Rushed time frames seem to run in the family. Today I don't have much time at all to email because we are getting treated to a really nice lunch in Mong Kok by Ida Zhao, the recent convert who is awesome. Because of trouble at the email place I have 5 minutes.
It is a pity because this week was probably the best week I've ever had on my mission. We had these ridiculously high goals because we set them back when we were a tri-panionship, then we split and thought we had no chance. But we found 6 new investigators this week and had a ton of people at church. More than I've ever had before. 5 investigators and 3 less active (LA) members. It was the most stressful and rewarding Sunday I've had on my mission. The rest of the week has also really been miraculous, our finding has been really great. We found a new guy named Billy who has a chance, though slim, of being baptized in July. KK is still doing great, the change in her is amazing.
Last big thing. I am going to be training a new missionary next Thursday! He will probably be from England, but there is one new missionary from Hong Kong so we will see. I am nervous, but excited. It'll be pretty cool.
Mom, best part of war chapters is the mothers of the army of Helaman.
Rebecca, she looked like you. Literally. It was freaky.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
June 9, 2014 - I Had Grown to Really Care About the Other Investigators!
Okay family, I carved out significantly more time for you this week by sending little puny emails to my friends, because you guys are all worth it. On that note, I am too lazy to ever send my email to any one, and I really hope Matthew and Evan and Spencer and Elizabeth and anyone else are getting this, but I'm sure not going to change.
Super random changes occurred. I am no longer in a tri-panionship. On Thursday, about an hour after a 3 hour long weekly planning session, we got a call from some really confused zone leaders that Elder Lee, from Tung Chung, is going with Elder Yim and we're back to two companioships in Chai Wan. That was pretty weird. Just so you all know, we don't know why. There was no crazy scandal, at least as far as anyone knows, and President Hawks is a little infamous for this. As a side note, this move voided our 3 hours of planning. Yes.
So now Elder Lee is here. He is a super nice guy, really humble and kind and excited in a sort of child like (not childish) way. But he brought a ton of junk with him. A ton. David would be pleased, he found a $200 massive folding chess board that came with really nice 1 1/2 inch tall wooden pieces modeled after ancient Chinese things. Beautiful. But random. And not alone.
Because of this move we no longer have a ton of investigators. I had grown to really care about the other investigators we had, so that was a bit rough. But this Sunday they all went to church, and one of them got baptized! Frankie, 19, super cool guy, and his mom is now an investigator. KK is still progressing pretty well. It's so cool to see how she has been changing already. She used to be consumingly lazy. Now only mostly lazy.
I want to mention there were several things about indexing in the last Liahona that we got (because we don't get the Ensign here), and I realized that it really is an amazing way to serve and prepare yourself for the temple. Maybe it's just my missionary perspective, but I have started looking at things in terms of whether or not they help you progress spiritually. Things like scripture study, activities, church, indexing, all these things really seem like a sort of fuel that can feed your spiritual fire. I know that if you guys, especially David and Joseph, will put some time into it, (and keep going to the temple) you will get some real satisfaction from it, and you'll look back and be happier.
One last thing, today Elder Barker was trying to find the newest edition of The Right Word in Cantonese, the book you guys sent me. There is a better new edition, and he really wanted it. Over the last few weeks we have been to Kowloon Tong's Festival Walk, Kowloon Bay's Mega Box, Tai Koo's mall trying unsuccessfully to find it. Today we went to SOGO mall in Causeway Bay, Hay Sun(?) don't know English one for that (?) mall in Causeway Bay, before finally finding it in a commercial press shop. Book stores are dangerous to me. Sending this now because I think I have to re-log in.
Dad,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY because I forgot to ever mention it. You are now officially old. I find the connection between you saying coal shoveling and mom saying coal burning interesting.
Your advice on working hard has actually always been super useful to me. I can witness, it is true. Now that we're split up again we'll have some more finding time for a while, which I don't mind too much. Finding can teach you a ton about how people work, or about what the gospel really is. What approaches did you develop for tracting? I'm also curious how good your German got while you were there. Today we saw an ad for some new dryer technology by none other than Siemens, which reminded me. How did that idea you had ever pan out? Or is it still being digested by the science/grant giving digestive system?
Mom,
Happy Birthday! You are still only 30 something, right? It'll be really weird to get home to have the basement different. Even weirder with you guys different. I still have the receipts; I plan on sending them directly back as soon as I send a letter to Caroline. My acne is now much better. Cold showers are pretty comfy right now for most of the time, except for in the morning on Sunday. No workout, so it's a bit chilly. But February was the real test for that. I almost folded. But I endured.
I wanted to mention that Vincent called me randomly. I think he's still struggling a bit but he's okay. Just a lot of family, work, sports pressure on a 17 year old not yet baptized kid. Keep him in your prayers. I do.
Joseph,
I've been trying to get my bicep strength up. I don't remember what my 5k time was, I ran it in sophomore year for Tressler, and I couldn't run the whole thing. I'll be happy to run with you when I get back.
Really, do the indexing thing. It'll be worth it. I saw ads for that movie. Nice to have a brother to keep me informed. I've thought a lot about what movies I'll watch when I get back. Honestly, I'd like to set a prohibitively high standard. I think missions give you the clearest perspective for these things. We'll see.
David,
EFY is pretty cool. I have a lot of scriptures marked from EFY. Just throw yourself into it. It's sort of like a mission in that everything is gospelly.
BYU (David wrote his letter in such a way to highlight these three letters for John to figure out.)
I am afraid that Elder Lee is going to wipe me out in Chess. Where is my classic practice mate? I have finally really mastered getting up in the mornings. 6;55 every morning, fold up my blanket, jump down from the bunk, bathroom, contacts, pray, and write in dream journal because recently I have had some super weird dreams.
Becca,
Don't freak out, but I have seen you in the future. Really. Today at the mall, Hay sun, there was some giant makeup ad of some women wearing a ton of makeup. It was you. Your eyes somehow lost all their greenness, and your face had narrowed out, and you had some weird make up on, but it was totally you. Even Elder Barker looked at it and said, “Whoa it's your sister.” Not kidding.
I love your description of swimming. I'm looking forward to going to the pool with you guys when I get back. I saw Allegiant at a book store today.
Abby,
I bet my dreams have been even weirder than yours. I am glad to hear there are more people moving into our ward. It's a bit small. Swim team is something that is super good for your body and your mind. I really feel that our physical shape and habits affect our spiritual habits, e.g. word of wisdom. By getting in better shape and training yourself to work hard, you will learn a lot of things that will help you for your life. I still am enjoying swim team's benefits. So keep it up, butter cup.
Love you all, family. Sorry no photos, this place won't let me.
Elder Morrell
P.S. How are the war chapters, Mom? Also, do you guys ever read Preach My Gospel? The prophets have told you to. And to report back to me. Elder Ballard...
Super random changes occurred. I am no longer in a tri-panionship. On Thursday, about an hour after a 3 hour long weekly planning session, we got a call from some really confused zone leaders that Elder Lee, from Tung Chung, is going with Elder Yim and we're back to two companioships in Chai Wan. That was pretty weird. Just so you all know, we don't know why. There was no crazy scandal, at least as far as anyone knows, and President Hawks is a little infamous for this. As a side note, this move voided our 3 hours of planning. Yes.
So now Elder Lee is here. He is a super nice guy, really humble and kind and excited in a sort of child like (not childish) way. But he brought a ton of junk with him. A ton. David would be pleased, he found a $200 massive folding chess board that came with really nice 1 1/2 inch tall wooden pieces modeled after ancient Chinese things. Beautiful. But random. And not alone.
Because of this move we no longer have a ton of investigators. I had grown to really care about the other investigators we had, so that was a bit rough. But this Sunday they all went to church, and one of them got baptized! Frankie, 19, super cool guy, and his mom is now an investigator. KK is still progressing pretty well. It's so cool to see how she has been changing already. She used to be consumingly lazy. Now only mostly lazy.
I want to mention there were several things about indexing in the last Liahona that we got (because we don't get the Ensign here), and I realized that it really is an amazing way to serve and prepare yourself for the temple. Maybe it's just my missionary perspective, but I have started looking at things in terms of whether or not they help you progress spiritually. Things like scripture study, activities, church, indexing, all these things really seem like a sort of fuel that can feed your spiritual fire. I know that if you guys, especially David and Joseph, will put some time into it, (and keep going to the temple) you will get some real satisfaction from it, and you'll look back and be happier.
One last thing, today Elder Barker was trying to find the newest edition of The Right Word in Cantonese, the book you guys sent me. There is a better new edition, and he really wanted it. Over the last few weeks we have been to Kowloon Tong's Festival Walk, Kowloon Bay's Mega Box, Tai Koo's mall trying unsuccessfully to find it. Today we went to SOGO mall in Causeway Bay, Hay Sun(?) don't know English one for that (?) mall in Causeway Bay, before finally finding it in a commercial press shop. Book stores are dangerous to me. Sending this now because I think I have to re-log in.
Dad,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY because I forgot to ever mention it. You are now officially old. I find the connection between you saying coal shoveling and mom saying coal burning interesting.
Your advice on working hard has actually always been super useful to me. I can witness, it is true. Now that we're split up again we'll have some more finding time for a while, which I don't mind too much. Finding can teach you a ton about how people work, or about what the gospel really is. What approaches did you develop for tracting? I'm also curious how good your German got while you were there. Today we saw an ad for some new dryer technology by none other than Siemens, which reminded me. How did that idea you had ever pan out? Or is it still being digested by the science/grant giving digestive system?
Mom,
Happy Birthday! You are still only 30 something, right? It'll be really weird to get home to have the basement different. Even weirder with you guys different. I still have the receipts; I plan on sending them directly back as soon as I send a letter to Caroline. My acne is now much better. Cold showers are pretty comfy right now for most of the time, except for in the morning on Sunday. No workout, so it's a bit chilly. But February was the real test for that. I almost folded. But I endured.
I wanted to mention that Vincent called me randomly. I think he's still struggling a bit but he's okay. Just a lot of family, work, sports pressure on a 17 year old not yet baptized kid. Keep him in your prayers. I do.
Joseph,
I've been trying to get my bicep strength up. I don't remember what my 5k time was, I ran it in sophomore year for Tressler, and I couldn't run the whole thing. I'll be happy to run with you when I get back.
Really, do the indexing thing. It'll be worth it. I saw ads for that movie. Nice to have a brother to keep me informed. I've thought a lot about what movies I'll watch when I get back. Honestly, I'd like to set a prohibitively high standard. I think missions give you the clearest perspective for these things. We'll see.
David,
EFY is pretty cool. I have a lot of scriptures marked from EFY. Just throw yourself into it. It's sort of like a mission in that everything is gospelly.
BYU (David wrote his letter in such a way to highlight these three letters for John to figure out.)
I am afraid that Elder Lee is going to wipe me out in Chess. Where is my classic practice mate? I have finally really mastered getting up in the mornings. 6;55 every morning, fold up my blanket, jump down from the bunk, bathroom, contacts, pray, and write in dream journal because recently I have had some super weird dreams.
Becca,
Don't freak out, but I have seen you in the future. Really. Today at the mall, Hay sun, there was some giant makeup ad of some women wearing a ton of makeup. It was you. Your eyes somehow lost all their greenness, and your face had narrowed out, and you had some weird make up on, but it was totally you. Even Elder Barker looked at it and said, “Whoa it's your sister.” Not kidding.
I love your description of swimming. I'm looking forward to going to the pool with you guys when I get back. I saw Allegiant at a book store today.
Abby,
I bet my dreams have been even weirder than yours. I am glad to hear there are more people moving into our ward. It's a bit small. Swim team is something that is super good for your body and your mind. I really feel that our physical shape and habits affect our spiritual habits, e.g. word of wisdom. By getting in better shape and training yourself to work hard, you will learn a lot of things that will help you for your life. I still am enjoying swim team's benefits. So keep it up, butter cup.
Love you all, family. Sorry no photos, this place won't let me.
Elder Morrell
P.S. How are the war chapters, Mom? Also, do you guys ever read Preach My Gospel? The prophets have told you to. And to report back to me. Elder Ballard...
Monday, June 2, 2014
June 2, 2014 - 17 Lessons Taught this Week!
Sorry, I have failed in that time is very short. This letter will not be as good as the letter it is replying to.
Nice to hear you all back together again. Some things from this week (which was lovely).
The weather is hot, but I kind of like it. Yes, we sweat a ridiculous amount, and yes I fear that my clothes will mold, but it is really pretty, nice and sunny. I like experiencing some real weather too.
We taught a total of 17 lessons this week, half with members. Very great. We had a zone conference this week. It is difficult to describe how much respect there is towards President Hawks. The whole mission really just respects him, no other way to say it. He is a really funny guy, says a lot of jokes, but he's also very exacting. Very punctual. Every missionary shows up at least 20 minutes early to zone conference so that we can be 5 minutes early to his request to be 15 minutes early.
I cooked a lot of really good food this week. I think that I am finally starting to understand a bit more of the fundamentals of cooking, so that now I can actually take all raw ingredients and make homemade spaghetti (really, tomato paste for the sauce, onions, ground pork) today I bought a ton of ingredients at this sort of sketchy but really local and cheap market called Kai Po, then went to the street markets and haggled for mushrooms. I feel so cool.
Having 3 people together is really tricky in some ways. Finding is weird, and we have to be really careful to not dominate in lessons (I particularly need to do that). But it's fun. Elder Yim is a really cool guy.
I wanted to mention my scripture marking. It has gone through stages. Before mission: very sporadic, rare, usually badly done, highlighters that bled through a lot, etc. First part of mission, using actual markers, but way too excessive. Not a lot of meaning, just marking. Now, pretty darn good. Nowadays I use pen more often because I am really analyzing things a lot. I feel like recently I've gained much deeper understanding of a lot of principles. Hard to explain, they're more personal understanding. I think that you can compare it to some sort of large puzzle with a ton of wooden blocks that need to slot together in certain ways to be solved but get stuck all the time. Sometimes you just need time to shake it up. Ex. in Zone Conference we were talking about planning, and I randomly understood covenants more.
Dad,
The Apple store is playing “More than a Feeling” right now. Rough.
I think that is a very good way to look at things. I'll have to discuss that with Elder Barker. He and I really like talking through these things. I have a question for you and mom. Elder Barker and I were talking about this today, but Elder Tong's original return date was Dec 26, which got switched to Dec. 23 for obvious reasons. Do you think if you could choose, you would stay an extra 2 days and miss Christmas, or go home on the 23rd? Grammar is poor, I know, but I'm curious. I would like to think that I would become so =devoted I would stay, but Mom'd kill me.
Abby,
I have a ton of dreams these days, but in all of them I am a missionary and sometimes I just do calls in my sleep. Pretty weird. I know what you mean about being scared. Too much too fast. Don't worry, when I get back we'll talk a lot. But for now just keep writing those emails.
Rebecca,
Congrats, Genesis has some important stuff in it. Take my advice and be ready to skip stuff in Leviticus, Numbers, etc. Honestly, the Book of Mormon will be the most rewarding thing you ever read. Or the Pearl of Great Price. That's got some weird stuff in it. :) You haven't seen the shirts I’m talking about. They are silk, traditional, super cool.
NO time.
David, you’r e cool, play Civ 5.
Joseph, I too have been working out a bit recently, as in more than before. I'm trying to bulk up my arms a bit because I look all small and puny. I'm also really curious how far I could run; I think 5k's would be okay now. We'll see later. Whenever I see movies I think of you critiquing them.
Mom, I love you the most (obviously) but I really have no time. Showers are essential. I feel like a pig if I go to bed without showering. I think that the best parts of the war chapters are the parts by Helaman. There is a lot to be learned about faith, hope, planning, and obedience in them. I love the war chapters one because they're interesting and two because they talk a lot about goals and planning, useful stuff.
Nice to hear you all back together again. Some things from this week (which was lovely).
The weather is hot, but I kind of like it. Yes, we sweat a ridiculous amount, and yes I fear that my clothes will mold, but it is really pretty, nice and sunny. I like experiencing some real weather too.
We taught a total of 17 lessons this week, half with members. Very great. We had a zone conference this week. It is difficult to describe how much respect there is towards President Hawks. The whole mission really just respects him, no other way to say it. He is a really funny guy, says a lot of jokes, but he's also very exacting. Very punctual. Every missionary shows up at least 20 minutes early to zone conference so that we can be 5 minutes early to his request to be 15 minutes early.
I cooked a lot of really good food this week. I think that I am finally starting to understand a bit more of the fundamentals of cooking, so that now I can actually take all raw ingredients and make homemade spaghetti (really, tomato paste for the sauce, onions, ground pork) today I bought a ton of ingredients at this sort of sketchy but really local and cheap market called Kai Po, then went to the street markets and haggled for mushrooms. I feel so cool.
Having 3 people together is really tricky in some ways. Finding is weird, and we have to be really careful to not dominate in lessons (I particularly need to do that). But it's fun. Elder Yim is a really cool guy.
I wanted to mention my scripture marking. It has gone through stages. Before mission: very sporadic, rare, usually badly done, highlighters that bled through a lot, etc. First part of mission, using actual markers, but way too excessive. Not a lot of meaning, just marking. Now, pretty darn good. Nowadays I use pen more often because I am really analyzing things a lot. I feel like recently I've gained much deeper understanding of a lot of principles. Hard to explain, they're more personal understanding. I think that you can compare it to some sort of large puzzle with a ton of wooden blocks that need to slot together in certain ways to be solved but get stuck all the time. Sometimes you just need time to shake it up. Ex. in Zone Conference we were talking about planning, and I randomly understood covenants more.
Dad,
The Apple store is playing “More than a Feeling” right now. Rough.
I think that is a very good way to look at things. I'll have to discuss that with Elder Barker. He and I really like talking through these things. I have a question for you and mom. Elder Barker and I were talking about this today, but Elder Tong's original return date was Dec 26, which got switched to Dec. 23 for obvious reasons. Do you think if you could choose, you would stay an extra 2 days and miss Christmas, or go home on the 23rd? Grammar is poor, I know, but I'm curious. I would like to think that I would become so =devoted I would stay, but Mom'd kill me.
Abby,
I have a ton of dreams these days, but in all of them I am a missionary and sometimes I just do calls in my sleep. Pretty weird. I know what you mean about being scared. Too much too fast. Don't worry, when I get back we'll talk a lot. But for now just keep writing those emails.
Rebecca,
Congrats, Genesis has some important stuff in it. Take my advice and be ready to skip stuff in Leviticus, Numbers, etc. Honestly, the Book of Mormon will be the most rewarding thing you ever read. Or the Pearl of Great Price. That's got some weird stuff in it. :) You haven't seen the shirts I’m talking about. They are silk, traditional, super cool.
NO time.
David, you’r e cool, play Civ 5.
Joseph, I too have been working out a bit recently, as in more than before. I'm trying to bulk up my arms a bit because I look all small and puny. I'm also really curious how far I could run; I think 5k's would be okay now. We'll see later. Whenever I see movies I think of you critiquing them.
Mom, I love you the most (obviously) but I really have no time. Showers are essential. I feel like a pig if I go to bed without showering. I think that the best parts of the war chapters are the parts by Helaman. There is a lot to be learned about faith, hope, planning, and obedience in them. I love the war chapters one because they're interesting and two because they talk a lot about goals and planning, useful stuff.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
May 26, 2014 - Mission Leadership & Overwhelmed with Investigators
Mom & Dad,
Well, my confidence in my Father has been crushed. (Glen told John that although he was Zone Leader for 11 months, he was not assistant to the president like John thought he was.)
Having told that whole story, I think I should also repeat something that Pres. Klein told us several times, which is that callings are not a sign of the Lord's favor. They are just opportunities to serve. These things depend so much on circumstance and the needs of the mission at any point in time. The important thing is just to magnify your calling, whatever it is at any time.
Well, my confidence in my Father has been crushed. (Glen told John that although he was Zone Leader for 11 months, he was not assistant to the president like John thought he was.)
Excerpt from Glen's letter to John:
Not really. I think that I have thought a lot about the idea of mission leadership as well. Obviously, I've always been a prideful person. Luckily, I had that figured out before I went to the MTC so I didn't have to suddenly realize my faults, and I already knew that I would have to work on that through my mission. When Elder Ah Mu became district leader in the MTC instead of me, I had to remind myself of the fact that not only was I not better than him, being district leader didn't indicate that either. I have written in my notebook what I learned from each companion so far, and Elder O'Gara and Elder Ah Mu both were all about being humble, realizing that I am not infallible, and moving on. So I really think that I've progressed in that regard a lot.
However, every time moves come around I still have a desire to be made trainer or district leader just to show that I am better than the other missionaries who don't. But at this point, I'm so consciously aware of this fault that it's not so much me wanting it as it is some whiny junior companion who I just yell at and ignore. I was discussing this with Elder Barker, I think (personally, and I know this is ironic) that I am a pretty decent missionary. Not that I am amazing at the missionary skill set but that I am pretty obedient and hard working. So I think that I could be a mission leader, but I don't think I will very long or very much because God knows that I already have to struggle to suppress pride. If I was made assistant, for example, I don't think I really could avoid bragging about it at least to myself. SO, though I would enjoy it, I don't expect to serve a ton of leadership positions. But as Dad said, the point of leadership positions is just to serve others. You can do that with or without the title, if you really have the desire.
Ida's friend KK is a woman. She is interesting, because she is really lazy. I didn't teach her this Sunday (splits) but Elder Barker said they had an awesome lesson about baptism and priesthood authority. I wonder, because you two's missions were more traditionally Christian and religious, if you guys had this problem; we have a ton of people on the street, or in real lessons, who really don't get why there would be one true church. They just think if it follows the Bible it's good, or if it points you towards being good it's good, or if you believe in a God he exists, or if you get free food at church it's a true church. Hong Kong is not so much un-Christian in the sense of not having Christians, because there are a ton of schools or chapels and lots of people who 'believe Jesus', as it is un-Christian because the average understanding or devotion or real application of Christianity within those churches is very, very low. KK is kind of like that, but she'll get it. Our religion values truth, knowledge, and understanding. I like that.
I've been thinking a lot about being apt to teach recently. Dad mentioned it before, and I've been trying to find chances to develop that quality or understand it more. I think that Ammon and Aaron are great examples. Right now my practice method is to try to not only talk to people on trains, but teach them. It's interesting. Right after I set that goal, I ran into some weird guy who said he went to a Jesuit college but who was a bit confused (see above) and I found myself pulling out scriptures and reading on the train ride home.
Also been learning a lot about how we are made clean through the atonement. I read some talk called Coming unto Christ (I think) by President Eyring back when he was in the Presiding Bishopric. It talks about how by repenting and then inviting the spirit into our lives we can know that we are being healed. It really hit me very strongly. I have always loved Mosiah 3:19: For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. Especially since starting my mission. I also think that there is much to be learned about the meaning of repentance from Alma 24. Consider.
I will send the rest of my email to Joseph and tell him to send it to you guys. Love you a ton. The more I'm on my mission the more I love the work, but I also love my family more, so it's tricky.
Dear Siblings,
As always I am amused by you guys. All so weird, all so typical and easily recognizable. One week you guys should just not sign the letters. I have no doubt I would know who is who.
Life rolls on, but slowly and ponderously now because there are 3 of me. That is right, I am now 3 people at once. And one of me is a native. Pretty weird. There are some interesting challenges to being in a tri-panionship. People run away from us on the street. I don't blame them; we look like some confused multi-racial government hit squad. And if we aren't careful we find ourselves surrounding people when we talk to them, which surprisingly is not counted as a sign of our genuine and loving interest so much as it is viewed as us preventing them from running away. Weird.
Also, I have a tendency to speak a bit much in lessons, so I have had to be really really careful because with 3 people there is not a lot of space for extra talking. Got to give the spirit time to speak, right? But I am loving it. I have a really good chance right now to learn Cantonese. We have the week split up into 4 days of only Cantonese speaking, 3 days of only English, because Elder Yim needs to learn English. I should say, my Cantonese is obviously not perfect, nor do I think it is much better than the average missionary, but at 7 1/2 months in I can speak pretty darn well. Earlier I had problems understanding people but I am better now. Recently I've had a lot of people compliment my Chinese. So I beat myself at night to keep humble.
Our investigators are doing well, but it's a bit tough because of how we got our 3rd companion. He came from Chai Wan as well. There used to be 2 companionships here, but Elder Wu (the brutal missionary) finished and went home to Tsim Shui Wai, which left us 3 with all of the investigators. So we have actually been a bit overwhelmed, need to get to know so many people, etc. Our weekly planning, which is how we plan for the investigators (see PMG chap. 8) took 4 1/2 hours. That was painful. Really look it up in PMG. I know we have one. Sometimes I'm nervous you don't do these things.
On the first day with Elder Yim, after emailing, we went to a Bishop over in TST (place in Hong Kong) who stabbed him with needles and rubbed weird substances on him with the purpose of somehow making his ankle better. Pretty hilarious. Really really hilarious. And apparently very painful. "Owww, OWWW, it is really hurt! This is my first experience! hou tung ahh!" Elder Yim. The last part is Chinese. It means ouch.
Excerpt from Grandpa Carmack's letter to John:
Something that just occurred to me is that Jesus Himself was more of a planter than a reaper, at least in terms of his missionary work. By the end of his ministry there were a lot of people excited about him and a decent number of followers, but not really that many. It was his apostles who reaped the massive harvest that he planted and watered with his blood, excuse the metaphor.
Becca,
I would love to go to the pool. It gets really wet and sticky here. I take 2 showers a day if I can manage it, both cold. Pool would be too nice.
Remember, if you cut off those last weeks of school it would just move the worthless weeks farther forward. My theory is that no one wants to do anything right before they leave, and the school knows that if they don't leave enough useless time at the end, they'll lose useful time. Plus, those are the funnest weeks.
David,
You think you have it bad. I've probably swam more laps of kick drill than you have total. But I won't lie, I like kick drill. You dry off (David told John the reason he doesn't like to swim is because you have to get wet.) but it takes a long time. You know how your skin becomes wrinkled if it's wet too long? That happens regularly because if I wash my hands the space between my fingers won't dry. Just want to make sure, you are bringing Jerry to the last week of school, right?
Joseph,
Nice letter. Sorry, low time. Rapid response.
Honestly, if it came down to it, Rome or Athens? Or would you really rock the boat and choose Prague? These are the questions.
Aren't there some sort of contract things that say if you use those free versions you can't do any commercial things? And could you send me the logos? Make one for me? That'd be cool. Either Chinese or like an old German style coat of arms. (Joseph has been working on making logos for online contests with his Adobe Photoshop monthly subscription. He’s hoping to make enough money to pay for the subscription.)
Priesthood blessings are more important than we give them credit for. I haven't given an English blessing yet, though I have given many Chinese ones. It's rough.
However, every time moves come around I still have a desire to be made trainer or district leader just to show that I am better than the other missionaries who don't. But at this point, I'm so consciously aware of this fault that it's not so much me wanting it as it is some whiny junior companion who I just yell at and ignore. I was discussing this with Elder Barker, I think (personally, and I know this is ironic) that I am a pretty decent missionary. Not that I am amazing at the missionary skill set but that I am pretty obedient and hard working. So I think that I could be a mission leader, but I don't think I will very long or very much because God knows that I already have to struggle to suppress pride. If I was made assistant, for example, I don't think I really could avoid bragging about it at least to myself. SO, though I would enjoy it, I don't expect to serve a ton of leadership positions. But as Dad said, the point of leadership positions is just to serve others. You can do that with or without the title, if you really have the desire.
Ida's friend KK is a woman. She is interesting, because she is really lazy. I didn't teach her this Sunday (splits) but Elder Barker said they had an awesome lesson about baptism and priesthood authority. I wonder, because you two's missions were more traditionally Christian and religious, if you guys had this problem; we have a ton of people on the street, or in real lessons, who really don't get why there would be one true church. They just think if it follows the Bible it's good, or if it points you towards being good it's good, or if you believe in a God he exists, or if you get free food at church it's a true church. Hong Kong is not so much un-Christian in the sense of not having Christians, because there are a ton of schools or chapels and lots of people who 'believe Jesus', as it is un-Christian because the average understanding or devotion or real application of Christianity within those churches is very, very low. KK is kind of like that, but she'll get it. Our religion values truth, knowledge, and understanding. I like that.
I've been thinking a lot about being apt to teach recently. Dad mentioned it before, and I've been trying to find chances to develop that quality or understand it more. I think that Ammon and Aaron are great examples. Right now my practice method is to try to not only talk to people on trains, but teach them. It's interesting. Right after I set that goal, I ran into some weird guy who said he went to a Jesuit college but who was a bit confused (see above) and I found myself pulling out scriptures and reading on the train ride home.
Also been learning a lot about how we are made clean through the atonement. I read some talk called Coming unto Christ (I think) by President Eyring back when he was in the Presiding Bishopric. It talks about how by repenting and then inviting the spirit into our lives we can know that we are being healed. It really hit me very strongly. I have always loved Mosiah 3:19: For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. Especially since starting my mission. I also think that there is much to be learned about the meaning of repentance from Alma 24. Consider.
I will send the rest of my email to Joseph and tell him to send it to you guys. Love you a ton. The more I'm on my mission the more I love the work, but I also love my family more, so it's tricky.
Dear Siblings,
As always I am amused by you guys. All so weird, all so typical and easily recognizable. One week you guys should just not sign the letters. I have no doubt I would know who is who.
Life rolls on, but slowly and ponderously now because there are 3 of me. That is right, I am now 3 people at once. And one of me is a native. Pretty weird. There are some interesting challenges to being in a tri-panionship. People run away from us on the street. I don't blame them; we look like some confused multi-racial government hit squad. And if we aren't careful we find ourselves surrounding people when we talk to them, which surprisingly is not counted as a sign of our genuine and loving interest so much as it is viewed as us preventing them from running away. Weird.
Also, I have a tendency to speak a bit much in lessons, so I have had to be really really careful because with 3 people there is not a lot of space for extra talking. Got to give the spirit time to speak, right? But I am loving it. I have a really good chance right now to learn Cantonese. We have the week split up into 4 days of only Cantonese speaking, 3 days of only English, because Elder Yim needs to learn English. I should say, my Cantonese is obviously not perfect, nor do I think it is much better than the average missionary, but at 7 1/2 months in I can speak pretty darn well. Earlier I had problems understanding people but I am better now. Recently I've had a lot of people compliment my Chinese. So I beat myself at night to keep humble.
Our investigators are doing well, but it's a bit tough because of how we got our 3rd companion. He came from Chai Wan as well. There used to be 2 companionships here, but Elder Wu (the brutal missionary) finished and went home to Tsim Shui Wai, which left us 3 with all of the investigators. So we have actually been a bit overwhelmed, need to get to know so many people, etc. Our weekly planning, which is how we plan for the investigators (see PMG chap. 8) took 4 1/2 hours. That was painful. Really look it up in PMG. I know we have one. Sometimes I'm nervous you don't do these things.
On the first day with Elder Yim, after emailing, we went to a Bishop over in TST (place in Hong Kong) who stabbed him with needles and rubbed weird substances on him with the purpose of somehow making his ankle better. Pretty hilarious. Really really hilarious. And apparently very painful. "Owww, OWWW, it is really hurt! This is my first experience! hou tung ahh!" Elder Yim. The last part is Chinese. It means ouch.
Excerpt from Grandpa Carmack's letter to John:
Dear John,
Memorial Day weekend and we just had a delicious rib dinner together with your two brothers and two sisters. With the ribs we had tater tots, green beans, and for dessert strawberry shortcake. Joseph had five ribs, Grandmother had four, Becca one, and Abbie 2 ½. Your Dad is 50 years old today! What do you think of that? I had my 83rd birthday on 10 May. I ran 4 miles that morning without any pain so I have no complaints.
I remember touring the Hong Kong Mission about 1993 or 1994. Your Grandmother Carmack taught them about how to work with people of differing social styles. There were four main styles—analytical, driver, amiable, and expressive. Drivers are people that like to be in charge and be the decision makers. You give them choices because they want to choose for themselves. Analyticals like to know all the reasons and like to have all the reasons for the thing you are teaching because they are thinkers. Amiables need reassurance so you let them know that you understand how they feel and reassure them that they are okay. Expressives like to see the thing you are teaching in color. They like excitement. You let them know, for example, how they will be involved and how great it is going to be. People are not usually just one social style. they may be an analytical driver or a driver analytical depending on which style is dominant. You can tell rather quickly what the style is and adjust your teaching style to be effective. Many people in Hong Kong will be analytical or amiable, but you never know until you observe them. Be ready to adjust your style according to the person or persons you are teaching. With an analytical get into the scriptures in a deeper way. With a driver be ready to let them lead out as much as possible. I could give you examples of each from my experience. Your father is an analytical. Your mother is more amiable, but also fairly analytical.
It isn’t the number of baptisms that make you successful. You will plant lots of seeds and sometimes you will gather fruit that others have planted. I just wrote a chapter in the new book I am writing about two missionaries that worked hard but never baptized anyone on an island in North Carolina. They planted many seeds, even healed a 12 year old girl. After they left the new elders baptized some of their friends and after them a third set of elders baptized more. The girl they healed had a great family and eventually they all joined the Church. She grew up and became a great member whose son became the bishop of the ward that grew up on the island where they planted so many seeds. He then became the stake president of the stake that was eventually organized. He wrote a book about the experiences of those first two missionaries called Harkers Island. We visited the island and met many of the descendants of those people. Jesus said in the 4th chapter of John that some sow and some reap and some don’t see any fruit for their labors, but others come along and harvest. Jesus understood missionary work because he was basically a missionary. You have the power to make friends and do great things. The Hong Kong missionaries we met loved their missions and loved the language. You will be the same. We think about you and pray for you every day and we are proud that you are in our beloved Hong Kong. Love, Grandpa Carmack
Memorial Day weekend and we just had a delicious rib dinner together with your two brothers and two sisters. With the ribs we had tater tots, green beans, and for dessert strawberry shortcake. Joseph had five ribs, Grandmother had four, Becca one, and Abbie 2 ½. Your Dad is 50 years old today! What do you think of that? I had my 83rd birthday on 10 May. I ran 4 miles that morning without any pain so I have no complaints.
I remember touring the Hong Kong Mission about 1993 or 1994. Your Grandmother Carmack taught them about how to work with people of differing social styles. There were four main styles—analytical, driver, amiable, and expressive. Drivers are people that like to be in charge and be the decision makers. You give them choices because they want to choose for themselves. Analyticals like to know all the reasons and like to have all the reasons for the thing you are teaching because they are thinkers. Amiables need reassurance so you let them know that you understand how they feel and reassure them that they are okay. Expressives like to see the thing you are teaching in color. They like excitement. You let them know, for example, how they will be involved and how great it is going to be. People are not usually just one social style. they may be an analytical driver or a driver analytical depending on which style is dominant. You can tell rather quickly what the style is and adjust your teaching style to be effective. Many people in Hong Kong will be analytical or amiable, but you never know until you observe them. Be ready to adjust your style according to the person or persons you are teaching. With an analytical get into the scriptures in a deeper way. With a driver be ready to let them lead out as much as possible. I could give you examples of each from my experience. Your father is an analytical. Your mother is more amiable, but also fairly analytical.
It isn’t the number of baptisms that make you successful. You will plant lots of seeds and sometimes you will gather fruit that others have planted. I just wrote a chapter in the new book I am writing about two missionaries that worked hard but never baptized anyone on an island in North Carolina. They planted many seeds, even healed a 12 year old girl. After they left the new elders baptized some of their friends and after them a third set of elders baptized more. The girl they healed had a great family and eventually they all joined the Church. She grew up and became a great member whose son became the bishop of the ward that grew up on the island where they planted so many seeds. He then became the stake president of the stake that was eventually organized. He wrote a book about the experiences of those first two missionaries called Harkers Island. We visited the island and met many of the descendants of those people. Jesus said in the 4th chapter of John that some sow and some reap and some don’t see any fruit for their labors, but others come along and harvest. Jesus understood missionary work because he was basically a missionary. You have the power to make friends and do great things. The Hong Kong missionaries we met loved their missions and loved the language. You will be the same. We think about you and pray for you every day and we are proud that you are in our beloved Hong Kong. Love, Grandpa Carmack
(Back to John)
Grandma/Grandpa, (Parents out of town, so grandparents watching the kids)
I don't think that my Dad could run 4 miles right now, and for that matter I don't know how well I would do. Be careful, when you tell me things like this, I brag about them to other missionaries for weeks. Also, the description of food is very painful for me to hear. Though, I have been having some really good self-cooked stuff lately. When I came on my mission I didn't know how to cook diddly squat. But this morning we went to the wet market and I bought a ton of chicken that will soon become really tasty sweet ‘n sour chicken. I feel better about that skill.
I don't think that my Dad could run 4 miles right now, and for that matter I don't know how well I would do. Be careful, when you tell me things like this, I brag about them to other missionaries for weeks. Also, the description of food is very painful for me to hear. Though, I have been having some really good self-cooked stuff lately. When I came on my mission I didn't know how to cook diddly squat. But this morning we went to the wet market and I bought a ton of chicken that will soon become really tasty sweet ‘n sour chicken. I feel better about that skill.
Something that just occurred to me is that Jesus Himself was more of a planter than a reaper, at least in terms of his missionary work. By the end of his ministry there were a lot of people excited about him and a decent number of followers, but not really that many. It was his apostles who reaped the massive harvest that he planted and watered with his blood, excuse the metaphor.
Becca,
I would love to go to the pool. It gets really wet and sticky here. I take 2 showers a day if I can manage it, both cold. Pool would be too nice.
Remember, if you cut off those last weeks of school it would just move the worthless weeks farther forward. My theory is that no one wants to do anything right before they leave, and the school knows that if they don't leave enough useless time at the end, they'll lose useful time. Plus, those are the funnest weeks.
David,
You think you have it bad. I've probably swam more laps of kick drill than you have total. But I won't lie, I like kick drill. You dry off (David told John the reason he doesn't like to swim is because you have to get wet.) but it takes a long time. You know how your skin becomes wrinkled if it's wet too long? That happens regularly because if I wash my hands the space between my fingers won't dry. Just want to make sure, you are bringing Jerry to the last week of school, right?
Joseph,
Nice letter. Sorry, low time. Rapid response.
Honestly, if it came down to it, Rome or Athens? Or would you really rock the boat and choose Prague? These are the questions.
Aren't there some sort of contract things that say if you use those free versions you can't do any commercial things? And could you send me the logos? Make one for me? That'd be cool. Either Chinese or like an old German style coat of arms. (Joseph has been working on making logos for online contests with his Adobe Photoshop monthly subscription. He’s hoping to make enough money to pay for the subscription.)
Priesthood blessings are more important than we give them credit for. I haven't given an English blessing yet, though I have given many Chinese ones. It's rough.
I am afraid every time I cook that I'll be sick. That would be really rough as a missionary. Especially with our horrible bathroom.
Yes, but is Samara Russia ready for her? (Reference to Caroline leaving on her mission.)
You torture me. I will not watch it. Hopefully no ads here. I saw a ton for Transcendant.
I have been thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of leaving for a mission early or late. Obviously, the only thing that really matters is what prayer tells you, but leaving late has some advantages like us being in college together (that'd be extremely weird but cool) going to mission prep class, learning how to live on your own, etc. But the disadvantages are that on my mission I have learned a ton of skills that I know will make my college time more valuable. You decide. But remember that either decision is good as long as you go and you're ready.
Abby,
I can always count on you to tell me exactly what happens on vacations and inform me of what parts were good and what were bad. I have had several dreams about how since I left, but for some reason I'm always a missionary in them. I don't think I ever dream of me not being a missionary. I hope you don't forget to tell me that dream. I love you Abby. I'm guessing you have lost the piece of belt that I gave you.
Big question, would you and Becca prefer a jade bracelet or a silk Chinese dress things? Something else entirely? And what do the rest of you want?
Tell Joseph to send this to Mom and Dad, and tell them to send their letter to you. There is an epistle of Paul where he basically says the same thing at the end, but I can't remember which one it is.
Love you all more than a random stranger would, which is saying a lot because you are all very good looking.
Yes, but is Samara Russia ready for her? (Reference to Caroline leaving on her mission.)
You torture me. I will not watch it. Hopefully no ads here. I saw a ton for Transcendant.
I have been thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of leaving for a mission early or late. Obviously, the only thing that really matters is what prayer tells you, but leaving late has some advantages like us being in college together (that'd be extremely weird but cool) going to mission prep class, learning how to live on your own, etc. But the disadvantages are that on my mission I have learned a ton of skills that I know will make my college time more valuable. You decide. But remember that either decision is good as long as you go and you're ready.
Abby,
I can always count on you to tell me exactly what happens on vacations and inform me of what parts were good and what were bad. I have had several dreams about how since I left, but for some reason I'm always a missionary in them. I don't think I ever dream of me not being a missionary. I hope you don't forget to tell me that dream. I love you Abby. I'm guessing you have lost the piece of belt that I gave you.
Big question, would you and Becca prefer a jade bracelet or a silk Chinese dress things? Something else entirely? And what do the rest of you want?
Tell Joseph to send this to Mom and Dad, and tell them to send their letter to you. There is an epistle of Paul where he basically says the same thing at the end, but I can't remember which one it is.
Love you all more than a random stranger would, which is saying a lot because you are all very good looking.
May 22, 2014 - Temple Day & Another Companion
Well I guess the rest of my family just doesn't love me that much. Honestly, I don't have much time at all because I spent a while writing to Vincent, the kid in Tai Wai. I think right about the time that Mom was saying she thought of him he started having some trouble. He really just feels like even though he's been doing these things he is still having big trials, so he dropped off for a while. I just read his email, sent one back about Mormon and Moroni's example. Pray for him. A lot of people in Hong Kong really have tough lives, and it can be rough for them when everyone is anti-ing them and it doesn't seem like they have any help. But I know that the gospel will really help them. We have an investigator right now, KK, who was Ida's referral. KK is really interesting, because our first meeting with her she just said "I am really lazy!" and she really is. She prefers to never have to leave the 1/2 mile area around her house. But thanks to us daily contacting her, and some really amazing work by the Relief Society, she has started reading the Book of Mormon. It's still early days, but we've already seen her change a lot. The gospel really can lead us to improve every aspect of our lives.
We've been teaching a guy who really doesn't get the whole idea of what is a sin, what is righteous, what is a commandment, he tends to think that there must be a big book written out of all the commandments and that at church you just memorize it line by line. Teaching him has really helped me learn and understand more fully how important the example of Jesus Christ is to us. I realized that part of why we read scriptures is because we need to gradually come to understand what Jesus would do in order to be righteous. I realized how nice it is to know, like you were saying what is right, because this guy doesn't really get it yet. And he is super hard to keep focused in lessons and tends to find a bunch of bizarre loopholes for object lessons.
We've been teaching a guy who really doesn't get the whole idea of what is a sin, what is righteous, what is a commandment, he tends to think that there must be a big book written out of all the commandments and that at church you just memorize it line by line. Teaching him has really helped me learn and understand more fully how important the example of Jesus Christ is to us. I realized that part of why we read scriptures is because we need to gradually come to understand what Jesus would do in order to be righteous. I realized how nice it is to know, like you were saying what is right, because this guy doesn't really get it yet. And he is super hard to keep focused in lessons and tends to find a bunch of bizarre loopholes for object lessons.
That was part of Dad's email.
I just went to the temple, and something weird happened. When we left we had another companion! He is named Elder Yim, and as you may be able to read, he does not speak amazing English. But his Russian is great! Not really, that was for Caroline, he is a native. I am really excited, because I for one really like SYL practice. This is also going to teach me how to be more restrained, because with 3 people together you have to make sure the spirit can really guide the lesson. Speak little. More speed less haste.
Love you all a lot. I'll be emailing again on Monday, but for now I really love you all. We had an elder in our apartment who finished today (hence Elder Yim) and it made me a little trunkie, a little homesick for you all. Movies, games, they can all wait. But I love you guys. I am so happy about David, Brandon, and Whitney going to the temple during the California weekend. People always talk about how missions bless you. You guys going to the temple is a blessing to me. Please go every day,
You know what's creepy, right when Joseph and Rebecca were sick I was feeling a little sick. Not throwing up but my stomach hurt for about a day. WE HAVE A BOND.
Work with the Triads goes on. Dad would be so proud.
Dad,
Hopefully the ISMRM session will be in Hong Kong next year and I can sneak in on P-Day. My companion will probably be bored but I won't, and hopefully I'll be senior by then. I'm assuming you will read the full family email, but I have a native (or bun day) companion now, and my Chinese is about to improve a lot. So pray for that to go well.
I'm sure I am pretty idealizing when I think of you and mom, but you don't really send me any stories about you messing up so all I have to go off is like 11 months of being Zone Leader and then going assistant to president. SO if you want me to be realistic send me the dirt. Or don't, that probably won’t be as helpful to me.
I just went to the temple, and something weird happened. When we left we had another companion! He is named Elder Yim, and as you may be able to read, he does not speak amazing English. But his Russian is great! Not really, that was for Caroline, he is a native. I am really excited, because I for one really like SYL practice. This is also going to teach me how to be more restrained, because with 3 people together you have to make sure the spirit can really guide the lesson. Speak little. More speed less haste.
Love you all a lot. I'll be emailing again on Monday, but for now I really love you all. We had an elder in our apartment who finished today (hence Elder Yim) and it made me a little trunkie, a little homesick for you all. Movies, games, they can all wait. But I love you guys. I am so happy about David, Brandon, and Whitney going to the temple during the California weekend. People always talk about how missions bless you. You guys going to the temple is a blessing to me. Please go every day,
You know what's creepy, right when Joseph and Rebecca were sick I was feeling a little sick. Not throwing up but my stomach hurt for about a day. WE HAVE A BOND.
Work with the Triads goes on. Dad would be so proud.
Dad,
Hopefully the ISMRM session will be in Hong Kong next year and I can sneak in on P-Day. My companion will probably be bored but I won't, and hopefully I'll be senior by then. I'm assuming you will read the full family email, but I have a native (or bun day) companion now, and my Chinese is about to improve a lot. So pray for that to go well.
I'm sure I am pretty idealizing when I think of you and mom, but you don't really send me any stories about you messing up so all I have to go off is like 11 months of being Zone Leader and then going assistant to president. SO if you want me to be realistic send me the dirt. Or don't, that probably won’t be as helpful to me.
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