Sunday, February 10, 2013

Happy Chinese New Year


Sun Moon Lake

Hello Everyone!
Happy New Year!  This week was the start of the Chinese New Year, probably the biggest holiday that the Chinese celebrate.  It is a time where family from all over travel and unite together to celebrate the new year.  This year's Chinese New Year has taken on more meaning this year since I actually understand what everyone is talking about, especially my Taiwanese companion who has explained a lot for me.  So again, Happy New year!  This week was good, it still had it's ups and downs due to this holiday.
So, Thursday we were able to visit with two recent converts, Brother Xu and his son Yi Xiang.  What made our visit much more special was that Brother Xu brought his 12 year old son along as well to start learning the gospel.  At first his son was it kind of in a bad mood, but as we got things rolling along he warmed up to us and later on was super receptive to the message.  On Sunday, he even attended Sacrament meeting and enjoyed it a lot.  This family is almost complete.  Just one more and then they'll all be learning and growing together in the gospel.
Due to the Chinese New Year, families from all over are traveling back to their relatives homes, and are all inside gathered together, which makes tracting our main way of finding.  It has been interesting to see all these families united together, and the joy they are experiencing during this time.  To most, this joy will end when death is encountered.  Although those bits of joy can once again be experienced as we remember those who have already gone on, but it is because of the gospel that we know that the relationships we share in this life can extend beyond the grave.  I'm grateful for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and the eternal happiness and joy it can bring to families.  I'm grateful for my family and I love them all!  I'm grateful for the experiences I am given each day to help an individual in need.  This is the Lord's work and I'm grateful to be a part of it.  Happy New Year!
With Tons of Love,
Elder Nick Smith
司馬長老