I'm in Taiwan!!! Think of Big Hero 6 Sanfransokyo and then make it real!

More to say than ever and I believe I am running short on time. I'm in Taiwan; I made it. The flight was crazy long, but it was fairly comfortable. I didn't sleep but maybe an hour on the plane because I was under the impression that we would go to bed upon arrival (not exactly), and I didn't sleep much the night before due to final preparations for departure. Needless to say, I slept extremely well that first night. Actually every night since arriving here I've been more tired than I've ever been in my life. Just totally drained. Perfectly content, but totally drained. I tend to pass out when it comes to be near that time of the day without my knowing it. 

Elder Hawkes and I in FengLin: Prized as being the slowest (least busy) town in Taiwan, they even have a statue of a giant snail!

My Trainer: Elder Hawkes - He's an incredible guy. He was Elder Dalton Karlinsey's last companion, and he also happens to be my district leader. We share an apartment with our zone leaders as well.

Area: HuaLien Ji'an - When I got my call I was promptly told by everyone and their dog that I was the luckiest missionary of all, that HuaLien is the most coveted area in the mission. It's gorgeous here. We're right on the coast. Our area supposedly includes some of the most beautiful natural and man-made sites in all of Taiwan. We're going hiking up a waterfall a little later today. We live in the city of Ji'an. It's not as large as Taipei by any means, but it's certainly not a small place. Our area is huge though. We took a train for about 45 minutes going south from our home town and still hadn't even gotten terribly close to the borders of our area.

In FengLin 

Views from our apartment in Ti'an

Many of these are views from the train ride we took.

More views from our apartment:

First Impressions - It was scary. I was super excited, but it was still scary (Think of Big Hero 6 Sanfransokyo and then make it real...so it's not an animated children's movie. That's the best comparison I can think of at present). We went out on the busy streets of Taipei the first night. It was loud, bright, there were a lot of things I couldn't read or understand, I didn't know the traffic laws (or rather the absence thereof), the food we ate was nothing like I'd ever had before, but I drew strength from the knowledge that the Lord had called me to do this and that He was with me. Therefore I could do it. The first night was very very busy and full of activity (then again every day is); I just about fell over from exhaustion and lack of sleep several times, but I made it alright. I went to bed with a view of the Taiwanese temple all lit up and beautiful and with the hope that tomorrow would be a better day, that I might one day call Taiwan home. The Lord has blessed me immensely in this regard. I haven't been terribly stressed about anything since leaving the MTC. I haven't gotten upset or frustrated despite difficulties. I've been healthy and adapted to all the newness very well. I woke up the second day and already felt fairly comfortable. 

Random Facts/Information - The trash trucks play Fur Elise as they drive around signalling that you need to run and get your trash to throw in the truck as they drive by, if something moves it's poisonous-- think 5 inch banana spiders and colorful snakes , I might meet them later today up in the mountains; dogs are literally everywhere and they aren't all so nice, Taiwan has no real traffic laws (just don't disturb "the flow"/throw off the emperor's groove), we are always covered in a layer of dripping sweat (just the way it is and I've come to accept it and almost not notice it), they eat a lot of marmalade over here, we had a great game of ultimate frisbee, when it rains...it really rains!

I'll share a couple of experiences in a little more detail:

The streets of Taiwan: I don't know how to express the insanity that is the streets of Taiwan. They are filled with millions of people in all forms of transportation (whether it be bikes, motorcycles, cars, automated wheelchairs, tour buses, trains, you name it), and there really aren't any formal rules/laws. There are some suggestions called lights that we personally choose to follow, but that's about it. Anyway, the first full-day in my new area, my companion and I saddled up and went. I was using a very old bike that belonged to a sister missionary long ago with what looks like a foam helmet (I plan to purchase a replacement as soon as is possible). In short, it was almost in working order. He went off and I just followed. This was pretty scary, but surprisingly I wasn't terribly fazed. This is another miracle--that I'm still alive...and even semi comfortable riding the streets. We rode in a car the other day and that's another story. I'll just say that my mom wouldn't live through such an experience!

The betel nut stand: We met a woman and her daughter who were working at a betel nut stand (betel nut is a very popular drug here) : it's a nut infused with all sorts of drugs and chemicals, but also shards of fiberglass and things...point being that as you chew it it slices your gums to shreds and the drugs enter your blood stream...its gross and horrifying to see peoples' mouths dripping with blood as they chew it...it's also highly addictive, very cheap, and is used to stay awake (popular among truck drivers and other workers with long hours on the island). We talked with them as they prepared these drugs for sale. They were very receptive. We ended up leaving them with our testimonies, a copy of the Book of Mormon, and an invitation to read and then pray and ask God to know of its truthfulness.

I know many of  you have heard of the Book of Mormon, maybe even been encouraged to avoid the book.  The adversary steers people away from this book because it testifies of Christ and is another witness of Him.  It was written by ancient prophets on the American Continent between 600 BC and 421 AD.  These prophets testified of Christ and knew of his coming beforehand just like the prophets in the Old World knew in the Holy Bible.  It does not replace the Bible, it adds another witness to the divinity of Christ.  I want to bear brief testimony of the Book of Mormon. It truly is the word of God. It has changed the lives of millions. It has changed my life and drawn me closer to Jesus Christ. I have prayed to know of its truthfulness, and I received a clear answer from God. It is true. I invite you to read it. Please read it and ask God if it be true, if it be His word. I promise you, if you read this book with a sincere desire to know of its truthfulness, and then pray, ask God if it be of Him, you will receive an answer. You will know of its truthfulness. 

Anyway, as we bore simple, sincere testimony of the Book of Mormon at  the betel nut stand,

 the Spirit was present. Please read it and learn for yourselves. It will change your life forever.

This has been the biggest week of change in my life up to this point. Taiwan is a whole new world: the people, the language, the sounds, the smells, the tastes, the sights, what's expected of me, the climate, the wildlife, the products, the methods, the customs, etc.The only thing that is constant over here is who I am as a person and my relationship and reliance on the Lord, Jesus Christ. His church and gospel are universal. My testimony of Him has only gotten stronger as I have relied wholly on Him this past week. He has blessed me in so many ways. He has blessed me with the capacity to change and adapt. He has blessed me with the ability to eat and actually enjoy much of the food. He has blessed me with the ability to speak and communicate my thoughts and feelings. I can already communicate, teach, and testify with some degree of proficiency. I know that this is not accomplished by my own power or ability; there is simply no way. He has blessed me with others who are helping me every step of the way. He has blessed me with a growing love for the people here. He has blessed me with joy. I've been happy in spite of all difficulties and change. I trust God and you can too.

I love you all! Thank you so very much for the many prayers uttered in my behalf.

All is well, 

Elder Dickson

first day in Taiwan: Thursday August 25, 2016

Reed arrived in Taiwan Wednesday August 24th in the evening.  His mission posted pictures of his first day in Taiwan on Thursday August 25th. 

Pictures of the large group that arrived Wednesday: 

At the airport in Taiwan

At the mission home

The mission president talking to the new missionaries

Getting a tour of the mission offices

MTC: Saturday August 20,2016

Hey! All is well, but I have the old stiff-neck today. I figure I must've slept wrong. Perhaps I have yet to learn the lesson God wants me to learn here. I'm good, but prayers are always wonderful. The next time I email I will likely be half-way across the world :)

Last picture of our district at the MTC in Provo, UT

with our teacher Elder Hay on his wedding day!

These pictures were on the Taiwan Taipei Mission blog

showing the bikes that were waiting for the 30 missionaries who were coming.

largest group ever to come for the current mission president

He left the MTC Tuesday morning and arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday night.

 Map of Taiwan

I love you!

8th Week at the MTC during which time I was very sick

This week was tough (little refiner's fire experience). There isn't really any other way to put it. It was a trying week that pushed me to my limits in many ways, but at least this means I'm growing :)

I set a goal this week to get all the way better before flying out to Taiwan so that I might be able to serve the Lord as best as I possibly can. I've been doing all I know how to do in an attempt to reach this goal: eating almost exclusively massive amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, retiring to bed early, washing my hands frequently, taking medicine and vitamins daily, drinking gallons of water a day, and praying like crazy among other things. Despite my best efforts, it must not have been the Lord's will for me to recover quickly. I experienced chills, a high fever, loss of strength, and intense stomach and chest pains among other ailments. As soon as I would start to get better the next wave would hit; this, combined with the busy schedule we keep, has worn me down this week. My district said they thought I might die on them at one point and my companion had to "drag" me back to the residence early to get some much needed rest one evening. I don't understand why I was so sick this week, but I do trust God, and I do feel that I've become stronger in the process. More recently, I've visited the doctor and received a priesthood blessing in which it was said that I would recover and that I would be able to accomplish the work the Lord has for me to do. The doctor gave me a prescription and advised me to go on a "BRAT" diet. This was the beginning of another adventure.

(Shelby Caldwell's brother-in-law, Andy Brimhall,  who lives in North Carolina, just happened to be running by the temple in Provo, Utah this past week and ran into Reed.)

(Thanks for the photos Brimhall family, as we were running short this week!)

The BRAT diet only allows you to eat Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast/Tortillas. You can also drink water. Lots of it. Unfortunately applesauce and tortillas are not readily available at the MTC, and so, it became the BRT diet for me. I would've much preferred a BLT diet ;) After doing this diet the past couple days, I've come up with some unique ways to combine these three foods: banana jam on toast, rice sandwiches, banana-rice-toast casserole, and a few others. I actually came to really miss the MTC food. I also learned that I've lost over 10 lbs since coming to the MTC. Yesterday, it was starting to seem almost comical, and I nearly passed out. As I am feeling a little bit better, I decided to depart from the prescribed diet a little as of today so as to preserve both my sanity as well as my life. I also wanted to relieve my newfound friends here at the MTC from this unique form of suffering. Upon hearing of my condition, three other elders in my zone determined to join me on the BRAT diet despite my objections, and they've stuck with me all the way. It was actually really nice to have this support group, but I couldn't watch them continue going through this. It was rough, but I've got a great story to tell, and, surprisingly, I am actually feeling significantly better.

I also had some personal tastes of the Savior's Atonement this week. Because Jesus Christ has suffered through and experienced all of the pain, suffering, and heartache we will ever be faced with, He is able to understand us perfectly. He is able to love us perfectly. The other issue I had this week was that most anytime I would see anyone with any sort of ailment, I would think to myself, "I can at least be grateful that I'm not going through...(whatever the ailment was)." Almost without fail, I subsequently encountered all of these things personally: blisters, bloody noses, and various pains. It was a test of patience...but when I turned to God in prayer, He did comfort me. He was with me all through my suffering this week, and I feel like I now have much greater empathy for others than I had prior. One spot of humor in all of this (humor regarding these things was the only way to survive while maintaining a positive attitude at times) came after I explained briefly this trial I was experiencing to the elder who gave me the blessing...He immediately responded by telling me that he was suffering from a serious case of internal bleeding. It was funny at the time, and, as far as I know, this hasn't been an issue for me (unless this explains the stomach or chest pain I've had). I still trust God, and I really am starting to feel much better besides being very tired, but I'm a missionary. Being perpetually tired is just part of the adventure :)

Thank you for the dear elders from all who sent them this week. I very much enjoyed receiving them; they gave me strength. We also got our travel plans this week! We head out of the MTC super early on Tuesday and arrive in Taipei Wednesday afternoon.

I'm very excited to go after hearing about how wonderful it is there these past eight weeks.

(Some google images of Taiwan.  Looks like an exciting place.)

The Taiwan Taipei Temple

 We got a new teacher this week. She's been great so far. We were sad to say goodbye to Sister Kuok, but Sister Haupt has done a good job. She just returned from a mission in the Taiwan, Taipei mission in the last few months and knows a lot about the culture there. We will also be losing our other teacher, the incredible Brother Hay, this Saturday, as it is both his birthday and wedding day. We got to meet his fiance, and we've decided as a district that we approve. We've been so very blessed to have him as our teacher and friend these past eight weeks. The MTC wouldn't have been the same without him. He's a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Not only has he given me wonderful counsel on how I can change and improve for the better, but he also lives it. He's a wonderful example of a servant of the Lord.

I want to thank all who were involved in the creation of Mallory's gift (the inspirational quotes book). I hadn't gotten far enough into it when I emailed last week to fully appreciate the extent of the efforts put into it by so many. Thank you. It has given me strength and hope throughout the week, and I am certain it will continue to do so throughout my mission, and likely, throughout my life. Thank you again. I'm grateful for the support of all who follow my blog. I'm also eternally grateful for our Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ. We can always turn to Him. He always understands. He will always love us. Trust Him. Seek to do His will, and you will find greater joy than you have ever found before. If you allow Him, He will turn you into the person you want to be. 

I just finished reading a wonderful book entitled "Our Search for Happiness" written by Elder M. Russell Ballard. One quote from it that has really stuck with me this week is "adversity becomes an adventure in the service of the Lord." An adventure it has been, and I'm ready for more.

Investigators:

Wayne - We taught Wayne for the final time on Monday. It was sad to think we won't be able to teach him again, but we're also excited for him. He's found joy in the gospel and is getting baptized on Sunday (he's our teacher, but he role plays as someone he taught on his mission so he's not actually getting baptized). We taught him about the importance of his decision and also about enduring to the end. Both Elder Lawrence and I are grateful we had the chance to teach him.

Amin - We no longer teach her as she is no longer our teacher.

Luo - Our new investigator happens to have the same Chinese name as my companion. We taught her about God and her relationship with Him. She grew up Christian, but she has been inactive in her faith for some time now. We explained to her that God still loved her regardless and always would. We taught her how to pray and she prayed with us to receive help with the stress she is dealing with due to issues at home and a heavy class load. It went really well.

My Chinese is still coming along really well. I'm by no means "fluent," but I feel like I understand enough of the mechanics and underlying structure of the language to really build off of that foundation and actually learn to speak Mandarin fluently in Taiwan. We had Skype TRC this week with a member in Taiwan, Taichung. As it turned out, he's a Chinese teacher by occupation. At first he was very critical and kept laughing whenever we spoke, but we pressed forward and really tried to get to know him and what his needs might be. I finally just asked him what questions or difficulties he had at present in life (which prompted more laughter). He asked why we thought we could help him with his problems as he was twenty-four and we are but eighteen years old. I explained to him as best I could that we couldn't, but that I knew God could. Through Him, with His help, we, a couple of eighteen-year-old men, were able to help Him come closer to Christ and overcome any trials He might face in life. The Spirit was powerful, and he then opened up. We ultimately had a wonderful discussion with him and were able to help him with several of his concerns.

Elder Lawrence was able to give his first blessing this week. A sister in our district is facing a medical situation that could delay her departure for a time. We've all been praying for her and doing everything we can to support her; we get the news tomorrow. On Monday, she asked us to give her a blessing. I could feel God's love for her, and I know God has a plan for her, individually. It will all be well in the end.

We took the LLA (Long Language Assessment) on the computer this week. It was fairly challenging, and, unfortunately, I didn't perform my best, but it's not what's really important. Being able to help and teach God's children effectively is what matters. I don't think you have quite the same Spirit when you talk to a computer as you do when you're talking with one of God's children. It's just not possible. Being sick didn't help much, but I'm still just grateful I'm feeling so much better at present. 

Bonnie L. Oscarson, the General Young Women President, spoke last night. She spoke on adversity and trials and how they can make us into who Heavenly Father wants us to be. Needless to say, it applied to me. She also shared the Currant Bush video. I would invite you to watch it and think about how it applies to your own life. It's a wonderful video. You can see it  yourself by clicking on the words that follow this sentence. Video: The Will of God

Trust God.

Ask God what He wants you to learn from your present struggles. I've been studying Doctrine and Covenants 121 and 122 a lot this week.  Some examples: D&C 121: 7-8 "7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

 8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." Also 122: 8-9 "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? ...fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

I'm sorry I don't have more pictures to send this week. I got another hair cut. I trust I'll have plenty of photos of Taiwan to send next P-day. We're committed to the best week yet at the MTC. We're working hard and trying to find joy in the journey. I'm grateful for the time I've had here to learn and to grow, and I'm going to try to make the best of every moment. 

I've got a lot more but no time.

All is well,

Elder Dickson

Week 7 in the MTC, we get our flight plans this week!

Another week closer to Taiwan. We get our flight plans in a couple of days now. The district is calling tomorrow Christmas Eve and Friday (the day we get our flight plans) Christmas Day.

Old (Elder Dickson and Elder Lawrence) and New Zone Leaders (Elder Chang and Elder Wilde)

Our Awesome, Massive Zone

The new missionaries are here. There are a ton of them, and they're all wonderful. I met an Elder Doyle.  His dad was in the MBA program at the University of Texas at Austin around the same time my dad was doing his Ph.D. in Management there.  Our zone now has 59 missionaries overall. We were able to meet them first. The orientation and tour went wonderfully. I feel like we did our best work as zone leaders this past week. We welcomed the new missionaries and trained the new zone leaders, but above all this, I believe we were able to be instruments in the hands of the Lord in changing the missions and the lives of two elders going to Taiwan at the same time as us. They haven't got along well since getting here. They're very different people, and they did not want to communicate with or trust one another. We met with their district leader and ended up having a discussion that included the two of them, their district leader, and my companion and I.

They were able to clear the air and work out what it was they were each doing that was bothering the other. We were able to facilitate an atmosphere in which they were able to resolve their own problems. My companion and I shared that we hadn't gotten along at first. We too are quite opposite in most every way, but that doesn't matter because we have the same goals and communicate everything to each other so that we might continually improve and build our relationship. We get along wonderfully now. They've been doing great since we met with them. They talk through their problems and really look to the needs and desires of the other now instead of focusing on their personal grievances. I was grateful to be able to witness the Savior heal this previously struggling relationship.

It's all about the WHY? When we remember why we're here, it is then we are most successful. Sometimes we just need to help others remember what their why is. Sometimes we need to be reminded of what our own why is in life. The most powerful and pure reason/motivation is always tied to love. Love others, and you will be able to change their lives.

Elder Lawrence and I were released from our calling as zone leaders this week on Sunday. It was a bittersweet experience. It's sad because we both very much enjoyed being able to help and serve the other missionaries; we are still able to do this, though not to the same extent. At the same time, we did feel a weight lifted off of us. As zone leaders, we kind of gave up our MTC experience for a time to ensure that the other missionaries in our zone were having the MTC experiences they needed to have. We were very glad to do it, but it's also nice to be able to focus on preparing for Taiwan as the time draws nearer.

The new zone leaders are incredible elders. They're fairly shy (as am I), but they're perfectly obedient. As a result, I know the Lord will make them equal to the task. My companion and I are also here to help up until we leave. They're doing great.

We get lots of opportunities to do service here. We got to work in the temple laundry room which was a cool experience.  We also got to eat in the temple this past week. It was a nice break from the MTC food.

(We convert the gym into the main meeting room and back again twice a week. Sorry the photos are pretty blurry; I was trying to capture the fun while still being involved in the midst of it.)

We had mission conference this week. I felt like the meeting was truly meant for me. Unfortunately, I'm short on time. Fortunately, I took some stellar notes. ;) 

We watched Ephraim's Rescue this week. I had never seen it before, but I do recommend it.

Mom had asked last fast Sunday if they still serve cordon bleu in the evenings on fast Sundays, and the answer is yes. It's one of the best meals served here. 

We hosted the senior missionaries again this week. It was a pleasure to be able to get to know them--where they're serving, what they've done in their lives, and their commitment to serving the Lord. There's a joke that's told at most every devotional; it goes something like this: the person conducting the meeting asks the senior missionaries to stand. He then says, "This is where we hope to see you in a few years. We'll even let you pick your own companion." It was pretty funny the first few times, but it's still a cool thought even now.

Elder Holland's son, Matthew Holland, came and spoke at the MTC on Sunday. He looks and sounds much like his father. He spoke about Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My testimony was strengthened, and I also took away that doing the Lord's work isn't always the easiest or most comfortable thing (I already knew this, but it was definitely reinforced and I believe I will soon understand this on a much more personal level). Nevertheless, I am grateful to be able to serve the Lord. 

I'm somewhat sick. It's just a cold...I think, but I'm working hard to get better before we ship out if at all possible. 

Zone volleyball was good. We filled five of six courts pretty well with our almost 60 missionaries...good times.

We're losing a teacher this week. Her visa is expiring and so she must leave us. She's been a wonderful teacher. We'll be sad to see her go and are trying to put together a little something for her. We expect to get a new teacher tomorrow. 

I was grateful to receive a package from the Funk family this week. Thank you for the letters and the picture too. It was wonderful to receive encouraging words from friends and also to hear how things are going back in Cape. The package may or may not have also included some particularly delicious treats...Thank you again. They were enjoyed by many (myself included)  :)

Mallory. Mallory, my sister, is the best sister any brother could ever hope to have. Don't worry E, you're just as amazing ;) Thank you so much for the package Mallory. I don't know how long it took to put together, but I can assure you it will be used regularly for years to come. It may be the nicest thing anyone has ever made for me. The wisdom and love imparted in your "book" is inspiring and has helped me already. In other words, I think you've got Christmas and birthday presents covered for a few years. Thank you Mallory. I can't fully express my thanks to you through email, but I will endeavor to do so by using your gift daily and by being the best missionary I can be.Thanks also to everyone who contributed their favorite, thoughts, quotes, words of advice, etc. to Mallory's project.  It will great to have them with me in Taiwan!

Mallory's project:

A work in progress

Completed and sent to me :)

Sorry if my English isn't the most coherent. My Chinese continues to improve. As a result, my English abilities are steadily declining. We get to bless the sacrament on Sunday. It's not an easy thing in Mandarin, but it is worth it.

The blessing on the water in Chinese

We did Skype TRC this week. The member we taught lives in Taipei, Taiwan and is a recent convert. Her name was Sister Liao. We were able to help her and she was able to help us too. It was really cool to meet someone who lives where we will be going in a short time now (and to help them no less).

Elder Andersen of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles came to the MTC yesterday--an Apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Yes, like Peter, James, or John. It was a huge blessing. It was also his 65th birthday, and so, we had the opportunity to sing "Happy Birthday" to him as an MTC (not exactly an everyday experience...). He could have taught on anything, but he chose to teach basic principles we've learned many a time. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is simple. His focus was clear, and his message was powerful. He stressed that missionary work was not complex, but that it was not easy either. "Be clean. Be obedient. Be busy." It comes down to this. I felt that I needed to stop worrying about so many little things and simply focus on a few things that are most important. I'll be able to be much more productive this way.

Speaking of productive, Elder Lawrence and I made new study plans since being released from our calling as zone leaders. Our studies are phenomenal. It's one of the best parts of the day. One of the things that has really helped is that I have started keeping a "take-a-way" journal where I can record the things I  learn that I can then work to implement into my daily life.

The district plans to do an exchange on Friday. This means that I will be with a different companion for the day. It will be an opportunity for us to learn from one another and also learn how to get along with one another. I'm a bit sad as I've come to love my companion for who he is, but it will be a good experience, I'm sure.

The choir was the largest it's ever been in MTC history this week--over 1500 strong. It was cool to be able to sing in this spiritually powerful group.

There was one point this week when I was pretty stressed. It was just for a moment, but I felt that I should, when I feel stressed in the future, stop, remember who's on my side, and then continue. When I'm stressed it's difficult to feel the Spirit, and without the guidance of Spirit I cannot do the work of the Lord. I need the Spirit.

I'm grateful for the time I've had at the MTC thus far. I'm even grateful that I'm here for 9 weeks as opposed to 6 weeks or 3 weeks as I am still learning and growing every day. The Lord is taking both me and my testimony, finding the weakest points, and turning them into strengths. It's not an easy process by any means, but I'm grateful and I trust Him.

"Feeling down? Find someone to lift." It's really this simple. I'm working hard to change my nature and focus outward more and more. I believe this will be very important relating to my success as a missionary and in life. When you think you need help, find someone who needs it more. your problems will be taken care of. Trust God. He trusts you.

During testimony meeting this Sunday, I had this thought come to my heart and to my mind; "Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ, can ever, truly, save a life."Christ is the only way to be saved: John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." I'm excited to go out and teach my brothers and sisters in Taiwan about Him.

All is well,

Elder Dickson