hello!!

Everyone-

 

I don't even know where to start this week. After reading the record-breaking 23 emails in my inbox I am not sure what to say. Thank you so much for all your emails and letters! Even if I don't address your letter personal I am very grateful for it.

 

First, Kevin and Reece are such an adorable little pair! These are going to be some treasured times for them. So fun!

 

Second, the family reunion sounds so fun. I don't know if knowing the plans is going to make it harder or easier to concentrate. Now I don't have to guess as to what we're doing, so maybe it will be for the good. But I think it would be best if you go ahead and leave me out of the loop on the rest of the logistical stuff and more details. I know I can't be of much help now, but I'll be ready to work when I get home so save a job or two for me. Oh and Kim- is there a China Town in the DC area? If there is I would love to take the family to try some authentic Chinese food.

 

Third, I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!! It is the best thing ever. We get to see miracles daily, and a ton of them. I love it. This last week, as I said we had our power week. Our power week was powerful in some areas and not so powerful in others. Some of our key-indicators increased while others decreased. One thing that we loved this week was the number of other-lessons taught. We were trying so hard to be looking for people to teach everywhere we went- and the Lord put them there. We were able to have some really cool lessons and meet some really great people. The unfortunate part though is that almost all of them either don't live in our area, were men or weren't interested in meeting with us again. So while we taught a lot of lessons it didn't reflect in a lot of new investigators. But we are still really grateful that we were able to find some investigators for some other missionaries. We joked a little bit this week about how we "planted lots of seeds". I like planting, but harvesting is a lot more fun! This area hasn't seen female baptisms in quite awhile and we all want one so badly. We're trying hard but still feel like we're trying to swim upstream a little bit. We have some really great people that keep progressing then degressing but still aren't progressing to baptism. Help! But we have the faith and determination to work hard. We know the prepared people are here.

 

Sister Liston is doing wonderful! Her confidence in finding and teaching is growing daily. She doesn't see it but I frequently try to help her step back and look. I can see her growing spiritually, emotionally and physically each day. It's so fun to watch! We're both doing great health wise and in all ways actually.

 

I've recently been studying the Bible and am gaining a stronger testimony, appreciation and understanding of it than ever before. It's been cool to see that as I have been gaining this added knowledge the Lord is giving me more and more opportunities to apply it in our teaching. I feel like we have more Christian investigators than I ever before have had. And even with the non-Christian investigators am I learning how to use the bible and the Book of Mormon to support each other. I love them and know that they both are the words of God for us to read, study, and apply in our lives today. Don't be like I was before and take them for granted. Gain your personal testimony of them. I was telling Sister Liston the other day how it has been so cool to learn how to use the scriptures to answer people's questions- both gospel questions and personal life questions. I didn't know how to do that before. I am so excited to take this (can I call it a skill?) blessing and use it to receive personal revelation in my life. It works! The answers are there, I promise!

 

A quick experience about that- yesterday we went and met with a mom that we had met at a convenience store a couple of weeks ago. I've kept her card with me during this time, but haven't really felt like it was time to call her. But on Saturday night I finally did it and she set up for us to meet with her on Sunday. When we got to their apartment it was obvious that this family is really struggling financially- there is little more than a couch and a tv in the front room. As we talked to this lady she started to weep as she told us of all the struggles and hardships she has been going through these last couple of years. Watching her cry and say she feels abandoned by her parents broke my heart. It was so wonderful though to read with her in Mosiah 24:13-15 and tell her that God really will, "ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage." I know that this scripture is a true promise to the people of the Book of Mormon, to our investigator, and to each on of us. The Lord is always there and willing to help us even when it feels like the rest of the world has left our side. Turn to Him- He's there. And help there's that don't know Him find Him.

 

Now that I have finished my novel for the week, I will wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day and be off. I love you!

 

Sister Amy Reece

 

p.s. this is a shout-out/request for some cute Church and/or American souveniors. The people here in Taiwan and specifically in WuFeng are SO amazing to me and I don't really have any way to show my appreciation. If anyone is able I would appreciate it more than I could explain if you would be willing to send me a couple small things I can share with these people to show my love and appreciation. Thank you in advance- and I'll swap you some Taiwanese souveniors for the Church/American stuff. :D Thanks!