What to share? Every week tons of things happen, but it seems like as soon as I sit down at a computer my mind goes blank. For any of you interested in my adventures or about anything specific send word now so I make sure I have journaled all about it then we can talk when I get home.
First off, I did receive mom's package, I'm glad for the shirt and the hand sanitizer, but that is really all I know about...there's a fun story with that, but I sent that in a letter so you'll have to wait :-)
Second, we had an interesting thing this last week in the Cambodia Phnom Penh mission. So here in the capital they have the water festival, which in most years means the streets are a mess and missionaries aren't safe to go outside so we have a CBR day instead, this year because of the kings death they didn't really have much to worry about, but because of the sad state of CBRs Pres Moon told us to stay inside and get the paper work of who people are, where they live, how long they have been members, and what they do finished. Well lets just say after day one of three we didn't have much paperwork left. So what do two sister missionaries do to fill the time? Well folks they greatly enjoy a mission game day by playing volleyball and jump rope and then talking with members of the Viet zone for five hours and sewing like mad. As part of Anh Ca Hoa Minh's (district leader) suggestion to fight back my stress he told me to find a sewing project to work on. My sewing project of choice was handkerchiefs for the elders and sisters in my zone. It was so much fun last pday to find the material and have Chi Hoa (Sis Hayes) help me haggle the woman down). I have now spent those CBR days and the few spare moments I have had since cutting material and hemming them. It has helped me have a bit more excitement for Christmas because as we all know the true joy of Christmas comes in the giving and I am excited to give handkerchiefs in the hope of one day having the opportunity to use them at the temple dedication here.
Third, have any of us ever pondered on the choice to laugh or cry? I have taken multiple opportunities to ponder that very thing the last few days. We truly have a choice, but sometimes it is a matter of catching it early enough in the decision making process to make the right choice. I know that no matter the stress that might come to us in this life, we are meant to have joy, I know that Heavenly Father loves us and he has prepared a way for us to have joy. This joy and peace truly comes through living according to the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes as we invite others to come unto Christ. I have experienced that joy in my life as I have invited his sons and daughters to return to him. When I was told this mission was unlike any place in the world, they told the truth. Sometimes I wish I could baptize many and find many families to teach, but if that is not the work the Lord has for me to do, who I am to argue. I have known since arriving in Cambodia Heavenly Father had many families for me to help re-activate and what a joy it is to work with them. I am thankful for the tender mercies of the Lord. For a brother standing and sharing his testimony and gratitude of coming back to the church. This same brother was one Chi Pham and I prayed for, served for, fasted for and loved, how worth all that effort was. I apologize for rambling, but there are so many things in my heart. I am thankful that a mother who at one time wanted to sell her daughter as a prostitute is now encouraging everyone in her home to read the Book of Mormon everyday and that the daughter who has only ever been depressed now has a smile on her face and can't keep from laughing because she feels the weight of sin removed from her shoulders.
I am thankful that God's ways are not my ways and that he sees the worth of every soul. I am thankful for the time He is taking to teach me of that worth. At this Christmas season please remember God loves you. He sent a little baby who grew into a man and is our perfect exemplar. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer he knows and loves us, He is our mediator with the Father and with His stripes we are healed.
Merry Christmas!
All my love-
Chi Dao
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