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!
All is well,
Elder Dickson
Finding balance in our companionships
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