September 6, 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

Hello again from paradise! I love it here! The people here are so fantastic, and I am loving working with Sister Howell. We are seeing miracles! For example, this week a person I have never met - an investigator from a long time ago apparently - called us up and said, "Hey, can you come teach me the gospel?" Where else would that happen but Taidong?! It was amazing! I love miracles.

This week Monday was pretty relaxed because we just got Sister Howell moved in and wrote letters and stuff like that. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, there were three Typhoons headed this way, so the rain was really big and so was the wind, but thanks to your prayers the weather never got bad enough to have to stay inside! And then all three of them just blew away and the hot Taidong weather is back! It is a miracle! Unfortunately, because of all the rain several appointments were cancelled and it was hard to proselyte when everyone is preparing to stay indoors for a week and think you are crazy for being outside at all! But still, it was definitely a good week.

On Thursday we had a special training meeting up in Hualian. The mission has really been re-emphasizing focusing on the DOCTRINE OF CHRIST - Faith, Repentance, Baptism and the Holy Ghost. It really was a great training. We do a lot of role plays and each time I really learn a lot about how to face different obstacles and whatnot. I love inspired leaders! I am so glad we have apostles and prophets to lead and guide us.

As far as our investigators go, things are going really well! Lan Wanling came to church for the third time this week and continues to prepare for her baptism. She is awesome! This week she found out that we sisters go running every morning at 6:30 and she lives in the neighboring dalou so she went running with us this morning and we talked a lot about faith in God and it was great and so comfortable! I love her. Wendy set a baptismal date and her family is supportive, so we hope one day her husband will also join and they can have an eternal family! Also, Hu HuiNa and her so set baptismal dates, which is awesome! Yes! We are really seeing miracles down here! It is fantastic to see people willing to change and draw closer to Christ. I love the power that comes from knowing Jesus!

As for this weeks' attached pictures, one is on the train ride to Hualian, and the other has a story behind it. There are men that live about a block away from the church and we ride our bikes by their house frequently. They always stop us Sisters and give us fruit. This week it was a TON - 21 Bananas, 4 limes and 2 other fruit I have never seen before. But how do you carry that much fruit when you have to ride a bicycle?! It was tricky! But we managed to get all 21 bananas and the rest of it home safely. I also count that as a miracle. We have so much fruit we will probably never have to buy food again! I am grateful!

Well, I hope all is well! I love you all!

Love,

Sister Collyer