Sister Shiffert in Hong Kong : Chinese New Year 2.0: Year of the Rooster

Leihdeih Hou!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR! Sanlihn Faailohk! Kung Hei Fat Choi! The holiday actually officially lasts for 4 days so people are still partying in Hong Kong. But I think some people are about partied out because everyone just looks so exhausted when we get on the train or walk around lol! This Chinese New Year was very different from last year though because the more traditional people live in the New Territories where I served before, so Yuen Long was a ghost town with no one out. In Cheung Sha Wan, there isn't too much of a difference. People are still out on the streets and it's more like midday on a Wednesday or something. It was very interesting to see the differences even though they are all part of the same small country!

Considering this past week was Chinese New Year and everyone goes to mainland to celebrate, we had a very successful week full of miracles :) Sister Vance and I have been working really hard and being really productive. We were able to go to most of our members houses and deliver oranges to them (oranges are a sign of good health and eternal families). It was a long day that day, but it was good because I was able to explore all over our area and get to know it a little better. Now if only I could remember where everyone lives...haha!

Our investigators are doing really good! One of them named Icy has been investigating the church for a couple years now. She knows it's good for her, but doesn't really act on what we teach her. We have been considering dropping her because her interest is more in talking with us, not listening to the gospel, but we decided to give her one more chance and invite her to be baptized. And she accepted for April 22! I really hope we can help her progress and truly stick to her baptismal date! She told us she would come to church this week, but she tells us that every week and never comes because its too hard to wake up, so I was honestly a little doubtful. But Icy came to church! It was only for about 40 minutes, but she still woke up and came! It is always when I consider dropping investigators that they surprise me out of nowhere and start making some major changes. Maybe that is the Lord's way of testing my diligence. Even when all hope seems lost, never give up! It is always that last little push and brings about miracles :)

I hope all of you have a great week! I know the Lord is watching over and blessing every single one of you! Never forget that! :) He loves all of us and wants to helps us so reach out to Him!

Scripture of the Week: 3 Nephi 27:27 All Christ asks of us is to become like Him. Just take one step at a time...

Quote of the Week: Be patient with them until you can conquer by love and you can then mold their characters as you please (Lynn G .Robbins)

Sister Maggie Shiffert
施姊妹