A long time has come and gone since I last posted on my blog. If you read my previous post you will know that I left for 18 months to serve a mission for the LDS church. I was called to serve in the Taiwan, Taichung mission. For 18 months I did nothing but center my life around Christ and sharing the message of love and forgiveness that He gives to us.
For those of you who don't know missionaries are not supposed to do anything that will take their focus away from their great work. For example they do not listen to mainstream music (only LDS music and other uplifting songs are allowed), watch TV, use the computer (except when emailing family once a week or sharing church websites with people), call family and friends (family Skype is okay on Christmas and Mothers Day), and go shopping unless it is their preparation day.
Some of you might be thinking that those are ridiculous things to expect for 18-23 year olds. But the truth is while we are serving our Savior and bringing others unto Him we really don't have time for those other things. We learn that we don't really need to constantly be plugged in to have fun and be happy. True happiness comes from serving others and doing what you know is right.
In this high-speed world it can be really easy to forget the things that are truly the most important. We can also miss the precious moments that are happening right before us. We miss out on making smile memories with those we love and sharing the things that we love with others around us.
I am so grateful for the opportunity that I had to serve a mission. It truly has changed me from the inside out. I have gained more self confidence and a better perspective on what is truly important in life. I got to learn how to speak a beautiful language (Mandarin Chinese), explore a beautiful country, and meet people that have forever influenced me.
I often wish that I was still out there preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. But I don't have to have a name tag in order to do so. None of us do. All we need is a desire to share and open our mouths.
Here are some pictures of my great adventures in taiwan! I hope you all enjoy! If any of you have questions about the LDS church you can visit www.lds.org or www.mormon.org
This is a place called Sun Moon Lake.
On a boat headed to a small Island for some P-day (preparation day) fun!
A small temple hidden in the mountains of Nantou.
Candy in the morning markets of Yuanlin.
The lantern festival in full swing in Gaoxiong!
Beautiful buildings at Fo Guang Shan (Buddha Light Mountain).
Monkey Mountain...watch out for their sharp teeth!
Beautiful Qishan!
The best dumplings ever form Bafang!
Yizhong Jie! The best food comes from the street markets!
The Taipei LDS Temple.
More Fo Guang Shan!
A wall of Taiwanese stamps in at the post office in Nantou!
Dumplings and rice... my two favorite things.
I like to ride my bicycle I like to ride it where I like....
The blue truck had the best breakfast ever!
The temple!
At the Taipei 101.
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