Monday was preparation day and we got together with 16 missionaries total and did some 烤肉 (barbecue). It was a great time but towards the end, it got a little dicey. Sometimes when I barbecue it will cause some diarrhea problems. Sure enough right when I thought I was all fine I felt that gravitational pull towards the bathroom and so I go to use it and sure enough the only option was the classic toilet-in-the-ground Asian squatter. Long story short I had some digestive problems and resolved it while developing squatting skills. Despite my diarrhea dilemma today was an awesome day! Coming back home on my bike I grabbed onto a bus and got some free distance out of it. Energy saved is energy... that can be used at another time! So all in all, an awesome day on the beautiful island of 台灣!
Tuesday was some more firsts! We were really busy but we did some telephone calls and I did some calling on my own! My first time! Not gonna lie it was kinda scary but I did it! It also doesn't help the nerves when the ringer for the phones is shorter than in America so it always sounds like they are picking up but it's just ringing. Anyways I got in some good conversations and I improved a little bit. We taught three lessons and they all went 很棒 (very awesome). Today I was thinking about superheroes, we see Aquaman ads all the time and I hear Marvel is coming out with some trailers this week too so I've been thinking about it a tad when I bike. Then it hit me that I'm a superhero! I wake up every day and don my uniform and go save lives by sharing the gospel! It's quite the privilege to have this sacred opportunity I love being able to do it!
Wednesday was a day full of little things that compounded to make today an awesome day. Probably the biggest little thing was that one of my English Class students bought me and Elder Pope cream bread from 7/11! The reason that was so cool was because last week I had talked about in class how I stopped buying snacks and stuff like that, and how it has helped me out. Then she brought us bread and it was awesome! Since I have stopped buying snacks my budget has improved a lot (I also eat lunch inside more frequently so that saves me some money too). I have also seen changes in my health already. My workouts feel more effective and I have even lost a few pounds, I did gain some weight from the MTC and Kansas, so, all in all, I am feeling like a whole new guy! Yeah, the little things can truly compound to make something awesome and today was a testament to that!
Thursday was a big day because it was my 6-month mark being a missionary! This landmark brought me to reflect on my past 6 months and also looking to the future 18 and determining who I need to become. We didn't do anything exciting today missionary work wise but we did have District Council and that was cool! It is the second to last of the transfer and next transfer we might be seeing a few changes so we'll have to see what happens next week when we learn more. All in all, I am so excited for these next 18 months and grateful for the last 6 I've enjoyed as a missionary! I never want this time to end, and thankfully it won't for a long time!
Friday was a rainy day. One of my personal favorites to be honest. Arizona just doesn't get enough rain! We did spend a lot of time inside since we had to do planning and such. It was a great day nonetheless we got to visit a cool member of the ward and share a special message about Jesus with them and 光照世人 (Light the World). It's the best time of year because its Christmas time and a perfect time to share about Jesus. Take some time and share a message about Christ this week. Light the World!
Saturday we sang a lot! We had a total of 4 performances at an elementary school called 之山國小. We sang a bunch of Christmas songs and it just really made me so happy. Even though my feet really hurt and the weather was a little cold I felt the warmth and comfort of the spirit. It was another one of those experiences where I just loved being a missionary and never want it to be over. Once again, I'm so grateful I have 18 months left! Christmas time is my favorite, the spirit of it is marvelous. I hope you all have caught the spirit of it!
Sunday was a beautiful day. Church went well and we had a great ward activity afterward because a Sister in my district is going home this week. The ward here is so amazing at coming together and putting on great events and this was no exception. It was a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with the ward members! What made the day the most beautiful was my personal study and additional study time. I read Alma chapter 7 today and it speaks of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I absolutely love the Atonement because of the profound impact it has had in my life. Without it, I would not be where I am right now. Because of Christ I can become the best I can be and forgiven everyday! That spiritual confirmation of truths I already know is what made today beautiful. This gospel is truly glorious.
This week was quite the week! Next week is transfers and that means some things are changing because I am finishing training. Stay tuned for some exciting news next week! Love you all more than words can express!
宋長老
Elder Ciminski
Elder Ciminski