July 30, 2014

2014.7.28 Tanzi - Flight schedule


I still have three weeks left, and that's a lot right?! - GAH!  The mission is asking for my reflection's talk, a miracle story, and a bunch of pictures from my mission, and I haven't even finished!! To be honest, I kind of am stressing out about all this going home stuff.

So, this email is short because I have to email all that stuff to the mission secretary, etc.!!!

BUT, there will be a good facebook post coming up either this week or next week.  Last night during our ward's Father's Day FHE we took a really cute video of all the couples and the missionary companionships.  I'll try to edit it and get it up ASAP.

AH.  I hope you all understand that I really want to email you, but I really just want to get all this picture/going home stuff taken care of so I can concentrate better on my mission right now!!!

Anyway, this last week was amazing!  Sister Ko and I worked really hard and found six new investigators.  Some of these investigators aren't actually really interested in the gospel.  They were just interested in getting to know an ABC because their daughter is studying in the states.

Well, I'll tell you all about the rest later if I have extra time!!

Love you all,
Sister Verina Chen

2014.7.21 Tanzi What can I say more?


Last week was amazing! Sister Ko and I saw so many miracles especially since our short-time missionary was so willing to do the work with us. Sister Ko and I are still getting along so well. We are happy and are determined to continue striving for exact obedience and blessings. 

One of the major goals that we set this week was to find new, prepared investigators. Last night as we were talking, we realized how important it is to be finding those who are ready to hear and act upon this gospel message. Sister Ko and I are working hard, and we know that we can trust in the Lord entirely. Although some of the blessings cannot be seen yet, we have faith and are continually praying so that the Lord can bless us with the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

This coming Sunday, we have planned a father's day FHE with our ward. We are excited because this will allow many members and investigators to invite their friends to come in contact with the church!

I know that Heavenly Father is there. He answers my prayers, and He knows each and every one of us perfectly. Even when problems arise, I am at peace knowing that I have done my part and that God will take care of me. I love this quote from "Jesus the Christ": Prayer is not compounded of words, words that may fail to express what one desires to say...words that may have no deeper source than the physical organized speech, words that may be spoken to impress mortal ears...Prayer is made up of heart throbs and the righteous yearnings of the soul, of supplication based on the realization of need, of contrition, and pure desire."


Anyway, here's a really cool quote that I ran into during person studies this week:

"In times of distress, let your covenants be paramount and let your obedience be exact.  Then you can ask in faith, nothing wavering, according to your need, and God will answer.  He will sustain you as you work and watch.  In His own time and way He will stretch forth His hand to you, saying, 'Here am I.'"
I am so grateful to the Lord, especially right now as He has blessed me with such an amazing, strong, and faithful companion who supports me and helps me make the best decisions! Last night, when we didn't know what to do tonight after P-Day is over, we decided to get on our knees again and ask God where He needed us to be. 

Even though the spiritual promptings that we receive aren't always the strongest, we are always blessed with answers that DO come when we need them.  Sister Ko and I are looking for new investigators... As a missionary, you are ALWAYS looking for new investigators, and as we were pondering upon all the things that we could change or do better, we decided that we want to be more and more obedient every day!

We know that as long as we are doing our parts and as long as we are being obedient and faithful to the Lord and His commandments/mission rules, we can be successful missionaries.

Something that I learned from reading Jacob 5 during personal study was that in order to be successful as a servant in the Lord's vineyard, we must be diligent and watchful.  We must throw away the bad fruit at the same rate as the good fruit comes in.  We must allow the roots to be as strong as the branches.  The branches can't overcome the roots, and the roots in the same way must not overgrow the branches.

In our missionary work, we must always be looking and striving for the right balance.  Life in general is a struggle for just the right balance.  We are blessed with this gospel that allows us to find the right sources and just the right peace!

Right now, Sister Ko and I have two really golden investigators.  They are a brother and sister who live here in Tanzi.  It was really great because this last week, they went to the Morphis family musical fireside with us and our recent convert You Jiemei who is super awesome.  We were able to talk to the siblings about their baptismal date, but it's really hard for them because their family runs a breakfast shop, and they aren't able to come to sacrament meeting on Sunday.

Their desire to be baptized is so great, and they want so  badly for their parents to also learn about this gospel.  The other day, we went over to the house, and when we started bearing our testimonies about Christ and His work, they started crying.  The only thing in the way of them getting baptized is their FAITH.  We know that when they decide to completely trust in the Lord by keeping His commandments and coming to church on Sundays, putting aside work, they will be blessed ten fold!!

It just made me realize how hard Satan tries to prevent us from making the most sacred covenants and receiving the riches blessings in our lives. He uses work, the world, and countless other influences to try and bring us down.

It's when we're closest to obtaining our goal and making the best decisions that Satan decides to jump in the picture.

I know that that is why we have to build our testimonies and obey with exactness!!! God will bless us when we keep His commandments. Here's something cool from a liahona talk:

HOW TO SUCCEED IN LIFE:

1. Establish principles to guide your life
2. Don't make exceptions to your standards.
3. Be loyal
4. Live so that the Lord can guide you.
5. Serve others
6. Smile
7. Don't complain.
8. Always have a church assignment
9. Worship in the temple.
10. Follow the Savior's example.

What can I say more?! ... SO GOOD.

Well, I love this work so much. I am filled with so much gratitude and love towards the Savior and to my Heavenly Father.

I know that He loves each and everyone of us with the most perfect, eternal love in the world!!!

I love each and every one of you too!!!

Love,
Sister Verina Chen

2014.7.14 Tanzi Powerpuff Girls


This week was AMAZING.  This is how I feel: "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people..... and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God." (4 Nephi)

This week, Sister Ko and I have a short time missionary serving with us for a week!! We met her on Saturday, and since then, we have been the happiest companionship in the world!! And why?!?! - Because our hearts really ARE filled with the love of God.

AAAHHH!!

I just can't describe HOW HAPPY I've been this last move call. God has totally set me up to have the best last transfer EVER. You know how I've been saying that my companions just keep getting better and better?! - Well, I'm going to say it again.

MY COMPANIONS JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER AND BETTER. Seriously though.

Sister Ko, Sister Lu (our cute short-time missionary) and I feel like we were really great friends in the pre-existence. It's been amazing just recognizing how many similarities we have, and our personalities just CLICK. We get the same sense of humor, the same spiritual promptings, EVERYTHING! I have really just been blessed with the PERFECT MOVE CALL. EVERYTHING is perfect: My companions, our apartment, my bike, our area, our ward, our investigators, our opportunities, etc.

Most of all, I think my understanding of the Atonement has grown so much recently. Maybe that's what's REALLY has changed: my perspective and understanding of Christ's atonement and the idea of "perfection".

At the end of last move call, I was struggling to understand how I was to be perfect if I had so many weaknesses. I had been praying and praying, and I didn't know if God would hear me, but last week, I found my answer. God DOES hear our prayers. He DOES listen.

In this month's July Liahona, there is a talk about "Becoming perfect in Christ" by Elder Gerrit W. Gong. JUST GO READ IT. When I read this article, every single line and paragraph were exactly what I needed to hear. I recognized that we become perfect in Christ by first understanding His Atonement and understanding what it actually means to be perfect. Being perfect takes a natural process of time and patience. We are not meant to be perfect now. That is impossible. However, we can achieve perfection after an eternal progression of this life, as we enter the Spirit World, and then are resurrected.

This morning, I read an awesome paragraph from "Jesus the Christ": "For the Father is kind, long-suffering and tolerant, causing His sun to shine on the evil and on the good, and sending rain for the sustenance of both just and unjust."

I know that Heavenly Father is perfect, and by being kind, long-suffering, and tolerant, full of mercy and love, we can be perfect too.

THAT is why I have been so obsessed with the beattitudes (Christ's sermon on the mount):

-Poor in Spirit (made rich as rightful heirs to the kingdom of heaven)
-Mourner (comforted as he sees the divine purpose in his grief-shall associate again with his loved ones of whom he has been bereft)
-Meek (inherit the earth)
-Hunger and thirst for truth (be fed in rich abundance)

MY FAVORITE: THEY THAT SHOW MERCY SHALL BE JUDGED MERCIFULLY

-Pure in heart (admitted to the presence of God)
-Peacemakers (try to save themselves and their friends from strife - numbered among the children of God)
-Suffer persecution for the sake of righteousness (inherit riches of the eternal kingdom)

I love God.  God loves us.  HE IS LOVE.

Oh, and to explain the title:  Sister Ko, Sister Lu, and I feel like the powerpuff girls.  We're saving Tanzi with the GOSPEL.

haha

Anyway, this last weekend was the baptism and confirmation of You Xing Yi!! :)  It has been such an amazing experience just being where I am.  Two transfers ago, I biked into her at a red light in Dakeng.  I referred her to the Tanzi sisters because that's where she resides, not knowing that she would be baptized this weekend, and that I would be able to be serving in her ward when she did get baptized!!

God is merciful and kind.  I am humbled to know that I am His tool.  

I heard from Sister Packard the other day that our investigator Zeng Gui Xiang passed her baptismal interview.  She is getting baptized this Saturday.  I might be able to get permission to go to Dakeng that night to attend her baptism.

SO MANY MIRACLES.  There's no way I can list them all, but I hope you all got a little feel of what I'm feeling.

I'm changing, and I'm happy because I trust God with my life!!!! 

Love,

Sister Verina Chen

July 7, 2014

2014.7.7 Tanzi


Dearest family,
Move call is here!!! Guess where I'm headed?! - TANZI with Sister Ko Yu-Ting!  
Tanzi, like Dakeng is in the North Taichung Zone.  I had the opportunity to go on exchanges to Tanzi TWICE with Sister Ko these last two transfers, and now we're serving together!!! :) Tanzi has an incredible ward with amazing investigators.  On our recent exchange together, Sister Ko and I found five new investigators in one day.  Next week one of our investigators You Xing Yi is getting baptized.  Last move call while I was serving in Dakeng, I had contacted You Xing Yi on the street and referred her to the Tanzi sisters, not knowing that she would get baptized, and better yet - I will be able to attend her baptism AND teach her the recent convert lessons!!
Also, I'm going back to being a facebook missionary with Sister Ko!!!  So, we'll be using facebook to work with a lot of online investigators. 
The Tanzi and the Fengyuan sisters live in the same apartment, and so guess who is moving to Fengyuan to live with Sister Ko and me?! - SISTER LESLIE MEDRANO!!! - YES.  THAT Sister Medrano, my trainee, my baby!!! :) I am SO excited to see her tonight because we'll be able to catch up on everything. 
Isn't this last move call just a BEAST?!?! - I have the best companion, an awesome ward, the coolest roommates, a golden area, and an intense zone. I'm definitely going to make it the best that I can!!
Anyway, since today is move call, we only have an hour to email.  Sister Ko and I are getting hair cuts this afternoon.  :)
Love you all!!! 
Sister Verina Chen 

July 1, 2014

6.30.2014 - Dakeng - I am not a number. I'm a believer!!!


 By the end of every day, I feel like I've given EVERYTHING that I have.  Sister Packard and I discussed last night about how we've had the lowest key indicators we've ever had on our missions recently; however, we've never been so happy and so ... filled with PEACE our whole missions.

Even though we are often coming out with a bunch of  "O's", we feel as if they are the fattest zero's ever because we put SO much faith, SO much work, SO much sacrifice, SO much sweat, and SO much love into this work.  I'm really learning about how true character and true success cannot be found in mere statistical evidences.  True success and joy is found in who you ARE.

I don't want people to ask me how many baptisms I've had, how many less-actives I saved, how many people I contacted on the street, how many lessons I had in a week, etc. And it's not because the statistic is too high or too low.  

Whatever the numerical reply, it does NOT and CANNOT reflect upon the person I REALLY am.

I believe that success is defined when we become individuals of character - people who change - people who love - people who try - people who serve - people who sacrifice - people who learn.

As missionaries, we are always reminded that the people we interact with are not and cannot be regarded as mere numbers.  Sometimes, we forget to acknowledge that we as missionaries are not and never will be mere numbers.

I am not a number.

I know that I want to continue changing.  I know that I want to continue learning.  I know that I want to continue serving.  I know that I want to continue loving.  I know that I want to continue BECOMING. - Becoming who God wants me to become.
 
Knowing this fills me with so much faith, so much hope, so much joy, and so much peace.  I know that if we have righteous desires, work diligently with faith, and have patience/long-suffering, we will truly see God's tender mercies and blessings pour out from the windows of heaven.

Let us all continue learning and growing in wisdom and truth.  This week, I really studied about "truth".

As I studied in PMG about what truth is, I found out the following:

Truth is God's word.
Truth is light.
Truth, no matter where you go or what you're called, is the same and does not change.

So, what is God's word?!

Words of the prophets (AKA SCRIPTURES)
 - the Bible and the Book of Mormon

Why do we need truth?!  

A: Why do we need light?!

- Light allows us to see.  It guides us and directs us.  It fills us with warmth.

- Similar to the process of photosynthesis in plants, truth is necessary for us as people to grow spiritually and intellectually.

In the scriptures, we learn the light is necessary for us to find our way back home to our Heavenly Father.  It's the way for us to be saved.  It is the way to eternal glory.

So, what can we do?! What does God want us to do?!

He wants us to continue finding and searching for truth, and the best thing about it is this:  No matter where we are, no matter who we are, no matter the circumstance, we can ALL find truth in our situations 24/7.

Is that not the greatest gift God has granted us?!

I think the happiest thing for me would be to see my loved ones searching and diligently seeking truth and light.  Why?!?! - Because that is how we are going to get back home!! THAT is the way we are going to receive blessings beyond our comprehension.

I hope that you can feel what I feel.  I know that you can!  

Sometimes it's hard for us to see the blessings that God desires to give us.  It's hard for us to see the blessings that He has prepared for US.  Sometimes all we can see is how He's blessing everyone around us.

For instance, I have never contacted and then REFERRED so many golden people to every area BUT my own (Dakeng) than now.  Just last night, I ran into this 20 year old cute girl who is GOLDEN - just to find out that she lives in the Beitun area.  Although, I'll have to admit.  When I found out that she wasn't our investigator, I wasn't surprised because it's happened to us THAT MUCH.

I was feeling as if God was cheating me of all these blessings... And to be honest, I was mumbling because I felt like all of the blessings we have been working so hard for have all been given to other missionaries.  

However, as I prayed and thought about this situation, I realized that this work is NOTHING about me.  How can I say that I deserve all these blessings?!? The work of God is JUST THAT.  It's not the work of Sister Chen.  It's not even the work of President Monson.  It's the work of God, and everything that we do DOES contribute to God's work.  We cannot glory in ourselves.  We must glory God.  ALL that we do and say should be in behalf of God and His work.

No matter what part of the work we are, we ALL contribute to the glory of God, and that is joy beyond measure.

God really has been answering my prayers because this morning, I ran into this wonderful scripture:

"Verily, verily I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you."

"And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.  The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours."

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of the earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."

"Wherefore, do the things which I have commanded you, saith your Redeemer even the Son Ahman, who prepareth all things before he taketh you."

"And he that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things."

-Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-22

So, what is your assignment for this week?!?!

Read that scripture.  Ponder it.  Tear it apart, and APPLY.

Is Sister Verina Chen a believer?!

YES, I AM A BELIEVER.

So, believe this when I say it: I love you, I do!!

Love,
Sister Verina Chen

June 23, 2014 INTEGRITY


Sister Packard and I are getting along better and better every day!!  We have finally found that perfect balance in our companionship that allows the Spirit to unify and testify of Christ and His teachings.  I am humbled every day to realized how blessed I am to have this time to serve with her right now!!!

On Wednesday, Sister Packard and I went on our second to last exchange with the Beitun sisters.  I went with Sister Hsu to Beitun.  It was an unusual exchange because we actually exchanged right after exercising in the morning until the next morning.  During the exchange, Sister Hsu and I spent most of the time heart attacking and delivering gifts and little messages to the members of the Beitun ward.  It was pretty xinku, but it was totally worth it.  

Since the Beitun sisters live in the same apartment as we do, we decided to change things up a little and stay with each other for English class as well!! 

The Beitun ward meets at the church in Daya, so it was super fun to see Sister Ting and Sister Grigg during English class.  Since the children's class is outrageously crazy, and kids are always bouncing off the walls during the whole hour, Sister Ting and I decided to team up and teach the kids that drive Sister Grigg and Sister Hsu crazy! haha It was fun to work with Sister Ting again.  Our hour and an a half with the kids went pretty smoothly, and everyone ended up being all smiles! :)

Our mission has really been emphasizing the work between missionaries and members at this time.  The expectations that President Blickenstaff has for all of us missionaries has also changed in a wonderful way!! RCLA's now don't count unless there is a member present at the lesson.  We are expected to visit three active members every week.  

Basically, everything about the way we count key indicators has been changed, and it's the best thing ever!!  We're really able to focus on working effectively to bring about God's eternal work and purposes.  Sister Packard and I spent a good amount of time this week finding new investigators.  We tracted hours this week and contacted EVERYONE.  The whole feel about the Taichung mission has really stepped onto a higher level.  

Although the work is tiring we are HAPPY.  So happy that when we look back at each day, we don't have any regrets!! Sister Packard and I both agree that the way we look at things and our ATTITUDE about the work really does determine whether or not we are successful missionaries.  

We are on FIRE!! DAKENG IS ON FIRE!!! I can honestly say that I love this work more than ever now, and I have really placed my trust ENTIRELY on the Lord.  

I feel like I've really been able to understand the real meaning of integrity recently.  Just think about!! In the world we live in today, it's almost become the norm for people to worry so much about what the world thinks.  We find ourselves engulfed by negative, self-destructive thoughts that can enter into our minds by any kind of source: the internet, a classmate, a friend, a family member, PEOPLE...  When the only one that we really should be worrying about is GOD and our relationship with Him!

When we find ourselves doing certain things for the praise of man, we can be assured that the result/reward is NOT as we perceived.  

Everything we do and say should be for and in behalf of GOD.  The way we choose to live in this life will determine who we are going to be and how far we will be able to go in the after-life.  

I'm determined that there is NOTHING that this world can offer in which I would exchange my testimony.  There is nothing that can phase the work of our Almighty God and our Eternal Heavenly Father!!  Yet, even with the truths that we have from this gospel, we often find ourselves in a sea of despair and sin.  

On Sunday during relief society, a sister asked us an inspired question.  She asked us who we thought Satan targets...  Some sisters replied that Satan especially targets the weak.  The answer that came instead was one that shocked some of the class.  Satan doesn't target the weak!! He targets the strong.  He tries to pull down those who can be or who are God's greatest warriors.  He targets YOU.  He targets me!!  He targets anyone who is on or merely NEAR that straight and narrow path.

So, what do we do when we hit a block in the road, a trial that we could never have fathomed, a doubt that blinds our view?!  - We press forward.  We keep walking.  We keep praying.  We pray UNCEASINGLY.  We KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS, and above all, we are true and worthy of the covenants we make when we are baptized or when we enter into the temple.

When we do those things, and when we have PATIENCE, then God really will come off conqueror.  What are the fruits of the Spirit?! - Gentleness, meekness, love-unfeigned, long-suffering, kindness, etc.

Notice that sometimes, we are required to pass through a period of long-suffering.  We are meant to be tested, and this life is meant to be hard!! 

We cannot, however, make EXCUSES.  When we make excuses for ourselves, that's when Satan REALLY starts working at our hearts.  He makes us believe that we can justify our sin, that God is a God that is lazy and comfortable (See Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk "The Cost and Blessings of Discipleship).  

When in reality, we must not tolerate ANY degree of sin.  (Read 2 Nephi 28)

I love each and everyone of you, and that's WHY I share with you all these things.  My invite?! - Study the words and the messages from our prophets given to us this past general conference.  Read and ponder the scriptures, and remember the words given to us in 2 Nephi 31: 20 "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

Let us build our foundations on the rock of Christ.  Let us live not for the praise of man, but for the will of God.  Let us be chosen of God to humbly accept the callings in this life and fight for the things that REALLY matter. - Because let's face it - Being popular in this world cannot buy you Celestial glory.  Living a Christlike life is not always going to be popular.  In fact, with the world it is the way now, it never IS popular.  

But, knowing all of this, we must never lose sight of our divine significance and our divine integrity, our identification.  

"Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might -"
"Lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming the truth according to the revelations and commandments which I have given you."
"And thus, if ye are faithful, ye shall be laden with many sheaves and crowned wit honor, and glory, and immortality, and eternal life."

-Doctrine and Covenants 75:3-5

I know that if we continue placing our trust in the Savior and in His Atonement, we will really feel the Spirit enter into our lives.  We will remember our covenants we made when we were baptized.  We will have numberless opportunities to serve individually but ultimately TOGETHER to serve God and fulfill the prophecies that have been made!!  :) Never lose sight of the eternal perspective.  We are ALL spiritual beings that have the potential and equal opportunity and AGENCY to become spiritual GIANTS.

When you have doubts, when you have questions - turn to God.  Read the scriptures for yourselves.  Abide by the commandments and taste the blessings.  God is not an easy God.  He IS a merciful God, but He is in no means a lenient, lazy-loving God.  Always remember to defend your faith.  

Love,
Sister Verina Chen

June 16, 2014 Happy Father's Day!


This week was another super jam-packed week full of MIRACLES.  I just wanted to share this quote with you all.  I saw it on the wall of one of the sisters we went on exchanges with this week.  Here it is:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so others won't feel unsure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it is in all of us.
As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others."

When I read this quote, I felt like I had found an answer to many of my questions about my fears/goals/doubts in life.  I know that we all are filled with so much light - SO MUCH LIGHT.  We have dreams and goals and visions to fulfill.  We often find ourselves doubting that light within us.  Sometimes Satan fills our minds with negative thoughts - thoughts that cause us to question our own divinity, our own identity, and our own nature.  We ARE God's children, and we have been given talents - talents to develop and to nurture.

The talents we have must be shared and developed.  It would me more selfish of us to hide our talents than to develop and share them with the people around us.  

I love Ether 12:4, a scripture that explains that when we have faith in Christ, then we can have hope for a better world.

Doesn't that sound appealing to you?! - The hope for a BETTER world!

I love that my Heavenly Father loves me enough to provide for us the plan of salvation.  I have a testimony of His love, and I have faith in His plan.  I know that with faith, we can do all things that are sufficient to Him.

Well, on to the miracles of this week.  

EXCHANGES:

Tuesday: Tanzi sisters

On Tuesday, I went to Tanzi to serve with Sister Ko.  Sister Ko is so amazing!! While we were on our exchange, I got to meet the investigator that I had contacted a month ago on our area.  I had run into this investigator at a park last month and referred to the Tanzi sisters not knowing that they had actually started meeting with her!! So, it was perfect because when I exchanged over to Tanzi, this investigator had time, and I got to meet her!! She's run into missionaries plenty of times before but had never been willing to write down her contact information until she ran into me.  I guess God really had prepared her!  Anyway, during the exchange, we met with FIVE new investigators.  That's five SOLID investigators who all are willing to meet with the sisters right now!!! :) Sister Ko is a Taiwanese sister who is going to America to live with her mother when she goes home.  We made plans to hang out all the time when we both get back home! :)  

Friday: Daya Sisters

I went over to Daya to serve with SISTER TING!!! YEAH!! THAT Sister Ting, my MTC companion!! We FINALLY have been able to serve together since the MTC.  hahaha It was like the best exchange ever.

Here's the cool miracle from that exchange: Thursday night, I got a call from another investigator that I had contacted during English proselyting.  This investigator works in Taipei and has been too busy to meet with the missionaries since the last time she came to our English class here in Dakeng.  Here's the miracle:  This investigator lives in DAYA.  So, we know we needed to refer her to the Daya sisters a long time ago, but it was a little difficult because she's one of those people who needs a connection before being willing to meet.  Anyway, Thursday night, I knew that I'd be in Daya, so I was able to schedule her to meet Sister Ting and me at the church in Daya and then get dinner together.  

So, on Friday night, she showed up at the church, we were able to call up a member who was a perfect "peike" for her!!  The member treated all of us out to dinner, and then we went back to the church to teach her the first lesson.  When we taught her, she listened intently and really understood/was willing to continue learning!!! So, the Daya sisters have a new investigator!

It was really cool to serve with Sister Ting again.  We've both grown so much, and we were able to teach with so much unity.  There were so many other cool miracles while we were together, including the finding of a new less-active member who is totally going to be the future relief society president!!

I love exchanges!!!

Alright last miracle.  This one just happened last night while Sister Packard and I were out proselyting.  Here's my journal entry from this morning:

Last night we planned to see Xia JM, so we went and chatted with her at the lottery she works at.  She seemed really distracted when we were talking with her, so we were about to leave.  Right as we were going to say a prayer with her, guess who walked past the lottery?! - LISA.

Yes.  THAT Lisa.

I'll explain.  Lisa was an investigator in Taiping and knows Sister Graham, Sister Sadie Anderson, and Sister Ward.  That was a few months ago when she lived in Taiping.  When I was companions with Sister Anderson in Yuanlin, I had heard a bunch of stories about this investigator named Lisa, but I didn't really think that one day I'd actually meet and run into her!

So anyway, Lisa was walking her dogs last night and passed us while we were with Xia JM.  Since neither Sister Packard nor I knew her before, we didn't really think anything of it.  We DID make a comment about the pants she was wearing because they were kind of cool! 

Anyway, we later learned that she was actually never going to come back around the same way she had walked past, but for some reason she DID walk back the same way she came.  When she walked past the lottery again, she caught a glimpse of Sister Packard and then thought, "An American - Must be a missionary!"

So, she stopped and started talking to us strangers.  At first, Sister Packard and I were a little weary of her because her first remark to us was this: "Oh!! You're the Mormons!"  ...

However, Lisa started talking about how she had met with the missaionries in Taiping before.  When she moved to Dakeng, she left the missionaries with her last home in Taiping.  She wasn't planning on ever finding us again.

Anyway, we were all super surprised but delighted to see her, and she immediately invited us over to her house last night for watermelons!! Lisa is now our new investigator and is so excited to be meeting with the missionaries again.  

Her English is also super amazing because she lived in San Francisco for a majority of her life!! 

Man, the story probably sounds super confusing, but remind me to tell you all about when I get home. It REALLY is amazing!!

Well, this week is going to be another fun week full of adventures!! Sister Packard and I both love this work so much, and we're constantly working really hard to have that unity in our companionship.

I've been studying a lot about Christ's life lately, and I'm absolutely blown away by His perfect role and love in our lives.  Just wanted to encourage you all to really understand and get to know Christ more and more everyday!! He is our perfect example and our loving older brother!

I love Him! He loves us, and I love you!

Love,
Sister Verina Chen