Dear Family,
Nimen Hao! Another great week at the MTC! Today I want to share with you the fun and funny little things that I enjoy daily.
1. The Language. I love learning Chinese! It is really comming along, but the braver I get with speaking, the more funny mistakes I make. This week, My Laoshi asked me what I ate for lunch. I wanted to say "Bread" Which is "Mianbao" but I accidentally said "bianmiao" which means "A Flirty Cat." Yup, Chinese is great.
2. The Missionary handbook. It has a lot of great rules, but a couple that I especially like: "Do not do anything that is inappropriate or offensive, like chewing gum in public" and, "If you are involved in an accident, refer to the 'What to do if you have an accident' pamphlet." Yeah, that book is so great.
3. Xin nian, kuaile! Happy Chinese new year! The sisters all had a little party in the Dorm last night and ate a TON of chocolate and candy. I loved it! It was a great cultural and bonding experience for all of us. The best news - for the first time there is no extra candy in our dorm. PLEASE don't send anymore. It was so great to have and eat, but my waistline can't take it. :)
4. My district. They are just so much fun! This week we acted out Book of Mormon stories in Chinese and it was hilarious. The highlight was probably when one of my companions played a sheep in the Ammon Story. We really did learn a lot from this activity. I promise.
Ok, that is my list for now. I just love being a missionary. I am getting more and more excited to head out to Taiwan. I just know that God is preparing people for me to teach, and I can't wait to be an instrument in His hands over there.
This week, the biggest thing I learned was the importance of service. I really focused on trying to develop Charity, and in doing so found myself serving people a lot. I can truly testify that no matter how small the act is, anytime you serve your love for the person you are serving sill increase dramatically. For example, this week I helped someone find a particular chapter in our grammar book, and I feel so close to this sister now! It is unbelievable! I am so grateful for every opportunity I had to serve this week.
I also learned a lot about covenants. In Mosiah 24:13-14 God is talking to his people who are in bondage and promises that that BECAUSE they kept their covenants, he will support them and make their burdens light. I know that this is true. When we make two-way promises with the Lord, as long as we keep our end, he will always keep his. What a blessing this is! Literally, we choose how many blessings we get through our obedience. This realization helped me recommit to really focus on keeping the covenants I have made with the Lord.
Well, I hope all is well! Wo ai nimen!
Love,
Ke Jiemei
Sister Collyer
Monday, February 15, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
February 8, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,
First off, thank you so much for the updates about the mud slides. It is good to know that no one got hurt, but sad that so many homes were destroyed. I know that these things can be really hard to pull through, but with the Lord, we truly can do anything (Alma 26:12).
It is great to hear that a bunch of members of the church were able to help out in this disaster. Service truly is what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is all about. I know that the service everyone gave is exactly what God wanted because "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17).
Please keep me updated on the relief effort. I pray everyday for our community's safety. God bless you all.
Here at the MTC things have been gong great. We got the new missionaries in, and I am so happy! They are wonderful! A lot of them already know a ton of Chinese, which is great becasue I can practice with them. Also, We got 7 new Jiemeimen! Sisters Lew, Hamilton, Gurr, Lai, Lau, Howell, and Stenquist. They are all so amazing! I feel so blessed to have them here. They bring the spirit so strong, and they strive so hard to be obedient and valiant. Each time I see their diligence, I feel inspired.
And Yes, Sister Lew=Jessica Lew. It is great! Her testimony is so strong and her companions are amazing! Much of their district will potentially leave early since a lot of them already know Chinese, so that is really exciting.
This week I learned a lot about the gifts if the spirit, and I can truly testify that whom the Lord calls, he qualifies. This week I got a chance to do a small portion of the new missionary training, and I can honestly say that what I taught were not my words - they were Gods. The spirit was so strong. That day, God instructed me as well as them. It was a huge blessing.
Also, Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting. I had no intention of bearing my testimony because I did not feel my Chinese was good enough. But right in the beginning of the meeting, I knew I had to. I got up. My testimony was short and simple, but for me, very powerful. I know that the gift of tongues is real. I know that God knows and loves each of us. He knows our names. I know that He knows our names. I also know that Christ lives, and through him we can have eternal happiness. There is no greater knowledge. I am so blessed to bring this message to the people of Taiwan.
This week I have been compiling a list of inspiring scriptures just in case I ever get discourages as a missionary. I just want to share one today - D&C 84:88. Angels truly do uphold us in this work. I know that this is true, and I am grateful for the mercy God gives us. In ourselves we are weak, but with his spirit, we can touch the hearts of many and change the world.
I love you all and pray for those that have been hurt by the recent disasters. God bless you all.
Wo ai nimen,
Ke Jiemei (Sister Collyer)
First off, thank you so much for the updates about the mud slides. It is good to know that no one got hurt, but sad that so many homes were destroyed. I know that these things can be really hard to pull through, but with the Lord, we truly can do anything (Alma 26:12).
It is great to hear that a bunch of members of the church were able to help out in this disaster. Service truly is what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is all about. I know that the service everyone gave is exactly what God wanted because "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17).
Please keep me updated on the relief effort. I pray everyday for our community's safety. God bless you all.
Here at the MTC things have been gong great. We got the new missionaries in, and I am so happy! They are wonderful! A lot of them already know a ton of Chinese, which is great becasue I can practice with them. Also, We got 7 new Jiemeimen! Sisters Lew, Hamilton, Gurr, Lai, Lau, Howell, and Stenquist. They are all so amazing! I feel so blessed to have them here. They bring the spirit so strong, and they strive so hard to be obedient and valiant. Each time I see their diligence, I feel inspired.
And Yes, Sister Lew=Jessica Lew. It is great! Her testimony is so strong and her companions are amazing! Much of their district will potentially leave early since a lot of them already know Chinese, so that is really exciting.
This week I learned a lot about the gifts if the spirit, and I can truly testify that whom the Lord calls, he qualifies. This week I got a chance to do a small portion of the new missionary training, and I can honestly say that what I taught were not my words - they were Gods. The spirit was so strong. That day, God instructed me as well as them. It was a huge blessing.
Also, Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting. I had no intention of bearing my testimony because I did not feel my Chinese was good enough. But right in the beginning of the meeting, I knew I had to. I got up. My testimony was short and simple, but for me, very powerful. I know that the gift of tongues is real. I know that God knows and loves each of us. He knows our names. I know that He knows our names. I also know that Christ lives, and through him we can have eternal happiness. There is no greater knowledge. I am so blessed to bring this message to the people of Taiwan.
This week I have been compiling a list of inspiring scriptures just in case I ever get discourages as a missionary. I just want to share one today - D&C 84:88. Angels truly do uphold us in this work. I know that this is true, and I am grateful for the mercy God gives us. In ourselves we are weak, but with his spirit, we can touch the hearts of many and change the world.
I love you all and pray for those that have been hurt by the recent disasters. God bless you all.
Wo ai nimen,
Ke Jiemei (Sister Collyer)
Monday, February 1, 2010
February 1, 2010
Dear Jiating and Pengyou,
Nimen Hao! I know I start every letter with "Nimen Hao" but that is because I like it. :)
It was another busy but great week. The old jiemeimen (sisters) left, which was sad, but I am so excited they are out there in the field! They will be great missionaries! Also, I am so excited that we are getting the new missionaries in this week!
One of the biggest hardships since the older missionaries left is that there is pretty much no musical talent among the missionaries that are left. Sounds harsh, but we all know it is true! Sunday, getting people to play the piano was an adventure. We had to use two different missionaries for accompaniment and one of the songs they could only play the right hand! It was an adventure.
The intermediate musical number was the best part though. My companions are the new music coordinators, and we decided it would be a great idea if our whole district sang "A Child's Prayer" for the musical number. I want to quote my journal from this experience:
"I would say, on a scale of 1-10, the musical talent in our district is about a 2. So we sang. It sounded absolutely awful; but it felt amazing. I felt the spirit so strong! It testified that God truly does hear our prayers. His love truly does surround us. He truly loves the children.
It occurred to me that as bad as our singing ability was today, my ability to communicate in Chinese is even worse, but it doesn't matter. The spirit testifies of the same truth no matter where I lie on a scale of 1-10. That is something I learn every time I teach in Chinese, but I have never felt it quite so strong as I did when my humble little district testified in song that God does hear our prayers, and that He loves us."
Now, truthfully, I may have been one of the few people that was really edified by the experience. Our branch presidencies wives tried to hide the pain they were feeling for us, and a few of the Elders were suppressing laughs as hard as they could. But it doesn't matter. It was hilariously awesome, and that is the important thing.
The rest of the week was great as well. I am really growing to be great friends with my district. I am kind of sad that not a single one of them is going to my mission! But that is ok. We are all going where God needs us, and that is much more important than anything else.
This week I decided on a theme scripture for my whole mission. It is in D&C 6:32-37. I really like it a lot. I don't have time to type it out, but basically it says something like "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I. fear not to do good. Let earth and hell combine against you." Now certainly, right now I don't feel like earth and hell are combining against me, but I know that there will be difficult things on my mission, and I really feel that this scripture can get me through anything.
Wo ai nimen! You are all so amazing!
Ke Jiemei
(Sister Collyer)
Nimen Hao! I know I start every letter with "Nimen Hao" but that is because I like it. :)
It was another busy but great week. The old jiemeimen (sisters) left, which was sad, but I am so excited they are out there in the field! They will be great missionaries! Also, I am so excited that we are getting the new missionaries in this week!
One of the biggest hardships since the older missionaries left is that there is pretty much no musical talent among the missionaries that are left. Sounds harsh, but we all know it is true! Sunday, getting people to play the piano was an adventure. We had to use two different missionaries for accompaniment and one of the songs they could only play the right hand! It was an adventure.
The intermediate musical number was the best part though. My companions are the new music coordinators, and we decided it would be a great idea if our whole district sang "A Child's Prayer" for the musical number. I want to quote my journal from this experience:
"I would say, on a scale of 1-10, the musical talent in our district is about a 2. So we sang. It sounded absolutely awful; but it felt amazing. I felt the spirit so strong! It testified that God truly does hear our prayers. His love truly does surround us. He truly loves the children.
It occurred to me that as bad as our singing ability was today, my ability to communicate in Chinese is even worse, but it doesn't matter. The spirit testifies of the same truth no matter where I lie on a scale of 1-10. That is something I learn every time I teach in Chinese, but I have never felt it quite so strong as I did when my humble little district testified in song that God does hear our prayers, and that He loves us."
Now, truthfully, I may have been one of the few people that was really edified by the experience. Our branch presidencies wives tried to hide the pain they were feeling for us, and a few of the Elders were suppressing laughs as hard as they could. But it doesn't matter. It was hilariously awesome, and that is the important thing.
The rest of the week was great as well. I am really growing to be great friends with my district. I am kind of sad that not a single one of them is going to my mission! But that is ok. We are all going where God needs us, and that is much more important than anything else.
This week I decided on a theme scripture for my whole mission. It is in D&C 6:32-37. I really like it a lot. I don't have time to type it out, but basically it says something like "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I. fear not to do good. Let earth and hell combine against you." Now certainly, right now I don't feel like earth and hell are combining against me, but I know that there will be difficult things on my mission, and I really feel that this scripture can get me through anything.
Wo ai nimen! You are all so amazing!
Ke Jiemei
(Sister Collyer)
Monday, January 25, 2010
January 25, 2009
Dear Family and fiends,
Nimen Hao! This week was pretty amazing!
First of all, I may be able to get some pictures this week, so get excited! But not too excited because I don't know for sure yet...
Today I cut my hair. A lot. I am not sure if I like it yet, but in case I do get pictures, just don't be alarmed. I'll grow into it. :)
Anyways, I really want to start off with something hilarious that happened yesterday. We had a Devotional by the missionary coordinator for the MTC - Brother Allen. He asked a few missionaries what they gave up to go on a mission. The first elder stood up at the stand and said, "Marriage." We all laughed a little, but it got better. Brother Allen asked the Elder is he left the girl in his hometown, and he said, "No, she is here." We all started laughing so hard, and after about a minutes pause the sister stood up! It was hilarious! Pretty awesome.
So this week was the first time we taught in Chinese, and it was an amazing experience. I definitely learned a lot of things I need to work on, but the spirit was so strong. We shared the message of the restoration. Ma Jiemei explained about Joseph Smith and his time, I recited the First Vision, and Gao Jiemei bore testimony. The Spirit was so strong, and I learned a valuable lesson. The spirit truly speaks louder than words. I know that my Chinese was hai OK, and I could barely understand the words that the investigator was saying sometimes, but we all understood each other so clearly. The gospel is true. Nothing can speak these words louder than the spirit. I am so grateful for companions who are so obedient, diligent, and genuine. They brought the spirit so strong. I will never forget the lesson I learned in that first lesson.
All of the older missionaries are going to leave tomorrow morning, and I really can't help but be super sad about it! They are truly amazing sisters. Two of them - Sister Hintze and Sister Dowdle - are going to my mission, so I am sure I will see them again, but the others - Sister Weinheimer, Sister Howard, Sister Peterson, and Sister Clyde - are going to Taichung! They are all going to be amazing missionaries. I know the Lord has big plans for them. I have learned so much about love, patience, diligence, and obedience from their examples and friendships. Maybe I will be companions with Sister Hintze or Sister Dowdle in the future. That would be pretty amazing. Ah! I love all the sisters so much! We are already planning an MTC mission reunion, and I offered our pool... :)
Also, I want to tell you all about Dearelder.com. You can type me out a letter and I get it that day or the next day. Hen Gaoxing! How exciting! So if any of you feel that you are better at typing your letters, go ahead and find me on dearelder.com.
Wo ai nimen! I love you all!
Gen Ai (With Love),
Ke Jiemei
Sister Collyer
Nimen Hao! This week was pretty amazing!
First of all, I may be able to get some pictures this week, so get excited! But not too excited because I don't know for sure yet...
Today I cut my hair. A lot. I am not sure if I like it yet, but in case I do get pictures, just don't be alarmed. I'll grow into it. :)
Anyways, I really want to start off with something hilarious that happened yesterday. We had a Devotional by the missionary coordinator for the MTC - Brother Allen. He asked a few missionaries what they gave up to go on a mission. The first elder stood up at the stand and said, "Marriage." We all laughed a little, but it got better. Brother Allen asked the Elder is he left the girl in his hometown, and he said, "No, she is here." We all started laughing so hard, and after about a minutes pause the sister stood up! It was hilarious! Pretty awesome.
So this week was the first time we taught in Chinese, and it was an amazing experience. I definitely learned a lot of things I need to work on, but the spirit was so strong. We shared the message of the restoration. Ma Jiemei explained about Joseph Smith and his time, I recited the First Vision, and Gao Jiemei bore testimony. The Spirit was so strong, and I learned a valuable lesson. The spirit truly speaks louder than words. I know that my Chinese was hai OK, and I could barely understand the words that the investigator was saying sometimes, but we all understood each other so clearly. The gospel is true. Nothing can speak these words louder than the spirit. I am so grateful for companions who are so obedient, diligent, and genuine. They brought the spirit so strong. I will never forget the lesson I learned in that first lesson.
All of the older missionaries are going to leave tomorrow morning, and I really can't help but be super sad about it! They are truly amazing sisters. Two of them - Sister Hintze and Sister Dowdle - are going to my mission, so I am sure I will see them again, but the others - Sister Weinheimer, Sister Howard, Sister Peterson, and Sister Clyde - are going to Taichung! They are all going to be amazing missionaries. I know the Lord has big plans for them. I have learned so much about love, patience, diligence, and obedience from their examples and friendships. Maybe I will be companions with Sister Hintze or Sister Dowdle in the future. That would be pretty amazing. Ah! I love all the sisters so much! We are already planning an MTC mission reunion, and I offered our pool... :)
Also, I want to tell you all about Dearelder.com. You can type me out a letter and I get it that day or the next day. Hen Gaoxing! How exciting! So if any of you feel that you are better at typing your letters, go ahead and find me on dearelder.com.
Wo ai nimen! I love you all!
Gen Ai (With Love),
Ke Jiemei
Sister Collyer
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
January 18, 2009
Dear Friends and Family,
Ni hao! another great week in the MTC. Since mom asked, the only thing I need for valentines is Dark Chocolate Covered pecans from the bookstore, so get Eric to send me some. Ruth sent me some last week, and I already finished them!
Also, I met an Elder from Farmington, New Mexico, and He knows Percy and Kami! Elder Cory Eddy. He is doing great, and he wants to tell them hello.
This week was a real treat. I can honestly say I have never worked so hard in my life and still got a full night's sleep! We had a lot of Chinese to learn last week - we learned all the words to help someone move, to talk about families and to teach them how to pray- so it was really intense, but I really learned a lot This coming week is going to be even crazier! This week we have to teach the entire first lesson in Chinese on Saturday. Wow. We have a lot to do. Still, I know that God qualifies those whom he calls, so I know that I can teach the lesson in Chinese. I may have to be more diligent than ever before, but I can do that. I am a missionary!
I feel like on top of learning a lot of Chinese, I really have gained a testimony of how much the Lord supports his missionaries, and also how much he expects of us. We can do nothing. truthfully, I am not good at all at learning Chinese. It seems hard for me. But God is upholding me, and through faith, prayer and diligence I was able to get done what he wanted. I could definitely have done more, but all that I did I did for the Lord, and that is important.
This week I have been constantly reminded of a scripture: Alma 26:12. Ammon says, "As to myself, I am weak, but through God I can do anything." I know this is true. As to myself, I am weak, but I am strong with the Lord.
Also, this week I got a calling in my branch! I am the coordinating sister. It is kind of like the district leader, but for all the sisters in the Branch. At first I was a little scared since my time is already pretty short, but as I said earlier, with God we can do anything. So now, I am pretty excited about it. I feel like this is a really big responsibility, but I know that I will have the spirit in all that I do. Anyways, Six sisters are leaving next week for Taiwan, and I get to help them check out and leave. After that only three of us will be left until Jessica comes in. I am so excited because I get to help train the new missionaries when they get here! I really feel a huge sense of responsibility for the incoming sisters. I hope when they get here in a couple weeks they know how much I love them!
Well, time is short, but I love you all! Thank you for the emails and letters of support. I always love them!
Love,
Ke Jiemei.
(Jessica, in case you are reading this, the Ke is first tone. :) Good luck on your talk this week. You will be awesome!)
Monday, January 11, 2010
January 10, 2009
Dear Family and friends,
Ni hao! another great week at the MTC!
Today I had a real Chinese breakthrough. I was waiting in line to buy something at the Bookstore and an elder in front of me was actually from China. He asked me a question in Chinese, and I knew what he was saying! And I knew what to say back! It was amazing! Admittedly, the other few questions he asked me I had no idea what he was saying, but I still glorify in that one special moment.
This week I left the MTC to go get a Chest x-guang (X-ray) at the BYU Health center. it was quite and adventure wandering off the MTC campus. I kind of liked it. Also, I am pretty sure that is the last thing I need to do for my visa, so hopefully I will leave on time! Speaking of Visas, I see Ryan Lew ALL THE TIME because he hasn't got his Visa yet. There are a TON of Brazilian missionaries right now with that problem. Please pray for them! Some have been around for over 14 weeks, when they were supposed to go straight to Brazil.
At our teaching appointment today we finally had a volunteer instead of teaching another Chinese missionary. And guess what? I knew the girl who was our volunteer! Emily Anian was in the Accounting program with me, and she is from Burbank! It was very exciting. it was a great lesson. My companions are such a blessing to me. Their prayers and testimonies truly invite the spirit so strong. I have so much to learn from them. They are just so humble and loving! It is awesome.
Now for a little bit of humor - Chinese is quite an adventurous language. The same word can really mean so many things. For example, I mispronounced two very significant words this week. If you are inviting someone to meet the bishop, don't mispronounce the word "zhujiao" (bishop) because you might introduce someone to your pig's feet instead. Also In reciting the first Vision, the word "aizi" means beloved son. Misprounounced it means Short person or midget. Yeah, I laughed pretty hard when Li Laoshi told me what I was actually saying. But I learned a great mission - TONES ARE VERY IMPORTANT! That is our password to get into the classroom now.
Our new teachers are great. Li Laoshi is from China, and she is like the most energetic and happy person I could ever imagine. Class is so funny when she is teaching! She is always correcting our pronunciation, which is really good. Also, she tells us what we accidentally said, which is often hilarious. He Laoshi is an awesome teacher. He always encourages us to be better, and he is so sincere and teaches with the spirit so strong! I am so excited to have two awesome teachers!
I had two particularly special experiences this week. Yesterday, in Sacrament meeting, one of the sisters in our branch sang ,"I know that my redeemer lives." She has an amazing voice, and her expressions were even more amazing. I thought she was sure to be exalted right then and there! I felt the spirit so strong, and It lasted the rest of the day. I can honestly say I will be a better person because I heard her sing. She is going to be an amazing missionary. Today we went to the temple again and My companions and I did sealings. I was so touched there! I know that Families can be together forever! I am so excited to help people along that path to those blessings! The people of Taiwan need these blessings, and I get to be an instrument in God's hands to help them make it. I am in awe of the power of God. He truly knows us, and he knows the people we will serve.
My favorite scripture this week is Jeremiah 1:5. God loves us. He knew us before we were born. He has lead us to this point in our lives, and he has a plan for us that we cannot even imagine. I am so grateful for his love and guidance.
Well, Time is almost up! Wan'an! Good night!
Love,
Ke Jiemei - Sister Collyer
Ni hao! another great week at the MTC!
Today I had a real Chinese breakthrough. I was waiting in line to buy something at the Bookstore and an elder in front of me was actually from China. He asked me a question in Chinese, and I knew what he was saying! And I knew what to say back! It was amazing! Admittedly, the other few questions he asked me I had no idea what he was saying, but I still glorify in that one special moment.
This week I left the MTC to go get a Chest x-guang (X-ray) at the BYU Health center. it was quite and adventure wandering off the MTC campus. I kind of liked it. Also, I am pretty sure that is the last thing I need to do for my visa, so hopefully I will leave on time! Speaking of Visas, I see Ryan Lew ALL THE TIME because he hasn't got his Visa yet. There are a TON of Brazilian missionaries right now with that problem. Please pray for them! Some have been around for over 14 weeks, when they were supposed to go straight to Brazil.
At our teaching appointment today we finally had a volunteer instead of teaching another Chinese missionary. And guess what? I knew the girl who was our volunteer! Emily Anian was in the Accounting program with me, and she is from Burbank! It was very exciting. it was a great lesson. My companions are such a blessing to me. Their prayers and testimonies truly invite the spirit so strong. I have so much to learn from them. They are just so humble and loving! It is awesome.
Now for a little bit of humor - Chinese is quite an adventurous language. The same word can really mean so many things. For example, I mispronounced two very significant words this week. If you are inviting someone to meet the bishop, don't mispronounce the word "zhujiao" (bishop) because you might introduce someone to your pig's feet instead. Also In reciting the first Vision, the word "aizi" means beloved son. Misprounounced it means Short person or midget. Yeah, I laughed pretty hard when Li Laoshi told me what I was actually saying. But I learned a great mission - TONES ARE VERY IMPORTANT! That is our password to get into the classroom now.
Our new teachers are great. Li Laoshi is from China, and she is like the most energetic and happy person I could ever imagine. Class is so funny when she is teaching! She is always correcting our pronunciation, which is really good. Also, she tells us what we accidentally said, which is often hilarious. He Laoshi is an awesome teacher. He always encourages us to be better, and he is so sincere and teaches with the spirit so strong! I am so excited to have two awesome teachers!
I had two particularly special experiences this week. Yesterday, in Sacrament meeting, one of the sisters in our branch sang ,"I know that my redeemer lives." She has an amazing voice, and her expressions were even more amazing. I thought she was sure to be exalted right then and there! I felt the spirit so strong, and It lasted the rest of the day. I can honestly say I will be a better person because I heard her sing. She is going to be an amazing missionary. Today we went to the temple again and My companions and I did sealings. I was so touched there! I know that Families can be together forever! I am so excited to help people along that path to those blessings! The people of Taiwan need these blessings, and I get to be an instrument in God's hands to help them make it. I am in awe of the power of God. He truly knows us, and he knows the people we will serve.
My favorite scripture this week is Jeremiah 1:5. God loves us. He knew us before we were born. He has lead us to this point in our lives, and he has a plan for us that we cannot even imagine. I am so grateful for his love and guidance.
Well, Time is almost up! Wan'an! Good night!
Love,
Ke Jiemei - Sister Collyer
Monday, January 4, 2010
January 4, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
Nimen Hao! It has been another great week at the MTC. I feel like I have been here forever! The cafeteria food is even starting to taste good!
Mom, I got both packages you sent me, but I did not get my driving record yet. I will keep watching for it. Also, the computers will not let you load pictures, so I am going to have to mail some.
Xin Nian Kuaile! Happy new year! I hope you all have some great resolutions. I don't know if I have "New Years Resolutions" per se, mostly because we set major goals practically every day. I guess my new years resolution would be to be the best missionary that I can! Wow. I have a lot to learn for that one! :)
This week we have had a lot of changes in our district - mostly our laoahimen (teachers) because of the crazy Christmas break we actually had a long term substitute - Han Laoshi. He is in China now, so he can't be our teacher anymore! Also, because of the new semester they shuffle the teachers around that teach in the classroom and do workshops, so we are losing our other laoshi, mi laoshi, as well! A lot of changes are coming up this next week! I am excited though because the two new teachers we are getting are amazing. He laoshi was in the accounting program with me, and Li laoshi is from Taiwan, so she knows a ton! I have been to a lot of workshops with Li Laoshi, and she is an amazing teacher. Once, she told me I said my fourth tones like a man, and I told her that is how Mi Laoshi taught me. She said, "Ah, of course it was Mi Laoshi. Don't worry. I will fix it." I laughed inside.
Along with having new laoshimen, this coming week we also only speak Jongwen in class! No English at all! I am a little scared, but I think it will really help me learn a lot faster.
Gym was cancelled twice this past week, which was a killer! It was really hard not to have that time to unwind, but luckily I have two amazing companions who also like to work out, so we ran up and down our susha stairs during the time we were supposed to go. It really helps me concentrate when I get a little bit of time to get blood flowing again!
Our district leader, Li Zhenglao, is absolutely amazing! He is such a funny guy. He is just a little Chinese boy, but he is awesome. For example, when we pray in class, he is supposed to call on someone to say it. So we all kneel down, and he chooses just by staring at you with his huge Chinese smile on his face and when you look at him, somehow his smile gets even bigger and he starts to nod his head. We have all now adopted the same response - we smile right back, point at our noses and nod. Never a word is spoken, though every time I want to burst out laughing. It is awesome.
During the week we get about an hour and a half to go work at the referral center, calling people who have ordered books or DVD's and making sure they got them. I got a woman on the phone this week who I spoke with for a while and she is going to read part of the Book of Mormon and I get to call her back on Friday to see what she thinks! As Mi Laoshi always says, "She is going to get baptized!" Who knows really, but I am excited to help her come unto Christ. I know the gospel can bless her life, and I am excited I get the opportunity to be a tool in God's hands to bring her this knowledge.
Well, time is short, but I want to take a little bit of time and bear my testimony in Jongwen:
Wo Zhidao Shen ai wo. Shen ai nimen. Wo hen ganji Shen dui women de ai. Wo zhidao Yesu Jidu cigei women jihui huigai. Wo zhidao Yuese Simi Shi Xianzhi de Shen. Ta gei women Moermonjing. Wo ai Moermonjing. Wo Zhidao Ta shi Shen de hui. Kuaile! feng Yesu Jidu de Ming, A'men.
I know god loves me. I know god loves you all. I am very grateful for his love towards us. I know Jesus Christ gave us the opportunity to repent. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. He gave us the Book of Mormon. I love the book of Mormon. I know it is the word of God. Happiness! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Also, I would like to leave you with a scripture about how I feel about my mission: D&C 31:3.
Wo ai Nimen! I love you all!
Sister Collyer
PS - Jessica will not be in my district, but there is only one Mandarin Zone, so we will do pretty much everything but class together! Wo gaoxing!
Nimen Hao! It has been another great week at the MTC. I feel like I have been here forever! The cafeteria food is even starting to taste good!
Mom, I got both packages you sent me, but I did not get my driving record yet. I will keep watching for it. Also, the computers will not let you load pictures, so I am going to have to mail some.
Xin Nian Kuaile! Happy new year! I hope you all have some great resolutions. I don't know if I have "New Years Resolutions" per se, mostly because we set major goals practically every day. I guess my new years resolution would be to be the best missionary that I can! Wow. I have a lot to learn for that one! :)
This week we have had a lot of changes in our district - mostly our laoahimen (teachers) because of the crazy Christmas break we actually had a long term substitute - Han Laoshi. He is in China now, so he can't be our teacher anymore! Also, because of the new semester they shuffle the teachers around that teach in the classroom and do workshops, so we are losing our other laoshi, mi laoshi, as well! A lot of changes are coming up this next week! I am excited though because the two new teachers we are getting are amazing. He laoshi was in the accounting program with me, and Li laoshi is from Taiwan, so she knows a ton! I have been to a lot of workshops with Li Laoshi, and she is an amazing teacher. Once, she told me I said my fourth tones like a man, and I told her that is how Mi Laoshi taught me. She said, "Ah, of course it was Mi Laoshi. Don't worry. I will fix it." I laughed inside.
Along with having new laoshimen, this coming week we also only speak Jongwen in class! No English at all! I am a little scared, but I think it will really help me learn a lot faster.
Gym was cancelled twice this past week, which was a killer! It was really hard not to have that time to unwind, but luckily I have two amazing companions who also like to work out, so we ran up and down our susha stairs during the time we were supposed to go. It really helps me concentrate when I get a little bit of time to get blood flowing again!
Our district leader, Li Zhenglao, is absolutely amazing! He is such a funny guy. He is just a little Chinese boy, but he is awesome. For example, when we pray in class, he is supposed to call on someone to say it. So we all kneel down, and he chooses just by staring at you with his huge Chinese smile on his face and when you look at him, somehow his smile gets even bigger and he starts to nod his head. We have all now adopted the same response - we smile right back, point at our noses and nod. Never a word is spoken, though every time I want to burst out laughing. It is awesome.
During the week we get about an hour and a half to go work at the referral center, calling people who have ordered books or DVD's and making sure they got them. I got a woman on the phone this week who I spoke with for a while and she is going to read part of the Book of Mormon and I get to call her back on Friday to see what she thinks! As Mi Laoshi always says, "She is going to get baptized!" Who knows really, but I am excited to help her come unto Christ. I know the gospel can bless her life, and I am excited I get the opportunity to be a tool in God's hands to bring her this knowledge.
Well, time is short, but I want to take a little bit of time and bear my testimony in Jongwen:
Wo Zhidao Shen ai wo. Shen ai nimen. Wo hen ganji Shen dui women de ai. Wo zhidao Yesu Jidu cigei women jihui huigai. Wo zhidao Yuese Simi Shi Xianzhi de Shen. Ta gei women Moermonjing. Wo ai Moermonjing. Wo Zhidao Ta shi Shen de hui. Kuaile! feng Yesu Jidu de Ming, A'men.
I know god loves me. I know god loves you all. I am very grateful for his love towards us. I know Jesus Christ gave us the opportunity to repent. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. He gave us the Book of Mormon. I love the book of Mormon. I know it is the word of God. Happiness! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Also, I would like to leave you with a scripture about how I feel about my mission: D&C 31:3.
Wo ai Nimen! I love you all!
Sister Collyer
PS - Jessica will not be in my district, but there is only one Mandarin Zone, so we will do pretty much everything but class together! Wo gaoxing!