Monday was preparation day of course. We took care of some routine things and then went to 花蓮 to play some sport and spend time with other missionaries. We played an awesome game of frisbee, I think I performed well which is good because I love playing frisbee! The best part of the day was going to the beach. I was blessed with some amazing photo opportunities including one I particularly enjoyed where I stacked some rocks up and took a selective focus picture with the waves blurred in the background. I made it my new phone background because I love looking at it! It reminds me to keep a continuous balance of my life, in all aspects. That is a constant goal for myself is to have balance in everything. Today was a great day. I enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to the bright future ahead of me.
Tuesday was bright! Mostly because the sun was actually out today for the first time since I've moved! It has been cloudy and raining recently so the weather today was a pleasant change. We rode our bikes around a lot today making visits and trying to find some people. We actually set up a few people to learn more about this restored gospel and they accepted! Other than that, nothing much else happened. 鳳林 is a slower area than 淡水 so not too much happens around here but that's ok. The slowness allows me time to ponder and think about things so it's great! I did learn, however, that my bike still hasn't been shipped from the office in 台北 down here so for the near future I'll still be on my loaner exchange bike. I've grown quite accustomed to my bike so not riding it has been weird. I guess that's a drawback of being a bike missionary, getting too attached to my bike! Never thought I would say that!
Wednesday was a chill day. We just made some visits and did some awesome studies. During one of our visits today we ended up doing a power restoration lesson (teaching lesson 1 but in about 4 to 5 minutes). When I was explaining the Joseph Smith story and his first vision I felt so much power in the testimony. I truly do know that God the Father and Jesus Christ came and revealed themselves to Joseph. It's such a glorious message. Today as well, as I was biking, I was staring at the mountains in awe. No picture could do it justice but I was just in amazement at how beautiful it all was. To know that God created it all for us makes me so thankful! We are all so blessed, don't ever lose sight of it. I guess today's entry is more of a spiritual share but it was my thoughts regarding today! 鳳林 is unique, but a great place to be.
Thursday was a busy day. We had to catch a train to 花蓮 in order to attend our District Council. We got there a few hours early because trains are very few and far between in terms of timing so it was either get there early or cut it close. Since we were doing studies anyway we decided to be early. Smart choice! After District Council, we came back to 鳳林 and I went and bought my next journal since the one I am writing in now is almost filled! It will be fun to look back and see one day what I wrote about during this time, and all my time as a missionary. That's why it's important to keep a record now! Anyway, to round out the night we rode our bikes (I GOT MY PERSONAL BIKE TODAY) around and talked to a few old people.... super interesting. Some good news came my way when I received word that our closest person to baptism being taught in 淡水 is getting baptized next Thursday! I spent 3 months working with him so it's so exciting to see him make that decision and become more like Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father!
Friday was pretty laid back since we had our studies and then weekly planning to do. It was a good day nonetheless! After we got out to work for the night we biked to a town in our area but a little far away, but for a lesson! The lesson was originally going to be with a mom and her family but when we got there the kids came out and said she was feeling uncomfortable (the translation of the word they use for when they are not feeling well). So we ended up talking to the kids and one of their friends that was over as well, so it was still awesome! We set up a time to play some basketball with them next week in hopes that we can develop a better friendship with them and help them accept the gospel. I am excited about the outcomes we will see from it, and they are excited too! That was basically it for the day but I feel like I have hit my 鳳林 groove and starting to figure out how to "missionary" here. I admit it was a struggle coming to 鳳林 because it is a whole different style than what I have done before but I feel like I have a good handle on it now and am no longer struggling. God truly performs miracles in our lives!
Saturday was a service-filled day! We walked around town to our studies so we could say hi to people in the town. Our vision is to have everyone in town know us as missionaries and start developing those relationships with them. And hopefully, teach and baptize them all! That was cool then afterward we went and bought some materials for no-bake cookies and then we made them. One of our investigator's families isn't feeling to well so we made them cookies to bring them some good cheer! We ended the day traveling to 花蓮 to stay the night because we have to go to 台北 on Sunday for the Christmas Concert! It should be a fun little excursion up north until Monday night.
Sunday was quite a heart-filling day. We woke up and went to church for 1 hour (it was only 1 hour today because of Christmas). Our train to 台北 left a couple hours later so we just rode to the train station and waited. Because it rained it was a good time to dry off a bit before the ride up north. We made the train ride safely and were able to perform in the Taiwan Taipei Mission Christmas Concert! It was such a majestic display of Christmas and an amazing expression of testimony through singing. We did 2 performances and during the climax of the first performance we were singing "Angel's We Have Heard On High" and I will admit I teared up a little bit! The spirit was just so strong I felt lifted up and inspired. After the immaculate performance, we went to some elders apartment to spend the night! And that pretty much ended up an amazing day!
Back around to where we started this email at, Monday! Today was a special day not only because it is Christmas Eve but we also had our Christmas Zone Conference. It was a great day of spiritual feasting and some great food for lunch also! The focus was on making this Christmas a CHRISTmas. Really putting the emphasis on Christ and having him be the reason for the season. I can truly testify that as I have made Christ the focus of my Christmas it has been way more fulfilling. Things always change, areas, companions and so many other things but one thing that doesn't change is Christ and the gifts he has given us. I truly love my Savior and everything he has given me. I'm grateful he is the reason for this season!
We did also make it back to 鳳林 so our excursion is complete.
I love you all and wish you the most merry of Christmas' and be sure to remember Christ in all that you do!
宋長老
Elder Ciminski