Sister Lydia Jensen-Taiwan, Taipei Mission: Week 35-Feb. 4, 2019

Congrats! Get rich! 🎉

Hey fam and friends!

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

This week we also went to Yonghe for a midday exchange because the Sister training leaders had too many lunch appointments so we went on splits for a little. Sunday was interesting because we met with a new friend who ended up insisting on taking us to the night market and we accidentally walked with her outside of our area, and then she bought food at a restaurant, made us eat it, while we taught the first lesson to the beat of some really loud party music. Also her dog was in a little suitcase thing that she pushed along with us. It was one of those moments when you just think to yourself "how did I get here?"....I love those moments! Haha

This week we are getting fed almost every lunch and dinner because of Chinese New Year! Most of the outside shops are closed, so it's super nice to get to eat with members every day! Taipei feels a little bit like the movie Walle after the earth is deserted... Everyone goes back to their hometowns to be with their families and most people in Taipei just moved here for work. Because of culture, we bring fruit (preferably oranges and apples or pineapple) and cards to every meal and we get to stay with them for 90 minutes for Chinese New Year. New things I've learned: Dont flip the fish! it's bad luck~ and dont say "how are you today?", say "gongxi facai!" (congratulations! get rich! ;) )

I'm pumped!

Also all the missionaries in the mission are deep cleaning their apartments today because during Chinese New Year everyone cleans and sweeps out all the bad spirits! It honestly feels great~ these apartments can get pretty gross...

Scripture of the week: 2 Nephi 32:3

"Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." As we feast upon delicious Chinese food this week, we will also be feasting about the words of Christ, specifically the Book of Mormon. What a powerful book~ it has brought me so much peace while in the midst of fears and doubts. If you feel like you aren't getting anything out of your study of the Book of Mormon - dont give up! Keep reading, keep praying, keep pressing forward! God is aware of you and loves you and has a plan!

Invite: This week, when you feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, open the Book of Mormon, take a few deep breaths, say a prayer in your heart, and let the Spirit comfort you.