Kia Ora 朋友和家庭 (Friends and Family)!
Before I get into anything, I'd like to invite you (if you watched General Conference), to email me a little thought about it-- an impression you had, your favorite talk or line, or anything else you can think of. (General Conference memes are welcome, if appropriate - haha). I would love to hear your thoughts on the events and topics discussed this weekend -- only if you'd like to share, of course!
Otherwise, I'm a couple days from half-way through my stay here at the MTC. Some days I feel like I'm going to be serving my whole mission here, but when I look at it now, my time here is going by very quickly.
My testimony is ever growing and changing, and I'm gaining a great witness of God's hand in my life. As I learn to teach about Christ's gospel I have to evaluate my own testimony and understanding, then back-track to see how I originally came to the conclusion that its principles are true. This makes me question my own foundations-- not to doubt them, but to remember them and rebuild them so that I can share simple truths with interested people with confidence and love.
- My zone had the opportunity to host again. The experience went much smoother this time, and I had the opportunity to witness some particularly touching good-byes. It reminded me that the people here left their homes for that worthy of a cause, to serve the Lord.
- Tapioca pudding ! [ヽ(^o^)丿]
- I'm not sure my own Chinese is progressing much but I can tell as a whole, my district is progressing a lot in their skill and ability to speak Mandarin
- The Cantonese Sisters in my Zone were assigned to missions in the States 'till further notice. They left this morning which is very sad but also very happy! They will be safe in the field until Hong Kong is safe for them to enter. (Shout out to Sister Chase and Sister Shanpum). I am so happy for them to finally go out to the field!
- I think I’m the most excited and happy to be serving my mission than I ever had been before. I just feel so much more peace and joy in my life now than I have in a long while, and I know it's because of Christ.
- Sister Cummings' mom sent us chopsticks, a pair for everyone in our district. It was sweet to see how excited the Elder's were to pick out which ones they wanted
Spiritual: GENERAL CONFERENCE. I am just floored by the talks and changes announced this conference. I received many answers to my questions and prayers this conference and I know that everyone can have the same experience if they have faith in the Lord. For example, the Young Women's program changes were answers to struggles and prayers which I had as a youth. It gave me great assurance that the Lord hears our cries and our worries, and He addresses them in His own time. I am extremely thankful for the Prophet to communicate to us what God would have us know, and I'm grateful to be able to grow up in the midst of changes. I’m in turn able to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for them as they come. The Lord is truly giving us freedom and responsibility to choose to serve Him how we see is needed. I'm excited to re-read the talks from this conference and to prepare for the next one as well!
Also, what GREAT joy we can have as we realize the power contained in making, keeping and remembering our covenants at baptism, and later in the temple. I notice this power being emphasized many times during Conference, and I hope you all can pay extra mind to it this week. I've found a great assurance and power as I've remembered my covenants this last week.
I love you all and God loves and cares for you. He, more than anyone else, knows your circumstances and needs. I hope you have a wonderful week, full of delicious food and laughter!
MaJieMei
馬姐妹
Sister Martinez
1/2: General Conference
3: Chopsticks
4: Class obstacle course to learn our directions in Chinese.
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