One Year Older...and Wiser, Too!

     This week, on March 10th, will be my one year mark for being in Taiwan. What. In. The. World. I can't believe I was at the MTC a year ago!  It's been a super awesome year, love Taiwan to death.  Could stay here forever. It's so funny, when my parents mail me stuff and food from the U.S., I'm like, "I forgot that this thing or candy even existed." 

     

     I canNOT believe that I will be home in less than 5 months. Man, time really flies by. I know that Heavenly Father has so many reasons why sisters only serve for 18 months and let me say the reasons are pretty logical, but there have been times when I envy the elders being on a mission for two years, and right now is one of them. 

     I remember when I first came to Taiwan (or as we say it, when we came on island), it was cold and rainy, didn't see sunlight for a month. President picked us up from the airport, took the buses to the temple square, where we ate green onion pancake. We put suitcases away in the basement parking lot (saw my Utah high school buddy, Alea Beeston, that night hadn't seen her in five years), went across the street to the building that is a temple patron housing/mission office/mission president's house, all on different floors of a tiny building.

     The next morning, we got up and went to there area where Taiwan was dedicated for missionary work about 80 years ago or so, went back to the chapel where we ate and opened up our "calls" to our trainers and areas, then took a train to the area, ate warm soymilk and buns, and went to bed that night. Crazy how time flies.

     What I have learned so far on my mission (and other thoughts):  

- Endurance, humility, patience - especially with those who aren't prepared to receive the gospel yet.

- Faith things will work out.

- Learning to work with different kinds of people, especially companions.

- Importance of open communication 

- Learning the language-crazy stuff, can't read everything, still have English on signs everywhere, could be worse.

- The Taiwanese are sooo awesome, love them to death, the

gospel is true, and despite what the Taiwanese say, RELIGIONS ARE NOT ALL THE SAME!

- Hope - especially when people aren't progressing; charity for those who say they are too busy to meet when they really aren't. (Ok, I'm still working on that.)

- How blessed I am! Especially having family and friends who are faithful to the gospel

- Selflessness-no time to take care of self, just serve everyone 24/7

     I remember my companion saying that we have these experiences (like constant rejection for example) to have a very, very, very, very small taste of what Christ felt when He was on the earth. Not including all the rejection he's felt when He atoned for us missionaries and prophets, past (Bible, Book of Mormon, latter-days) , present and future, feeling everything they felt as well.

     My comp's grandpa passed away last week, she got email and pics from her family of his funeral today. She also got the news that her brother got his mission call to Argentina, Comodoro Rivadiva mission days after her grandpa's passing and before the viewing the next day. Must have been a busy, emotional week for her family. I hope and pray that they are doing well. She has been reading to me a ton of the miracles that have been happening ever since her grandfather died, such as 1. getting a story from his mission published in the missionary moments section of the deseret news the day of his funeral 2. her brother getting his mission call the only not too busy day of the week, getting everything ready for the viewing and funeral 3. her youngest brother who is 5 and has down's syndrome who doesn't talk miraculously would say the word "grandpa" over and over again days after he died. It's amazing to see the Lord take care of her and her family this week. 

SO HERE is what happened this week: 

Monday - pday (see last post - went to Three Bridges Island)

Tuesday-

     Sunburned for the first time in months we then had a stake activity at a school track in Yuli. Members from Hualian up north and Taidong down south

came up. it was fun to see other members with their cute families. Our investigator, Chen Mengxin's younger sister is 13 but will be 14 soon. she reminds me a lot of my youngest sister, Lydia, tall, thin, sporty. 

They all ran races according to age and gender group. it was cute to see the little kids run down the track and get the bags of snacks at the end of the track.  We missionaries ran against each other as well. while the members did other activities, us missionaries played ultimate frisbee. it was so much fun to be with them, I haven't really seen or served with other missionaries ever since coming here in october. It's been great to be with them.

Wednesday

     We then taught English class in reisui about post office words. we had three women come every week. A few months ago it was 14 but for some reason after Chinese New Year, it dropped down to three. I guess God wanted us to teach the prepared, so the three that come were more prepared. It's probably a blessing, quality over quantity, I guess.

Thursday

     Went to Chi Shang, a 30 min train ride down south to visit an LA who hasn't seen missionaries in three years. She took us to a parking lot where there was a very small random music center that had a small stage and chairs for events, books about music and reading room (turns out Beethoven has the same Chinese last name as me :) While classical music played
over the speakers. probably a way to get parents to sign up their kids for some sort of music group or school.  It was a parking lot for a park, with a path to walk and a lake. You

could rent carts for families to ride in. Super pretty too! Pretty touristy during on the weekends and in the summer, not many people that day since it was a weekday, cold, cloudy and windy.

     Afterwards, we came back to yuli, met with some potential investigators who own a fruit stand.

their cousin from taipei was working with them for a few days. she was 25ish and was like, "Don't come close to me, I'm smoking." We then talked to her about the gospel. At the end, I asked if we could throw away her package of cigarettes (crazy thing- cigarettes are now in flavors, like cherry and apple mint...they are still bad for you though). She said, ok, but then my comp told her to instead stomp on them. so we proceeded to go to the street and have her stomp on them. She then folded up the cigarettes in package in her hand, then clenched them in a fist and threw them away. We cheered for her. she then told us because we helped her to start stop smoking that we could have any fruit in the fruit stand. we chose a pineapple, and her older cousin

that we see often (who was probably grateful that we helped her stop smoking for the moment) proceeded to not only get out the pineapple, but cut it up in a cool way, put salt on it to last longer and put it in a bag. He probably made the extra effort to silently show his gratitude for our help. Teaching repentance is a beautiful thing :), especially when people act on it.

Friday

     My RC Ding JM bought us dinner! We are the first missionaries that she has bought dinner for (the first of many missionary dinners in her life...) Had a really good pork cordon bleu on noodles (cordon bleu, not very common) I was so happy and proud of her.

     So sad, she moved up to hualian yesterday. we gave her a photo album last week and pictures of Christ to hang around her new apartment. She got a job as a nurse at a Christian hospital in Hualian. She said she would come back

and visit us, since she is really good friends with the members. I love her and will really miss her. This next year as a new member will be a really hard one. Please pray for her that she will stay strong in the gospel, since the first year is the hardest one as a new member. 

Saturday

     Visited Eve, a member who lives in the veterans hospital

(her dad served in WW2) and Liu JM the LA in Chi Shang, again.  We met her 14-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter.  Taught them.  Super cute!  Hope they get baptized!

     We had dinner with some new investigators, the husband is so awesome and prepared and came to church the next day (miracle!!!!!!!). It was soo cool, he picked up the first lesson pretty quick, he has grown up studying the Bible in school. After teaching the restoration to him and his wife, his wife was still confused, and he then retaught her everything we taught. it was so cool, he's been looking for the truth in a bunch of churches for years. when he was younger his christian teacher told him to not talk to the Mormon missionaries since we are "devils" and never go in church. it's crazy, he hasn't been to our church yet because of that teacher. Glad to see him finally come to the truth! His wife might take longer which is understandable, so we might give him to the elders to teach since his wife is busy with work and such so he can get baptized quicker.   

     One day I told my comp that I would be sad to not see any more baptisms in yuli before I left.  Right now, no baptisms will happen until after I'm transferred on March 22, which is likely. I liked what she told me that for her, she would rather leave an area and not see the baptisms that will happen after she moves than to go to a new area, because seeing people change is the best part. She shared a quote which said, "It's not the arrival of the trip that matters, it's the journey." It made me feel better and want me to make the most of my three weeks here, since I will most likely move, get as many baptisms going for the next transfer.

     It has been an amazing year, and I have a lot on my mission. I love Taiwan, I love the people, I love the gospel, I love the members, I love my friends, family and comp, and I especially love my Heavenly Father, my Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and my helper the Holy Ghost. 

     I know this gospel is true, it has blessed my life, my loved ones lives, and countless others lives. I am so grateful to have the gospel in my life and share that same joy with others. I invite you all to somehow, someway, like Christ, be a savior to others by sharing the gospel and/or helping them strengthen their testimonies and conversion, because that conversion is what gets us through life and into the Celestial Kingdom. 

Love you all have a great week!

Sister Brinkerhoff

That Is up to You

Hey, hey, hey!

     

     

First off, awesome, awesome p-day! Right now, it's some sort of taoist (worship ancestors and Chinese gods) holiday weekend, so the locals have four days off. Since our members don't observe these holy days, and they have work and school off, we went to San Shan Tai (Three Mountain Bay). It's the second time I've been. I haven't been there since last November. It's a very famous place, has eight arch bridges that lead to a small island off the coast. It was sooo fun and beautiful, seeing the really blue ocean wash up against the black volcanic rocks. We
even hiked up to one mountain, and it was seriously a Star Wars VII moment, when at the end of the movie the main character is on top of a high, rocky grassy hill in the middle of the ocean. Same with me :) 

     We then went up the coast and went to the Singletary's store. They open it during holidays during tourism season. It's kind of sad, Taiwan's new president and China's president don't get along, so there's some sort of ban in China, now Chinese tourists can't visit Taiwan, which has hurt business. Anyway, we ate there, and hiked a bit. It was so beautiful; hiking up old sea caves and seeing the ocean right across the street.  I seriously live in the most beautiful area of the whole mission! 

     My companion's grandpa passed away yesterday. She didn't know until emails this morning. She's really strong and happy. I am really grateful for her example. She and I have really felt the Spirit comfort us. Her testimony of the plan of salvation is amazing!

     Sis. Ding moves next week - so sad but she needs to help her son so happy she is progressing in the gospel

tomorrow stake exercise activity so excited everyone will be here!  Good potential investigators just got to get started with them.  

Funny moment:

     As we walked to the island on San Shan Tai, we noticed some older people wearing traditional yellow silk outfits with dragons on them. We thought, "That's weird, maybe it's some buddhist or taoist thing for the long holiday."  As we went, we got to the island and by the ocean on some rocks, there were some older people in yellow. They began their ceremony, one guy just walking and kicking in the air while holding some golden thing that I think represented money. They were in some rocky gorge, and they did this in front of a two-foot high hole. Then they started yelling at the top of their lungs and making wavy gestures, as if trying to scare off some demon. It was amusing from an outsider point of view. A reason why so many Chinese gods/idols have scary faces is because they are used to scare off demons. 

Spiritual Share

     I remembered this story and gave a copy of it to my RC Ding JM. It is a beautiful story about the Savior. It's in the March 2008 Ensign.  It's called "The Atonement of Jesus Christ."

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

     Happy Birthday shout out to Grandpa Barrus, who is 92 years young!

     Love you all have a great week!

    -Sister Brinkerhoff

What a Saint Should Be

    Hello, Hello everyone!

     It has been a good week here in Yuli!

     We got some new investigators who live behind the chapel door! The chapel is on the second floor of our Landlord's huge house, and these people live on the same floor behind the door. They are so cute, they are a couple living together that come from broken families. They are super happy, love movies. We have been reading the Book of Mormon with them, and they love it! They even remind each other to pray, it's so cute. We really hope they can progress in the gospel. Please pray for them!

Exchanges in Paradise

   
     We had exchanges this week in Hualian (aka Paradise) with the Sister Training Leaders. I was with Sister Apsley who came to Taiwan with me last March, and my companion went with Sister Toronto, who is an American that grew up in Beijing, China. It was so different to be back into the city again, to be somewhere with more than three stoplights in

town. It was great, we got to eat steak, gave the other Hualian sister missionaries one investigator we taught while she was down here during Chinese New Year but is back up to Hualian for school, set up with a family I've seen before on past exchanges that Sister Apsley didn't know about, discussed our goals, ate McDonalds, then discussed which people were progressing.

     President Jergensen called us this week, and said he had some news for Sister Bernhardt. He proceeded to tell her that her parents were on the phone and wanted to talk to her. It turned out, her 91-year-old grandfather, who was already in the hospital, had pneumonia and was dying. He wanted to call her and say goodbye to her one last time. It was so sad, but she was very brave. She has a great testimony of the plan of salvation and the Spirit has given her peace. He's still alive as far as we know, but might go anytime. I will try to really help her out this week. 

     Friday night, some Hualian members treated me and my companion, the sister training leaders, two elders, the senior missionaries, and ours to some steak. It's not like American steak at all, just a smaller piece of meat on noodles. It was good though. it was so expensive Taiwanese wise, but I was so grateful for their generosity. They ordered us all some New Zealand steak. Mine was a little raw for my taste, very chewy, but it was good.  The host was walking around in a cow costume, while the waiters were dressed up professionally. It was so funny to be at a fancy, expensive steak restaurant and have this host walk around in a cow costume. 

     Cultural fact: for rare, medium, and well done in Taiwan, they just do a scale from 1-10 of how you want your steak cooked. 1 is rare, 5 is medium and 10 is well done. The elders told the waiter "7," which was raw for me.

     My recent convert Ding Jie Mei (Sister Ding) is moving to Hualian on March 1st. She told us that she was looking for a new nursing job up in Hualian or down in Taidong. It was kind of random now that she wanted a new job, I didn't understand why. She told us at first that she just wanted a better job since there's not many opportunities for small town Yuli. Yesterday as I was talking to Tang Jm the branch president's wife (the one who referred her to the missionaries), she told me she got the job in Hualian and wanted to move up there to be closer to her sons and help them out.  It was right then that it hit me - she wants to move up to Hualian is to be closer to her sons in order to introduce them to the gospel. From day one when we asked for her referrals, she told us she wanted her two sons to have the gospel. They are 19 and 18.  Ding Jm and her husband divorced a few years ago, and since in Taiwan kids go the dad when a divorce happens, the boys have been raised by

Ding Jm's ex-husband. Both sons have had some struggles, difficulty about the divorce and their family relationships haven't been good. One goes to high school in Hualian for the week and comes down to Reisui to live with his dad down in Reisui (they are Buddhist), the older son is a college student in Hualian and a Christian that sometimes goes to church.  Along with reading the scriptures, attending church, praying, learning about eternal family relationships, ancestors and the temple, Ding Jm started to realized that she needed to help her sons learn about the gospel.   The gospel has changed her, making her realize that she needs to fulfill her role as a mother and help her kids.  I will miss her (I will probably transfer to a new area a few weeks after that anyway) as well as the branch, but she needs to be where her sons are, plus it would help to be around more members who can help her get to the temple and adjust to life as a new member. Plus, she has a better chance of meeting a member she could marry :)

     I thought it was interesting in my brother's last email that he was the only white person in his district. Here, pretty much 85% of the missionaries are Americans, right down to the mission president. 24% are Taiwanese who serve here or are visa waiting (most serve either in Australia, the US, Canada, and I've heard of a few who have gone to Germany and France), and 1% are from elsewhere (Elder Falck from Sweden, half Taiwanese and half Swedish, and Elder Budd who is Honduran but grew up in the US, the only one in the mission who can speak Spanish).  As a result of this demographic, whenever we have mission conferences, it's all in English with the office elders translating. The Taiwanese missionaries' English is so good, they are super impressive. Most of the missionaries here are from Utah, it's kinda rare for missionaries here to not be from Utah. 

Spiritual Share

     There was this song on my companions ipod that is called, "What a Saint Should Be." The song is talking about looking to past saints examples, like the Apostles in Jesus's time to everyday church members in our lives, how through their examples of being faithful to Christ has reminded us of "What a Saint Should Be," even until judgment day. 

     

     This week is my Grandpa Barrus' 92nd Birthday. He has had an awesome life, traveling to 54 countries around the world, raising a family of eight kids, about 31 or grandkids, and I can't keep track of how many great-grandkids, being a BYU professor, helping countless people in need, serving four missions, serving in the Navy during World War II, growing up in the great depression, being a silver beaver boy scout, living in countless places around the world, photographing everywhere, coming to kids' and grandkids' school events and having so many adventures and life stories.  I think his crowning accomplishment in His life is being faithful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and helping countless others in doing so, including me, especially in serving a mission. I am so grateful for his example to me. His life and

example is always "reminding me, of what a saint should be." He has done so many amazing things in his life. I am so grateful he was a big part of it, from going to his house all the time growing up, going on countless trips, having fun memories spending time together, and for living with me  and my family in Indiana. He has such an amazing and honorable life, I hope I can be half as amazing as him one day, because let's just say, it's impossible to be as amazing as him. 

     Also, I was just thinking about our branch members. It's amazing how in the church, we all take care of each other's children. I know my companion sang in the MTC choir at the last general conference. I can imagine in my mind's eye all those parents standing on the sidelines as the missionaries get on the buses back to the MTC hoping to catch a glimpse of their child. I then thought of the members in our branch who are taking care of us, as well as missionaries all over the world being taken care of by members. It's so amazing, how in Christ's church, not only do we entrust the care of each other's children to members all around the world, but we care for each other as well. I have really seen that in the branch here in Yuli, and I am forever grateful for the members examples.

     I know that the Book of Mormon can help and bless anyone. I read an article in the April 2016 Ensign about a man who was a branch president of a struggling branch in Switzerland. He prayed to know what to do, and the revelation came that if every member diligently read the Book of Mormon, the branch would thrive. The branch leaders helped everyone do so, and the branch began to thrive and prosper. There were baptisms, families joined the branch, and even a young man from the branch decided to serve a mission (the first one in 15 years). The Book of Mormon is a powerful tool, because it helps us remember who we are and what God wants us to do.  

     I've noticed that the Book of Mormon is all about missionary work. Over and over and over again, once people know about the gospel, have faith, repent, and receive baptism (all are intertwined, not step by step), they were commanded to preach the gospel. It was interesting 

     Always find people to share the gospel with! Even share it with faithful members, family members, and less active members. We all need someone's help and support, and we can do so through sharing some spiritual thought and helping others feel the spirit. 

     I like in Alma 24 where the Anti-Nephi-Lehi people were going to be attacked by the Lamanites who weren't converted. Their new king, King Lamoni's older brother who changed his name to King Anti-Nephi-Lehi, after giving orders to not prepare for war (the people weren't preparing for war anyway) gave a speech to the people about being grateful for the Nephite missionaries. Because the missionaries invited the Spirit in their lives, the Anti-Nephi-Lehites were willing to listen to their message, realized that their ancestors did wicked things and traditions (which is a hard thing to realize, that growing up everything you knew was wrong), repented and received baptism. He then talked about how Christ's Atonement took away the pain from their hearts in knowing that they murdered Nephites before, and that they won't take up weapons again, otherwise the Atonement won't be as easy to cover it, they would have a harder time being forgiven if they even are. So the people were willing to bury their weapons as a testimony that they would rather die than betray Christ and His Atonement. As the Lamanites came to slaughter them, they just knelt down and prayed while the Lamanites killed them off. After a thousand people or so were killed, more than a thousand Lamanites felt guilty and became converted through the Atonement and joined the Anti-Nephi-Lehites. I also really like how later, when the the people were going to be attacked again, joined the Nephites, and the Nephites forgave them for their murders, allowed them to live with them, and even defended them when they were being attacked again, since they promised not to go to war anymore. 

     It was so cool how it all started with the missionary Ammon following the Spirit, as well as his brethren. By small and simple things, great things came to pass-Ammon served King Lamoni, Lamoni saw miracles and wanted to know more, was converted, then the people were converted, and this huge snowballing effect occurred. I know that if we all shared the gospel with people, even something as simple as inviting them to church or sharing a scripture, can go a long way.

     I am so grateful for this gospel, for my wonderful family and friends, who are great examples to me of "what a saint should be."

     So, "What should a saint be?" My answer: Christ-like. 

     Thank you all for your love, thoughts support and prayers.  Remember, like Christ, serve everyday like it's your last day!

-Sister Brinkerhoff

I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go

          I'll go where you want me to go, Dear Lord,

          I'll be what you want me to be

     I am still in Yuli for another transfer, probably my last. I have asked Heavenly Father, Christ and my mission president, and they have accepted my request. I wanted one more transfer to keep up the work here in Yuli. 

     I have been here since last October, and I even watched conference here. I will be here until two weeks before April General Conference starts, how crazy is that?!

     I really love it here. I remember my mom telling me a story about how she was in a branch for six months, and when she left, the branch members came and said goodbye to her at the bus or train station, and she cried a lot when she left. I remembered thinking, Wow, six months in a branch is a long time, about 1/3 of a sister's mission. And now I'm in the same position, being here for about 1/3 of my mission.

     I have to say, I have learned a lot here:

1. Patience.  Having a dog-sick companion, a struggling branch (they're better now), no progressing investigators (except Ding JM who got baptized, a complete miracle honestly), and breaking a companion for the 3rd time (being with a companion who just got out of training) has taught me patience like crazy. 

2. Like Christ, knowing and serving people one by one. It makes it a lot easier to do it in a branch, I can personally get to know all the members more. I have really learned to love the people here. 

3. Humility.  It's seriously the most rural and beautiful areas in the whole mission. These members have such hard lives and they just really amaze me. They really look out for and care for us missionaries and other members. I've never had such a family feel for the members than any other time of my mission. They have taught me and given me so much, I wish I could give more to them. 

As well as:

     Be nice to missionaries in your ward, you never know when you, your kids or grandkids will serve in their ward. #chenmengxin Example: Chen Meng Xin/ Elder Chen, the first Taiwanese missionary in Indiana, and now I am serving in his parent's branch here. 2014.  I eat with him and his family, we see each other share testimonies at church in Chinese, I see him on pdays with his family, he's the member and I'm the missionary. Plus, my comp and I are teaching his 12-year-old sister, she's super cute, reminds me of my sister Lydia. 

     The last week of Chinese New Year is kind of awkward. Still no school (love it), some people work and some don't, people just chilling. The last day, we had a special food like a soft dumpling with either a sesame or peanut butter filling.

 

     Sadly, Ding jie mei said she is looking for work in Hualian or Taidong. I am happy for her but so sad at the same time. She has been such a big help and strength here in the branch, I really would hate to lose her, the branch really needs her, we have such few strong members like her. Her testimony is so strong. I would say that out of all the RC's I've ever seen on my mission, she is the strongest one. She is so amazing. But if God needs her to grow somewhere else, I understand, and the harder my comp and I have to look for a new member.

     Please pray for me and my companion to find a good, strong family that the branch can have. We really need one at this time. Please pray for us that our members will have missionary opportunities, that we can find someone strong for the branch, someone who won't visit only or move away like some strong members did. Someone who will stay here to strengthen our members.

     I love my mission, it's the best thing in the world, I never want to leave.

     Our new elder here, Elder Robbins, came and shared a simple testimony during sacrament meeting. This is his last transfer. Then, a 17-year-old member gave a talk about loving God. Then, her mom got up and spoke about how hard it was tk have three less active children and have a non-member husband. While doing so, she was crying the whole time. It just broke my heart to see her be so sad that her family wasn't strong, which is the case for everyone except three young families in the branch. It made me so grateful that my whole family has the gospel.  It is such a struggle here. This branch wants a new, strong member family so much. My companion and I will work hard this transfer and with God's help try to find one. It's been years since the last family was baptized, and even then that family fell apart. Please pray for us to find one family (or more) and baptize them. 

     Ding JM usually has really amazing dreams. Up until I met with her the first time, I didn't think she read the Book of Mormon everyday. The last time I asked her, she said she would sometimes read it. I was worried she still didn't have a testimony of the Book of Mormon, even after her baptism. To my surprise, she said she reads it everyday and she feels like she needs to (she is hungry spiritually). In the lesson, my comp Sister Bernhardt talked about Lehi's dream, then Ding JM told us of another dream she had.  She said one day a while ago (I think while Sister Scharman and I taught her or after she got baptized), she prayed and asked to know if the Book of Mormon was true. She didn't get an answer right then, so she went to bed. That night in her dream, she saw my companion Sister Scharman and her great-great grandmother, and they spoke great Chinese. Sister S's great-great grandmother, with her hand was on Sis S's shoulder, introduced herself as Sis S's great-great grandmother, and testified to her that the Book of Mormon was true, and then Sis S also testified that it was true. Ding JM woke up. After that experience, she had a testimony of the Book of Mormon then. 

     I firmly believe that in the pre-earth life, Sis S volunteered herself to be sick so that Ding JM would listen to the lessons and be converted. It was a huge sacrifice from Sis S.  I know that this work is so important. I am so grateful for the gospel in my family, my friends, my neighbors, and even in my own life. It is the biggest blessing in my life, I don't know what to do about it.

     I am so grateful for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and all that they do for me.

     I love you all! Happy Valentines Day! (almost forgot about it)

-Sister Brinkerhoff

P.S. Happy Birthday Grandpa Barrus in a few weeks! 92 and still going strong! 

If I only had today: Hamsters, Crashing a Buddhist Funeral

     Life has been SUPER amazing lately! Lots of miracles and great stuff! Transfers are this week. I hope I get to stay for so many reasons. But I know that if God needs me to go somewhere else, I will be willing to go. 

Hamsters:

     

     So one day we were biking, and the Spirit prompted me to turn down a street and go into a certain house. Inside we meet a Daoist grandma with a really long thumbnail (6 inches, no kidding, pics coming soon). We met her 13-year-old granddaughter. She brought out her and her 3 year old sister's hamsters, which we played with. It was fun, as I was playing with her hamster, I was

talking to her about the gospel and life. I really enjoyed getting to connect with her and playing with her yellow male hamster, Dodo, while she played with her sisters female, dark colored hamster. We hope we can help her into the gospel. One of the girls in the branch is her classmate, so we hope it goes well introducing her to the gospel.

Crashing a Buddhist Funeral

     We were visiting a girl in an aboriginal village 20 minutes away (pretty much the Native American version of Taiwan) we met a few weeks ago only to find that her grandpa had passed away a few weeks ago and they were having the funeral. 

     In Taiwan, they block the street with a huge tent right outside the house of the deceased, lots of flowers inside and circle signs on the outside warning people that the street is blocked because of the funeral. Also a mug shot of the person who died is on display.  It looks like a nice version of a driver's license photo. There is lots of incense, sometimes idols, sometimes some sort of mourning music faintly playing, and fruit. Everyday after the death, the tent gets more flowers and the tent gets bigger. Most of the time the person is cremated. The aboriginals, who are Christian, like to do the full body burial, and since there's more space and less people down here, it's possible. 

     We say hi to her, and asked if we should come back another day, she said Saturday was good, but then she ran and asked her grandma, and asked to do next week. She then wanted us to meet her younger cousin, we were like ok. We meet him in the back of her house, then saw her mom, then her grandma came out and asked us if we had eaten yet. Then she invited us inside their house area out front where the tent was. 

     
     We walked in, us two white American girls and sat at the only table standing with some food. Everyone who just finished lunch and were chatting away and drinking beer stopped and stared at us. It was kind of awkward at first, but Betty and later an older cousin of hers thankfully came to the table and talked with us, so everyone else then went back to their activities.

     At one point, some stray dogs ran in and out one room in the house, and some people got kind of upset (guess some dogs are considered dirty, so it might've been disrespectful to the dead to have the dog in the room). The room was dark with pink hangings covering it. I was guessing that was where the body was lying, and my comp said later she saw the coffin in there. 

President Jergensen Buying us Peanutbutter Burgers

   

      Last Wednesday, we took a train and taxi to Taidong for interview with President Jergensen. Mission presidents are now required to do it every transfer. He showed us some cool things in Helaman 10:1-5 about why God gave the missionary Nephi power and success right after declaring the murder of the chief judge, everybody left him and he was left on his own, so he went home and PONDERED what had just happened, and God told him then that he was blessed with sealing power and success because: 1. He obeyed God's commandments 2. He did God's will no matter what, even over his will 3. Feared God, not people 4. Did missionary work with unwearyingness. Since he did those things, He gave Nephi tons of gifts and miracles and success. President said we all can have that too if we did those things. Then Sister Jergensen did some training about CO2 detectors and cleaning our apartments. They mission has really been cracking hard about CO2 detectors lately, 2 elders in our mission a few years ago died in their apartment because of CO2 poisoning, and a week or so ago a sister's house also had a CO2 leak, but they were ok.

     Since everyone was being fed lunch by members, they all

had to go pretty soon, so me and my comp were the last ones to get interviewed. Just us two, the Elders, President, his wife and two twins sons about 17 years old came and ate peanutbutter burgers with us. Usually, it's us and the whole Taidong zone, but that day it was just us. After eating the burgers and milkshakes, President went to the counter, looked at us, and asked if we got fed a lot by members during Chinese New Year. We said

no, not really, since there are only a few members in the branch, and they were pretty much all out of town. He then said, "Happy Guonian, I'll qing you". Meaning I will buy your meal. It was so nice of him, he's the best!



Miracle!

     Afterwards, we took the train home in time to eat with Brother and Sister Gunn, the American husband and Taiwanese wife in their 60's. They were some of the only ones home for Chinese New Year. My RC Ding JM, who is really good friends with Sister Gunn also came. 

     After dinner, my comp and I talked with Ding JM. It was so cool, she really wants the gospel for her sons. We then called her oldest son, who lives in Hualian (hr long train ride away for school) and asked if he wanted to come to church, he said yeah, which was so exciting! He hasn't been to Yuli in six months, so he was fine to come down. His younger brother also was fine to come down from Reisui even though it was his 18th birthday. It was so exciting!

Church- A Taste of Heaven

     They both came for Sacrament meeting. It was also fast Sunday. Last minute, Ding JM had to go to work, so the elders had to help with her sons at church. We shared testimonies. I shared mine about Christ and His Atonement, it was so cool, when I have the Spirit, my Chinese is smooth, clear, and powerful, and my voice doesn't crack. It was probably my best testimony at church yet. Afterwards, my comp said that she could really feel the Spirit in my testimony. While looking at everyone, I felt like that they felt the Spirit strongly too. 

     Also at church, I conduct the music while everyone sings. Since it could be my last Sunday, I was trying to enjoy every moment of it. It was such a blessing to see these members at church, some who come and go, all together at church. Seeing Meng Xin was so special too. I had to fight back my tears. It was the greatest blessing to see my loved ones, these branch members at church. It made me so happy to be with them all together, I think it's a taste of heaven honestly. 

     After sacrament, we had the Elders teach gospel principles class. They taught about family history just for Ding JM's sons, because they are so interested in their ancestors. They really enjoyed it.  After church, we went to go bless Ding JM's house.  She was home from work as a nurse around noon.  She has such a huge desire to go to the temple, it's awesome! She really loves her ancestors. She prayed and blessed her house to have the Spirit and she said the Spirit told her she wasn't abandoning her ancestors, but instead helping them through the gospel. She's really excited to do her family history work and do temple work for her ancestors.  She's the first one in her family for thousands of years since Christ came to have the gospel. She's so special. Her ancestors are pretty excited and I think eager, because she and I have been getting antsy lately about getting it done. After that experience yesterday, I'm really anxious for her to get to the temple do her family history. 

     Her sons are so prepared. After praying to bless her house and talking a little about family history and temple work, we asked him if he had any questions, and he said, "So many," which is music to missionary's ears. He's the elders investigator now.  I am so happy to see this family draw closer to God. Now all I need is patience and time.

Spiritual Share - If only I had today!

     My comp has a great song on her ipod called, "If I only had today." It's a song about after seeing a thousand sunsets, a million full moons, about time being short and long, then she sings:

          But if there were no tomorrow

          and I only had today

         One day, there will be no more

         If I only had today

Then it talks about holding close to our loved ones, not letting little distractions like dirty dishes or the phone ringing get in the way of showering our love.  My comp's ipod played that while we cleaned today. It hit me, realizing it might be my last few days here in Yuli. It's so far down here, I don't think I would ever see these members and people I have grown to love and care for, again, especially my RC Ding JM. I hope I'm here for one more transfer, but if I need to go, I will. 

If I Only Had Today

     I also like the song, "I see me through your eyes." I think of Christ and how He sees the potential in every one of us and how His gospel really blesses us, especially this part:

         Your love shines the way into paradise,

         So I offer my life as a sacrifice.

         I see me through your eyes.

      I also like this quote from President Monson in April 2010 of General Conference:

"How grateful we are for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and for all the good it brings into our lives. The Lord has poured out His blessings upon us as a people. I bear my testimony to you that this work is true, that our Savior lives, and that He guides and directs His church here upon the earth."

     I am also so grateful to know Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and have the gospel for me and my loved ones. I am also so glad to help introduce the gospel to so many people. I love it, nothing brings greater happiness than to see another come unto Christ and have God's love, which is the most desired thing and the most joyous thing for our souls (2 Nephi 11:21-23).

     My district leader was inspired one district meeting to say, "Serve every day like it's the last day of your mission." I would like to add to that and say,

     "Like Christ, serve every day like it's your last day."

     Love you all! Have an awesome week! Thank you for your prayers!

-Sister Brinkerhoff

Guonian Kuaidaole! Chinese New Year is here soon! One transfer more!

 

Guonian Kuaile! Happy Chinese New Year!    

     Hellooo, everyone! Chinese New Year begins this Friday! Super excited - the lanterns are lit up around town. Surprisingly, members and an investigator invited us over for lunch and dinner! Most of them will be out of town, so they are trying to feed us before they leave. Guess I can't escape Guonian and the dinners that every missionary must experience.

     In the movie Les Mis, there's one song that is the theme for me lately: While prepping for battle, the people are singing how in one day they will see "what our God in Heaven has in store. One more dawn. One more day. One day more!" For me, it's "One transfer more!" We are so excited to see where next transfer will take us. Transfers are on February 9th. I feel like I will stay here in Yuli for one more transfer to get the ball rolling on baptisms. This past transfer has been more about finding investigators, starting the lessons, and establishing relationships with members. I just need one more transfer to see the baptisms.

     Our branch is doing so awesome, they are on fire and ready to help.  Love them to death!  Fun adventures coming ahead this week! 

     People from all over the world come and bike here, it is so beautiful with so many bike trails. I can't tell you the number of times I have seen foreigners here. So President Uchtdorf's Mexican Doppleganger, Jorge Alonso, came to bike around Taiwan in 10 days (literally, he's been all over the world).  He's from Mexico but lives in Seattle, has been traveling around

the world for three years (is a landscaper), is single (lonely), and interested in the gospel. He will go to Thailand next week.  I really hope he see's my brother, Charlie!

     Meng Xin (served in Indiana) came to town again this weekend. Seriously, whenever he comes, it's like Santa comes to town or something. He has only come down from Taipei three times since October. He's here for two weeks for Guonian since classes in Taipei are over. 

     We had God's Recent Convert (as well as my recent convert) Ding JM help us peike (teach a lesson with a member present) for the first time since baptism! I was SO proud of her, I felt like a parent who's child was the superstar of a football game. Seeing her teach the gospel really makes me happy! Her life has changed completely! She used to be unhappy, not interested in others, and sad about life, but now she is so funny, full of life, strong and unselfish. Plus, she has a light in her countenance. I really hope I can go with her to the temple to do baptisms next transfer. I want to be with her for one more transfer.

     

     My comp and I live a floor right above the chapel, super awesome and convenient! Our landlord owns a big house. I guess he trusts us missionaries because he keeps the door to his house open, and you can look in and see all his expensive stuff. We live in one of the four apartments in his house, and the chapel is on the second floor. There's a ruined internet cafe downstairs.  How did it get ruined?  Two years ago, the missionaries were filling up a blue tub for a baptism in the chapel, but the elders didn't set it up right, so it collapsed and the water seeped through and ruined the computers in the internet cafe right below. It's been closed ever since. 

     

     For one of the days for Chinese New Year, people clean out their houses, getting rid of the bad of the old year. So this Saturday our whole mission will spend the time deep cleaning our apartments. Gratefully, Sister Scharman and I moved downstairs recently, it will be a lot quicker this time.

     At church, everyone at sacrament meeting is talking about how it's a new year and how they want to start fresh. Some people even started becoming active again because of it.  I am so glad that through Christ and His Atonement, every day can be a new day. It reminded me of what my boss at Wendy's said to me at work one day when I was upset that someone tricked me and took my money the day before, "Today is a new sunrise, it is a new day." He said don't let the past take over, enjoy the moment. 

     Love you all! CPR - Church, Read Pray! Have an awesome week! 

-Sister Brinkerhoff