This week has been rather interesting, back to back exchanges on Monday and Tuesday were quite fun. I've noticed even more of the differences of how I do missionary work.
The ways one can deal with stress are different with different companions as well. It has been much harder to talk out what I am feeling with 彭漲老 as we have such culture and attitude differences. There have been some misunderstandings and also it seems to me that missionary work has been somewhat of a job to him and no longer a loving service. I sometimes find it hard to have the attitude of love for this work. It can be very draining. Because of this my prayers and journal entries have grown substantially. I have realized what love means when it comes to setting an example and trying to help others. This is just another way I can grow to become even more of myself. I have learned many great things from Elder Peng, including timeliness and patience.
Besides this I have done a lot of contacting, which isn't what I would love to do, but I really do enjoy talking to people. Yes, now I will call people on the phone and ask for directions. If I had my way missionary work would be entirely through the members, but so far there has been little member work done up here. I keep trying to push it as I know how much a ward can grow from simply the influence of it's missionaries.
The really good parts from this week. 林弟兄 the really cool investigator I met Sunday night came and met with us again, which was a miracle of its own. We set him up for Tuesday night, but I was on exchanges, Elder Peng met with him and I thought he would come to church, he wasn't there. I'll be looking for him as I can see the humility in him. I found another man named 廖, he is another humble man who asks a lot of questions. He is a little 不好意思 so it is hard for me to gauge just where he is, but it seems that is how many are. He has a hard time reading with his eyes and didn't want a Book of Mormon, because he said it would be too much responsibility. He did come to church. He said that he felt power in my first prayer with him and that is why he is meeting with us. He has some very correct ideas and it is good to be able to meet with him. This week will be quite a bit more finding, but I hope some more of the people we have set up from last week will come.
I'm trying to think of the most fun I've had this week. Part of it has come through my studies as I have had the windows of heaven opened and been able to learn some really incredible things. It has been fun to talk to some of the people I have and continue to refine my ability to love people. It has been fun to ride all over 三重 I have been burnt just a little more than before, but it's all good. It has been cool to figure out a way to exercise in the apartment and vary it enough to help my body grow. I am losing weight and I have a 帥 new hair cut (people that have cut hair for 40 years do quite a good job). 台北 is very different. I am close to 6 months, I cannot believe it has been that long, time goes fast here.
There is still a lot to learn and refine while I am here, there is so much I can gain by hope. I'll probably spend another p-day very close to the mission office with many other missionaries. I'll make the best of this transfer as there is not much else to do. There is no going backwards only forwards, the good thing is the Savior is forwards and no matter what happens to me I'll always know as I am righteous I can become as He is. It is so good to have conference this weekend in America. I will not have it until next weekend. Please tell me who your favorite speakers are and I will look for them. Continuous revelation and a true and living church are such a blessing.
I know that this work is true. I know that we having a loving Heavenly Father who hears our prayers. I know that all the righteous desires of the heart will be fulfilled in the Lord's time. I know that the scriptures are true and that we have living prophets on the Earth today. I know that my Savior lives.
love,
審義謙
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