December 28th letter

Hey Mom!

Well I can tell you that the family that let us Skype is the DeWitts but I cannot remember the address right now. So I will have to get that to you next week. And then as for the family we ate dinner at was the....DeWitts. They love the missionaries and always have invited them over (not just Taiwan but all over the world). Their son with his family is visiting (will be here for about a month, he is in the Airforce). But super funny is that he smuggled a ham from America through so we got ham for Christmas dinner as well as many other traditional American food, and homemade apple pie!

It was so nice and good talking to everyone. I can't believe how much everyone has changed! It is nuts! I can't believe Allaina is skiing. I can't believe how much Zephyr loves cars, trucks, trains, and toy story. I can't believe that Sahara has all 13 Articles of Faith memorized. Everyone is growing and changing so much.

Well things need to be shorter for this week (plus we talked last week). Here is what I shared with President:

Hey President!

Well it was a wonderful week as Christmas came and the opportunity to talk with family. I loved the opportunity and chance I had to see them and talk with them. I certainly do miss them, but I have been working hard of setting in that I am here for the long run and won't quit or give up short before my time is up as a servant of the Lord in  Taiwan. It is actually really cool I had read over about President Hinckley (we all love the story of his dad telling him to forget himself and go to work) recounting later on in his life how that the thing that helped him to keep working hard and pressing forward was the moments when he recommitted himself to the work. I feel that almost every single person comes to points and times when they are stretched to their very limits and face what seems to them insurmountable, but as they turn over to the Lord what they are faced with and recommit to Him that they will work their hardest and serve their best, they quickly find themselves at the summit of this challenge looking back at the valley they had just traversed through. I know there have been many of these valleys that I look back on now and can see how each time I have made the choice to keep at it, recommit to the Lord, and then go forward trusting in Him I have come out well on the other side.

I am astounded at how much I have felt over the last week in my studies and Preach My Gospel have been talking of listening to or reading the word of God as strengthening faith (which I feel right now is one of the biggest things several of our investigators need right now since they all seem to have one little problem from keeping them immediately getting baptized). So in my studies I have been really trying to focusing more to preparing and giving more opportunities to my investigators that they may hear the word of God or to study the word of God.

We are doing good in 苓雅 and will work at getting more baptism goals on the board. We are really going to work hard at getting 2 baptisms in January (I have faith and know that we can hit it, we have the names to support these goals).

Love you and happy new year!

Elder Dayley

I love you lots and lots! And the family lots and lots!

Elder Roo

December 21st Letter

I am on right now yeah. Merry Christmas! I love you and your family so much! I was actually quite surprised to get the package actually. On Friday my companion moved (still in Gaoxiong, just up in the mountains). So we met up at the train station for Elder Ulrich to meet his new companion to go back to Qishan. So then I went with Elder Ensign and Elder McDougal (the other Lingya elders that are in the 4 man together with us) since my new companion, Elder Robinson, was not getting to Gaoxiong until 2 in the afternoon (he was coming from Taizhong). So we went north of our area in Gaoxiong city still to an area called Zuoying that has these really cool towers (one a dragon and one a tiger) with a lot of traditional cultural stuff. Regardless to say and long story short, I had a bike but my new companion Elder Robinson didn't so we got back to the apartment after the other elders did and I came into my room to see a package sitting on my bed. I was super happy and excited because at first I didn't know who it was from and then I didn't know what exactly could be in it. Then what made it even more funny was I was opening it and Elder Ensign was standing by as well to see what I got, and so I opened and started pulling stuff out and just kept pulling more and more Pop Tarts out! Me and Elder Ensign were just thinking there can't be more, but nope! There kept being more and more Pop Tarts. Thank you so much for the package. I guess you really took to heart of what I said about what you can send me.

So yeah I saw Dad's email but it is too late to talk with him because he is on the plane. But you are on. So as much as I feel imposing and embarrassed to come to the members home, the DeWitts have said it is no problem at all for us to come over at 9 to skype. So Elder McDougal and I are skyping at 9 in the morning our time (which I believe will be 7 your time). Then Elder Ensign and Elder Robinson are skyping at 10. The DeWitts are super, super nice. They said they even back home in Minnesota still invited the missionaries to come over and Skype.

Sahara and Zephyr will have plenty of energy then, I hope! Super happy and excited to see you and talk with everyone.

Love you so much!

Elder Dayley

December 14th Letter

Hey Dad!

You know it's funny how that you talk about with the Elder's Quorum that at moments not really anything is happening and it is rather quite sober, and then about 20 things all happen at once. To sum up Lingya for you in very much the simplest and easiest sense, that is exactly how Lingya is. There are moments where it doesn't seem like a lot is happening or where it is just a day ahead of us to contact a lot or finding people. And then I get days where I am getting 7 or 8 lessons, running all over our area to get to appointments, and having about 10 different pressing matters. For example about a week ago we sat down to make calls at a 7-11 before going off to English Proselyting. Throughout the whole time we called only 1 or 2 people answered. Then with five minutes till English Proselyting we went out to our bikes to head off and some crazy, poor guy came up and started talking to Elder Ulrich and asking for money. At this time one of our investigators called back so I spent time talking to her and setting her up. Then after I hung up immediately a LA called back and I set him up to meet later as well. Then another investigator called right after I hung up with the LA while at the same time the crazy guy kind of went off and some other guy that was handing out flyers on the corner came over and talked with Elder Ulrich for a second (which sadly afterwards he didn't have any interest). But then it made us a little late to English Proselyting, although it all worked out ok in the end.

Quite an interesting experience to happen at the temple. I guess it shows that we are all really human after all.

Yeah I am sure it is quite a show to see how the missionaries who have returned home are all turning out. But in all honesty that doesn't fully matter right now or in my opinion really needs to be thought on.

Yeah I know I haven't really told or said much about my new area or all the different things that have been happening. So here goes:

I am right in the very central heart Gaoxiong City. I actually have figured out now that the Gao 85 (the biggest sky scraper in Gaoxiong) is just outside our area, literally 2 blocks away. But we still have a lot of all the hubbub of the city and tons of people. Not always from our area. But yeah it is all city and that is about it. No countryside or anything, which is actually funny that at first I always thought that I didn't like cities. But I love being in Gaoxiong city! And being right in the middle of it too! We live right by the Cultural Center in the city which is more towards the east side. But the church is outside of our area all the way on the west side. So on a good day, biking really fast, and may or may not be walking our bikes through an intersection that is still red light and no other cars around, can get home from the church in 12 minutes (which just so happened a couple nights ago because we had a lesson go long and didn't leave the church until 9:47 pm since we had to close it up and got home right before 10, so thankfully I didn't have to call President that we were going to be home late). This keeps happening several times though that I don't get home at 9 on time because we have lessons or are biking back home.

I don't know if you know this though. Elder Dailey served in Lingya as well. So several people know him and it has been way fun having another Elder Dayley here who was also his companion before. Although Matt hasn't emailed at all, the duffer. I'll have to kick his butt.

As for my companion right now, Elder Ulrich is super awesome. He had just got done with training when I got here. His Chinese is already super good (I swear every companion I get with I feel like their Chinese is as good as mine or even better, even though they are all younger than me mission wise). He is a little more softer and reserved like me sometimes and it has been really funny as several times we call an investigator to follow up they can't figure out if it is me or Elder Ulrich talking with them because accordingly to them and even the other missionaries in our district we can sound pretty alike. Elder Ulrich is very studios and a good endurance person. He has about a million different journal and thought books that he writes in. Things from just thoughts throughout the day to a dream journal to a regular journal to a specific study journal on more his personal questions and things he feels he lacks in understanding. He is a lot better about writing down so much stuff and recording stuff than I ever am. He has a really fun personality or being more calm, collective, and reserved, but then at other moments more funny and childlike side comes out and makes the situation a lot more funny. Sadly though, he is moving this next Friday to Qishan (just north and east of us by bus ride, still in Gaoxiong).

So yeah this next week is going to be a whole transfer week (even though the next movecall actually starts next week). It is because all the missionaries going home can't fly on the week of Christmas, so they are flying home this week. Then as for new missionaries I think there are some Taiwanese that are coming this week but as for the American missionaries they are not coming because of visa issues still. We still don't know all the reasons and what exactly is going on as to why the visas are not going through. But so they are having everyone move this Friday instead to compensate missionaries going home and the few new missionaries coming on. So my new companion is Elder Robinson coming down from Daya all the way up in Taizhong. He is from the same generation and MTC district as Elder Ulrich (so I believe he will be on his 4th movecall). But from what I have heard is that his Chinese is also super good, like in the MTC he could already write little notes and such in Chinese. I wonder what the Lord is trying to tell me or why it is that he always seems to pair me with someone who already has really good Chinese.

The area though is doing super good, we are just focusing towards getting more baptismal goals extended. Right now our best investigator we are meeting with is J. She is already graduated from college (just this year actually) and is working right now. But she loves the church a ton. She comes to church as well as a ton of other activities. Her religion that she has had before was the traditional Taiwanese religion of Taoist/Buddhist. Even though she is 24, her parents have still expressed that they don't agree with her getting baptized (even though she doesn't need their consent) and so for awhile it had kind of deferred her from huge desire to get baptized. What transpired though over the weeks is that it had more come to as well about a desire to be baptized not being there because she hadn't received any real miraculous answer or big miracle to that being the right thing to do. We had even taught her fasting and invited her to fast last Sunday specifically about if baptism is the right thing to do. Sadly she had said that she didn't really feel anything particular. But then really cool blessing and miracle that last Wednesday after English got done we had a few of our investigators there that we were talking to (Elder Ulrich was talking with Roger, I was talking with R our investigator as well as Richard Li our member, and J was there as well). Sister Hsu and Sister Thao had just got out of a lesson and came up to start talking with J (they serve in the Shizhong ward, but still also help with befriending our investigators since women just know how to friendship and help women). So for part of their conversation me and the Richards were involved until we broke off and talked more among ourselves. But it was super cool what Sister Hsu shared and talked with her about. At first she just straight up asked when her baptism date was (before she had a date for the 20th, but then dropped and hadn't given a new one since because she was still feeling like she hadn't had a strong answer yet). She then talked more with her and the point I feel really helped J a ton and helped to progress much more in her faith and showing to herself the testimony she has already gained is that Sister Hsu asked if she has shared what she has learned with others around her. J replied yes. Then Sister Hsu asked if us Elders had invited her to do this. J replied no (which is true that no we didn't invite her to share with friends, at least not yet, but she has already shared with coworkers what she has been learning and even brought one of her coworkers to English where afterwards Elder Ulrich and a member sat down with her). Sister Hsu then went on to share how prophets and apostles have testified that one of the greatest signs of having faith and a testimony and that you really know these things to be true is when you act yourself to share it with others (like Lehi in his dream with the desire to share the fruit with his family and friends after he had partaken of the fruit). So when we met with J last Saturday morning we had Richard help sit in on the lesson (the member who is probably one of the funniest guys I have met and actually met up with Matt back in New York for a day while he was back east). Richard helped along with us to really emphasize the point Sister Hsu had made and Joyce just immediately said I want to set a date. Richard kept going on to testify of some point but J said again I want to set a date. She said (this is the simplest and best way to translate to English) that she is hard working. So after looking at the calendar for a little bit she set a date for January 1st. Both Elder Ulrich and I are super happy for her!

Another investigator that we are meeting right now that I love to death is R. He had just come to English the Wednesday right before I had come (literally 2 days before I got here). Background about him: He is already Christian. He got baptized about 10 years ago in the Zhanglao Church (which I think is the Presbyterian Church). He is a drummer now for a Christian rock band at some other church, but loves to learn English, but also is in my mind very prepared and good man. We have shared the message of the restoration with him (which we might review with him this next week) and he is willing to pray and read but feels that baptism is a little too fast right now. He wants to learn and understand more. He even found out about the polygamy stuff but Richard (member, which has actually been really fun having him sit in on lessons because they have the same name) helped to explain and expound on that and that R (investigator) was like hey, yeah actually even in old times prophets or others had more than one wife. We have even met his mom now too (who is also Christian, super nice and friendly and I imagine not opposed to us at all because she treated us to some soup at a little store nearby her store in the department store). We shared the plan of salvation with him and the part that really stuck out to him and he really liked a lot was that fact about how everyone will have the chance to accept Christ whether in this life or in the spirit world. He said he has asked others in his church before what about the people like in the mountains (natives, aboriginees) or other areas where they never learn about Christ are they just condemned to hell? No one in his church he said was able to answer him. After this lesson he even had read 4 pages of the BoM that night (before that he hadn't read much yet from being busy, tired, and probably also forgetting). We are hoping and praying that he will come to church this next week (didn't yesterday because he went with his mom and older sister to a spa in Pingdong).

We don't have any RCs that we are working with because the only there was when I came here had already moved to America back in May. And as for LAs there are a few we are working with. But time is never enough. To much to try and share about over such small time and just typing words. Seriously!! It's ridiculous!

As for calling for Christmas I can call anytime on the 25th or the 26th. So that is the 24th or the 25th pretty much for all of you. It's really up to you of what time you want to do it at. The DeWitts have offered and said we can come to their house to Skype (which we probably will) because they have 2 laptops we can use. Probably a determining factor will be for Sahara and Zephyr so that it isn't too late for them. You will have to let me know.

Wow that is a lot. And it probably is only a scratch at the surface of all that happens and is going on. We have probably about 7 or 8 investigators we are working with right now. 1 has a baptism goal right now and at least 2 or 3 of them could fall into a baptism goal in the next week or so. So we are really going to pray and work hard a lot to help serve these people.

That is totally fine to take Elder Yang over to the temple and eat. He will have a little something for you as well from me.

Have fun at the Roskelley's! I really need to try and take more pictures. I feel it to be bothersome sometimes though because I am so programmed to think so much more on all the proselyting I can be doing in a moment.

Love you so much!

Elder Dayley

November 30th 2014

Hey Mom!

Oh man the day has come now that I am up to the top row. Didn't ever think that would come. Kind of scary that it has come... :/ But anyway super cool the Elder Fyffe got to report on his mission and share his testimony, especially his desire to love others and help his older sister.

So as for packages, yes I got the first package. Actually quite funny is that Elder Ulrich got his Christmas package on the same day as I did. So it was well here in time. I actually during part of my study time this morning spent making my little Lego Christmas tree from last year (so I have a tree up now). We actually got a bit of decorations up now. And yes I finally figured out this morning that the clothespins were meant for the ornaments to be put on the tinsel. I will have to take a picture of what it will all look like after I get the lights figured and strung up as well.

I would imagine that this year the decorations would not be as much as what next year will be like. So that will be fun to get all set up and done next year.

So the conference was really good actually. Elder Gong from the 1st quorum of the seventy (who is the Asia Area President) came and toured our mission. Gaoxiong was the first stop. He really talked and emphasized a lot on focus, energy, and faith. Which are all things I feel are key and what I need to keep building more than ever. Without the faith you can't believe in miracles (which do happen!). Without the focus you can't even guide and direct yourself to keep at what you are doing to the fulfilling of miracles. Without the energy you can't even accomplish the miracle because you give up right when the moment is most needed to have a push through.

Something really interesting that has stood out to me over the last week and was even talked a bit in the mission tour is the fact that each of us in our trials and tribulations will have to walk the path that the Savior did. That means there will needs be a time when we will feel abandoned. This happened to the Savior and was the only way he could partake of the bitter cup allowing the Atonement to be fulfilled and for us to be able to be redeemed. So why would we be exempt from the same things that the Savior suffered through that repentance may be possible. So that is where faith and trust really count. Not up front at the calm before the storm. But rather in the rage when you feel all left to yourself and still act on that faith and trust that God will not abandon you (which he will not abandon you!).

As for the musical piece I was running through it rather well before the conference. But when performing I got to a part and I slipped up a little that got me off and dropped out for about 5 or 6 measures to where I finally could jump back in. Afterwards Elder Ulrich commented how that it sounded like it was a little different from practicing and I told him why and he remarked wow, you did a really good job that your face didn't even express anything that you messed up. So I guess I have gotten better than what it was like those years ago performing that one piece. Even Elder Ng (who I accompanied) afterwards came up and asked what happened. I told him and he was like yeah I was having such a hard time of not having my hands clenching up. Note to you, it can be really hard to perform the piano when you get adrenaline pumping through your body.

As for our group I think we are still in forming stages. The other companionship is whitewashing so they got to the area same day as I did. Only Elder Ulrich is the experienced one here in Lingya. As for storming I haven't seen too much yet. We will see.

You want to know something. My mission has really taught me to see how much of different things the adversary uses to set up snares and traps. For some reason I can sometimes tend to see more of the underlining reason behind things and why things happen certain ways. That is why sometimes I get really annoyed about advertisements of any sorts. They are very very annoying because it really just stands out so much for the short term happiness it is expressing.

I hope all goes well with your group projects and papers for school. As well as preparing for finals. I will pray for you. Is there anything else I can do to help you?

Here is President's Letter:

Hey President!

This past week was a wonderful week of love and outpouring as well as good counsel and direction. I really appreciated and need to look back over my notes of all that Elder Gong taught. As well as I agree with what you replied to last week's email. I need to listen and accept more within myself all that others say of the good I do and can do. Even you yourself say that I am doing good. So I will act and make change going forward that I am good missionary. Which I guess feeling to share and say, I feel confident more in myself that I can handle the tasks the Lord can give me and asks of me. I won't lie I enjoyed the privilege to serve as a district leader in Taiping and wouldn't mind to serve in similar capacity again. But as well as I really love my area here in Lingya and know that I would love to be here even for the rest of my time. All I guess I wish to express is that you and the Lord know that I am willing and will give my whole effort and heart in serving in whatever capacity and calling you ask of me.

As for miracles and cool things this past week, it has been rather miraculous and cool seeing a new investigator we have that comes from a different Christians church (where the minister bashes on Mormons) desire so much to meet with us, come to the Shi Zhong Elder's baptism, and even ask during the intermediate part of the baptism for a Book of Mormon (we hadn't done the first lesson yet and were going to sit down with him afterwards). His name is Richard and I really see in him such a strong desire to learn the truth but also really seek out God's truth. We are really excited for him.

In my studies I have read through about the sons of Helaman, which is where I have gotten to in my personal reading actually. It was actually interesting a part about how that when they are fleeing they don't turn left or right but keep going straight, which taught me that in my challenges and trials I can't turn but need keep going straight and true to what the Lord asks.

Love ya!

Elder Dayley

I love you lots and lots!

Elder Dayley

November 16th 2014

Hey Dad!

Well I said I would devote more time this week to you and Mom and here I am. I have already emailed a few others, but haven't gotten to President yet. But I have been neglecting you too much. Sorry!

Well I will keep my eyes out and will hopefully be trying to mail off my Christmas package this week. Also you have stinking little intuition. I think you know me too well. Well for the most part I have been doing pretty good throughout the week to try and keep focused and more directed towards my purpose (the last couple days have been a little more struggle), but it has been good talking things out with Elder Williams who has a good ear and gives good advice. I am gearing up more this week to be myself, not worry, go out and have fun, and work hard. But before you get all crazy and what not, I am moving this week.

That is because finally after prayers and now almost 4 months, new missionaries are coming. 21 actually are coming this week. So move call actually happened last week, but only companionships with companions going home were affected. So not much moving happened last week. Then Saturday night the ZLs texted and said that move call is happening Friday, and that these people are moving (in my district that included me, Elder Davis, and Sister Anderson). Sister Anderson will probably be going back to Dakeng to keep being the Sister Training Leader until she goes home in like 4 weeks. As for the rest of us we don't know yet. So at least I got a little training from being in Jiayi, getting kicked out, and moving to Zhanghua for a week to then find out a week later I was staying there. It still is a little annoying so far in advanced that I am moving. Elder Anderson actually just barely about 30 minutes ago (we are all emailing together at an internet cafe, Elder Anderson is Elder Davis's companion and is one move call below me) that he is training. President just called him.

It actually came more to me this past week of how powerful fasting can be, not in the fast itself but in the principle of fasting. I think the mission has taught and testified to me so much of the Law of the Fast. So if you think about it with fasting, you forsake a natural and very much necessary part of your body to give focus and direction towards a higher cause and purpose. You start with a prayer, specifically asking for blessings and help, and most likely throughout the fast you focus, ponder, and think on that purpose. Of course throughout the day while you are fasting you have your tummy rumble, you may feel weaker, you may feel lightheaded, you have things yelling out and wanting you to see how much you are hungry and want to eat. Even when others are eating food it looks so much more appealing and appetizing. But I have come to see and learn with myself that I used to be a bit of stickler about fasting and wanted it to end so bad and would think about food or other things, or would even end early. Now though I have come to my fasting that really that tummy grumbling or other things don't even phase me. Now applying this to other aspects of life And that is being a missionary. I actually am starting to have greater respect and understanding for myself.

Wow that was pretty long. That is super cool that the Collings got to talk. I will for sure visit them when I get back. I think Brother Collings is a perfect person to teach and expound upon forgiveness and forgiving oneself. You will just have to tell them for me that I am grateful for what they have shared with me and that it still has influence on me today. Tell them they are wonderful (also I think one of their mission presidents spoke at our stake conference yesterday. He is from Hawaii, but I forgot his name, he said he served like 15 or 16 years ago).

Yes I did get the letter from Disneyworld. I think it is in my bag right now actually.

Dad I really like the poem you shared. It is actually funny and interesting. Last night Elder Williams and I got talking about some things. And somehow we got talking about Rocky. I had mentioned earlier in the night that sometimes I have a harder time to envision success. He mentioned to me how success will come and go, what you need to do is envision yourself being the best you can and putting forth all your effort in any circumstance. So to Rocky. Elder Williams boxes. So he loves Rocky as well. He pretty much gave me a synopsis of all 6 movies. And what is interesting is that Rocky in 6 of his fights actually doesn't win all of them. He only wins 3 of the fights. But he went through a whole process of learning to be himself and giving his best in the circumstance throughout.

As you asked about how the work is going. It's hard. It's the hardest thing ever. I felt like we went out worked pretty hard last week (still some moments where I know I can do better), but for all our work we had a total of 6 lessons (not including meeting with some members and families). This past week we had the challenge to get 50 adds (people who set up to meet with us) we got 19 or 20, which is a lot more than we usually do. But I don't think I have had as many people stand us up in a week as I have had this week. So the work has been hard, to be straight up. It definitely has tested my faith and I am kind of mending it a little bit right now. But the challenges will help to grow my faith.

We have one investigator who had a baptismal goal which dropped because he didn't come to church.. He has been super solid and good about reading (already into 2 Nephi) and praying twice a day. The hardest part for him is that he has grown up his whole life being Buddhist and its been rocking the boat a little to come to us saying that this is the true church. Just like having something so natural a part of you and someone saying that it isn't the best or the right one and that this is. So we have been praying for him, asking him to really sincerely pray, share with Heavenly Father his feelings. Which I feel he has been doing, so now it is to have faith and trust in Heavenly Father answering his prayers and that he will recognize it.

The RCs have been doing super good as always. Adolf a couple weeks ago went to the temple and did baptisms for the dead. Brother Lin is always super good and never having any problems. We shared and reviewed President Monson's talk with him and he already knew a ton about the ship Bismark, so it was pretty funny teaching the lesson.

Just a matter of letting worries and fears go and just being the best me possible. I know I can do it!

Love you so much!

Elder Dayley