Hey Dad!
Sorry I haven't as of late been emailing you more or longer.
Things with me are about average. I do find my smile and
have found in ways of how to love Zhanghua for what it is. It has still been
hard in very many parts though and been one of the greatest trials of my being
strong, faithful, and really working on changing character. The thing that has
been proving as of late a little harder has been the whole part of really
trusting in God and letting go about anxieties, worries, and stresses. I have things I have
written down and plans of what I can do. I feel to want to also try and share
more of what work I am doing over here in Taiwan. I guess I just also in email
time reach out talking and asking questions because I am seeking help or advice
and such. Greatest of what I am really trying to come to grips with is how to
really trust in God, and LET GO. Just be myself, have fun, make friends, and don't be chasing after or
thinking just always in the sense of thinking. Here is what I shared with P.
Blickenstaff as well:
So this week has really felt a bit humbling and bit to
better open my eyes and show me what I need to do. I think no other place more
than on my mission have I come to learn more and know that the adversary uses
doubts, lies, fears to tempt and stumble us. I have felt this so true for me on
my mission. It's something I am aware of. It's the progression and building
process that now I am in the midst of right now to not give in to those
temptations. Elder Oldham has helped in sharing some good insights and I have
compiled together into 3 key points I feel for me to do to help progress
further: 1.Remember who I am (heritage both spiritual and physical, calling,
power blessed with) 2.Trusting in the Lord and letting go (what has been
promised to me in patriarchal blessing, believing it, then letting go of what I
can't control and what simply causes worrying and anxiety) and 3.Keeping a
sound mind of fortitude (everything I have been working on to keep a clean,
uplifting, and positive mind and keep doing it).
This week we have been blessed with many miracles from
several members who have been inviting friends to come to church that we are
setting up to meet with throughout this next week to a less active we had met
briefly 2 weeks ago that said he would call us (never did) and then suddenly
called on Saturday and met later that afternoon. Or even on Sunday an
investigator from about 3 years ago showed up to church (he is actually in the
2nd Ward's area) but he remembered and brought his Book of Mormon as well as some
pamphlets. It's amazing how the Lord works and brings about his work in our
lives.
This past week I have almost read through all of 2 Nephi. I
have just finished the whole Isaiah section, but I have come to appreciate and
love so much more why Nephi included so much of what Isaiah prophesied of. 2
Nephi 26 (if I remember right) is where Nephi comes in and shares about why he
included a lot of Isaiah's words. He shares about how he knows and understands
that his people don't really understand what he is sharing from Isaiah, but
that those of the last days (us) will understand. The people of Nephi never
fully learned about the Jews and that region because Nephi wished to protect
his people from the evils that they had fallen so heavily into. But for me the
prophesies of Isaiah have come as an exhortation to come unto Christ, to tell
us of the impending consequences that will come to those who do not have faith
in Jesus Christ and repent. I have loved so much taking the challenge to really
study and read the Book of Mormon everyday. I am grateful for the words of the
prophets, both ancient and modern.
Love ya!
Elder Dayley
Dad, know I love you with all my heart! I miss you! Miss
hanging out with you and doing stuff together! The mission is full of many sacrifices,
and I am striving and am learning more and more the privilege it comes to be
making these sacrifices for the one who made the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus
Christ. I pray and hope that I can be a better example, work better, work
harder, let go of more stress and worries, not listen to the doubts and lies
that are temptations. This is my hope, my goal, my aspiration!
Love Ya!
Elder Roo
