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
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