Ice Ice and Baby dun dun dun dun dun dun dun, Garbage Bin Angels, Can't think of a clever title but M. came to church!

One of our new investigators name is I. who is a very busy mom. She is extremely outgoing and has a half-shaven head. haha. her little baby is not a year old yet. Pray for her to find time to go to church. In the following letter, I talk about how really prepared she has been by the Lord.

Garbage Bin Angels were more than likely to have helped us out a bit this week. We were finding and heard a huge crash behind us, looked backed to see a homeless man whose garbage bin full of stuff fell over into the a huge dirty puddle into the street. He was a big Chinese man with a little Mohawk and a Hawaiian flower shirt on. We helped him lift this huge garbage bin and mattress that also fell. I bet both grandpas were helping us too little sister missionaries lift, cause they were huge! haha

M. yesterday came to church!!! yay! I think she had a good time and we had some really awesome members, T. (who is my chinese twin) and K. (a recent convert) help fellowship her. Pray for her to know the Book of Mormon is true. 

So, last week, I decided to email Kaylie A. my roomie because she popped into my mind this week. I thought her reply was so funny and sweet (Kaylie is so wonderful; her reply was too personal and funny to share but Tessa LOVED it!!)

I love the camel I think that is funny haha!! I want to extend a missionary invitation to each of you because that's what missionaries do. Share the gospel with a friend this week! Scary! No, easy!! it doesn't have to be anything big but just remember the key to missionary work is inviting!! You guys are already awesome at sharing the gospel so I'm sure you would've done it even if I didn't invite you to do so, but I want to hear about how it goes!

Sophia, you look so dang beautiful in your dance pictures! I can't even believe how scary that must have been to perform a solo you just re-choreographed! You've got guts girl! Even your dance pics make me cry. Can't wait to see you perform when I get home. 

I love you all

Sister Ha

     

Thaigwokge sihkmaht, Mormonss!, Bee Slayer, M. muhnging ‏(this is the previous week that we hadn't put on yet)

 So we've seen our less-active this week twice. First time she cooked for us Thaigwokge sihkmaht which means  Thai food and it was soo good. Especially this spicy soap (we hope she mean soup) with lemon, cilantro, and chicken. She says she will teach me how to make it. We all watched the restoration movie afterwards and she related her childhood days to those of Joseph Smith's. Last night the Chan family had us and her over for dinner. Supes awesome!

We also had a lesson with M. this week. We reviewed restoration and watched the video. I'm excited for her to pray about the Book of Mormon!!!

On the MTR the other day, I was talking to this girl, but she told me she didn't speak Cantonese. She was from Korea. She had soccer cleats and shinguards on so I stroke up conversation. She was like "Oh, are you guys Christians?" I'm like "yeah, we're missionaries!" She said "Oh, I'm Christian too! wait, but are you guys like real Christian christians?"..."yes?"...." PHEWPH!! I thought you were the Mormons!!" haha. 

Bee Slayer because I caught a huge black ginormous bee in our apartment. As apartment leader I felt the obligation to do so.

Basically, this is a short email but next week will be longer. I love you all and I love reading the funnies! However, I don't think a lot of them happened? like drawing a bird with makeup on the toilet paper roll?? haha

The Book of Mormon is real and true and awesome!! Where are you guys reading together?

Sis Tess Me Ha

How do you celebrate Hump Day on a mission????!!!!!! ‏

Can you show a missionary in their PJs?

I will tell you how!!! Yesterday was a day chalk full of miracles!! It was such a tender mercy and more than likely a good sign that this next nine months will be bring many more miracles.

Yesterday, we had a great lesson with our less-active Sister J. from Thailand, who we will eat rice with tonight. She is doing awesome!! In my letter to President Hawks I tell about a miracle she expressed in church. Super awesome. One of the best moments being our Less Active bearing testimony in her spiritual thought in gospel principles class. She told about the what she called the miracle when one day she prayed to Heavenly Father to help her find a way back to church. It had been over ten years since she had attended, but the Lord softened her heart and she kneeled down to say this prayer. She told Heavenly Father she didn't know where the church was or how to get back. That same day, she opened her front door and saw two missionaries standing outside her door about to knock! Wow, the spirit really led Sister Christensen and I that day. We asked all about her family and she LOVED showing us pictures haha it actually took quite some time to get into the lesson. 

After that, we went finding and both Sister Alipao and I had the same impressions to go to the same two places. The first girl we met, I tell in the following letter, but I just want to express that it was one of the most tender mercies and greatest experiences I've had. I cannot express the love I felt Heavenly Father had for that sweet girl. She offered the prayer when we invited her to pray, and even though I couldn't understand her slurs and speech impediments the spirit was so strong. After we met her, I was so incredibly grateful that Heavenly Father led me to her. At that moment, I truly didn't even care about all the hard times  I've had to go through on my mission to get to her. None of them mattered. It was all worth it. I will never forget that experience.We met a girl about our age with mental disabilities, and although she didn't have the need for baptism, we got to pray with her for her first time praying to Heavenly Father. I will never forget the love Heavenly Father had for her that I could feel so strongly

The next woman I also wrote about in the following letter. She had the most humble sweetest spirit about her. The next woman we met was also Mandarin speaking. Wow, we are just filling up these mandarin Sisters' pool of investigators like CRAZY!! haha I told my comp we had better start learning some Mandarin because apparently that is part of our calling here as well. haha. The next woman we talked to was probably I think the most prepared person for the gospel I have ever met. She is from mainland China, but studies in Hong Kong. She was the kindest, most humble, and accepting person. She prays, but doesn't know to whom. We are so excited to give her number to the Mandarin Sisters.

I love you all and just read your funnies letter haha hilarious.

Sister Tessie Me Ha

Tessa's middle name is Marie but when she was very little she would say her name was "Tessa Me Hadley therefore she is now Tessa Me Ha.  hahaha

Grey text are excerpt from her weekly letter to the Mission President and are added to shed light on some of her stories.  This blog is meant to keep in touch with family and friends and share Tessa's missionary testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is kept by her family she does not ask us to keep a blog or tell us what to add from her letters. Missionary work is a miracle!

Mandy Moyihmuhnginging, Trainees and miracles, Tsang gatihng, STTEELLLAAAA!‏

Trainees bring miracles! We had a good week of finding this week with meeting a lot of potentials and even previous investigators. Not to mention, our less active has been coming to church and rescheduling to meet with us, so I feel like she will be counted as re-activated soon. One night of finding in particular was full of surprises. The first girl we felt impressed to talk to starting crying and telling us it was God's plan for us to meet her and she had been having a few problems in her life lately. We prayed with her and met her again this week. Next was a woman that told us she was so happy after meeting us because she had had a bad day that day, then gave us each a big hug. After that we saw our previous investigator who I felt really is ready to hear the gospel, but stopped meeting with us because her husband is against it. It was a great night of finding.

That day we gave S. over, I realized something the Lord has been blessing me with on my mission, which is building these relationships with His children for hopefully even after this life. And it is so meaningful to me. I even got a little emotional saying bye to her and wrote in my journal:

We just had a lesson with S.and the Mandarin Sisters. So we turned her over to them but it was a really good lesson and the spirit was strong and she accepted their baptismal date with no hesitation at all. Even though I couldn't understand anything going on in the lesson I could feel the spirit and could tell she did too. I started crying a little bit in the lesson and afterwards just because I have a special connection with S. I'm so glad I acted on the impression to talk to her while out finding! She is just golden and said she feels so warm and happy. She committed to read and pray each day then come to church every Sunday wow. Right after we explained to her that we were going to switch her over to the mandarin sisters the first thing she said was "Will I see you anymore?" so cute. Then we exchanged hugs at the end and she told me she would miss me. I'm so glad Heavenly Father helped me find her la. She is so ready for the gospel and she really liked the Mandarin sisters.  I also learned an important lesson for the Mandarin Sisters. Just be yourself and share your love for others. I could tell they just felt free and happy and they made everyone around them feel that way as well. The other day when we went with Mandy to wanchai to listen to Elder Ballard speak, after the meeting I ran into some of my old members from Kwai Fng and their littlies. I felt soo happy to see them and they Mei mei gave me a big hug. While I was talking to Ho mama she told me my old investigators, Sister J. and S. came over to their house for dinner last night. While she was telling me, I just was filled with this love for both them and the members I used to serve. I started to tear up a bit and didn't realize how much I missed them. I also just felt so appreciative that these members were still strengthening, welcoming, and supporting my investigators. I am so grateful for that experience because I think Heavenly Father was helping me understand the love I have gained for these people. Just like Bishop Alder wrote to me in a letter, our relationships that we make here in this life continue on to the next. Or like the Chinese story about the connecting red heart strings my mom shared with me. My red heart strings brought me here to Hong Kong.

I love you all and miss you a lot. I am okay and I feel your prayers every single day. Scripture of the week. Helaman 10:45

And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.

Sister Hadley

Magadang Umaga! Alipao Ji Muih, Elder Ballard,‏

Hello, I just listened to "Soul Man" in the Apple Store. Remember we sang that in Caleb's band that I literally can't remember the name of right now and its driving me crazy? ha

Magadang Umaga (goodmorning) in Cebuano because my comp is a cute little Filipino.  Okay, she is still taller than me, but still cute. Her name is Sister Alipao and she is a very humble missionary. A little shy and a timid, but willing to learn and has a POWERFUL testimony. I've already learned so much from her! She has been so patient with me today, especially considering today is her first P-day in Hong Kong and I've gotten us lost. My first day training, I lost my phone and my trainee. So, that was good. haha but it was only for a second. The only chaahm thing is that we don't run in the morning because the first morning we were out running and Sister Alipao stopped pretty quickly. I asked if she was okay and if we should be running and she said. Well, I don't know if I should be running because my mommy told me I have something called asthma? haha she is a cutie.

It's a bit hard for her adjusting here to the food and rush of Hong Kong, but she seems happier each day. I really just hope I am being a good trainer!

"We ate at a member's home today, this is the candy they had laid out for us. They know I'm American. haha"

Speaking of Elder Ballard's visit; it was a really great experience having a prophet of the Lord here. Every time he spoke, the spirit seemed to just flow out of him. The spirit really bore testimony to me that night that what he was saying was true and he really was the Lord's servant. 

 Happy Birthday George!!! Wow, you are fourteen years old! It seems as if just yesterday you were a little ten lb sack of potatos coming' outta mama! haha I'm so glad you are reading the Strength of Youth and making good decisions in your life! That makes me HOU HOISAM SO HAPPY! You are a good good boy. A funny that I thought of the other day was picturing us when we used to have staring contests while forcing our eyes open with our fingers. Ha that hurt so bad! haha luv ya bubba

Y'all are awesome and I love you. please keep praying for me and my new companion and our investigator Mandy!

Ha Leih Sa

Chinese New Year, Humble People, Comp Encouragement, Deep Clean and Training!

This week was pretty good. We had a hard time out finding because literally nobody wanted to talk to us. Everyone is so busy during chinese new year and there were some days that literally no one was out. However, people did seem a bit happier during the holidays. The first day of Chinese New Year (they usually celebrate for three days) we had deep clean. So we had this huge list of cleaning chores to do around our house and it took all day long haha. We got every little nook and cranny it seemed. P.S. still have cocroaches NBD.

 

Humble People because my very favorite part of the week this week was meeting a father and his little daughter. They looked very different because I think both of them were born with the same birth deffect. I immidiately went up and talked to them. They were so sweet and willing to listen to us for a bit. Even if we didn't leave with a number or anything, I could feel Heavenly Father's love for both of them.

 

Comp Encouragement because this week was filled with a lot of it. On both parts la.

 

Another awesome thing was a less-active that we visited yesterday. She is from Thailand and still has a really close relationship with God. It felt so natural to be talking with her and the spirit was strong. She started to cry telling us a story about prayer and why she decided to get baptized. She accepted to come with us to Elder Ballard's meeting this week. BTW Elder Ballard is coming this Wednesday and speaking to us missionaries and then all of HK! After that we were walking home and right near our apartment our stake president and Elder Wong of the seventy who spoke in General Conference using Cantonese stuck his head out of the window and thanked us for our service! It was awesome because I felt like it was Heavenly Father through him thanking us. We needed a little pick-me-up like that.

 

Training because I'm training! I just got the call. Wow, I don't even know what to think. But it starts this Thursday so please pray for me. I love you all and am grateful for your prayers because I feel them every day.

Sis Ha

Schooling School Boys, Biking the Boardwalk, Let the Holy Spirit Guide, Hot Pockets, and Tsang Gatihng la!

"No hard feelings little Pidgy, love Midgy"

The other day we were stopped at a crosswalk while finding. Three teenage boys stood behind us. I knew they were talking about us but couldn't tell what they were saying until I heard chehgaau la(cult). I turned right around and said "Oh, you've seen missionaries before?!" All three of their mouths dropped. haha. They were pretty embarrassed. Finally one said, "You speak chinese?!" haha so we talked for a quick minute and left them each with fliers and non-culty impressions haha. My comp thought I was pretty cool after that.

Another funny story:

It was a bit nippy outside so I ripped out the handwarmers. I shook one up and took it out finding. About an hour later, we were talking to a teenage girl we met on the street. When I reached in to get my planner out of my pocket, I forgot the handwarmer was still in there. It was pipin'! I did a little mid-sentence scream/gasp. haha. My companion and her just laughed at me. But she probably thought i was a bit crazy and was keeping a pet hampster in my pocket that had just bit me or something. haha it was really funny and awkward.

Let the Holy Spirit Guide: I feel like I did a pretty good job at following the spirit this week. During finding and in lessons. Especially with that less-active I was talking about. Heavenly Father gave me the exact words to say to her it seemed. Also, this week we heartattacked a lady in our ward (putting hearts on her door and leaving a treat I think is what she means) who is going through some really tough things. We didn't get a lot of dinner time, but it was still a nice idea.

 Another cool thing was that one day when we were at another crosswalk, this boy kept standing really close to us and staring at our nametags. It was a bit weird, but I'm glad that sis Chris finally said hi because he turned out to be really needing someone to talk to and now he is the Elders' awesome investigator la. 

We did an English fast this week and did a lot better than last week. I still feel like i don't know enough as I should know, but whatevs. Did grandma get the letter i sent her?  Also, Dad, I want to know more about your mission stories and feelings out in the field. Maybe you could send me some copies of your journal or type them out?

I'm so happy that T. Family came to English class! Pray for them! I'm also really sad that we have to turn S. over. But it will probably be better for her to learn the gospel in Mandarin. You could start putting Sister N. name in the temple and pray for me to know what she is saying. I got your little vitamin/valentine package. thanks soo much!

I love you all. Also pray for me not to be grumpy and to be happier:)

Sis Ha

She said they made these (probably for Chinese New Year)

Moldy Walls, Pigeon Heads, Zone Conference and Meet the Mormons!

Hello gatihng,

Moldy walls because for P-day we cleaned mold off our walls.  fuuuuuunnn!

On Monday we yam chaahed (Dim Sum) (Chinese buffet) with two of our members. It was actually really fun! So, pigeon heads, because we ate pigeon and not the heads. They were really good. Maybe when I get back home I'll go out of my way to run 'em over on the road. ha. 

Later that night, we ran into a woman who had a very interesting view on God; she believed that God exists but doesn't believe IN Him or that he can help her. She said He is waaay too busy to know each of us individually or answer individual prayers. She was pretty hard to persuade otherwise, but I like the quote that Elder Uchtdorf gives in last General Young Woman's conference :"Yes, God loves you this very day and always. He is not waiting to love you until you overcome your weaknesses and bad habits. He loves you today with a full understanding of your struggles. He is aware that you reach up to Him in heartfelt and hopeful prayer. He knows of the times you've held onto the facing light and believed-even in the midst of growing darkness. He knows of your sufferings. He knows of your remorse for the times you have fallen short or failed. And he still loves you. And God knows of your successes; though they may seem small to you, He acknowledges and cherishes each one of them. He loves your for extending yourself to others,. He loves you for reaching out and helping others bear their heavy burdens-even when you are struggling with your own. He knows everything about you. He knows you clearly-He sees you as you really are. And He loves you today and always!!!" I really like this quote. 

Zone Conference, because well, we had Zone Conference. Which is always awesome and a nice break from running to and fro all day. At the begging, Pres Hawks made an announcement to all missionaries that five of us would have the opportunity to share about how this last month's emphasis on planning, purpose, and obedience have played a role into your work. He said; Don't worry you'll all find out who you are at least right before you are supposed to get up and speak. haha. I was praying before the second session of the conference and I absolutely knew I was going to be called on. haha so I quickly prepared something and sure enough. I just thought it was so funny how the spirit told me so bluntly. 

Meet the Mormons because they surprised us at the end of conference with the announcement that we got to watch Meet the Mormons! It was so awesome. And no wonder you guys like it so much. My favorite stories were the Candy Bomber (who BTW's is the grandpa of one of our missionaries who was here watching it with us for the first time) His little story made me cry. My other favorite was the woman and the son at the end. It surprised me to find out about her background when at first she just seemed to be a normal Mormon mom. Those sister missionaries are awesome.

 In English class I sat with a little girl I have helped before named W. (No, the T. Family didn't come this week:(). It was a little tender mercy because her dad seemed appreciative that I came to help her again this week. They even remembered my name.

Here is the link to President Uchtdorf's talk

Live the Gospel Joyful

"God gave us families to help us become what he wants us to be" - primary song

In an email from her sister:

So I am going to end with a truth that heavenly father has made clear to me this week...

Because something is hard, is why it's worth doing.

Growing is of God. Whether you are growing physically, spiritually, or intellectually it won't be easy but it will be worth it. - Aria

Tessa's response:

. And hard things are WORTH IT. They are worth it worth it worth it. My mission has been the most difficult struggle of my life and it actually gives me comfort, Aria, that we can do hard things TOGETHER. Not only you and I, but also with the Savior.