To be honest, being a sister training leader has a lot of challenges, but many blessings too. I know I don't know everything, but Heavenly Father helps me to do what I can, and to learn from everyone I serve with. We finally met Sister Sicotte yesterday, coming straight from the MTC. She's called her Mandarin speaking, but she is from North Carolina. I'm excited to speak Chinese with her! Haha. We also went to two ward councils Sunday morning (married student ward and a young single adult ward) and we're trying to work with members more to see how we can help out. In our MLC (missionary leadership council) yesterday, President Bekker reminded us that we really should be the most effective when we team up with members. And at the visitors center, we have about 1800 interactions online each day, and all these people are interested in knowing something more. We're trying our best as VC sisters to help them here a voice (ours), or else they're pushed through the system.

VC:
1) We called to a member referral online who was truly changed the influence of the Spirit. His name is Paul and he was just feeling so hopeless in his life, and couldn't trust anyone because they've all betrayed him, we shared about the plan of salvation, God's love for him individually, and our testimonies of that. I ended our call with a prayer, and he was just speechless, he felt so much peace, and actually smiled for once in two weeks! He just couldn't understand how that was possible. The peace he felt after our conversation. We're looking forward to teaching him more. Miracles truly happen when we follow the Spirit's promptings, and bear our testimonies. I love seeing others changed, and feeling that joy and peace.

2) I had exchanges with Sister Miao and it was so interesting haha. It was my first exchange being a sister training leader, but it was fun to learn from her. She's from Taiwan, but her family moved to California when she was in high school. We had fun teaching the Chinese guests together, and I usually don't have a Chinese companion, so I was able to learn from her teaching too. Although it's now nearing the end of October, our Chinese buses have still been consistent!

3) Willy Burnell, from New Zealand, got baptized last Friday! It was super sweet to follow up with him and he was so so happy. "Only onward and upward!" It's so interesting how people become interested in the gospel. His students (he's a teacher) shared their beliefs with him, and to better understand them, he wanted to learn more. And now he has his own testimony of the Book of Mormon!

I'm grateful to serve here, and to see the Lord's work hastening everywhere! Sister Evans and I have been practicing teaching together in our companionship study, and learning a lot how to improve as well. I know that Heavenly Father calls each missionary to their mission for a reason, and we find that out as we serve. The people are meet, need our light and our testimonies. I know that the Atonement is the only thing in life that can give us lasting peace. Just like Paul experienced, even we need that reminder each day when we have heavy hearts or want to improve.

Scripture of the week: Ether 12:4
"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

Pictures:


Love,
Sister Wu

Happy belated Canadian Thanksgiving everyone! I totally did not think about it until Sister Lee told me haha. But I was able to meet quite a few Canadians on vacation who came to visit the temple.

The new sisters are getting used to missionary work here, and have really good companions who are helping them along. I wonder if I looked overwhelmed or shy when I first got here haha. I'm excited to get to know them better and serve them. They shared their testimonies this morning at VCTM, and I can tell that they'll face some challenges, but they'll have the faith to overcome them.

Sister Evans and I are getting along together super well, and she's such a great missionary. She's been a sister training leader for a long time, so I asked her a ton of questions the last few days, so I'm grateful she's pretty patient haha. There's a lot to do as an STL, but our capacity to love and help the sisters improve will come with time (at least for me).

Yesterday in the YSA Wards, there were some really good talks given. One of the Chinese guys said there's a Chinese proverb which says, "look at a person's childhood, and you can see their future" (something like that), and he said he can't believe that proverb. Why? Because we are constantly changing, who we were does not have to be who we will become. And that is the essence of God's plan, for us to progress, change, repent, be worthy to live with Him again. And judgement is not a day for us to be scared, but we have it because we CAN change through the Atonement. It's profound and simple at the same time. Because it's true.

VC:
1) Last Tuesday, I met a man named Robbie, and he was on the later tram tours, walking near the Book of Mormon display table. I started talking to him, and he said he didn't realize there were Mormon missionaries in Hawaii too! His best friend is a member in the Don Mills ward back home, and he's been to a few church activities even, but it was neat that Heavenly Father placed me in front of him so I could share my testimony and invite him to learn more. He was of course surprised when I said I'm from Toronto too, and he noticed how comfortable and easy it was for him to talk about religion here on the grounds compared to on the streets in Toronto when missionaries approached him (makes sense, because the temple grounds have been blessed). Definitely divine intervention. :)

2) Literally on that same day, I met another couple from a small town in Ontario a few hours away from Toronto, and she wanted to know about the temple, so I was able to take her to the lobby of the temple, and share the restoration with her. She's looking for the right church, and wanted to learn more! I couldn't help but feel so grateful to be serving here, and connecting with Canadians, and sharing the blessings of this gospel. I don't know these people, but Heavenly Father does! And when we talk to everyone, they have a chance to know God, to know His plan for them, and more peace and joy in their lives than ever before.

3) On another day, I met a Russian couple from Montreal. They were looking at the temple pictures, and asked the difference between us and just Christians, so I simply shared the restoration and bore my testimony about the Book of Mormon. They didn't really feel comfortable leaving a guest card, but took the Book of Mormon in Russian, and already started reading it while we waited for the tram to arrive. So cool! I know that there is converting power when others read the Book of Mormon sincerely. I know it is the word of God, and is the only way to gain a testimony of this restored gospel. I'll never find out what happens to them, but they'll remember this sacred place. :)

4) Amelia got baptized on Saturday!!! And confirmed a member of the church on Sunday. Some words she said about her feelings, "transforming, better, just assured, I have my family and I'm connected to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father...I will be true to the covenant I made today. He is first, the promise comes first.  I don't plan on letting on letting them down." Miracles are wrought when there is faith. And Amelia has been so faithful, and all the barriers that prevented her from being baptized were resolved, when she pressed forward in faith.

Starting from next week, life for us will be hectic because we'll begin exchanges, and have interviews with President Bekker. But I'm excited! I love all the sisters here, and going on exchanges will be so fun because I'll actually be able to work alongside them for 24 hrs! :)
Sister Evans also warned me I'll be exhausted at some point too, but that's why we need the Atonement haha.

Scripture of the week: John 7:17
"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."

Pictures:

On Friday, we had a French Toast Party for breakfast, and I ate a kiwi berry. This is soo good. It's the size of a grape, but it tastes like a kiwi. 

Last week wasn't super eventful because we spent a lot of our time at the VC haha. But we've witnessed so many miracles! The beginning of a new transfer is here and the big news is....I'm going to be an STL (sister training leader) with Sister Evans! (she's been an STL for a while), and there's actually two pairs of STLs now to help out with the responsibilities. We'll have seven new sisters coming, so seven sisters training. It's going to be a crazy transfer because of so many sisters but it'll be really fun because their energy and enthusiasm will be contagious. :) I'm scared, excited, not really sure what's up ahead, but overall excited! Especially to do exchanges with other sisters 😋 Thank goodness we're all imperfect servants, but the Lord qualifies those He calls to serve His children. Oh, and I'll continue to serve the same area!

Right now we have 26 - 4(dying) - 1(going to full-field) + 7(new sisters) = 28!

VC  Miracles:
1) Earlier last week, we met a woman named Roxanne, visiting from Texas. She came here with her cousin, who was carrying her 5 month old baby boy. Long story short, Roxanne came to the VC, told us she was so excited to get baptized on Nov 5 and has been meeting with missionaries, and we took her to the temple corner, but she had some weird questions. Then she watched a film in the theatre called Testaments, and wanted to pray inside the temple. We explained she couldn't go inside, except for the lobby, and she agreed. It was there that we discovered she knew nothing about the Book of Mormon, and she was actually getting baptized i the 7th Day Adventist Church. 😥

So she just broke down crying as she stepped in the lobby, and knelt down to pray. She didn't understand why we wouldn't let people go inside the temple to pray, but we explained that it just takes preparation because it's such a sacred place. And the whole reason she came here to Hawaii because she believed this was a sacred place. And there's a purpose she's here. Her cousin told us she's really turned her life around, because she's experienced the contrast, and truly wants to follow God. Sister Leng and I invited her to come back the next day (she spent a few hours here) so we could share more with her, but we didn't see her again. Sigh, it was a little frustrating because she related every good feeling here back to how true the 7th Day Adventist Church was, when she really felt the Spirit draw her here. And I just hope that she'll take the opportunity to study the Book of Mormon and connect the dots. It's not that often on my mission that I've met someone so sincere to submit their will to God, and so desirous that she truly felt Godly sorrow. We felt so much love for her, and hope that she'll be able to see and understand what we do one day.

2) I got an online referral from Ingrid, who is from Mississauga. She requested for a Book of Mormon and when I was asking how she became interested, she said she was impressed by how welcoming and sweet a group of members were (she works at a hotel, and checked them in). I love talking to people that are near home. The best missionary work is truly living by example.

3) A few days ago, I met a couple from Shanghai, and he listened in while I explained to another Taiwanese family about life after death. He asked me about Joseph Smith, and said he's gone to Temple Square in SLC, and learned a little about the early church history. He told me "I don't know much about Christianity, Catholicism, or other religions, but I feel a deep respect and really touched by what Joseph Smith experienced, to spread the gospel and to establish this church. He really made such an impact" (I wish I recorded this on my camera or something, that's how rare this kind of comment is). This is a miracle coming from a Chinese person, because usually they don't know much about early church history, but he really felt the Spirit at Temple Square when the sisters explained to him about Joseph Smith's life and journey. I offered him a guest card, but he already filled one out at Temple Square. I did get a picture with him though. Heavenly Father truly prepares people, to learn but also be touched by His Spirit. What a testimony builder for me to see. No man in their right mind would go through what Joseph Smith had, if he didn't know with his whole heart and mind that it was from God and it was the truth.

4) Sister Leng and I were talking about our fears in life, and how amazing it is that they're really just theoretical fears. All our fears in life can be dissolved with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. There is nothing that we can't overcome, no question left unanswered, if we are fully converted to the Lord and this restored gospel. Of course we don't have the answers to everything, but we have what we need to have JOY in this life and in eternity. I'm so grateful for that!

Quote from General Conference:
“As we come to trust rather than resist our divine teacher, He can work with us to enlighten and lift us to a new reality.”—Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “Abide in My Love”
 We made takoyaki (Japanese food with squid inside) with Brother and Sister Kishi yesterday for dinner. It was so fun and yummy!

​
Love,
Sister Wu

Wasn't General Conference so inspired? I just love that this time, there was a lot of focus on strengthening our faith, being grateful for the knowledge of this gospel, and trusting in the power and revelation received from sincere prayers. This morning in VC Training Meeting(VCTM), several sisters shared what they've learned, and what they'll do about it. Being a VC sister provides different challenges that are so different from other missions; some of us are struggling with testimonies, some with finding their purpose, and so many conference talks really addressed these needs. One of my questions I had for General Conference was how I can internalize the gospel more in my life (even though we live, learn, and teach it every day), and how my faith can continue to grow.

Some of the talks that really stood out to me:

• President Uchtdorf (Sat Morning) - the more adept he was to technology, the easier it was for him to take it for granted, same goes for the gospel
• Elder Neil L. Andersen (Sat Morning) - we're all a piece in a big puzzle. and we're all an important part of the big plan God has for us, especially in missionary work
• Elder Yamashita (Saturday afternoon) - the story of the missionary, who was willing to serve God with everything he has, without complaint, without doubt, serving faithfully, accepting humbly His call
• Elder Russell M. Nelson(Sunday Morning) - we're here to have JOY, and when we focus on Christ and the plan of happiness, we can truly find joy in every circumstance, it's a gift that comes from just trying
• Elder David A. Bednar (Sunday afternoon) - when we do the will of the Father, grace can be applied, and we can trust in the assurances we've experienced and truly KNOW what we believe is true
• Elder Ronald A. Rasband (Sunday afternoon) - when it comes to seeking for more knowledge, we have to make sure to hearken to the counsel of God, and to trust in the previous spiritual experiences we've had, and to trust that God will help us overcome trials

To be honest, I could probably say so many things I've learned from each of the conference talks. I know that the messages the general authorities shared address the problems that many people are facing, and I could feel the love of our Heavenly Father through their talks. We meet many people who have their faith tested, their testimonies tested, and it is just so sad for us to hear that. But with the help of God, we can build on what we do know, and continue to strengthen ourselves and others around us, if we seek learning from the scriptures, and from God. Every time I watch General Conference, I'm reminded of how much LOVE our Heavenly Father has for each of His children. We sustain the church leaders, and we are grateful for their dedicated service in their callings. I can't wait to study these talks more when the Ensign comes out!

Hearing from Elder Yamashita reminds me a lot of two Sisters we serve with, Sister Lee(Korean), who had so much faith in Christ and just listened when President Bekker said she needed to go home (health issues), and Sister Allen, who had to leave her mission in Japan to have surgery back home, but chose to serve again, being re-assigned here. She shared her testimony this morning, and her mom said she didn't have to come out again, but she wanted to serve the Lord, and here she is. Their examples so great for all of us, and I try to count my blessings every day that I can be here, to serve full-time, to spread the joy of this gospel, and to be changed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. When we serve diligently, we can see the miracles!

At the VC:
1) One evening, I was able to call a few people who requested the Book of Mormon, living in South Africa, and Zimbabwe I think. It's amazing to hear their desire to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ, and my first time really calling people there. The Lord is preparing people everywhere to receive the restored gospel, and it all beings with that sincere desire. :)

2) We picked up a phone call from a man named John yesterday, who was in a hospital, suffering from suicidal attempts and really needed someone to just listen to him. He's a member, but has made some really bad decisions in his life that led his family to leave him, but he still has a huge desire to read the scriptures and rely on God. Sometimes we are here for people, who just need someone to encourage them, and have faith in them, so they can be on their feet. What a blessing it is to be the Lord's hand like this, and to share my testimony with him.

3) Michael wanted to read the Book of Mormon because one of his friends suggested it; he's been looking for "someone more," but didn't want to meet with the local missionaries just yet. As I talked with him about what the Book of Mormon is, another testament of Jesus Christ, and invited him to read Joseph Smith's Testimony (a pamphlet you can find online too), his desire to learn really grew. For him, he does believe God can continue to send messages through prophets, so we aren't unguided. The promise is real, that the Spirit truly does touch the hearts of those who are prepared, even if I'm only talking to him through text really, but still being able to bear my testimony and inviting him to watch General Conference. :)

4) Ilya got baptized! I haven't gotten to call him to ask about it, but that's what it shows on the Teaching Center (online)!

If you haven't watched all the sessions of General Conference, you should:
lds.org

Pictures:
 We found a centipede in our living room and teamed together to kill it, it was so fast! Two killing sprays, and Sister Lor with a knife. It was a pretty funny experience, this was when we ambushed. 


 Sunday morning breakfast! After the morning session, we're so lucky to have the senior sisters, who prepared all the delicious food options for us to eat!


Love,
Sister Wu
​