Thursday, July 12, 2012

The Summer is Hot in Hong Kong

Hello Dearest Family, one and all!
 
I love you all. Oodles.
 
Well, it turns out that the summer in Hong Kong consists of 90 degree weather with incredibly high percent humidity. I am convinced, though, that if I melt from the heat, they must already have a standard proceedure for it. Hee hee. But, the good thing about it is that things are on fire, so to speak.
 
The areas are just exciting, is what. Also, right after our last summer missionary finished (oh the fun we had), we got another one. Yeah. My poor trainee Sister Lau only got one week to herself before she had to start sharing. Poor her. But she's so prepared and ready to go that it doesn't matter. Our second summer missionary is from the New Territories (Butterfly Ward) and is 20. Her name is Sister Lam. She's on her 4th summer mission, so she's experienced, too. It's exciting. Also overwhelming. But in a good way. I can tell that it's been good for Sister Lau to get to immediately teach our summer missionary, and to learn by teaching. It's hard to schedule things well with so many people, but I'm grateful for all these faithful people willing to come and serve with us.
 
And, now to share some tidbits of what happened this past week for us. Well, one of the highlights was when Sister Lau accidentally spilled 1/4 bag of rice all over us as she tried to put it up in the cupboard (did I mention that she's not quite 5 foot?) It was a shower of rice, and very memorable. I am sure that our summer missionary, Sister Lee, will also remember many spiritual experiences from the week, but she'll also remember that one.
 
Well, as for the work: our new mission president and his wife are amazing! They came and spoke to our zone on Friday, and we all love them. They are hardworking and strict, but they also have a sense of humor. And they love the Lord, and each other. I kinda want to be like them when I grow up, is what I'm trying to say. Wonderful people. By the way, our mission president taught at BYU for years in engineering - mechanical, mostly, I think. Maybe electric. Oh dear. Forgive me. Also, his Cantonese is very good, which is impressive.
 
The other news is that Mimi hasn't been able to see us yet this week, which means she might have to change her baptismal date, but that's ok. As long as she keeps progressing, that's fine. Her only trial to overcome is that she's kinda shy so going to church for her was a little overwhelming, but she has her friend Yuen Ting to help her out along the way. And thus we see the power of referrals. I am sure that she will continue strong.
 
The only other little story I have time for (did I mention that the internet froze during email time? Sorry) is one of AMAZINGNESS. It is about Bessie. Do you remember Bessie? We met her after Stellar's mom refused to let Stellar get baptized. Well, we saw her twice this week (once for a lesson, once to eat at her home, because she is super nice). Her son is the one on a mission. And now, finally, after years, Bessie herself wants to know if this is true. It is the neatest thing to get to be a small part of another missionary's prayers. There is always someone at home for whom a missionary is praying. And I know Bessie's son is praying hard about his mom, because I'm seeing her change already. This time when we saw her, she just already felt like a member. She wants to believe, she reads her scriptures and prays already, but she doesn't think she's felt anything yet. We just have to help her see that she has been getting answers already. That's why she's willing to see us :) Apparently, before she was too busy with work to take the time to look up and find out if the church was true. But she just barely switched jobs and has made time for this.  Her older sister is a member, too, and so Bessie has support. It's great. We gave her a baptismal date of August 12th, which is quite soon. But also, entirely doable.
 
It is just so wonderful to get to see so many miracles. There are too many little ones to fit into my email here, but just know that I am constantly in awe of the Lord. I know that He's working in your lives too. Trust in Him! Also, don't be afraid to share what you know with others. The Lord will be with you every step of the way. He's more involved in this work than even we know.
 
Well, in other sundry news, I've also gotten a bit of a cold lately, which is weird for me in the summer. But there you have it. Just a stuffy nose and all that. I think I've got to find better ways to deal with stress because it's starting to take a toll on me. I was never a big worrier before my mission, but all this responsibility for souls has a way of making one unable to digest properly or to get runny noses apparently. But I am ok, really, and grateful for such a competent and helpful trainee to help. And I do take time to rest when needed, don't worry.
 
Also, we went to the temple today. Every time I go in, I feel peace and I know that it comes from the Lord. I know that He's real and is watching out for us. And if we are on His side, we do not need to fear anything because He is with us. I have been so grateful for the chance to get a bit closer to Him on my mission so far.
 
 
And I am so grateful for you, wonderful family. You're the best.
 
Love,
Sister Nielsen

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