December 21, 2015 - Christmas is a Holy Day

I want to talk about Christmas. I have been talking constantly about how there is no Christmas in Taiwan. I have said so many times it just doesn't feel the same. There are no colorful lights except those of the disgusting stands that sell Taiwanese drugs. There are no Christmas trees except the ones that fill Seven Eleven. 

I was overwhelmed with a feeling of opening eyes yesterday when we had a Christmas activity for FHE. We went in a circle talking about what Christmas means to us. Every person in that room except for the missionaries were converts to the church. They all talked of how Christmas was a day to party before they found religion. They talked about the change they saw occur, how Christmas became a a holy day, a day where the world was still and they could remember Jesus Christ. Taiwan removes all the distractions of Christmas and allows us to see it for the holy day it is. I am grateful for their testimonies, it strengthens me everyday.

We met with our two new investigators this week, they are really amazing. We gave them both baptismal goals for next month. Leo is so smart and so willing to learn. He said that he was slowly reading the Book of Mormon and in one week he read through 1 Nephi and half way through 2 nephi. He has an open heart that is humble and willing to learn. Then we met with Brother Hong who is very quiet but who has had a lot of suffering in his life.

Both of his parents passed away and now he lives with his grandparents. The gospel really means a lot to him. 

Finally this week I found out that I will not only be playing one violin solo on Christmas Eve, I will be playing 3... and singing...you could say I am a little stressed, but it will all work out. 

I love you all and hope you have a great Christmas!

 

December 14, 2015 - All Mission Christmas Party and Conference

Another week has come and gone. It was a good week of laughs with old friends and adventures. We had our mission conference/Christmas Activity at Sun Moon Lake. 

I bought some crazy pants from an aborigine store to mark the day.

I saw my MTC district and we spent the day together sharing our experiences and enjoying a day of spiritual talks and musical numbers. All in remembrance of the master that we serve and strive to represent. 

We had lunch at an all you can eat buffet.

All mission picture

Me with my MTC companion, Elder Tom Watson

Having fun with the members and Elder Varvel. 

A turn of events happened yesterday morning. We got a call from President Blickenstaff saying that Elder Varvel is moving up north. We had a fun three weeks together and now he is on his way to Nantou and I am here with my new companion, Elder Millett from St. George, he has been in Taiwan for 14 months but this is his first time serving in Tainan. 

Missions teach something very crucial, in this mortal life nothing is permanent. Our friends and companions will go, but that is okay. We love them anyway. Whether they are by our side or whether they are across the seas, we are grateful for them and the things they write on our spirits. Elder Watson, Elder Brady, and Elder Varvel are all my friends and have all taught me things that have changed and uplifted me.  

This last week found some new investigators and we will see where they go. I have hope and confidence that the gospel message for them really will have meaning and they will continue to progress. 

I love you all, 

Merry Christmas! 

Sincerely Elder Erwin 

December 6, 2015 - The Crocodile King

Dear Family and Friends,

To start off the week we went with a member to do something very special...

We went to see the crocodile king! This thing was massive beyond belief. Also, it was very much alive!! Luckily it was so big, slow and tame that I could get a quick pic with it...but you best believe I wasn't staying in there very long.

The city of Tainan has been and is very humbling to me. Ever since I got here there hasn't been really anyone to teach and we haven't had any really strong investigators. 

I like the saying "If you haven't felt the spirit reprimanding you any time recently... you probably need to evaluate how close to the Spirit you are." Everyday I feel like like the Spirit is trying to tell me "You need to change Elder Erwin." I feel like that might be a big portion of my mission. Everyday repenting and evaluating what can I do to become the person God needs me to be. Allowing that feeling to not just burden me with regret but to change it into something that will allow me to ascend to new level of spiritual light. 

This week I also got the chance to play at a baptism we had here in Tainan! It always brightens my day a little when I get the chance to play again. 

One thing that is so evident and rings so true to me is that we must truly enjoy the little things. Hold on to them, and allow them to carry you through the struggles. 

Here are the answers to the weekly questions.

• Has your bike arrived? 

It got here my second day in Tainan:) they know how to mail stuff here so fast!;)

• How long has Elder Varvel been out? 

He came out about exactly one year before me so.. 1 1/2 years

• Tell us about Elder Varvel. What is he like? 

Elder Varvel is a funny guy. His mindset seems to be if force isn't the answer you are not using enough force  ;) So we are really different in that way.

• What things do you do that are different in your new area? 

It is pretty similar Elder Varvel likes contacting more than anything so there will be days when we are on our bikes for 5+ hours just contacting. 

• Are you still eating oatmeal with chocolate milk for breakfast? 

Or do they eat something different in your new area? I have kind of given up on breakfast. So nope I haven't eaten any oatmeal with chocolate milk:) 

• Do you share your apartment with another set of elders?

No 

• Do you ever go on splits? 

We did this week. I went with Elder Booth from Australia to his area.

• Were you able to download that music I ordered for you? I am going to try and do it today

• What is the city concert for that you wanted the music for? 

The government of Tainan asked for our church to perform at this thing in front of the train station. So all these government officials will be there.

• Is it a Christmas concert? Yes

• When is that concert? 

December 24th, Happy Christmas Eve!

• Will you be playing in it? 

I will be playing in it.