Hi Everyone!
I hope you're all doing well! Thanks for your wee little emails and notes. You're tops.
As
for me, things are going pretty well in Hong Kong. We have gotten to do
a lot of work this week, it feels like, and I feel very privileged to
get to teach so many people. I am always astounded by how many people
are willing to learn and listen to this message, and it's kind of
overwhelming yet wonderful to be called to preach repentance to this
generation (and all that).
Speaking of that, we got to do a lot of finding
yesterday in Tsing Yi (an island), and it was excellent. We basically go
up and talk with complete strangers for hours, sharing the gospel with
them whether they realize they want it or not. It's actually really
fun. I have a lot to learn from my new companion, but she's very patient
and loving in teaching me. It's really amazing to get to spend so much
time just talking to people, getting to know them and their motivations
and hopes, and then sharing this very precious message with them. It's a
privilege. So is seeing our progressing investigators. Sister Chan's
baptism is on Sunday! I am excited that she's finally made it to this
point, and I'm excited for everything that will come next for her.
Baptism is really a start, only. By the way, my companion is very
musical and plays the piano marvelously, so we are doing a musical
number for Sister Chan's baptismal number. We're excited for this whole
experience.
Also I am starting to understand way more Cantonese!
It's exciting. I think I am starting to really appreciate the language a
lot more too. I mean, it's kinda like learning two languages, because
written and spoken language are different, and then there are characters
to memorize (I have only learned about 50 so far, and therefore can
only read the "and" "is" "for" words so far, which is fairly limiting,
you know). BUT, my companion has been able to explain to me in more
detail the complexities and beauties of this language, which makes me so
excited. Slang is a much bigger part of spoken language than I thought
(when your language is so distanced from written, that's what happens, I
guess). And, when it comes to written, thoughts are very much condensed
and layered. The poetry, for example, is really short yet powerful,
apparently. You can contain entire stories in four characters. And poems
will include, not just rhyme, but matching tones and tone groups...it's
like this intense formula and very very cool. I think a much later goal
will be to understand some of the poetry.
But, of course, starting to understand and appreciate
the language is merely useful because it helps me love the people and
the culture here a lot. I think I have only begun to get more used to
living here, but I am really starting to like it. I have a feeling that
when I come home in, oh a year or so, I will have a hard time adjusting
to the fact that there are fewer people around. I will probably take to
standing in the middle of our kitchen (which is big in comparison to
Hong Kong's, by the way, Mom) just for fun. And maybe I will stand in
long lines for kicks. Or perhaps busy supermarket aisles. Just because,
in Hong Kong, you are always around other people! Like, really.
Speaking of lots of people, though, my companion and I
are planning to go to Mong Kok today to do a wee bit of shopping. I have
been there once before, so I will send you a picture of it to help you
understand just what it's like. Lots of people. Lots of shops. Lots of
haggling and the like. Oh, it's lovely.
Anyway, so is this missionary work. I'm excited for
another busy week. Lots of teaching lessons, and lots of learning for
myself as well (though I recognize that I am called to teach not to be
taught. An interesting thought, but rather a good reminder of the power
and authority of this calling. Wow.)
Anyway, the point is, I know that this gospel is true! I
know it will help each and every person in this here earth of ours.
That includes you.
Love you all! Lots!
Love,
Sister Nielsen
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