Last email on my mission

Hi all,

Well... I really don't know what to write about this week. It's really hard to accept the face that a week from today I will be on the flight home. Since this Sunday is Stake Conference, I already had my last regular church meetings two days ago. It was really sad. The Bishopric announced at the pulpit that I was going home in 9 days, so of course a lot of members came up to me after Sacrament to give me hugs and to talk to me. It was a miracle that I didn't cry at church, but I did cry after church. Honestly, I have no desire to go home. 

This morning we went to the Temple to do Endowment. I am very thankful that I got to go to the Temple one more time right before going home. I was praying the whole time that the person I was doing the work on behalf of would accept it, and I did feel that she accepted the ordinance that I performed. I love being in the House of the Lord as I can always feel the peace that I can't find anywhere else.

I don't really have a lot to share about this past week as it was kind of rough, but I'm just grateful that Bishop and our Ward Mission Leader have great trust in us and really appreciate for what we have done. And I know that there are still a lot of things that I can be grateful for even though we haven't seen a huge miracle yet. It's definitely getting harder and harder to stay focused on the work at all time as that day is so close... When we were in the Celestial room at the Temple, President Choi came up to me and said "Oh Sister Leung this is your last trip". I was like "President I don't want to hear this". I still wish he would just let me extent my mission, but I know it's not happening. He said he would be talking to me about marriage at my exit interview... I will try to distract him but I don't know how well it will go...

I'm not in a mood of typing anything more... see ya!

Love,

Sister Leung

With my companion (:

Sister Policarpio, me, Sister Vander Hoeven, Sister Nelson

Good things are happening!

Hi all,

This past week was pretty great. First, I absolutely get along with my companion (: That's a great blessing! I had been praying for a long time that my last companion would be a good one. Sister Vander Hoeven is just awesome. I love her dearly! Second, Elder Falabella, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, came to visit our mission, so we had a special Zone Conference. My favorite thing of the whole conference was "Are you really a full-time missionary? Or part-time?". We have been called and set apart to serve as a full-time missionary, but how many of us are really constantly doing missionary work? Elder Falabella said whether we are FULL time missionaries or not depends on what we do during the day. That was very inspiring to me. The sad thing of that conference was I had to bear my departing testimony along with all the missionaries that were leaving after this transfer. I was trying very hard not to cry because no one would be able to understand me, and I didn't cry. I mostly shared my testimony of the Atonement and expressed my gratitude for being able to serve in the Washington Seattle Mission. Third, we had Thanksgiving lunch/dinner with the Rencher's from the ward. They already offered to feed us on Thanksgiving two months ago. They always have good food, so I was really glad that I didn't get transferred. We had turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potato, fresh pumpkin pie... everything was just sooooooooo delicious. Fourth, we gave talks and performed a musical number at Sacrament meeting, and it went well. Fifth, my companion and I both love shopping/window-shopping to the mall after emailing time (: LIFE IS GOOD!

We have been looking for people to teach for a long time. Tracting houses hadn't been successful, so we accepted the suggestion from our District Leader to tract apartments. Tracting apartments has never been my favorite thing to do, but I knew that we should give it a try. So for the whole week we only tracted apartments, and we found a few people that were willing to set up a return appointment to learn more. We don't know how solid they are yet, but it's a good start.

Another good thing from this past week was exchanges with our Sister Training Leaders. I stayed in our area with Hermana Hales, and Sister Vander Hoeven went to Bellevue with Hermana Boley. Hermana Hales and I have been friends since we served in Bellevue together, which was a long time ago. It was fun to catch up with her and to learn from her. She is an amazing missionary and a hard worker. We saw quite a few miracles during our exchange. Almost all the people that we planned to visit were home when we knocked on their door. We visited a less-active lady, and she said she had been thinking about coming back to church (: We definitely were there at the right time.

At the beginning of my mission, I felt like I would never get to go home. However, time actually goes by fast! Two weeks from today, I will be on the plane going home, and you have no idea how scared I'm about that day... My Mission President already said no to my request of extension, so I guess all I can do is to work hard for the next 2 weeks and to be a FULL time missionary.

Love,

Sister Leung

I'm thankful for my companions

Hi all,

This past week we finally were able to go out to work. I'm glad that Sister Salabao has been feeling better with her stomach. After working with my companions for a week, I can truly say that I'm very grateful to have them as my very last companions on my mission. Sister Salabao and Sister Vander Hoeven are both dedicated missionaries. They truly understand their purpose and have a strong desire to serve the Lord. I have no doubt that they will take care of the people in this area even after I leave. Sister Salabao is the only active member of the Church in her family. She struggles with the language sometimes, but it never stops her from talking with everyone and bearing her testimony. Sister Vander Hoeven is very friendly and nice to everyone and knows how to begin a conversation without being awkward. We have been having a lot of fun together. I'm so thankful that either of them is trunky, and that really has helped me to stay focused on the work.

Last Saturday evening, we were tracting in the cold. I really enjoyed it but my two companions were freezing. Sister Salabao was the one who picked that specific street to be finding at, and I know that she was inspired. We met Daniel (name changed), who was actually a referral from the YSA Elders two transfers ago. My companion at that time and I tried to contact him but never got to meet with him, and he didn't seem to be interested in learning either. But I guess he is now ready to hear the gospel because he stepped outside from his warm house to talk with us in the cold for half an hour. He said that he would love to strengthen his relationship with his Heavenly Father, so we will be working with him. Hopefully I will be able to witness one more baptism before I go home.

Last Friday night, a family in the ward took us out for dinner at a Chinese restaurant. The husband got baptized about 5 years ago but hasn't been active for quite some time, and his wife who is from the Philippines is not a member. They have a 4 year old son. Last transfer, my companion and I stopped by their house and met the wife, but we couldn't communicate with her as she doesn't speak much English. But now we have Sister Salabao!!!! She is from the Philippines as well. So she talked with the wife in Tagalog at dinner while Sister Vander Hoeven and I talked with the husband in English. That was an awesome dinner! The wife agreed to have us come by to teach her more!!!!! And yesterday at Church, we met another family from the Philippines. They don't come to church that often but said they would love to have us come visit them some time. I surely know that President Choi was definitely inspired to transfer Sister Salabao to this area at this time.

Last night, we went to the Member and Missionary Fireside in Bothell. It was the best fireside I ever attended on my mission. We heard some very powerful testimony from recent converts and that really strengthened my testimony and reassured me that my decision to serve a full time mission was right. It was my very last M&M fireside on my mission, and I was so happy that I got to see 6 families from the North Creek ward (in the Bothell state; my second area). They all still remembered me even though it had been 9 months since I got transferred out of that ward. It made my day that I got to see them and chat with them for a few minutes before returning home from my mission.

4 weeks from today will my very last day. I used to think that that day would never come, but it's definitely coming. I'm grateful to have been called to the Washington Seattle Mission. I have absolutely gained a stronger testimony of the restored gospel, developed greater charity for people, and grown closer to my Heavenly Father and my Savior on my mission. I hope you all will always pray for opportunity to share the gospel with those around you, so that more of our brothers and sisters can enjoy the peace and happiness that we have.

Love,

Sister Leung

I'm staying in Normandy Park!

(Nov 5,2014)

Hi all,

Today has been a crazy day because of transfer. I'm now in a trio with Sister Salabao (from the Philippines) and Sister Vander Hoeven (from Utah). I'm excited about this transfer and am going to make every minute count. This is my very last transfer. 6 weeks from today I will be on the flight home. I just want to cry whenever I think about it.

Let's talk about last week. My companion went home on Friday for medical reason, so I stayed with the Sister Training Leaders (Sister White and Sister Nelson) in their area for the last few days. It was fun to be in a trio! I loved it. I also got to learn a lot from Sister White and Sister Nelson. They are amazing missionaries. They love talking with everyone and are very persistent. We just had a great time together. Last Sunday, I chose to go to my ward for Church, so the Spanish sisters came to the apartment to pick me up as they shared the church building with our ward. The Spanish branch starts at 11, and ours start at 9, so that worked out for us. I'm so glad that I chose to go to my ward because I actually had promised to play the piano for Primary that day. I didn't remember it until I was given the list of songs that I was going to play. So I stayed in Primary for the second and third hour, and it was so much fun! Those little kids had so much energy! I love being around kids and hearing their laughs.

It still blows my mind that I have already started my very last transfer. When I first came to the field, I thought I would never get to go home. Now, that day is only 6 weeks away. I love being a missionary. I'm so grateful that two years ago I received the answer that I had to go on a mission. I wasn't happy with the answer at that time. But now I'm just so thankful for that. My mission has changed my life. It's definitely the hardest thing I have ever done, but it's also the most rewarding work I have ever performed. I know with all my heart that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ can bring us true and everlasting happiness. I know that the Book of Mormon is the work of God. I know that Joseph Smith was the prophet of the Restoration. I know that the Priesthood to perform sacred ordinances has been brought back on the earth. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's church. I hope you all will continue to strengthen your testimony each day by studying the scriptures, praying, and sharing your testimony with others.

Love,

Sister Leung

Lessons from Lehi's dream

(Oct 28, 2014)

Hi all,

This last week wasn't the greatest, but it wasn't bad also. We were spending lots of time on finding. I set a goal to invite EVERYONE to be baptized; of course, I wouldn't extend the invitation if the person didn't even let us talk for more than 5 seconds. But I extended the invitation to everyone that we got to teach some restored truths. It is simple that we need to extend the invitation if we want to help someone prepare for baptism because people don't usually make changes unless they are invited to do so. For a very long time, I was afraid of inviting people to be baptized. I guess I just didn't want to hear a "NO". But now I understand that we need to have faith that people will say YES when we invite them to be baptized. Even if people say no, we can still keep teaching them because most of the times they say no because they don't understand the principle of baptism or the Priesthood authority to do so. And you never know what people will say until you ask.

We had a new investigator named Steve (name changed). He is a referral from Brother C., a member of our ward. Brother C. had been having gospel related conversations with Steve and had given him a Book of Mormon. Finally, Steve said that he would be willing to meet with the missionaries. Last Wednesday, we went to have dinner with Brother and Sister C. and Steve. Steve told us that he got interested in learning about what we believed because he had seen how much the gospel had blessed his friend's life. Steve really admired Brother C. that he lived the gospel and was willing to share it with him. We don't need to have a name tag to be missionaries. Live the gospel. Pray for opportunity to talk about the gospel with your friends and neighbors. Study the word of God daily so that you will be prepared to answer questions. Strengthen your testimony of the restored gospel. Don't ever underestimate the power of bearing your testimony.

We read 1 Nephi 8, Lehi's dream, with Lee. Lee is an incredible lady. Her husband is a member, but she is not. It's just a matter of time. I'm sure someday she will get baptized. I had read Lehi's dream many times before, but this time I finally was able to apply in to my own life. Lehi describes that many people have obtained the path to eternal life, but as they are walking to the tree of life (represents eternal life), a mist of darkness arises and many people lose their way. However, people who are clinging to the rod of iron (represents the word of God) and are pressing forward are able to make it to the tree and to partake of the fruit. The story doesn't end there. There is great and spacious building on the other side, and people in that building are pointing their fingers towards those who have partaken of the fruit. Some people feel ashamed and fall away. I was blessed to be born in the Church and was baptized when I was 8. Nevertheless, I wasn't clinging to the iron rod. During my teenage years, I cared way too much about what the other people thought about me; as a result, I let go of the iron rod. Thankfully, Heavenly Father has helped me to come back to the right path. "Hold to the rod, the iron rod; 'Tis strong, and bright, and true. The iron rod is the word of God; 'Twill safely guide us through (Hymn 274; The Iron Rod). I know that we can travel back to our Heavenly Father's presence in safety if we continue to feast upon the word of God daily.

We tracted into a less-active member two days ago. He grew up in Utah and was raised in the Church. However, he hasn't been active for about 15 years now (He fell away when he was a teenager). He doesn't have anything against the church and couldn't really explain why he hadn't been active. I didn't understand why people would get baptized but fell away later in their lives until I experienced that myself. I didn't officially turn less-active because I have always been going to church, but my heart was less-active when I was a teenager. I went to church simply because I didn't know how to tell my mom that I didn't want to attend church anymore. For a long time, I felt ashamed that I was so closed to falling away even though I was raised in the gospel by goodly parents. But now I have lots of charity towards those who are less-active because I know that they will come back. It would be ideal if none of us would fall away, but I'm also a firm believer that people can and will come back.

Have a good week everyone. Next week is transfer, so I won't be emailing until Tuesday afternoon.

Love,

Sister Leung

Picture

(Oct 22, 2014)
Hi all,
Sorry I'm not just not in a mood that I want to type an email about my week... Honestly, I haven't even been writing my journal a lot this transfer.
I hope you at least had some fun looking at my pictures:) Have a good week everyone!

God qualifies those He calls

(Oct 14, 2014)


Hi all,

This past week wasn't an easy week. I feel like all we did was finding. We still haven't found any new investigators though. And in Preach My Gospel page 156 states clearly that "nothing happens in missionary work until you find someone to teach". We definitely went to visit a few members to encourage them to prayerfully consider with whom they could share the gospel. I know that member missionary work is important. But until members find people for us to teach, we will be finding everyday. I definitely like teaching more than finding, but I can certainly say that I enjoy knocking on doors. At the beginning of my mission, I had a horrible attitude about tracting. I often got frustrated or mad when people slammed the door on our face or tried to bash with us. When I was serving in downtown Bellevue with Sister Capener, she suggested us praying for charity each day, and we did. After I left that area, I still prayed for that often. Now, I have greater charity and love for the people I come in contact with each day, even when they are not very nice to us. I believe that lots of people reject us because they can't see the need of this gospel right now, but someday when their circumstance changes, they may accept it. And there is lots of anti-material online, who knows how many people misunderstand our beliefs because of it? I know that Heavenly Father is pleased with us when we do our part to share the gospel with His children, regardless the outcome. All of us have our own agency, the ability to choose, and Heavenly Father would never take it away because He loves us. I have committed myself that I will bear my testimony to everyone I see. If they are only willing to listen for 5 seconds, then they will hear my testimony for 5 seconds. we had a great Zone Conference last Tuesday. What stood out to me the most was "the language of the Spirit". We are here to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and need to teach by the power of the Holy Ghost because it is the only way that our investigators will be truly converted to the gospel. It doesn't matter if we can speak our assigned mission language well or not. Yes, we should strive to study the language because it is our responsibility to be diligent, but I know that the Lord always helps those who rely on Him instead of their own wisdom. I was the only one in my MTC District that was coming to the Washington Seattle Mission, so I was looking around at the airport trying to find a companion for myself so that I wouldn't be walking to the gate alone. I saw a Japanese sister missionary who seemed a bit lost in the airport. I didn't see any sister missionary around her, so I went up to ask her if she would want to be companions with me until we got our trainers, and she said yes. We were having training at the mission home before meeting our trainers. Training always involved role-plays. When it was her turn to be the "missionary" in that role-play, she told me that she couldn't speak English very well. I told her that she just needed to take the time and to speak slowly. When she started teaching me the Restoration, I felt the Spirit so strongly. Even though it was 16 months ago, I still remember how I felt as she bore her testimony in very simple English. At that moment, I just knew that she would do great things on her mission. And I was right. She has trained great missionaries and has been a Sister Training Leader for a few transfers now. We never served around each other, but I saw her at this conference and got to talk with her for a few minutes. Her English was A LOT better than last year. I'm sure she has worked really hard to learn the language but could also tell that she knows how to rely on the Lord.

We visited Brother T. (from Africa) last night. He got baptized last December, three months after he first came to America. His wife and his only child are still in Africa. He came here to find a better job to support his family. He was living in a distant relative's house when he first got here, but he got kicked out when he started taking lessons from missionaries. Isn't it terrible? He has been living with a couple in our ward. I just can't imagine all the trials that he has had. He hasn't even met his baby girl because she was born a month after he left home. However, he has great trust in the Lord. He was telling us that God had already blessed him a lot. My companion and I both had tears in our eyes as he shared his conversion story with us. Lots of people think that giving up 18 months to 2 years to serve a mission is a sacrifice, and that was my thought at the beginning of my mission. I really wasn't quite happy when I received the answer that I had to go on a mission. When I now look back, I can honestly say that it's a BLESSING to be able to serve a full-time mission. I have grown a lot these past 16 months. And this mission has helped me understand what matters most in life. I know that the lessons I have learned on my mission will bless the rest of my life.

Have a great week everyone!

Love,

Sister Leung

The second chance

Hi all,

 

This past week was rough. After two baptisms, we didn't have people to teach anymore. We tried really hard to find people, but we didn't have much success. Most people would not even talk to us. We do need to have some rough time so that we would appreciate all the good time we have. And I truly know that we grow more when we face our trials with faith. I know that Heavenly Father is going to lead us to people that are prepared to commit to baptism if we just keep working hard and are obedient. He often teaches us patience also.

 

My companion went home this morning. I really don't like airport. It makes me cry. Sister McBride and I had lots of fun serving together this past transfer. Her love for the people around her is inspiring. We just got back from transfer, and I'm now companions with SISTER WHETTEN! I was shocked when our names were shown on the screen. A lot of missionaries were shocked too. She was my second companion, and I follow-up trained her. Many people know that we didn't get along at all. So when I found out we would be companions again, all the terrible memories came into my mind that I actually started crying. I really wasn't a great trainer, and I said many terrible things to her that I wish I never had said. When we were driving back to our area, we both apologized to each other for the mean things we had done or said. I know that this time is going to be so much better. We both have grown a lot within the past year. Everything may still be hard, yet I know that Heavenly Father has given me this second chance to be a more loving, caring, and patient companion to her, and I'm going to take it.

 

Time flies when you are on your mission. I only have 12 more weeks to be a full-time missionary. I'm praying each day that I will be able to stay focused for the rest on my mission so that I can bring more souls unto Christ. This work truly is amazing. My last companion kept telling me that she didn't want to go home, and most missionaries are sad when it's time for them to go home. It really amazes me how many young people of this Church are willing to leave home for 18 months to 2 years to serve the Lord while most young people outside the Church are in college or are working. Being able to serve a full-time mission has been the biggest blessing in my life. I have come to understand the Atonement more and have grown to love the people around me. I know that my life is forever changed because of my decision to serve a mission.

 

Love,

Sister Leung

Last District Meeting before transfer

Me, Sister McBride, Annie (she comes tracting with us sometimes)

Me and Sister Whetten

Me and Sister Madsen (4th companion)

Sister Moulton and I (We went on exchanges once)

Me and Sister Pingree (She's the BEST)

Sister Matheney and I (3rd companion; 2nd trainee)

My trainer Sister Boyd and I (She went home this morning)

Me and Sister Prows (I wouldn't be as bold as I'm without her. She has changed my mission)

Last time seeing my trainer. She's the most patient trainer you can ever ask for.

 

The BEST weekends in my life

Hi all,

 

I'm soooooooo excited to tell you all what just happened this past weekends!!!!!! We had 2 BAPTISMS! Sandra (name changed) got baptized on Saturday, and Ethan (name changed) got baptized on Sunday. Both baptisms were very special and spiritual. President and Sister Choi were able to attend Sandra's baptism, which made it even more special and unforgettable.

 

Alright, now let me give you more details. Sandra's baptism was expected since we got permission to move her baptismal date up for a week. We were at the Stake Center two hours before the baptism so that we could fill the font and get everything ready. I was so excited when I was watching the font being filled with water. Sandra's brother and his family are members of the Church and of course were at the baptismal service. Her brother was the one who baptized her, and he could barely say the baptism prayer as he was just crying so hard. My companion and I couldn't stop crying either as the Spirit was just so strong. Have I told you all that we now have special rules for all baptismal service? I don't think I have actually. So now at every baptismal service, missionaries are required to perform a musical number and teach the Restoration to everyone during changing time. My companion and I had no clue how to teach the Restoration to the congregation since normally we teach it in a discussion setting, so we invited two Elders that we knew pretty well to do it. And all Sandra's nieces and nephews and us sang I Am A Child Of God for her. The whole baptismal service was just filled with love and the Spirit. And many members of the ward came to support her also. Sandra was confirmed as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by her brother at Sacrament meeting yesterday. She is now a member of the Church!!! She was so excited and texted us "Guess what?! I'm a Mormon". I can tell that she is very ready to move on and to find greater happiness in her life.

 

The baptism we had last night was kind of a surprise. Ethan had already been taught all lessons before I came to this area. However, he fell off date many times. Satan was working really hard on him that he would postpone his baptismal date whenever it got close. I definitely have learned a lot about patience by working with him. There were times when I was really frustrated, not with him but the situation. Something bad would happen not too long after we put him back on date. I think we have put him on date for baptism for at least 4 times. Besides his oldest sister, none of his family members are members of the Church, and Ethan really wanted them to be at his baptism, especially his dad. And it wasn't easy to pick a date that everyone would be able to come. My companion and I prayed for him many times each day, and finally he told us that he would get baptized on Sunday. He had never sounded that excited before. He still was very nervous, and his anxiety problem made it even worse, but he expressed to us that he knew baptism was the right thing to do. Since he would feel uncomfortable if lots of people came, we didn't announce his baptism at Church. We just invited 3 families that he was close with to come. Ethan was baptized by his best friend, who is our Ward Mission Leader! And I had to play the piano, teach the Restoration, and perform the musical number. My companion had to lead the music, give a talk on the Holy Ghost, and perform the musical number. We were both very exhausted after the baptism as we really did put a lot of effort on it. One of his sisters now wants to actively learn about the gospel and to prepare for baptism as she saw the change in her younger brother. We went to Ethan's house to have dinner with him and his family after the baptism. And his parents are now more open to talking with us, and they told us a few times how grateful they were for us.

 

President Choi has asked us to teach the Restoration at every baptism because it is a great opportunity for non-members to hear the restored gospel and be touched by the Spirit. And our goal is to have non-members than members at every baptismal service. I know that we will be blessed as we follow the counsel from our leaders.

 

My companion and I both agree that we really didn't do a lot. It was all because of the Spirit. There is no way that we can convince people that this Church is true (It's not our responsibility anyways), but we can pray to know how to create spiritual experiences for them that would help them gain a testimony of the restored gospel. Only Heavenly Father can create miracles! I'm so grateful to have witnessed these two miracles. This work truly is the most rewarding work ever, and I'm excited to bring more people into the waters of baptism.

 

Have a good week! Next P-day is Tuesday, and my companion is going home on that day...

 

Love,

Sister Leung

Isn't Seattle just beautiful?!

Sandra's sister in law made this cake for her baptism!

 

Preach My Gospel

Hi all,

 

This past week was really slow. I mean, we still got more lessons that I ever did in any other areas. I guess the second and third week of this transfer was just SO great. My companion and I spent a lot of time contacting and knocking on doors because we needed people to teach. However, only a few people would talk to us, and none of them were open to listening to the message we had to share. Also, we met another anti-man on the street, and he just kept yelling at us and saying things about the Church that weren't true. I have to admit that I had no patience with him and finally said to him "That's enough!", and then we just walked away.

 

My companion and I both agree that our past week was rough because our investigator Sandra (name changed) was getting baptized this Saturday! We first put her on date for September 20, but since she has been doing so great with not smoking for a week and has been taught all the lessons, we asked for permission to let her be baptized a week early. She was super excited and thrilled when we told her the good news. Satan has been trying so hard to distract her though. Some of her friends weren't at all supportive and told her some anti stuff, which made her really upset. Yet, she is very strong and knows that she has made the right decision. I really can see the light in her eyes now. She is also very excited about receiving a calling after her baptism.

 

We have been inviting all the members to study from Preach My Gospel daily. It's a challenge from Elder Ballard from this past General Conference. (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/following-up?lang=eng) This is not a book written only for full-time missionaries. All members can be benefited from it if they would all study it and prayerfully consider how to apply the principles into their member missionary work. So if you have never read this book before, start reading it today! This book is written by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and I know that they have all been called of God, so we can understand HOW our Heavenly Father wants us to hasten His work by studying this book.

 

This week we are going to do a lot of finding. It's not going to be easy, but I know that we can do it with the Lord's help. I also know that our mindset is very important. One of the former Assistant to the President said "If you go out looking for people to teach, you will find people to teach. If you go out and look for people to baptize, then you will baptize". It's all about our attitude.

Have a great week everyone!

 

Love,

Sister Leung

Frozen yogurt:)

 

The restored gospel changes lives

Hi all,

 

This past week was wonderful. My companion and I were working really hard that we were exhausted at night. The Lord definitely rewarded us for our hard work as we had 3 people at church yesterday. Our on date investigator Sandra (name changed) and her roommate Lauren (name changed) came to church yesterday! It was Lauren's first time attending a church service. She didn't grow up with any religion but is now interested in learning more about the restored gospel as she recognizes that it makes Sandra much happier. Sandra is on date for baptism for September 20. She has to stop smoking for 3 weeks before she can get baptized. She stopped smoking this past Saturday and has been doing great. On Friday night, my companion and I were kind of worried and nervous as we would need to postpone her baptism once she relapsed. The next morning, Sandra called us and told us that she was excited about quitting smoking, which really amazed us. From her voice I could tell that she was ready to do it. We had a lesson with both Sandra and Lauren last Saturday night, and we could tell that Sandra had much more energy that she used to and the light in her eyes was brighter than before. I am so impressed by her desire and determination to quit smoking. She told us that she had tried to quit many times before but never succeed, but this time she decided to put her trust in God and ask for His help to do it. She even brings her scriptures to work so that she can read them when she wants to smoke. I know that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ can change lives! I am go grateful to have seen all the progress that Sandra has made within these 3 weeks.

 

Besides Sandra and Lauren, we have been working with Ethan (name changed), a 17-year-old who used to be the Elders' investigator. Since we don't have Elders in our ward anymore, we are the ones teaching him. He has already been taught all the lessons and apparently has a testimony of the Book of Mormon. But he isn't baptized yet because he thinks he needs to learn more first. He was worried that we would be disappointed or mad at him because he kept postponing his baptismal date, but of course we were never mad at him. He is the most awesome 17 years old boy I have ever met in my life. He is really serious about the gospel and always has great questions to ask. He has been going to the library each day and reading the Book of Mormon there. He just wants to finish reading the entire Book of Mormon before getting baptized. There is nothing wrong with it. And we know that once he joins the Church, he is going to be strong and faithful and won't fall away. I would like to share with you how he started investigating the Church as this story is just amazing. Ethan has anxiety and used to have serious depression that he couldn't even leave his house. Several months ago, the Elders tracted into him and gave him a Priesthood blessing after hearing his story and rough past. The next day, he walked across the street from his house. He knew that the Priesthood was real and desired to learn more about this gospel. Now, he is a young man who has a strong desire to share the gospel with others even though he is not baptized yet. He told us that some of his friends had some misconceptions about the Church and he was able to clear them. He even said to us the other day that no one could ever tell him that the Book of Mormon wasn't true. He will get baptized soon. I just know it.

 

I had an interview with my Mission President last week. The first thing he said to me was "Sister Leung, you have lost weight". I totally laughed. He then asked about my health as he knew that I didn't do that well in the heat, and it was the first time that I was able to tell him that I was doing just fine. The heat really hasn't been bothering me that much, and I have noticed that every time when I focus on helping my investigators to come closer to Christ instead of my own problem, I can be happy even when it's really hot. President Choi told me that he was very proud of me and knew that I would continue to do great things. I only have three and a half months left on my mission, but I know that I can still accomplish a lot of things if I will lose myself in the Lord's service.

 

I am truly grateful for this gospel and the opportunity to be a full-time missionary. There is nothing better than seeing the change in people when they choose to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. I know that Jesus Christ atoned for our sins that we may be able to live in God's presence again. I would not be able to serve a mission without the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and I will be forever grateful for His sacrifice. I know that only the restored gospel can bring true happiness. I hope you all will continue to share it with those around you. Have a good week!

 

Love,

Sister Leung

The BEST week on my mission

Hi all,

 

Last week was just absolutely wonderful. Both my companion and I agree that last week was the best week on our missions. We had many member present lessons and saw many miracles. As a result, this email is going to be long.

 

Last Tuesday, I went on exchanges with my Sister Training Leader Sister Nelson. She is just an amazing sister. She is an obedient and hard-working missionary. We had lots of fun by working hard and talking with EVERYONE. I was never good at talking with everyone consistently. There were days that I did good, but most of the time I would pick and choose. Before we exchange back, Sister Nelson asked me what goal I would want to set. Without even thinking about it, I just said "Talking with everyone about baptism". After I said it, I realized that it was not going to be an easy goal, but I would just do it since I said it. Yes, so I have been talking with everyone about baptism. Some people completely ignored us, but I would just keep talking until they walked away. They have their own agency, but I am not fulfilling my purpose if I don't even mention the word baptism.

 

We had 23 member present lessons last week! (Normally we don't have more than 5) The reason that we had so many is because a 16 years old member from the Tongan ward came out with us for 3 days! She is the most awesome 16-year-old I have ever met. She has a strong testimony in the gospel and loves to share it with everyone. My companion and I didn't really need to go up to talk to people as she was always walking in front of us and handing mormon.org cards to people. We stopped to talk with an old man sitting on a bench. Once we told him which church we were from, he started yelling at us and saying mean things about the church. I was about to just bear testimony and leave. But this 16-year-old was very bold and told him to listen to our message, and she even gave him a Book of Mormon. When he said he didn't want to take it, she said "You are going to take this book, and you are going to like it, and you are going to read it!". My companion and I were just shocked. This girl taught us so much about boldness. After saying a prayer with that man, we left. A few hours later, when we walked in Subway to have dinner, we saw that old man through the window. He was still sitting on that bench by himself. And this 16-year-old told us that she got a feeling that she had to go talk to him again, and then she ran across the street to talk to that man. My companion and I watched her through the window the whole time. After about 15 minutes, she came back and told us that that old man had tears when she shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon with him. I don't know how she did it, but what she did reminded me of the importance of following the promptings of the Spirit. This girl is absolutely amazing! And I can totally see her being a great full-time missionary 3 years from now.

 

Yesterday was my second Sunday in the ward and was my first time meeting the Stake President. He asked me right before Sacrament meeting began if I could talk for a few minutes. It was my first time giving a talk without any preparation. I prayed and spoke whatever came to my mind. Surprisingly, I was not shaking or nervous. I bore my testimony and talked about member missionary work. Hopefully our members would become even more missionary-minded. And the investigator that I mentioned last week came to church yesterday! She liked it and felt very welcomed. She received a Priesthood blessing from the Bishop after church to help her quit smoking. She has set a goal to be baptized on September 20:)

 

Last night, we had a Member Missionary Fireside in the Bellevue Stake Center. It was great! Our on date investigator and her roommate both came and enjoyed it. Sister Pingree, Sister Eaton, and I did a musical number in front of hundreds of people, and it went really well. Since it was my last time to see my trainer Sister Boyd before she goes home next month, I pretty much stayed with her the whole time (I still stayed within sight with my companion though). We talked and laughed and took pictures after the fireside. I was about to cry when it was time to say goodbye. Well, I did weep a little bit. Anyway, it was a very spiritual meeting. I enjoyed hearing those recent-converts' testimony. They just reassured me that the work that I'm doing is the most important work ever. I know that the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ can only be found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love being a missionary and am going to be working diligently each day until it's time for me to get released.

 

Have a good week everyone!

 

Love,

Sister Leung

I still miss the time serving with these 3 wonderful people in Somerset.

With my trainer Sister Boyd

With my second trainee Sister Matheney

With my first trainee Sister Whetten

With my companion Sister McBride

With Sister Pingree and Sister Prows

I LOVE them so much!

I don't even remember how many times Sister Pingree and I have performed together.. maybe 10?!

 

Defend your beliefs with courtesy and compassion

Hi all,

 

This past week was pretty good. We were staying busy most of the time. I'm trying to learn the area as quickly as possible as my companion is going home after this transfer.

 

Our Bishop and Ward Mission Leader are awesome! One of our investigators met with Bishop last Wednesday. She told us that she really appreciated how Bishop was willing to listen to her and was not judgmental. She has had a rough past but desires to make changes in her life. Her older brother, who is an active member in another stake, has been really supportive also. She agrees to start talking the discussion from us and wants to be baptized. She has been smoking for many years, so we need to teach her the Word of Wisdom as soon as possible. I believe that she will be able to quit smoking as her faith in the Lord increases. Nothing is impossible with the Lord's help.

 

Both my companion and I really want to have some baptisms this transfer. We have committed ourselves not to let anyone walk by without having the chance to hear the gospel. We talked with everyone we saw this past week.

 Last Saturday, we went contacting in Downtown Burien. We talked to people at the bus stop, and we met an anti person. He told us how Mormonism was a cult and just went on and on. He also spoke really loudly so that everyone on the street could hear him. We just had a Zone Conference a few days before it and were reminded to be bold and courageous. So I boldly testified to him that I knew that this Church was true and how he could also know for himself if he would read and pray about the Book of Mormon with a sincere heart. He totally wasn't listening. He continued to attack the Church. I bore my testimony three more times before we walked away. I don't think anything I said changed his mind, but I know without a doubt that I did what I could to defend my faith. I really love what Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said in this past General Conference: " I say to all and especially the youth of the Church that if you haven’t already, you will one day find yourself called upon to defend your faith or perhaps even endure some personal abuse simply because you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Such moments will require both courage and courtesy on your part" I used to let those anti people say whatever they wanted to and leave when they would finally stop talking, but I have realized that I am not fulfilling my purpose as a disciple of Christ if I don't even bear my testimony of this restored gospel.

 

I will be home from my mission 4 months from today. This is really scary to me. I will continue to enjoy every moment of my mission. It truly has been a blessing to be able to serve a full-time mission. My testimony in the restored gospel has skyrocketed , and my love for the scriptures has increased tremendously. Hope you all have a great week!

 

Love,

Sister Leung

I'm now in SEATTLE!

Hi all,

I don't even know where to begin to be honest because this past week was just extremely crazy and stressful. Last Wednesday, my companion finally had to go home to have her knee fixed. I was really sad that she had to go home but was happy that she could really figure out what happened to her knee. For the whole day, I was working with my sister training leader Sister McEntire and her companion Sister Boyd (she was my trainer!) in their area (Beaverlake area). Nobody ever told me to pack anything, not even a night bag. We all had no clue what was going to happen. After waiting for hours and hours, I finally just called the Assistants to ask them what I was supposed to do, and they said that I had to pack everything and to stay with them in their area until transfer. Since we found it out at 7:45pm, there is no way we could drive back to my area to pack and then go back to their area. So they had to pack a night bag and to come stay in Overlake with me. Thursday is our weekly planning day, and I had to do it by myself. It wasn't easy. And I used both my lunch and dinner time to organize stuff and pack. I didn't get a lot done. Since we were also told that we would need to clean up the whole apartment, we stayed there until Friday afternoon when we had everything done. Finally, we drove back to Beaverlake area and stayed there until this morning. Those few days were just really exhausting. BUT I absolutely enjoyed my time serving in Beaverlake. I never thought I would like being in a trio, but this trio was just amazing! I got to learn a lot from both Sister McEntire and Sister Boyd. I was glad that Sister Boyd and I got to be companions for a week after not serving around each other for almost a year. It was fun to see how much we both have grown. We have become so much bolder now!!!! And with Sister Boyd, you just don't need to worry about what to eat. Food will always be on the table:) I didn't cook at all when I was a companion with her last year. Last night, we all were nervously waiting for the transfer call. I felt like I would get transferred, and yes I did. I would miss the Chinese couple that I was teaching. The husband wants to be baptized so badly and he is really ready for it, but his parents still don't agree with the idea of tithing. I'm grateful that I got to teach him all the lessons and know that he will be baptized in the near future.

I got transferred to the Normandy Park ward in the Seattle zone! My companion is Sister McBride (from Arizona). Both Sister Boyce and Sister Boyd have served in that ward before, and they have told me how great that ward is. I'm really excited about seeing miracles in this area. At transfer, President Choi asked all the missionaries who would be home by the end of this year to stand up, and of course I was one of the many. He asked us not to have any conversations about home, school, boyfriend/girlfriend until we got released unless he asked us to. He said that it would help us stay focused on missionary work. It's going to be challenging for many missionaries, but I do know that President Choi has been called by God to be our Mission President, so whatever he says is a commandment of our Heavenly Father. I only have 4 months left. It's crazy how fast time goes by when you are on your mission. I have committed myself to bearing my testimony of the Book of Mormon to every person that I will come in contact with. I know that this Church is true and am grateful for the opportunity to be a full-time missionary. Yesterday, I experienced the highest temperature in my life! It was 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). This Summer has been much hotter than the one last year. But we just gotta keep working hard because this Church is true! 

This is the first edition of the Chinese Book of Mormon!

All the sisters in the Bellevue zone

With Sister Capener. She went home today. I miss her tons.

With Hermana Larson. She also went home today.

With Sister McEntire and Sister Boyd:)

 

Half day in SOMERSET

Hi all,
 

I honestly don't have a lot to share because we have been staying in since last Wednesday. Yes, we didn't go out at all because my companion's right knee has been hurting really bad that she can't really walk. She has always had bad knees and has already had a few surgeries in her life. We have been to the doctor a few times these past two weeks, but nothing has changed.
 

I never thought that staying in the apartment would be this boring. All I have been doing is watching missionary training videos (I can now recite the whole movie...), catching up in my journal, and knitting. I'm so glad that I learned how to knit from a member last transfer. My scarf is very long now. And watching my companion suffer from endless pain is just heartbreaking.
 

There was a leadership council last Friday, so all the leaders' companions would need to go on a half-day exchange. So the night before, our District Leader called and asked if I would want to go on an exchange. At least I would be able to work for a few hours, and my companion could just sit at the mission office. I wanted to work but was also nervous about being on an exchange with people that I didn't know or in a place that I wasn't familiar with. We had to go to the mission office that day anyway as we were going to swap our car with another set of missionaries. While waiting at the mission office, I heard the Assistants telling Sister Lee to stay in Somerset with Sister Salabo for exchange. SOMERSET (My first area)!!!!!! I immediately told my District Leader that I would love to go to Somerset for an exchange. He had to get permission from the Assistants, and thank goodness they said yes. No word can describe how happy I was.
 

We first went home to do our studies. The Somerset sisters were living with one of my favorite families - the Taumoefolau. I was sooooooo happy to see Brother and Sister Taumoefolau again and to be able to talk with them for a few minutes. Brother Taumoefolau even made us lunch. He is just always so nice. After lunch, Sister Lee called Sister Kim (a member in the ward) to talk about the lesson that they would have. And then she handed me the phone so that I could say hi to Sister Kim. It was so fun to be able to talk with her for a few minutes. She is just the best member missionary I have ever met.

We then went out to visit some potentials and to tract. We got to meet and share the Book of Mormon with a Taiwanese family. The son told us that he was Christian and wasn't interested in the Book of Mormon. But for sure we wouldn't just stop there. We told him that the Book of Mormon testified of Jesus Christ and bore our testimony of it. He accepted the invitation to read it and allowed us to come back. Since I had to use the bathroom, we drove to the church. As we were leaving, we saw a lady sitting at the parking lot by herself, so we went up to talk with her. She wasn't a member of the Church and was just there having her lunch. She didn't even know that she wasn't at a parking lot of the LDS church. She said she didn't agree with "the teaching of Joseph Smith". There is no teaching of Joseph Smith but teaching of Jesus Christ. She tried to show us how the Book of Mormon contradicted the Bible, but she really didn't know much about the Bible and had never read the Book of Mormon. Three of us knew that we couldn't get any farther with her, so we just bore our testimony boldly and left. Since Sister Lee is Korean speaking missionary, which means she covers the whole mission, we went to the Transit Center in downtown Bellevue to contact. I went there quite often when I was serving in that area. We talked to about 10 people before we had to exchange back, and ... half of them spoke Cantonese... We still talked to them in English since I didn't speak any.

This half day exchange in Somerset just made my week so much better. I didn't get to visit members but by just being in that area, I already felt soooooo happy. Seriously, no word can express how much I love that area.
 

I hope you all have a great week and stay cool. I bet it's really hot in Hong Kong right now.
 

Love,

Sister Leung

Last District Meeting of this transfer

Exchange with Sister Salabo and Sister Lee in Somerset:)

My scarf is now much longer that what you see from the picture.

Testify of the Book of Mormon to everyone

Hi all,

This past week wasn't an easy week. Remember we have been teaching a Chinese couple? The husband was doing really well. We could tell that his faith was growing a lot. His wife was busy taking care of the baby, so she only heard bits and pieces each time. We were able to teach the husband a few times, and our District Leader came to interview him when we were watching the Restoration video with him. We actually didn't tell him about the interview as we weren't sure how he was going to react, so we just told him that our "friends" would want to get to know him. Our District Leader Elder Rowe was awesome. He just took the lead and started talking to the husband. We didn't even need to worry about what to say. When the husband knew that Elder Rowe was one of our leaders, he started telling Elder Rowe how much he appreciated us. He said that we really taught him clearly and with patience. It was one of the happiest moments on my mission knowing that our investigator did appreciate our hard work. We really have developed great love for this couple. The great love I have for them helps me truly forget myself and to seek inspiration from our Father in Heaven to know how we can help them progress toward baptism. Sine the husband didn't know that he would be interviewed, we told him that it could just be a "pre-baptismal interview" to help us evaluate our teaching. But he actually passed the interview! He was already very prepared the first time we met him, and obviously Satan hasn't been very happy with him. When we met with him last Saturday, he told us that he had talked with his parents in China about getting baptized. They weren't happy with the idea of paying tithing. I can't really blame them as they don't know anything about it and can't see the blessings that come from keeping this commandment. He didn't want to upset his parents, so he won't be baptized until his parents let him pay tithing. He truly had a desire to be baptized and asked us how to "convince" his parents. Of course we didn't have the answer. We invited him to pray before talking to his parents so that he would be inspired to know what to say. He offered the closing prayer at that lesson, and it was a very sincere prayer which almost got me in tears.

I don't know if I would get the chance to see him being baptized. It really did bother me for the past few days. But I now realize that my Mission President only promised that I would baptize a lot but never did say that I would be able to "see" a lot of baptisms. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to teach this man. I know he would be baptized in the near future. I'm grateful that I was able to teach him all the lessons and to see his testimony grow. I know that someday I will be able to rejoice in the kingdom of God with all the people I have shared the gospel with if we would all endure to the end.

My companion and I have been working hard to find new investigators. I have committed myself to bear testimony of the Book of Mormon to everyone we meet. We were tracting in a rich neighborhood one day, and a man told us that we were the biggest sinners that ever walked on the earth. Surprisingly, I wasn't even mad at him. He just didn't know what he was saying. I don't know where he came from or what he went through, but I hope that someday he would be willing to hear this gospel. In that same neighborhood, we met a rude lady. She was shutting the door as we said which church we were from. As she was closing the door, I bore my testimony of the Book of Mormon to her and was able to leave a pass-along card with her. I truly believe that if we would testify of the Book of Mormon to everyone, we would be blessed with people to teach and baptize. Even if we couldn't find anyone through our own finding effort, Heavenly Father would bless us with His prepared children to teach in His own way.

Love,

Sister Leung

Come unto Christ

HI all,

 

This past week was a bit hard for us. First, it has been really really hot! It has been 32 degrees Celsius for the past few days. It's killer. And it should be even hotter for these couple days. I told my companion from the beginning that I felt sorry that she had to be my companion during the hottest months because I often would not be in the best mood. I'm really trying to stay cheerful though. Second, the Chinese couple that was put on date for baptism last week is now off date because they didn't come to church yesterday, which is disappointing. Actually, this past week we have only been able to teach the husband because the wife has been really busy taking care of their one month old daughter, so learning the gospel doesn't seem to be her priority right now. The husband was progressing pretty well. He has been reading the Book of Mormon and living the Word of Wisdom. We were a bit worried about his reaction when we taught him this commandment as most Chinese people drink tea, and it's just part of their culture. But he actually didn't drink tea but coffee to help him stay awake. So I shared with him how I stayed awake to study when I was in college. I never used caffeine to help but relied on Heavenly Father. He is so much more powerful than caffeine. We committed him to pray to Heavenly Father for help and to read the scriptures when he had a hard time staying awake or focused. And he hasn't had any coffee since that day.

 

I have met a lot of people that don't see the importance of church, which really frustrates me. Church attendance is just so crucial, and we can't help them progress unless they come to church. Keeping the Sabbath day holy is a commandment of God, and it's said in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Some people claim that they know the Bible well but would say things like " I don't need to go to church. I worship Him in my home already". The most important part of coming to church every Sunday is to partake of the Sacrament. If it wasn't important, why would Jesus Christ institute the Sacrament among His people? I know that as we partake of the Sacrament each week, we renew our baptismal covenant and fulfill this commandment that God has given us. In Preach My Gospel, it says " (We) should set this holy day apart from activities of the world by entering into a spirit of worship, thanksgiving, service, and family-centered activities appropriate to the Sabbath" When I was in BYUH, my friends and I often went to the Temple ground to feel the Spirit and to take pictures. I would invite you all to ponder what you can do on Sundays to make this day meaningful instead of just sleeping through this day.

 

I don't know how we can help this Chinese couple to get baptized. We just found out the wife would be moving back to China next month for at least six months so that her parents could help her with taking care of the baby. I don't know how she could be taught all the lessons and be baptized in less than a month. But my companion and I have been praying for guidance because Heavenly Father knows all His children perfectly. I don't know what they need but He does. We really want to have baptisms this month, but we can only do His will. So we are just going to keep working hard!

 

Love,
Sister Leung

 

P.S. I don't know how many of you have listened to the song "Come unto Christ" but would invite you all to hear it on https://www.lds.org/youth/video/come-unto-christ-2014-theme-song?lang=eng

 

"Come unto Christ" is the youth theme for this year, and I absolutely love it. I have come to know for myself that no matter what trials we are going through, there is always hope if we come unto Christ.

Miracles come from exact obedience

Hi all,

 

This past week was GLORIOUS. My companion Sister Boyce, and I have been getting along well and have been teaching great together. We have decided that we will be BOLD with everyone, and we really have been doing it. I think it's the boldest companionship I have ever been in, and I love it. I have always been pretty bold, but you can only be that bold if nobody is going to back you up. So it's awesome that we both have the desire to be bold with every single person we meet. And we have been amazed by how bold we really can be. A couple days ago, we met a lady that told us she didn't agree with our "fundamental beliefs", and my companion basically told her that our fundamental beliefs were "Faith in Jesus Christ", "Repentance", "Baptism", "Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost", and "Enduring to the end". She asked the lady which part of our beliefs that she didn't agree with. That lady didn't know what to say. There are many people who don't even understand what we believe when they try to argue with us, and that is what frustrates me the most. I have also met lots of people saying that they have "researched" our Church and know enough about it, but almost all of them have not even read any of the Book of Mormon. We are bold enough to invite them stop just hearing from other people but really to learn from the source, which means reading, pondering, and praying about the Book of Mormon. If this book is true, which I know it is, then you have nothing to worry about. I don't understand or know everything, but I know enough - the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I definitely will be learning and studying the gospel for the rest of my life, but I know that I don't need to understand everything all at once.

 

The other thing that I like about this companionship is that we both have the desire to be exactly obedient. We are constantly striving to do that and repent immediately when we fall short. And we truly have seen miracles that come from obeying rules with exactness. A few days ago, we got a referral from a member in a different stake that a Chinese family that lived in our boundary was interested in learning about the Church. The husband had already been on lds.org and mormon.org and wanted to be baptized. We had a lesson with them yesterday, and Sister Li, a Chinese member in our ward, came with us. It was my first time teaching the whole Restoration in Mandarin. I was go thankful that Sister Li was there to teach with me and that my companion was praying for me the whole time. I still struggled a bit but was able to say all the gospel terms correctly. I extended the baptismal invitation, and they said YES! I didn't even know what date I should put them on before the lesson started, but July 25th was the date that was in my head after they said yes to baptism. So I just asked if they would be baptized on July 25th if they came to know that what we taught them was true by that day. And they said YES! So they are now on date for baptism on July 25th. Yay! However, some issues came up that we might not be able to teach them for much longer. I won't go into details about it since only people who have served missions would be able to understand. I don't know if we would get to teach them all the lessons and see them get baptized, but we will make sure we will do all that we can to bring them closer to our Savior. I love this gospel and know that it can bless everyone's life.

 

Love,

Sister Leung

July 4th evening. We were asked to stay in our apartment to do our 3 hour Weekly Planning. Snacks were needed for sure.

Last Saturday we went to Alex Boye's concert! And I saw an awesome family from my first area:)