The link to Sis DeWitt and Sis Roberts being interviewed about the typhoon.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
"Sometimes I just use apples (or other foods) as a utensil for getting peanut butter in my mouth." -Jourden Satterfield
These are the wise words of my older sister Jourden. This is true of her life, true of mine, and I am sure some of you now realize that it is true of yours as well. This week I am pretty sure I fulfilled this statement to its fullest meaning. I ate a peanut butter burger. I can say without lying that it is quite possibly the greatest thing that has ever happened in my mouth. It is a cheese burger with peanut butter slathered on top, topped with bacon and bananas. And then lettuce and tomatoes of course. I am amazed by the deliciousness! Then we also went last P-Day to get our feet eaten by fish, which was easily the strangest thing that has ever happened to me. There are three different sizes of fishes and they get pretty big and they just eat the dead skin off your feet. My feet have been pretty soft ever since! And then I am ashamed to admit that I ate the spicy ice cream again. It was an accident. But so good. I love it but I hate it. So confusing! Ah!
We have a cockroach in our apartment that has grown while we have been here and is now the size and length of a car key. I don't like him, so we named him Steve. I try to kill him every night but he slips behind the kitchen counter. He is on the counter every night when we come home. Anyway yesterday I didn't turn the kitchen lights on and reached to grab the plug to turn on the rice cooker for dinner and then the plug moved. It was Steve. That was frightening. He ran away before I could turn on the light and kill him, but then I was talking to Sister Roberts and turned back around and he was on the cutting board. It was a good kill, in the kitchen, with the milk jug. Now Steve will never darken our kitchen again. Also, we are moving. We are so excited!
Anyway, missionary work. We have been working with our current investigators a lot to get them prepared for baptism, and I am afraid that we are shortly going to have to drop several of the people that I love most in this world (one being Jeremy). They are simply not progressing! But luckily, there are only 2 of them. Our most progressing investigator is LinYongLiang and this week has been a miracle! Every day for 6 weeks we have called him and asked how he is doing and he says okay. And he has had a lot of trouble developing a testimony, which we have been confused about because he is so willing- he prays every day and comes to church every week. We talked to President about it and he told us that the reason is that he is not reading the Book of Mormon, so we took a "Read the Book of Mormon with LinYongLiang" lesson. It was an awesome lesson, and he promised to read. The next day we talked to him and he said his day was good. (We were so excited!!!!) We have been praying for the Lord to help him have a good day and to feel the goodness of the gospel in his life and it happened. He came to church the next day and was smiling and talked to us more and said reading the Book of Mormon was going very good. I am so excited for him to experience the joy of this gospel. One of the new investigators that we found this week is amazing! When we taught him all the emersions of the Christian churches he was like "Well which church is true?" And we were like "We can help you with that." and it has been smooth sailing from there. He came to church yesterday and asked so many questions and is intrigued by the priesthood and is reading the Book of Mormon and things. He is a rockstar.
This work is so full of miracles. While being on my mission I have really learned the power of belief. We have been asked and talked to a lot about the difference in our success from when we were first in this area to now, and we know that it's belief. At first I didn't believe that we could make our goals, but now I know that we can and we do with the help of the Lord. Literally every day, there is at least one moment that I am blown away, just wondering where that miracle came from, of course from the Lord. He is so merciful. I am grateful for the happiness and hope that this gospel brings to our lives, and I am especially grateful this week for my eternal family. I get to be with them forever, and I couldn't ask for anything more amazing than that. I love being a missionary and I know that if we exercise a small particle of belief we can do anything. The Lord takes that seed and allows it to grow. I love you all. Big Faith!
So I would just like to explain to everyone what a Typhoon is like. First I will give the definition.
Typhoon (n): A weather warning that makes the whole country freak out and cancel work and then sit and wait... and nothing happens. Synonyms: Wild Goose Chase, Humorous, Preparation for nothing.
Okay just kidding, I know that Typhoons are real and serious, but this one was not like that here in my area. When we got the warning everyone was at the stores buying huge jugs of water just in case we got stuck inside for many days and everyone wouldn't go outside. And then no one would talk to us because they were too busy preparing for the Typhoon! And then 4/5 of our lessons cancelled because of the Typhoon. And we said,But if the typhoon doesn't come, can we still meet?" And they said "The typhoon will come." The Typhoon didn't come. I was a little disappointed! We still went out everyday and knocked in the rain so that was neat. I really do quite enjoy the rain, which is good because this week has been so rainy I'm pretty sure I am turning into a sponge. We are all safe and sound and you definitely don't ever need to worry! God protects his missionaries. Although sometimes when we were on our bikes we were pedaling and not going anywhere because the wind was so strong. We laughed a lot.
But Anyway, I am famous because my comp and I were eating dinner at the night market several hours before the typhoon was supposed to hit and this news reported came up to us and was like "Hey, would you guys be willing to do a news interview because you are American and this is a typhoon?" And we told him we didn't know. and then he said please so we said okay. So anyway they set up a huge stayed news spot ( which was also funny because while they were setting up another news crew came and started spontaneously interviewing us and then the first guy yelled at them- I have failed to mention how much attention we get as Americans. Apparently we are quite fascinating) and then we pretended to order food and he came up to us and asked us if this was our first typhoon and where we were from and our feelings about the typhoon. These were my exact words. (I messed up) "I am just a little excited! Because..... We don't know." I am a rockstar, TV famous. Anyway, apparently it was like the one of the top news stations in Taiwan and we were on the news. (A member found it for us) So that's neat.
Overall, a really great week, again filled with blessings and amazing miracles! We have had the opportunity to have a duanchuan- which is a week long missionary from one of the Taibei stakes. She is 16 and is on a mission with us this week! She is amazing and helps us a lot. My Chinese has improved a little bit living with a native. The only problem is that she only has one biking speed and I bike behind her to make sure she doesn't die. So I have been biking rather slow this week. BUT. No worries, I have just used it to become better at Parkcore in my bike. I have some good tricks up my sleeve. There are lots of fun curb tricks and I just need to practice them fast now. I have also been working on riding with no hadns, but I am not very good at it. I need some pointers.
We have seen so many miracles! Jeremy is so amazing and causes me a lot of grief at the same time. (Grief like Alma, because the people won't accept the gospel) His baptismal date was set for this Saturday, but it has been cancelled because unfortunately he is not prepared yet. But the lesson that we cancelled his baptism in was also one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I have never felt more led by the spirit and was able to bear strong testimony about this church and it was the most amazing feeling, to be an instrument in God's hands. Jeremy will get there, he has the right desires he just needs some humility. Some have asked why he hates church. 3 reasons: He hates white button up shirts, doesn't like singing, and doesn't prefer the priesthood teachers level of class participation. Maybe you can now understand my struggles :) Hahah I really do love that man so much! God wants him to be baptized so strongly. Last night we went to the train station for 10 minutes before the Elder's baptism and we were teaching a lesson and I saw Jeremy standing close to us! We finished talking to the lady and went over to Jeremy and he said he had seen us and waited for us. We were like "Hey. There is a baptism in 12 minutes. Want to come?" And he said "I haven't eaten dinner. I'll go eat and then come" and I was like okay. And then we left to go to the church. He walked into the church 10 minutes later at 7:28 and walked past us and said. "I've eaten" and sat down. He is hilarious and I know that God helped us run into him and get him to the baptism. Love him! All our other investigators are doing so well and we are really starting to have good things happen in this area. We have 5 more weeks here, and then maybe will move! But we have lot of work to finish.
Today was amazing at the temple. I have missed that place so much and I really have a testimony of its importance. As I reflect on my experience working at the temple before my mission, I feel so blessed and grateful that I was able to have that opportunity. It has enriched my life so much. I know that these are the things we need to work for in life: To make our eternal covenants with our father and then endure to the end. I am so grateful to be sealed to my family for eternity. I felt such a spirit there today and am so grateful to have gone.
I just want to tell everyone really quick how much I love this gospel. I didn't think it was possible to love it as much as I do, but this mission has strengthened my testimony so much. I love the Book of Mormon and I know that it is the word of God and that as we hearken to it and study it, we will be so blessed. I know that because God has a plan for us, we all have a purpose in this life and can become better people everyday. I know that we have a Savior who knows each of us personally and through His atonement has provided us all with a way to return to live with our Father in Heaven. I know everyone on this earth needs this gospel, and that our job is to do like we promise in our baptismal covenant and take upon ourselves the name of Christ and be a light to the world. I love you all! You are amazing.
Big Faith!
Sister DeWitt
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
7/4/16
Happy Fourth of July!!!!
Happy Fourth of July!!!!
Such a phenomenal week. Taiwan is amazing, missionary work is amazing, our Savior is amazing.
It turns out expecting success in itself doesn't work, but relying on the Lord. We worked so hard this week to surpass our goals and hit the numbers we are expected to hit, and everyday I saw the Lord step in so many times where we couldn't have done everything by ourselves. On Sunday morning we had 6 investigators lined up to come to church and 4 of them cancelled, but a lady walked in and said she had met the elders and lives in our area and wants to come to church and learn more and that got us to our goal. I know that Heavenly Father cares about the things we need and that he has such a big part in this work, His work.
I am amazed at the change I have seen in people this week. We finally got to meet with Jeremy again and I saw a miracle take place. A man who was unwilling to change and scared to be baptized has committed to do everything that he needs to do in order to be baptized on the 17th. He absolutely abhors going to church, but he committed to one step at a time and came on Sunday, though I'm not sure he loved it. But he is getting there and I know that he loves our Savior. We have another investigator that we met miraculously and he is amazing. He has a pretty crappy life and his family doesn't really care about him. He said he has done some pretty bad things, but he has amazing amounts of willingness. He told us this all scares him, but he feels good when he learns of the Savior and he wants to come closer to him. He prays with us and tells God that he is willing to change and asks for help. It's a pretty special experience to see someone begin to trust in God and learn who they are. Also, his brother is in the Mafia so that's scary. I love this work and working with these amazing sons and daughters of God.
What an adventure this week has been! On P-Day we went hiking to a small waterfall and ate spicy ice cream- I would hands down recommend it. But only once in your life! Then we went to several baptisms for the elders in our district, discovered some new food places, and bought more good food. We bought a lot of fruit- mangoes are amazing. I tried my first and it was an amazing experience!!!! We eat yellow watermelon and it is so sweet. We discovered a bakery that might be the death of me, but it's amazing! Taro bread and chocolate things. So good!!! We discovered Taiwan's golden gate bridge while finding in this little California/bear lake beach town. It was amazing! I love Taiwan and I love being a missionary.
Lastly, I just want to say how I indeed stand all amazed as I look at my Savior. His life is completely unfair in comparison to ours. He, who was perfect, suffered more than we will ever have to to give us the love and happiness that we don't deserve. All because of love. Our Savior lived a humble life ended with an infinite atoning sacrifice, and He will absolutely return again to this earth in full glory to receive us all into eternal life and exaltation- according to our faithfulness. I know that as we draw closer to the Savior we will feel of his love, grace, and mercy.
I love you all, and remember to have big faith!!!
6/20/16
Sometimes it rains here!
Sometimes it rains here!
Just kidding, it rains all the time. Ask me if I love it. I totally do. There is no feeling like biking in the pouring rain, like there should be some dramatic background music playing as I ride through a river, filled with happiness, relaxation, and adrenaline. You all should try it next time it rains!!! If you can believe it, Taiwan weather is more unpredictable than Utah's! One minute the sun is shining, and the next some raging storm clouds of lightning and thunder are blowing in at 60 miles an hour and cause a rainstorm. It's quite interesting!
I've been eating some cool stuff, experiencing some cool things. There is really no place more different from Utah, but I absolutely love it. The people here are amazing, I have never met a more helpful people in my life. They have such an earnest desire to help. I know that the Lord's hand is working in Taiwan because so many people are being prepared to hear the gospel.
At this point, we are working on finding those people. My area is almost all the country part of Taiwan, so we don't street contact a lot, but ride through rice fields and knock houses. We have a pretty good amount of finding time everyday and usually teach about 1-2 lessons a day. We have investigators that are so close and some that really need to experience conversion. The one that I mentioned last week, Jeremy has had a major break through and understands repentance. He is set to be baptized on the 17 and I have confidence that he will meet his goal and receive all the blessings of this gospel. Last week we were at a 7/11 and we met a lady and then invited her to our English class. She said okay and then we saw her again as we were leaving and she said that she was definitely coming. I almost tried to invite her to learn of Jesus Christ as well but I didn't feel like I should. We went to go to our finding area but we got lost along the way and were pretty far out so we stopped to look at the map. As we did so we heard someone call our names and it was her! We had literally stopped right in front of her house. So we asked her if she wanted to hear the gospel and she said yes! So we taught her a lesson and she ended up being a referral, but she is going to do so well and this was just a testament of the miracles that our Heavenly Father gives to us, and that He makes sure that we meet the right people.
I am trying to be more like the Savior. I want to do this work exactly how He would do it if He were here, as my literal companion. Though I do know that He definitely is my companion. His hand is always in everyday's events. I know that if everyday my motivation is love, then there is no way to not find the prepared people. I know that this gospel has brought my life so much happiness, how could I not desire this for every person I see? Even when they say no, I am happy that I was able to give them an opportunity. This gospel really is for everyone, whether they immediately realize it or not. Sometimes this work is hard, but the happiness greatly overrides it. Everyday I am so grateful to be in this place, doing the Lord's work.
Thank you all for your love and support.
I think about you and know that you are well.
I love you with all my heart,
Hayley
I think about you and know that you are well.
I love you with all my heart,
Hayley
6/13/16
Wow, I love this work! I will just take the time to share a few experiences with you all.
Wow, I love this work! I will just take the time to share a few experiences with you all.
First, a funny one. I almost died because I was street contracting and I approached a lady and said Ni Hao and she kind of just looked at me, and then I said Ni jintian hao ma? (How are you) and she looked so confused and said, "I'm sorry, I don't understand English." And I just sat there. And she just sat there. And I couldn't say anything because I was just trying to figure out how in the world my Chinese could sound like English. It was pretty awkward and I am working on it. Ha ha!
We are working with some of the old sisters' investigators and I have one who is especially my favorite. He says he feels uncomfortable because he knows he needs to change but he doesn't want to, and I feel like that is the best place for him to be in. We are really trying to develop his faith and get him to a knowledge of the truth so that he will be willing to be baptized! He will be a golden member once he finally gets there, because of the work that he has put in to know for himself.
We haven't had a lot of success by way of goals this week, but I see the Lord's hand helping us everyday. We always pray about where we are going- finding and have confidence that we are going to the right place. This week 2 times we had some amazing things happen!
1- We were almost done tracting and we knocked on a door and the man let us in so enthusiastically and then we asked him his name and he said Lin (everyone has that name here) and then he said something about the last sister missionaries, and we were like wait what? So turns out he is one of our current investigators that hasn't been answering our phone calls and we haven't been able to meet or contact. What are the odds that in our huge area we would tract into him? It was such a huge blessing and I know that the Lord isn't done with him. He knows that he is prepared and isn't letting him lose his chance for the gospel.
2- We needed to find several new investigators last night in order to meet our weekly goal and we prayed to Heavenly father to help us find a family. We knocked and knocked and knocked and no one wanted to listen, and then we knocked again on one of the last doors and a little boy answered and got his dad, who let us in and their family of four listened to our message. They didn't want to set up a time to meet, but I felt the spirit there and they are coming to our English class. I know that this is not the end of them either, but that they have prepared spirits and will hear this gospel. Heavenly Father really knows how to bless us with the things that we need.
3- A man came outside to chew us out and then we ended up teaching his whole extended family a lesson and setting up with them. He went from hostile to offering me water and to come in and now we will teach them! The Lord is good!
1- We were almost done tracting and we knocked on a door and the man let us in so enthusiastically and then we asked him his name and he said Lin (everyone has that name here) and then he said something about the last sister missionaries, and we were like wait what? So turns out he is one of our current investigators that hasn't been answering our phone calls and we haven't been able to meet or contact. What are the odds that in our huge area we would tract into him? It was such a huge blessing and I know that the Lord isn't done with him. He knows that he is prepared and isn't letting him lose his chance for the gospel.
2- We needed to find several new investigators last night in order to meet our weekly goal and we prayed to Heavenly father to help us find a family. We knocked and knocked and knocked and no one wanted to listen, and then we knocked again on one of the last doors and a little boy answered and got his dad, who let us in and their family of four listened to our message. They didn't want to set up a time to meet, but I felt the spirit there and they are coming to our English class. I know that this is not the end of them either, but that they have prepared spirits and will hear this gospel. Heavenly Father really knows how to bless us with the things that we need.
3- A man came outside to chew us out and then we ended up teaching his whole extended family a lesson and setting up with them. He went from hostile to offering me water and to come in and now we will teach them! The Lord is good!
I know that everyday, according to our faith, we are blessed. I see the hand of the Lord everyday in ways that I wouldn't normally expect, but that teach me. Some days it is hard, but I know that this is the Lord's work and He always has a hand in it. working right alongside us.
I love you all, Taiwan is amazing and I absolutely love it! The food is crazy, but I am determined to try everything. Sometimes it is really gross. Anyway, I love this work and being a missionary! Thank you all for your support and amazingness.
Sister DeWitt
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