Arise from the Dust!

Our neighbor brought us Zhong Zi for Dragon Boat Festival!

Every week on Tuesday and Wednesday for a half hour, our district goes to a corner and invites people to English class (at stoplights on their scooters and such). This week we changed the time from when it normally is. Right before we were supposed to go out it started POURING. On our way there, it started thundering. We go and do our half hour, getting soaked through, and as we're coming back, it stops. And it's sunny again. And we're all still soaking wet. I think it was God's way of telling us to keep it at the original time. Haha. But it's actually so much fun in the rain! And I'm loving the thunderstorms here, so exciting!

Yesterday back in Utah my baby nephew was blessed. I didn't get to see his, but in our branch in Taiwan, I got to see the Xu family's baby's blessing. So special, God's tender mercies :)

The food in Taiwan is really amazing! And people love to give us food. The other day in the park we were talking to this lady and she let us (/made us) eat all her pineapple. People are so nice here! But I've gotta say, I've been missing Grandma's homemade spaghetti and meatballs. Yesterday at our potluck Sister Kailiponi (senior missionary) brought spaghetti with homemade sauce! I was so happy, and it was really good. (But not as good as yours grandma!).

I forgot last week! So here's extra Taiwan fun: 

1) No one goes anywhere when it's raining (church, English class, lessons...)

2) Everyone takes afternoon naps, about 1:00 pm

3) They cover their skin in the sun; here whiter skin is "beautiful"

4) Cheese is SO expensive. So we don't eat much cheese...

5) Myth: all Asians are short. This is false. There are tall Asians.

6) Sometimes there are these puppet shows on the street

1020 Chinese Characters - Language:Phase 2  :) 

This week I've had a lot of growth (not vertically obviously...). But I really am starting to understand the Atonement, and "the refiners fire." If we're humble enough (or a companion is loving enough to help you be humbled) the Lord can show you where you can improve and where you can be "perfected in Him". I know that's true. I also know that we can get too down on ourselves, or lose focus, or just be a little lazy. In the beginning of second Nephi, Lehi tells his sons to "arise from the dust" and "be men." I love that, and have taken that as a wake up call when I need it. So if you ever find yourself in the dust of selfishness or laziness, or obliviousness, or halted-progression, "Awake! And arise from the dust".

Love you all! Don't give up! Help a friend!

-Sister Biancardi