Hey!
I feel like this week has been more like a month. It's rained like nobody's business, so that's been so fun. We're building back up our teaching pool, and we're always so busy meeting with less actives. This last Sunday, 2 of our less actives became active! And.....Ayuh got baptized!! It was a miracle. She is so straightfoward and sure in what she knows, and it was such an incredible thing to watch her bear her testimony after the baptism. She doesn't smile or cry or show emotion very often, but she did all three and constantly just said how grateful she was to Heavenly Father for blessing her so much. So humble and proud of her decision. I felt so happy for her and so much love for her. It really is somethinig I haven't experienced before. But it was a difficult working up to that point, and I've learned so much through this. This week especially, I've learned that faith really is a principle of power. I've always just considered faith to be things we believe in that we can't see, and my interest and understanding for the most part stopped at that. But with this 65 in July goal we have going on, President Hawks has really been calling on our faith, and I've been wondering how I can contribute more. And especially with the detours Ayuh's been encountering, I've been wanting to give or do more to help, but I wasn't sure how. So I've been praying. And I've been praying alot. And I'm working on making my prayers more honest and sincere, but that's for another time. But President Hawks gave us some exceprts from the book "Drawing from the Powers of Heaven," so I've been studying those along with scriptures and trying to apply it. One of them says,"Do not confuse the preoccupation of worry and anxiety with the preoccupation involved in exercising faith. Thinking negatively does not require any effort; maintaining a believing frame of mind, however, requires an exerted effort over a sustained period of time" And then Joseph Smith said,"When a man works by faith he works by mental exertion instead of by physical force." And I don't know - these just helped me understand how faith really is power from heaven, and and how we can give our own effort in exerting faith. So I did what I could to focus my thoughts and desires of faith toward Ayuh and her baptism, and for the goal. But how can having faith in something affect a decision of somebody else's personal agency? It's Ayuh's decision. My having faith can't make her get baptized. I'm still not really sure the answer to this, but I was reading in Alma 19:23 that says, "Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the Lord had said unto Mosiah, his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith - therefore, Mosiah trusted him unto the Lord." And I realized that my faith can affect others. It is Ayuh's decision, but I can have faith that the Lord will help her remember her feelings when she prayed about accepting baptism. The Lord can help me know what to say or ask in a lesson to help her feel the Spirit. There are so many influences that can help Ayuh with this decision. So that's what I prayed for. And it's been so neat to see and experience that Heavenly Father answers our prayers. He knows Ayuh and knows what she needs, out of these millions of people in Hong Kong, she matters to him, and I learned that this week. Ayuh put off her interview until Friday. She was feeling sick and wasn't sure she would go through with it. But she showed up half an hour late on Friday. And our bishop happened to stop by the church for another investigator's interview, but he was fonged (stood up). So he sat in with us. Miracle. I had been praying all morning to help me and my companion have the spirit in our lesson and help us know what to say and what questions to ask. In the lesson, for the first 20 minutes she had essentially made her decision not to go through with it. Sister Simpson was trying to figure out what she wanted from us then from that point on. She's had all the lessons twice now. And then I had the thought to ask her if she would say a prayer with us about her decision. I put it off, because I thought we were past the point to ask, but I had the thought again, so I asked it, feeling kind of silly because the bishop thinks I just dont understand anything that's going on, and I thought he would think I was oblivious to what had happend up till that point. But I asked anyway, and she was quiet for a while, and then nodded her head and said she already prayed about it and got her answer. And she knows she needs to get baptized. She's prayed about it alot, and distinctly got her answer before, and agreed to fill out the paperwork and start her interview with the District Leader. Miracle! Honestly, so many miracles led up to her baptism. And it's been humbling to see Heavenly Father love me and bless me enough to have these learning experiences. I know my faith or desire or whatever wasn't enough to make that change or call on these miracles, but we're trying, and I think Heavenly Father knows we were trying our best and blessed us anyway. It's really just been a week full of feeling his love for us, and helping us learn and grow.
On a side note, another cool thing that happened was during finding. 95% of our finding takes place just walking the streets and parks and trying to stop people to talk to. Which is hard haha. But there aren't a lot of other options. But I thinking that I've been studying missionary examples from the scriptures alot, like Ammon or Alma. But I haven't really spent time thinking about the Savior's example of missionary work. which made me feel silly, in all honesty. So I read about how the Savior "went about doing good" and preaching His gospel and establishing His church. And that made me think that I could do more "good" around me. Service is a hard thing here. They removed the 1 hour of service requirement here because it's hard to find. People are so busy and nobody has yards to help with and we can't really go visit people in their homes, so it's tough. But I started praying for more service opportunities and ways to recognize when I can go about and do something good. And it's been neat to see those prayers answered. This week I got to help a Popo push her cart up a hill. She wouldn't listen to us afterwards, but hey - service! I was so excited haha. And then we were out finding, and we came across a woman and started talking to her. She asked, "So you go around visiting people and talking to them?" "Ya, sort of. We share...." Great! do you have ten minutes? My husband is at home and I would love if you could talk to him." Her husband has cancer. I'm not sure what exactly, but it's up through his face. He's been bed ridden for two years, and they don't have any friends since they moved to Hong Kong those two years ago. She just wanted people to talk to him. So we did, and we're going back next week. And the ward had a service project yesterday out of the blue. And a less active who hasn't been to church in over a year called us. She has a colonoscopy today, and needs someone to pick her up from the hospital. All her friends work and she didn't know who else to ask, so she called us. And we're going to get her coming back to church. I dont know, it's just kind of been a cool week of service opportunities, and made me realize how prayers really are heard and answered. And they make a difference and open people to listening to our message. It's just neat. Sorry, this is a novel. but it's just been a neat week.
Alright, please edit out what you need. I love you mom. I feel gross. My hair is pretty darn frizzy here. And my skin is weird. And I need to cut back on peanut butter - we just haven't had much time to eat, so that's been my go to. But I think I'll try to eat out more on the street. maybe it won't make me quite as blubbery. Oh well. Things are great. Hard, but great. Well, I love you. I'll send more pictures next time. I got the computer that doesn't work with pictures today. We're at this little Philippino shop and it's super cramped, and we're rocking out to Fergie....dont mess with heart or funk? or something? haha. Makes me smile. And miss Haydn :) Alright, until next time!


Love Hannah

"And after will I send for many hunters..." - Week 14

Hello!
I don't know what it is about pdays, but something always happens that reminds me of home. Every other day I seem pretty mentally involved with everything going on here, but I must just get these tender mercies every Monday. This morning I got ready to that song "One Good Woman" which has always been my theme song for you. So that made me smile. But it's been a good week! Busy. Always busy. Ayuh, our investigator with a baptism date on the 27th, was struggling. But we felt like we needed her to physically make the decision to do it or not to do it, otherwise she keeps waiting and nothing happens, but she doesn't actually have to say she rejected it and say no. So we gave her a deadline. We called her on Saturday night to see what she had decided, and she finally opened up to us. Her husband has been neutral about her meeting with us...doesn't really care. But he has a problem with the Law of Tithing and Ayuh being gone every Sunday. So that's why she's been so hesitant. She knows it's true, but her husband doesn't agree. And that's hard. I feel for her. She said she absolutely would if she had his support. So we ended that conversation with the idea that the baptism was off, but we would continue to meet with her and try to figure things out. But then the next day at Church, she asked us if she could still go through with the Baptismal Interview. She talked with her husband, and they're going to talk more this week, but she wanted to do everything she could to be ready for the 27th. What a miracle! We're still working towards it and praying hard. Maybe they need more time. But maybe her husband is coming around. Either way, it's been a testimiony to me that Heavenly Father knows Ayuh and is so aware of her. It's neat to sit in these lessons and have a glimpse of how Heavenly Father sees his son or daughter, and to feel a sliver of that undescribale and committed love for them.
We have another girl named Heidi. She is so sweet, but it's been interesting to peek into her brain a bit more. We've taught her the first 2 lessons several times, especially the Plan of Salvation, but she's really struggling with grasping it, which shows that I'm really struggling with teaching it in a way that applies to her. So if you have any insight, please help me. A common thing here is the "So what?" of it all. It reminds me of what Mr. Morgan would always write back on my History essays haha. We tell her that through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, she can return and live with Heavenly Father. And she answers...OK, what if I dont really care if I live with God again? I think there are so many Christian private schools around here that God and the Savior are more of a subject in school. Prayer for them is homework, not something that really means anything to them. And it's hard to switch that into something emotional.
 -"You can pray to know _______ is true"....."So what if it's true? What is truth?"
-We can repent and become clean and obtain perfect joy and happiness...."I believe in myself. Why do I need a higher power to confirm that I change. And I dont want perfect happiness. My mistakes are a part of who I am....

I dont know. They're really digging questions. I dont know how to go more basic or foundational. But it's so common. We literally are walking around all day long talking to people on the metro or in the streets, and I have yet to meet someone who cares or has ever wondered about where they came from before this life, the purpose of why they are here, or what happens after they die. It's just such a here and now mindset. I guess my mind is especially on it right now because yesterday, we met a man who believed in Jesus Christ. Like actually believed in Him and bore testimony to us that he knew He was his Savior. It was incredible! we had a great conversation and he wanted to read the Book of Mormon. Very educated science guy. Very busy. But he's there! People are prepared. I read in Jeremiah today I forgot where...(16:16? its a scripture mastery. I dont know. that's embarrassing) ...but it was how God will send fishers, and then he'll send hunters. I'm feeling a little more like hunter lately haha.

But, this week I had seafood pancakes! They were weird.  And there were little octopus squid looking things in it. And we had a fun Thaigwok dancing ward activity! (our ward merged a Thailand branch with the Cantonese branch). We have the best members. It's amazing how much they dedicate to helping build up their wards. There are a group of 6 or 7 women who help with at least one lesson every week. So that made me so happy to hear that Abbey was going out with the sister missionaries!  And that you do that! I didn't really realize that people did that until now haha.

We went tracting in the typhoon this week. It was only a level 3, so just heavy rain. If it's an 8 we stay inside, but it's really just wind and rain, so nothing to worry about except our skirts flying up haha. Thats as dangerous as it gets! My shoes are great. My clothes are great. Not really white anymore, but still great :) I eat a lot of curry, actually haha. and apples. oh and peanut butter. I need to tone it down on the peanut butter. I've eaten an entire jar every week...that's horrible! they're the smaller jars, but still. It's out of hand. I put them on my apples and I make peanut butter and honey sandwiches a lot. We don't get fed unless there's an activity at the church, so it's a lot of home stuff we make, or egg tarts. Those are good. The bakeries here are amazing. I love walking past them. I don't buy things from there very often, but I breath really deeply every time I walk by! The woman in the picture was liuh jimuih. She was an investigator who was awesome and had a date for August 17, but she had to go to mainland, and is there for 4 months, so I'll get her when she gets back. We stay in our areas for awhile here...like 6-8 months, so I think I'll be here for quite some time. But things are great! We went and knocked on doors out in the boonies. It was so fun! Very Buddhist. And nobody answered really. So now we know that's probably not the most effective. But it was still fun :)

Love you,

Hannah

Peak Celebration - Week 13

I love our family!!!! You guys are so awesome! Tommy and Camilla are just the coolest people ever. Seriously. I wish I was more like them. I love those pictures. They look so good too! 

And dad makes me so happy :) I love the hat. and the beard. and the smile. and everything. I can't wait to give him a big hug when I get home. I didn't hug him enough. 

And Abbey is so bright. I love that picture of her at girls camp. She is such a light. I remember the YCL's I had, and how awesome I thought they were, and they really were a drive for me to want to be good. Abbey is such an example and she hardly knows it. I love that girl. And she makes the best hippie I've ever seen.

Danny and Jack, I don't care how old or cool you are when I get back. We're having a trampoline camp out the night I get home whether you like it or not. Good luck Dan on your hike. Have so much fun! And this time you wont have to run up Mt. Whitney! haha. you can walk it! So that will be cake. And Jack attack, your birthday's coming up! I'm looking for something cool to send you. Any suggestions?! Good luck at scout camp...that seems pretty rough without running water. But you're an awesome boy, Jack. You bring personality and fun and energy wherever you go, and thats an amazing skill. You might not see it, but I know there are boys there that appreciate your help and fun attitude and kindness. Keep an eye out for someone you can be a friend to, and I promise it will be more fun. And mom! I miss you! I decided to only use that aveda shampoo on mondays when I get to email you, because it just makes me that much happier :) I love you and miss you and think you're the most incredible person I know. Honestly, I feel like I'm gaining a new perspective of our family while being out here, so I know this is a dumb, cheesy, lovey letter, but I think you're amazing, and I feel like I've gotten that much closer to you here. I admire you so much, and can't wait to work out in the garden with you again :)

Today is Hong Kong's 65 year anniversary of the Church. It's called Peak Service or Peak Celebration. A long while back, President David O. McKay dedicated China. But then things got complicated and missionary work couldn't continue. But 65 years ago today, (this is so bad I forgot who!)

(I did a little research - it was Mathew Cowley in 1949.)  https://www.lds.org/ensign/2010/01/small-and-simple-things?lang=eng

He said a prayer and opened Hong Kong to missionary work. He didn't dedicate it, because that was part of the China prayer, but he opened it. So we had a cool celebration on Saturday with all the members in Hong Kong. President Holland had a video message for us. It was really neat. President Holland said that throughout our Church history, the people of Zion have had to flee Babylon. Lehi and his family had to flee. The pioneers had to flee. But here and now, we will no longer flee. We will fight back. Cool, huh? And it was neat to see how the members here in Hong Kong recognize that they are pioneers in there own sense. It was an awesome spirit, and really exciting. So we're going to keep pushing and finding and sharing and teaching and working. Today for Pday, my companion and I are going to hike up to the Peak where they prayed and opened up Hong Kong and check it out.

What else....I'm not sure. We had exchanges this week. I got to go to Causeway Bay, which is really just that downtown Hong Kong Island city area. So neat! And alive. There were so many really nice shops. And the people there were so dressed up and fashionable. And I saw alot of white people, which was weird...am I allowed to say that?! In Kwun Tong, I stick out like a sore thumb. I'm so tall compared to most people haha. I can overlook the whole MTR when we travel hah. Kwun Tong is a pretty old place, and quite honestly, there are a decent amount of crazy people there, so it's hard sometimes. But a lot of people are also humble and prepared to hear our message. So we're just working on finding them. We have a baptism date with Ayuh on the 27th, but I'm nervous about it. She knows what she should be doing, but doesn't want to start keeping the commandments until she has to after she's baptised. She doesn't have a hard time with all the commandments...just keeping the Sabbath day holy.  Our mission has a goal to see 65 people baptised in July in honor of the 65 years. Which is awesome! but challenging. I think the most our mission has ever had before is 23. but we're working. And we're seeing many miracles.

Alright, my time is up, but I love you! Have an awesome week!
Love
Hannah

Stars...or airplanes! Week 12 - Hong Kong

Hello!
Thanks for the email. I'm glad you made it back up to Canada. How wonderful that you guys could have that time to spend with Grandma Joyce before she passed away and strengthen those relationships. It's interesting how knowledge of this gospel and Heavenly Father's plan can completely change the way we view this life. It deepens everything. I feel like it deepens our love for one another, it deepens our purpose and motivation, it deepens our happiness and joy. It adds an entire dimension to our lives, and I'm so grateful that we know what we know. I know families are forever. We have an incredible family, both immediate and extended. I love you guys!  And I wish I could have been there for the Dynasty Chinese food with all of you! I could really show of my chopstick skills :) Well, I love Grandma Joyce. Summers won't be the same without seeing her anymore. What an incredible woman and example to all of us great grandkids. Give Grandma Susan a hug for me. I loved the pictures. Thank you for sending those. Seemed like a pretty sweet day.

Well, I love you. Thanks for all you do for me. I'm doing great.  My apartment is small and hot, but nothing to complain about because thats how they all are. It's funny...you step out of the shower and its a race to dry off and put your clothes on without starting to get wet again from sweating haha. I hate getting dressed when I'm wet and sticky, so it's a fun game every morning. There was some leftover Aveeno or Aveda or something shampoo from last transfer...I think it's the stuff you use or at least used at some point in your life because I remember the smell. So I used what was left of it, because it reminded me of you and made me happy :) I'm smelling it right now haha. For the 4 of July, we had Zone conference in Won Chai, so we ate lunch over there. I was determined to eat something American. We found...PIZZA! that wasn't crazy expensive. So I ate a huge piece and loved every bite of it. They have Pizza Huts here, but they're really expensive and sit down sort of restaurants, and I'm not entirely sure how much pizza they actually really serve. Too posh for us missionaries haha. Who would have thought?

And I had the best night of my entire mission last P-day. Honestly nothing that special, but it's been my favorite experience so far. We were finding out in Yao Tung, and it was starting to get dark. They have these wet markets back there (I'll send you a picture) with all these live sea animal fish life stuff. I honestly dont know what half of them are. But it's so neat, because these markets are kind of like the back alley to all these really nice seafood restaurants, and they just go pick stuff up from the back and go cook it up. It's a really neat atmosphere, and reminds me a lot of dad for some reason. I'm not sure why, but if I could only take dad to one place in Hong Kong, I think I would take him here. It's just really local, and neat, and reminds me of him. So, so far it's my favorite place :) So we were walking through there and talked to several people. One guy followed us through the markets for about 20 minutes just trying to argue with us why God doesn't exist. It was going nowhere, so we finally just bore testimony (I might have been a little too blunt), but he got pretty quiet and finally left. We ended up at this harbor looking thing and walked up to a young man on a bench. It was dark by this point and we were about to head back to the MTR, but decided to talk to him before we left. He was reading a book about God. Which was awesome, right?! So we start talking to him and ask him questions, and he just stays silent the whole time and doesn't look up at us (which I'm pretty used to by now). But then we ask what he's reading and he finally looks up and answers us. He had a really bad stutter, so we understood more why he didn't acknkowldege us for too long. But once he realized we weren't going anywhere, and were actually interested in talking and getting to know him, he opened up a bit. Very thoughtful guy. We gave him a Plan of Salvation packet. He didn't really want to talk about it, but he wanted to read it with us there. So he would read a page silently to himself, and then close his eyes and pray about it. and then look up at us and nod, and flip the page. He did that for every page, and felt good about it. It was so quiet! and we could see Hong Kong Island from the shore all lit up. And the waves were beautiful to listen to. It was like the perfect moment. And to add to it...I looked up and saw 4 stars kind of in between the clouds. I haven't felt so peaceful or happy for a while. The stars started moving though, so I realized they were actually airplanes, but still! haha. it was incredible. The boy was really supersticious about devils and evil, and didn't like our church name (because Mormon has a similar sound to some sort of sound in chinese that means devils door or dark door or something weird. I'm not sure...I should figure that out.). So he wouldn't give us his number or anything. But we prayed together and gave him our number. Haven't heard from him, but I hope he's doing well.

Anyway, my time's up, so I should go. But I love you! Hope you have a good week. Tommy and Camilla and Dad, have fun at that seminar..PLEASE teach me everything you learn when I get home. Mom and Abbey, have fun at girls camp. Congrats on the license! and Danny and Jack....you two rock :) And I love your hair in those pictures I got. Good looking boys.
Alright, Love you!

Hannah