March 8, 2010‏

Dear Family and friends,
Nimen hao!

It is amazing how time flies! I truly cannot believe it - I leave for Taiwan in less than 24 hours. Wow! I can't really explain the flood of emotion I am feeling right now. Probably the overriding feeling is gratitude. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to serve. I know I have changed so much in these few short weeks, and this is only the beginning. I look forward to my struggles and my triumphs, my sorrows and my joys, because I know that through these things, God shapes us into the people we need to be - His true disciples. I still have so much to learn, but I can't wait!

I truly will miss my companions. They have taught me so much about love, patience, diligence, and charity. I know they are a gift from God, and my only regret is that they are not going to my mission! Sister Malmrose and Sister Ko will be two of the Lords greatest missionaries. I know this because they already are. I owe them so much.

This week my Laoshimen (teachers) gave us each Chinese "first names." In fact, most of my district already had them, so really, only me and two other Elders received them. It was really special because our names reflect what the Laoshimen felt our strongest personality traits are. My Entire Chinese Name is " Ke MeiYin." Ke is 1st tone, Mei is 3rd tone, and Yin is 2nd tone. It means "Beautiful Diamond." It is a special character for "yin," a spacial diamond that has alid in the earth and is so perfect it offers light and protection to the bearer. Princes and Princesses carry around this kind of diamond. I feel it is the most beautiful name ever.

This week, as I head out of the MTC, a talk I read while I was here came to mind. It is Called "This Day" by president Eyring. In it, he quotes Joshua,"Choose you this Day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." I know as I am off to Taiwan, I am in the service of the Lord. President Erying in his talk points out that Service is a Daily decision. Every day we should rise and plead with the Lord. To paraphrase, he says, no matter what you circumstance is, plead with the Lord to know what you can do to serve him THIS DAY. When he tells you what it is, do it. He says,"It is hard to know when we have done enough to qualify for the atonement to change our natures and so qualify us for eternal life. And we don't know how many days we will have to give the service necessary for that mighty change to come. But we know that we will have days enough if only we don't waste them."

This day, I am choosing to go to Taiwan to serve the Lord. I know when I first get there, I won't be able to do much, but I know that I can do everything the Lord desires of me. He is my strength and my light. I am grateful for his Mercy.

I love you all! Next Stop: Taiwan!

Ke Jiemei