What a momentous week, right? Because of the time difference we don't get to watch Conference until this weekend, but I heard the news anyway. We were sitting and reading scriptures before church on Sunday when the bishop in Y1 came in with a grin on his face and told us that 18 year old boys can go on missions now and 19 year old girls can go on missions! That is going to change so many things! Everyone is super excited about it. As am I. There will be a FLOOD of people coming to serve missions now.
So, I trust that you're all doing well today
and aren't reeling too much from the news by now. I love you all
immensely, I'll have you know.
Also, I should probably
tell you this week's news. I don't know if I can manage it
chronogically. I'm kinda short on time. But I will do my best:
So, Sunday was Sister Lau's birthday! We celebrated by going to church and having her family friends surprise her by showing up with cake for her and some soup. So sweet. Then we celebrated by having a family in the ward, upon hearing that it was Sister Lau's birthday, promptly invite us to dinner at their home. I have included a picture of it...it's a traditional HK BBQ (one of the wonderful things I must introduce to you when I get back). I think that Sister Lau had a good time. I think that mission birthdays are the most memorable ever.
The other photo I included was from the Restoration fireside. That's us with our banner we made, and the "Sacred Grove" we made of construction paper. The fireside (thank you for your prayers) was a success! We had about 100 people come! And several members brought friends! Wow. Some of these friends live in different areas, so we've turned them over but it was so exciting to see members actually working hard to bring these people to the gospel.
Also, as with all miracles, it came with others! We had another HUGE miracle right before this fireside. So, this lady showed up to the church before the fireside, and we talked with her and found out that she had been contacted because another missionary called the WRONG number but started talking with her anyway and she was willing to come to the church to see us! She is the nicest lady you've ever met, and she has two little kids. She lives really close to the church, and so, after we talked for a bit, she was able to get her two kids and bring them the the activity! We taught her on Monday and we're seeing her tomorrow again! She really needs the gospel (divorced and dealing with everything alone) and we're so excited for this miracle family that fell from the sky...or from a "da cho" phone call.
Speaking of miracles, Karen's doing amazingly! She's getting baptized next week on the 21st, and she'll really be ready for it. She's asking her mom for permission today, so we'll see. We are praying so hard. But it's been amazing to see her growth. Yesterday in the lesson, she shared how last time she went to talk with her mom, she prayed first and felt this really big reassuring feeling that took away the fear she was feeling. She's really grown in faith so much. We are also praying that she can get her basketball coach to let her off of her game on Sunday so that she can keep the Sabbath Day holy. She's asked twice already and the coach is looking into it. Lots of prayers needed! We love her so much.
Speaking of our area, though, we've started teaching much more boys now since no elders serve our ward, and I'm learned much more about teaching teenage boys. Something I've noticed is that they seem to be really really logical and ask lots of questions. We are working hard to teach clearly about faith.
In fact one thing I've learned is that this life isn't about answering all of our questions (even though they have answers). It's about developing that faith. It's about becoming more like Heavenly Father and trusting Him more.
I know that He loves us so much and wants us to be happy. I'm so glad I get to serve this mission and get to get to know my Saviour and my Heavenly Father a little more.
I love you all so much! I know the Lord answers prayers too!
Love,
Sister Nielsen
P.S. One charming note from Yuen Long: you can tell you're in rural HK when the house addresses are chosen randomly by the owners.....Spirit-led address finding is important. :)
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