Week 6 in MiaoLi: Merry Christmas

Time is short (as always), but I'll endeavor to package up the week in some sort of convenient way. I hit the 1/4 mark this past week. The time has gone incredibly fast (6 months+). I'm grateful for the time I've had and excited for the future going forward. It hasn't been easy so far, but I've been blessed all along the way. I'm coming to know myself (my strengths and my abundance of shortcomings too), and I'm coming to know my Savior. I've also come to realize just how involved God is in weaving the fabric of our lives. In the end, all things work out. The key is to endure...and find JOY in the journey! 

 

Ward Christmas party and Nativity 

 

 

 

Birthday cake for Jesus

 

 

I think the pictures I sent will have to tell the story for the most part this week. 

We took a hired taxi this week provided by brother Zeng's company, took the gaotie, met a circus performer from Egypt, busted a cello string, and just had a blast!

Saying "Yes!" Obedience is central to success in the work of the Lord---obedience to Him and His leaders. We are faced daily with choices to make as to just how obedient we will be. It is not uncommon for us to feel it is hard to obey---to say "no" to many things, every person has different weaknesses whether it be drinking, swearing, unkind words, activities on Sundays, etc., but...I was struck this week with the idea that we are really only saying "YES!" when we refuse to give in to human weaknesses. Yes to happiness! Yes to blessings! Yes to family! Yes to safety! Yes to a bright future! Yes to the Savior! Let us all strive to respond to the challenges we face on a day to day basis with a resounding "Yes!" Choose the right. It's the only right thing to do ;)

On the trip to Taipei we took the gaotie which is the high speed rail.

We attended the Christmas Mission Conference up in Taipei this week. It was wonderful to see so many loved ones: President Jergensen, Elder Hawkes, Elder Lawrence, Elder Hamilton, Elder Griffin, Elder Miner, Elder Cline, Elder Clegg, Elder Hu, my MTC generation, and my Hualien friends. I also heard from Elder Hamilton that Jeffrey Su from Hualien is still progressing and coming to know his Savior. It brought me great joy to hear this welcome news; I still remember running into him on the street a few months ago. I was also impressed by the range of talents, skills, and strengths found among our missionary force here in the Taiwan, Taipei Mission. I actually started thinking about myself and what talent I had to offer. I'm no prodigy on the piano. My voice doesn't find its place in a choir of angels, and I can't do a triple flip. 

 

At the mission Christmas conference

 

 

 

As I thought, I began to feel very plain indeed, but then the thought entered my mind that my strength was to simply help others (to help them find and build on their strengths). I can be obedient. I can lose myself in the service of others. I can bear witness of a loving Savior who lives and guides us through the worries of a fallen world. I can. And you can too. The Gospel of Jesus Christ really kind of is my niche. It's what I've invested my time and energy into: my focus. Make the investment that invests in you. Choose ye this day to follow the Lord. It's the greatest choice you can ever make... :)

 

Building a solid foundation

 

 

 

 Filipino Christmas Feast

 

Lehi's dream, the chairs are making the iron rod and our tree

 

 

Nice "little" friend we found

 

 

P-day at the beach

 

Cash likes his name ;)

 

 

 Sending off two sister missionaries this week! 

 

Visiting the disability development center

 

 

I've got to write about yesterday, Christmas. We surpassed our goal of 25 on the 25th and had over 25 investigators in attendance,  but that wasn't what made yesterday so special. Mr. Wen: he is the older brother of the relief society president in our ward. He has terminal cancer and three months to live. Yesterday, we were able to visit this man, this brother of ours, in the hospital. He just kept smiling and thanking us for coming to see him. We shared the #Lighttheworld video, taught him to pray, and gave him a Book of Mormon. It was a moment of gratitude to be able to bring joy into Mr. Wen's life at such a time and in such a place. He's very humble and wants to be taught the lessons and accept baptism before leaving this life. It's an answer to many a fervent prayer offered by his family on his behalf.

 

 

I was blessed to be able to Skype with my family today. Tears were shed, but we have faith in the future. I'm so very grateful for this glorious gospel that allows us to know that families can be together forever. In fact, it is God's plan for us. Please watch: Our Eternal Life .

Lots unsaid, but please know that I love you all and am thankful for your support and prayers!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

All is well,

 

Elder Dickson

 

Finding balance in our companionships

 

 

Week 5 in Miao Li: A huge scare!

Week of Miracles that FLEW by...with some opposition...

P-day was good; we went to Tai An with Brother Liu to pick tomatoes up in the mountains. It was interesting to think of it as a parable for missionary work. Some are more prepared than others. Some have scars that require some healing. Our job is to put in our all to find those prepared. The work is rewarding; the harvest is truly great.

 Some have scars

 Some are not yet prepared

Some are prepared and ready

We played broom hockey for FHE. Elder Rauckhorst and I started running every other morning (outta shape). We're using Facebook through the members to help others come unto Christ and are seeing great success on this front. We're working with the ward for 25 on the 25th. Our goal is to have 25 investigators attend sacrament meeting on Christmas day. We painted our room at the request of the Bu (HQ).

 painting our room

 English class was the usual incredible experience it is. We talked about hamburgers...prayer hamburgers that is and what makes a good burger.

Broom Hockey

The weather has been weird this week. It's been freezing at times, but today is warm and we are actually going to the beach later today. It made my day when Elder Hinckley associated me with Mace Windu this past week...I went on exchange with Elder Johnson this past week. He's incredible, a wonderful example and servant of the Lord. He works well, and he works for the right reasons. I was so very grateful to learn that my coming to Miaoli had been the answer to some fervent prayers on his part. The Lord is very aware of His children and their needs. I invented Chinese piglatin this week (something only we missionaries understand).

Asian stick dance: kind of like jump roping

Gathering to go caroling

 practicing for ward party

The ward Christmas caroling activity was magical. We split into 3 groups and visited members, friends, and investigators all around Miaoli. The family we were with was constantly oohing and aahing as we went to visit our investigators in places they never knew existed even having lived in the area all their lives. I had kind of become disenchanted with the miracle it is until seeing it through their eyes, that we young men travel such vast distances (even to different cities and towns), find such incredible people to teach, etc. etc. It's a miracle. 

Jessica gave her farewell talk on Sunday. She called out all of the missionaries and YSA for their examples in various areas. She called me out for sincerity and diligence which helped me realize I'm on track even if I'm not as far along as I sometimes wish I was. We received news from a member who frequently visits the mainland. She just got back from a meeting of the members in Shanghai where there were over 400 in attendance. The Lord's work is going forward unhindered by man!  :D My studies have gotten a lot better this week as I have shaped them more around the needs of our investigators. Our investigators are doing great. We're working with 30+ people (this explains why things were so difficult to keep track of before getting organized). They're asking wonderful questions and really understanding the amazing message we missionaries have to share. This week was over before it even seemed to start due to how busy we kept. Believe it or not, next week is even crazier and then it's transfers already....hard to believe...

Mountain majesty

Tuesday...a day of gratitude. An attempt was made on our lives, but we were protected from harm. I don't have a lot of time, but I will quickly summarize. Elder Rauckhorst and I were on the side of the road discussing our next move when a man pulled up and parked in the middle of the street to the side of us. He was staring at us, but he wouldn't speak despite our attempts to engage him in friendly conversation. He then dismounted and got up in our faces a little bit leaving his motorcycle parked in the middle of the street. He pointed at my name badge and asked me what it meant. I told him "Jesus Christ." His countenance darkened and he started flailing his arms like he wanted to hit us. We stood our ground. He then mounted up and left again. We thought it was strange, but mounted up and kept riding. I rounded the corner right behind my companion and found he was in trouble. The man on the motorcycle had swung around, cut through traffic, and made impact with my companion on his bike. Luckily he wasn't going very fast at the time. He backed out. That's when he saw me. His eyes were the scariest thing I've ever seen (no light in them whatsoever and a lot of hate). He hit the gas and charged me full speed as I came through the busy intersection. It was crazy and all happened so fast. He took no thought for his own life as he recklessly came straight at me through traffic. I just barely managed to dodge him, but he was persistent. He swung around and came around for a second attempt. My companion yelled out and warned me just before he made impact. I lept from my bike without stopping and was running when I hit the pavement. I ran into the nearest store and screamed for help. The man (rather large and built) followed me in with the intent

 to do some damage. Then, he suddenly turned around and went back out. He took my bike, lifted it over his head, and then slammed it against the pavement. After which, he tried to go after my companion again, but by this time there was quite a crowd and he was simply gone. We were pretty rattled, but we did invite most all who gathered to attend our upcoming ward Christmas party :) I know we were protected from harm. And, even if things had turned out differently, I trust in my Savior. If it had been my time, I would have been okay going on the Lord's errand. My father was also in a dangerous situation on the road this week, but he was also protected. Trust in the Lord. He truly is mighty to save! (Clearly we are on the path the Lord wants us to be on and the adversary is not pleased)

Meeting with wonderful families

We have seen great success as we have met in homes to either share a message or a meal with the members. I've seen the blessings in my own family as we've invited the missionaries over in the past. Please keep the missionaries in your thoughts and prayers this Christmas. Keep them busy. Invite them into your home, and they will invite the Spirit to come into your life in greater abundance as you do so. As you invite in the representatives of Christ, you invite Him into your home and into your life. 

I love you all!! Merry Christmas!! Remember Christ as you celebrate Christmas this year! :D

All is well,

Elder Dickson