Happy Chinese New Year Everyone!

Happy New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year everyone! It was a week full of lots of food and missionary meetings because we couldn't proselyte on Thursday through Sunday.

 

At the beginning of the week we had another lesson with Amanda and we asked her if she would be baptized but we asked her in English and at first she thought we meant she had to take a test of the material we were teaching her (#languagebarrierproblems) then when she finally realized what we were saying she said she would think about it because she was afraid of water. We said that she could have as much time as she needs. At the next lesson we taught her this week, we had our ward mission leader come (who is AMAZING!) but she showed up an hour and a half late. She always shows up late but usually it's only half an hour. That time was bad. But he waited with us the whole time said hi to her then had to leave. At that lesson we found out that she is very involved in her church and she really didn't understand why she needed to join ours when the church believes in God. It was really rusticating because we asked her what was different about our church and she named off all these good things like a prophet and the Book of Mormon and stuff but she just didn't understand why it was so important to convert to ours when she already believes in God. But we're meeting with her again this week so we'll see what happens.

 

On a happier note we are really building relationships with the members of our ward including our bishop. One step at a time to not be the flowers of the ward anymore! (that's actually what he called the sisters a few transfers back not the pretty faces but it means the same thing) We had two people come up to us during church to schedule appointments with us which hasn't happened for almost a year apparently so that was exciting. Also earlier this week we went and visited the bishop and actually got invited into his apartment which NEVER happens. And we shared a spiritual message with him and then got to see his two week old twins! So cute! And they gave us food :) another step out of being just a flower :)

 

As for the food, there was lots of it this week. Which is funny because at the beginning of the week we seriously thought that we wouldn't get invited anywhere then on Friday we ate with the Elders in our ward (there's six of us all together) at the stake relief society president's house, then on Saturday we ate at our ward mission leader's house, and his wife is a chef so we had a Korean meal that is apparently from ancient Korea so that was cool. Then on Sunday we ate at another member's house. Last night the bishop and all his kids (besides his wife and the youngest twins) came which was like six people all together. It was really fun. The member lives out in the country so it was a long bus ride but totally worth it. The bishop totally said that sister Stradling was a wonderful companion! Another step to not being the flowers anymore! After dinner, the bishop left with one of the boys that was there and like 20 mins later he came back with a ton of ice cream. The bishop totally bought us all ice cream on Sunday. We all got a kick out of that.

 

 

Me!

Me!

 

This week P-Day was Friday because of the holiday and the three sisters I live with and I had such a good time. We made a happy new years poster thing and went to a very authentic Korean place and took pictures. 

Jumping Companionship.

We were taking jumping pictures and at one point I was getting a jumping picture taken of me and none of the sisters could get it right so this older Korean man came over and took my camera from them and said "jumping?" and I said yes so he tried to take a good picture of me jumping but he didn't count for me so it didn't work very well but let me tell you the other sisters got amazing pictures of him trying to take a jumping pictures of me. Ill have to get it from them and send it to you sometime.

Sister Stradling (right) and I

 

 

Stradling, Me, Hilton, and Marsden with our Sign.

Stella is doing great. We asked her if there was anything that we could do to help her prepare for her baptism and she just asked if she had to buy a white dress. She is so ready. Her husband, Brain, is what is holding her back right now. He is meeting with the Elders and he has a lot of doctrinal concerns but hopefully his heart will be softened and he wont make her push back her date.

Anyways that was my week. I hope all is well at home and that everyone is having a great time :) I love you all! Happy New year! 
 

Sister Stradling (right) and I

--  Sister Collyer 콜리여 자매 (kol-lee-yeo ja- mae)