so happy, excited and pumped! That is what the House of the Lord will do for you :)
We also had the opportunity to help a man be baptized on Monday. He came all the way from Beijing (so he had my favorite Beijing accent which I was pumped about). His girlfriend (so there might have been a little flirt to convert going on haha) who is a member introduced him to the gospel and when we started he didn't know what prophets were, never heard of the Atonement and never actually done a personal prayer so we started from square one.
Well, in his first prayer I was amazed by his faith. As he was praying he said, "I don't know much, but I am willing to follow Jesus Christ" The faith of these members from Mainland China never ceases to amaze me!
Last, we had the chance to celebrate a little 6 year old in our ward birthday. I think the party was more for the mom than it was for the kid, but the mom has had a hard past couple of years, but continues to have unwavering faith receiving her endowment just a month ago (She got baptized just over a year ago and usually going through the temple here does not happen that fast).
This simple act of just being there to celebrate her daughters birthday was something that she was SO thankful for!
It is also one of the coldest winters that Hong Kong has ever had apparently so hopefully I don't melt from the cold because centralized heating here isn't a thing, but Hong Kong is otherwise awesome!
Love,
Sister Loo
Oh yeah more funny stuff as we taught English class this week. We were talking about careers and stuff and one of it comes to Linguistics which an elder goes, "Yeah this is sister Loos" and one of the english class attendees looks at me and then goes, "Ohh is that where they try on lingerie" I just started busting up laughing. Apparently I give off that appearance. Maybe its from all the clothes I was wearing because it was so cold haha!
Today at church, one of our investigators looked at us and was like, "You two look like you are fasting." Haha oops! Anywho it is a huge blessing because these members are super accepting and super awesome! We have already received a handful of referrals and a handful of chang outs :) The church is the same everywhere you go and they are all ready to welcome you with open arms. Although we (sometimes) can't communicate very well you can still feel of their warmth and see their happiness and that has been a blessing.
This week Thursday we also were able to go to the temple and that is always amazing. This time I went in with the question of if I should go to Spring term of school as well as what I should start to think about studying. I brought in my Patriarchal blessing to read in the Celestial Room and I received so many answers to my prayers. I came out so happy, excited and pumped! That is what the House of the Lord will do for you :)
We also had the opportunity to help a man be baptized on Monday. He came all the way from Beijing (so he had my favorite Beijing accent which I was pumped about). His girlfriend (so there might have been a little flirt to convert going on haha) who is a member introduced him to the gospel and when we started he didn't know what prophets were, never heard of the Atonement and never actually done a personal prayer so we started from square one.
Well, in his first prayer I was amazed by his faith. As he was praying he said, "I don't know much, but I am willing to follow Jesus Christ" The faith of these members from Mainland China never ceases to amaze me!
Last, we had the chance to celebrate a little 6 year old in our ward birthday. I think the party was more for the mom than it was for the kid, but the mom has had a hard past couple of years, but continues to have unwavering faith receiving her endowment just a month ago (She got baptized just over a year ago and usually going through the temple here does not happen that fast).
This simple act of just being there to celebrate her daughters birthday was something that she was SO thankful for!
It is also one of the coldest winters that Hong Kong has ever had apparently so hopefully I don't melt from the cold because centralized heating here isn't a thing, but Hong Kong is otherwise awesome!
Love,
Sister Loo
Oh yeah more funny stuff as we taught English class this week. We were talking about careers and stuff and one of it comes to Linguistics which an elder goes, "Yeah this is sister Loos" and one of the english class attendees looks at me and then goes, "Ohh is that where they try on lingerie" I just started busting up laughing. Apparently I give off that appearance. Maybe its from all the clothes I was wearing because it was so cold haha!
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| Temple Day! |
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Sister Dodge and I.
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I haven't been to a 6 year olds birthday party in awhile
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Lam family (one of the awesome cantonese families I am talking about)
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Our visitor!
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| Candy (a friend of another really awesome Cantonese member) |
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Visiting a disney museum!
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January 21, 2018
Good Morning!
Good Morning!
Well right now I am stressed about school so I can not think straight. I just wish I had nothing to think about other than the mission and I was never coming home and didn't have to worry about it!
This week was super busy and we rarely had time for studies which is both a plus and a minus because personal study is always my favorite. I really understand the importance now of setting aside time to be nourished by the word of God! It really does wonders to my attitude and outlook on the whole entire day. But then again, being busy is super awesome as well! We are currently rearranging our priorities and setting expectations with investigators because I told sister Dodge I feel more like an English teacher than a missionary. Good thing they don't speak that good of english because I don't think my english is that good anymore!
The highlight of the week was meeting with a less active of about 10+ years. We called his wife who our Relief Society president told us to try visiting her. Well when we called her she told us she had no interest in meeting and was not Buddhist. Well about 45 minutes later we get a call from her husband asking to meet! When meeting with him a couple of days later we find out that he had a really rough day at work and asked God to give him a miracle and that night we called! Talk about divine intervention! Well to make things even better, this guy is awesome. It seems like he was just itching to get back to church and just needs a little bit of a push. It is quite amazing because he has a really strong testimony and a lot of faith so I am excited to continue working with him!
We visited a different less active whose daughter previously (sorry I don't know the medical term) had Leukemia. When we talked with her she explained how even though this was a big trial she remains grateful. She knew through it all, no matter what happened that everything would be okay. It was really neat and touching to hear her testimony of the Plan of Salvation and that this knowledge gave her an eternal perspective.
Funny moments:
As we were going home from an appointment a 14 year old boy started walking and talking with us (which was weird in the first place because no one ever does that), well as we parted ways we asked him if he would have interest in learning about Jesus Christ and he says, "You know I think I will just stay neutral, like the swiss"
We were teaching a 16 year old investigator english and one of the questions was describe your ideal husband. Well she wrote, pretty not too skinny. When we asked her to expand on what not too skinny meant or looked like she said, "Like you." Oh great thank you haha!
The mission is awesome! Thanks for all the love and support,
Sister Loo
P.S. My companion is even worse at taking pictures than me so maybe no more pictures for the rest of my mission haha!
January 14, 2018
Good Morning...
GOOD MORNING!
So this week was exciting with the transfer and trying to understand the work and the investigators up here in Kowloon. For once in my mission I am really looking forward to weekly planning so that I can get a better grip on the area and have a better plan on how to work. I am excited to see how the Lord will use me and excited to get to work! My companion is again from Utah (Lehi) and it seems like we will be just fine. I realized a couple weeks ago that I have been companions with all of my companions for 2 transfers or less and that has been a HUGE blessing. The Lord has definitely blessed me with more patience on my mission, but 2 transfers is the perfect amount of time with anyone :)
Yesterday we met with an investigator and she asked me if I had any miraculous experiences on my mission, any miracles or any experiences I could share where I truly saw the Lords hand in my life and my happiest moments on the mission. As I reflected on this I realized that I am the happiest when I can see others come unto christ, see the change that they have made in their life to follow Christ and to be a part of that process. It really is one of my most favorite things and am so lucky to be able to be a part of His great work! The gospel-our Savior, if we allow Him, can really change us!
On Tuesday we were able to have one last lesson with Michelle. She currently has a lot of family and work issues, but always finds strength and comfort from prayer. It was a great lesson and the spirit was so strong. We talked about finding peace in The Savior and coming unto him. We watched the mormon message "mountains to climb". She really was able to find peace from the Savior and said that while she was in mainland she went to a friend who is also christian church activity. At first it was good and they did much of the same things we did like a spiritual thought and sang hymns, but then it got weird and she told us she had to leave because "It wasn't OUR church and it helped me know that this church is true!"
This week we met with another crazy, super nice lady, but a little bit off. She kept telling us that she hopes that one day we can talk about our enlightenment and our path to enlightenment. We tried telling her that we were trying to share that right now, but she again stated that we are on different paths heading the same direction.. interesting.
That should be it! Love,
Sister Loo
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The happiest place on earth other than Church buildings!!!
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Last apartment lunch!
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January 7, 2018
News of the week from Hong Kong...
The most exciting news of the week is that I am getting transferred. Last 2 transfers and President is shipping me back up to the area I served in for only 24 days. Can't say that I was not expecting it though. I am excited to see what challenges and experiences lie ahead. I am very sad as I have served on the island basically my whole mission and will really miss all the people down here. It almost feels like I am leaving Hong Kong because I have only had one area, but I know that I can love these people and this new area just as much!
So yesterday we had an amazing testimony meeting. The spirit was very strong as member bore their testimonies. One of my favorite people ever (zhao JM) bore her testimony on how much the gospel blesses families. Her husband who is not a member has slowly changed from completely opposing the church and never wanting to be home when we are there, to eating dinner and having a conversation with us! She has noticed that as she has been more faithful that her husbands heart is really starting to soften! She also stated a really simple truth that I loved she said, "I love sharing the gospel and one of the things I love to tell my friends is that this church, this gospel, is a place where they can always find peace from the world, a place where true happiness is found in abundance". How grateful I am for her and her diligence in living the gospel! (P.S. She also brought a friend to church yesterday so that was awesome!)
On Wednesday we had MLC which was of course amazing. Almost immediately after we closed and were getting our 'refreshments' our sweet mission president, with tears in his eyes made the announcement that our dear prophet had died. Sister Clark made the comment that we could sing 'We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet'. As we did so I could not help, but cry. It was a mix of emotions as I went from being sad to happy knowing where he was going and that he could be with his wife again, but mostly just blessed to have a living prophet. That God does not leave us alone and through his chosen prophet directs his church. I am so grateful for President Monsons service. There were a lot of members who bore their testimony about living prophets and expressed their gratitude for President Monson yesterday as well. Most of the branch are recent converts, all except a handful who were baptized while he was prophet. They felt a connection to him and it was really cool to hear their testimonies. It is amazing how someone we have never really met in person can have such an impact on us, can really influence our lives and I think that is one way that you know they are prophets of God.
This week we went to Food Angel which is just an organization like the Food Bank that helps food get distributed to the poor and needy. The first weird thing is that we were wearing jeans, which is just weird and I felt like a normal person haha. Well next there were volunteers there from Louis Vuitton as well and as they were looking at our name tags they ask Sister Anderson and Sister Rodriguez if they are sisters to which they reply yes. I jump in and say no because I knew what they 'really' meant and then her friend turns and is like wait what and the girl says, 'their nuns!'. Haha not quite, but it is pretty funny how little people know and the many misconceptions out in the world!
Well there will hopefully be more news next week! I had something funny to write, but I forgot..oops
Love,
Sister Loo
So yesterday we had an amazing testimony meeting. The spirit was very strong as member bore their testimonies. One of my favorite people ever (zhao JM) bore her testimony on how much the gospel blesses families. Her husband who is not a member has slowly changed from completely opposing the church and never wanting to be home when we are there, to eating dinner and having a conversation with us! She has noticed that as she has been more faithful that her husbands heart is really starting to soften! She also stated a really simple truth that I loved she said, "I love sharing the gospel and one of the things I love to tell my friends is that this church, this gospel, is a place where they can always find peace from the world, a place where true happiness is found in abundance". How grateful I am for her and her diligence in living the gospel! (P.S. She also brought a friend to church yesterday so that was awesome!)
On Wednesday we had MLC which was of course amazing. Almost immediately after we closed and were getting our 'refreshments' our sweet mission president, with tears in his eyes made the announcement that our dear prophet had died. Sister Clark made the comment that we could sing 'We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet'. As we did so I could not help, but cry. It was a mix of emotions as I went from being sad to happy knowing where he was going and that he could be with his wife again, but mostly just blessed to have a living prophet. That God does not leave us alone and through his chosen prophet directs his church. I am so grateful for President Monsons service. There were a lot of members who bore their testimony about living prophets and expressed their gratitude for President Monson yesterday as well. Most of the branch are recent converts, all except a handful who were baptized while he was prophet. They felt a connection to him and it was really cool to hear their testimonies. It is amazing how someone we have never really met in person can have such an impact on us, can really influence our lives and I think that is one way that you know they are prophets of God.
This week we went to Food Angel which is just an organization like the Food Bank that helps food get distributed to the poor and needy. The first weird thing is that we were wearing jeans, which is just weird and I felt like a normal person haha. Well next there were volunteers there from Louis Vuitton as well and as they were looking at our name tags they ask Sister Anderson and Sister Rodriguez if they are sisters to which they reply yes. I jump in and say no because I knew what they 'really' meant and then her friend turns and is like wait what and the girl says, 'their nuns!'. Haha not quite, but it is pretty funny how little people know and the many misconceptions out in the world!
Well there will hopefully be more news next week! I had something funny to write, but I forgot..oops
Love,
Sister Loo
January 1, 2018
Happy New Year...2018!!!
Well today was quite a funny and weird week. Today marks the start of the new year, the end of my full year in Hong Kong and the time where I realize my time as a missionary is really dwindling!
Anyways, because it is Christmas unfortunately A LOT.. okay no like basically all of our investigators are in Mainland. So that meant that this week was spent finding. I have learned to like finding a lot more than I used to, but it seems that we ran into all the cookoos this week. It was fun and a good realization that everyone needs love and that they are children of God as well!
We were invited over to a Recent Converts house for Hot Pot (SOOO good). Her husband is not yet a member and she is SO excited to share the gospel with him and all her friends, which is really cool to see. She spends about 3 hours a day reading the Book of Mormon and was telling us last night that she really knows that the book is true and there is no way that these people, these prophets made these things up because the things they write are beyond their intelligence.
Sister Lori also called us this week talking about how all her friends were going out to drink for the new years and she went to the church. She talked about how she didnt care and is just so much happier now and knows what her goal is and felt Gods love for her at church that day! It is such a testimony builder to me and a huge blessing to see them as they build their testimony, live the gospel to its fullest and are able to experience the blessings!
That is it for the week! 新年快乐！
Love,
Sister Loo
Some randoms...
We met with a potential this week and while she was showing pictures of her daughter she turns to run and says in Chinese 'This is a back profile picture' and then in English, 'sexy' Hahaha I love hearing the English they know!
This week as we were going out to lunch with a man we met from Nigeria, he finds out how old we are and then says to me, "You know you should really meet my son! He would really love you." Then turns to my companion and says, "Dont be surprised if you see her and her last name is (his last name)" So unfortunately, I can not obtain any referrals from investigators, but I can for people who want to set me up with their sons! Yes just what I wanted! (this story sounds sketchy, but dont worry haha)
Anyways, because it is Christmas unfortunately A LOT.. okay no like basically all of our investigators are in Mainland. So that meant that this week was spent finding. I have learned to like finding a lot more than I used to, but it seems that we ran into all the cookoos this week. It was fun and a good realization that everyone needs love and that they are children of God as well!
We were invited over to a Recent Converts house for Hot Pot (SOOO good). Her husband is not yet a member and she is SO excited to share the gospel with him and all her friends, which is really cool to see. She spends about 3 hours a day reading the Book of Mormon and was telling us last night that she really knows that the book is true and there is no way that these people, these prophets made these things up because the things they write are beyond their intelligence.
Sister Lori also called us this week talking about how all her friends were going out to drink for the new years and she went to the church. She talked about how she didnt care and is just so much happier now and knows what her goal is and felt Gods love for her at church that day! It is such a testimony builder to me and a huge blessing to see them as they build their testimony, live the gospel to its fullest and are able to experience the blessings!
That is it for the week! 新年快乐！
Love,
Sister Loo
Some randoms...
We met with a potential this week and while she was showing pictures of her daughter she turns to run and says in Chinese 'This is a back profile picture' and then in English, 'sexy' Hahaha I love hearing the English they know!
This week as we were going out to lunch with a man we met from Nigeria, he finds out how old we are and then says to me, "You know you should really meet my son! He would really love you." Then turns to my companion and says, "Dont be surprised if you see her and her last name is (his last name)" So unfortunately, I can not obtain any referrals from investigators, but I can for people who want to set me up with their sons! Yes just what I wanted! (this story sounds sketchy, but dont worry haha)
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| Cute little cake (tasted disgusting though) |
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| Hot Pot! |
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Nandis baptism!
(Sister Clark and I met an egyptian man on the train one day who found my blog and then I gave his name as a referrals to the Elders and He showed up with Nandi to their first lesson with him. He stopped investigating the church, but she got baptized! The Lord works in mysterious ways!)
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