Week 9...Definitely not in Utah anymore!

Let me begin :D It has definitely been one of the fastest changes that I have ever had to make. Not only has being in Singapore and Malaysia changed my perspective but it has really changed who I am and it is continuing to change me every minute! I am blessed to be able to serve my mission at this time in this part of the world. I'll share with you a little bit more.

From the MTC I traveled to the Salt Lake airport by train and along the way was able to talk to some people about Christmas and how that is such a special time in each of our lives as we remember the Savior, Jesus Christ. It was a wonderful opportunity to share my testimony about how the Savior is so important in our lives and what we can do to further our relationship with him. From Salt Lake I was able to fly to Los Angeles and even though it was only an hour or so ride, the Lord will put specific people in our path that need the happiness that the Gospel brings. I had one such opportunity to share with a lady about why I am serving a mission and was able to understand her life a little bit more.
I shared with her my simple testimony about God as our Heavenly Father and that through sincere prayer we can become closer to Him and to His son Jesus Christ. I shared with her our purpose here on Earth and why it is so important to always remember God and to know that He loves us so much. I gave her The Book of Mormon and invited her to read it and then pray about what she felt. She agreed to do so and I left her my testimony. We parted ways from the LA airport.

It is the small moments and opportunities that Heavenly Father gives to each of us and it is up to us whether we will act on those promptings or not. As we do act on those small promptings, no matter how fearful we may be, the Lord will prepare their hearts to understand why the Gospel of Jesus Christ is so important and how it has the power to change a person’s life.

From LA we flew to Hong Kong which took around 15 hours, so I mostly slept. :D

From Hong Kong to Singapore was around 3 hours and as we arrived, the humidity was definitely there. It wasn't Utah anymore :)
President and Sister Simmons were there to pick us up and Elder P. pulled me aside and asked me, "Hey, want to go talk Chinese to people?" I was excited! It was definitely a good time and we had Burger King to eat.

My time in Singapore was filled with all kinds of people from many different backgrounds and cultures. It was a whole variety of people but we got to work. We talked with as many as we could and I really began to think outside of myself. It was definitely different than the MTC but it was also really interesting to talk to these people and help them come closer to Jesus Christ. Each of them were unique in their own way and it really opened my eyes and changed my perspective. 

I have found that while I have been on my mission for this short time, that people will listen, have no interest or completely reject you. All 3 have been a blast to experience!!! :D

My first missionary companion is Elder L. He is one of the kindest people that you will ever meet, he is always looking for others to talk to and really encourages just about everyone that he sees. He is definitely doing the Lord's work and enjoys doing so.

Elder L. and Elder Shirley travel without their name badges so customs does not give them any trouble.

Our first area together is in B., East Malaysia in a Chinese speaking branch of about 7 people. They are all incredible people and all converts, and are all amazing!

My travel from Singapore to Malaysia has really humbled me and continues to everyday. The water here is not safe to drink so we have to filter our water but we are surviving. The bathroom is a toilet with a hose that we are able to use, so using that for the first time was really weird. I don't think I went to the bathroom for at least 2 days! HA, HA!

I have begun to understand how charity allows us to see people for who they are and that is as sons and daughters of God and our brothers and sisters. 

I want to share a quick experience with you. I didn't have a complete testimony of fast Sunday and the blessings that come from fasting, but this Sunday was one of the most spiritual days that I have ever had! After our church meetings, we met with a man whose name is J. His wife had died and his children live in the Ph. He is working here to raise money for his family. We talked with him about the Restoration of the Gospel and how through the priesthood power we are able to make covenants with Heavenly Father and in return He will bless our lives. He looked at us and said, “I want to join!” I was shocked! We asked him why and he told us that he has been searching for truth all his life and with the message that we shared, he believes that it is true! We talked with him a little bit more and we invited him to be baptized. He said yes and was willing to learn more. At the end of our lesson, we invited him to pray with us and asked him to say the prayer. As he prayed, he broke down crying and at that moment, I gained a personal testimony that the Lord is preparing people right now and is continuing to prepare people.

I have a testimony that the Lord knows each of us and what we are going through. The trials that we face are to help us come closer to Jesus Christ and to develop a relationship with Heavenly Father. I am so glad that I have this opportunity to serve Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, to help others come closer to Jesus Christ. Each person is amazing and I love getting to know everyone that I can.

I invite you and everyone to talk with as many people as you can! As we take the time out of our day, to just cheer up one person, it makes all the difference. Do not let the fear of offending someone stand in your way! Share your testimony with everyone, it is not telling them to change, but it gives them an opportunity to do so.

I love the Lord and I know that this is His work and that I make but a small degree in the grand design. As we share our testimony of the things we believe to be true with others, our own testimonies are strengthened and we have a greater resolve to share them.

I love you and I am grateful to serve my brothers and sisters. It is both an honor and a privilege. Sometimes it is hard, and discouraging but it is all worth it and when I see the Lord's face I want to be able to say, "Lord, I have done all that I can, I know I wasn't perfect and I made a lot of mistakes but I did my best and I tried my hardest." and then to have him say, "Ethan, I know that you did your best, I have seen you grow up and the choices that you have made. I have felt each of your pains and know each of your mistakes and I know that it was hard. Well done thou good a faithful servant. Welcome home." 

May we all have the desire to serve those around us and WELCOME them HOME in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love, Elder Shirley