Happy Martin Luther King Day!!
What a great day. The weather here is so beautiful, and I get to email you all! Couldn't be happier. I'm so glad you read that dedicatory prayer. Isn't it incredible? http://www.ldschinese.com/library/dedications/CD.html
Absolutely, no questions asked, I couldn't be more blessed than to serve these people. It is so unique to come into contact with people who have been prepared in incredible ways to pioneer the gospel here. China has such unique beliefs and traditions, with such powerful potential and expectation for the gospel to come forth. The concept of small and simple things has changed for me, because I know that little by little, the gospel catches hold of hearts here. The process is slow and steady. Most investigators take months to finally receive baptism. But the feeling of this flood of truth and light is right on the edge. Powerful miracles take place everyday, and will do nothing but increase. The overwhelming feeling I've had since I've arrived, is this necessity of being worthy and ready in every way possible to help these people accept this message. Which in turns yields a lot of room for correction, giving me another reason why I can say this is - hands down - the most humbling thing I have ever done. It's an interesting attitude we have in this mission, though - striving to seek correction and improvement. Because I believe we all have this urgent desire to see the work roll forth here, and we can feel it happening. President Hawks spoke at last Zone conference, and I remember him saying something to the effect of, "Years down the road when you talk to your children or grandchildren about your mission experience, they will ask you when you had served. And the only answer necessary to give is when the hastening of the work took place. 'I served in the China Hong Kong Mission during the hastening of the work,' and they will know exactly when you are talking about." And I know that applies more than to just the China mission. The hastening of the work is happening, and the message is true. It is an incredible experience to teach someone with no real prior knowledge about the atonement of the Savior. More often than not the idea is so foreign and strange and almost, in their view, unnecessary. They don't understand it and can't comprehend it. But the Spirit without fail bears testimony to them, and there is a sacred and precious peace that enters the conversation. Some continue, many don't. But as we continue to go on with Joseph Smith, or the Book of Mormon, that same witness again makes it's presence. And it has strengthened my testimony that the fulness of the gospel is restored. I have always felt a special spirit and had a special testimony of the Savior. But I have felt those same feelings towards the message of the restoration, and that is why I know that this church is true. And it is such a blessing to share that with these prepared, unique, and special people. I love it. So yes, I am more than blessed. :)
Well, I love you all. That was a long testimony! haha. But you unlocked my deep awe for these people. Just like Les Mis, or apple pies, or math...once I get going, it's hard to stop me. Thanks for bearing with me :)
Love you!
Hannah
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