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!