Faith + Diligence = POWER

Halloween Costumes for English class

This week we had our Halloween Party! Woo-hoo! Our costumes were simpler than last party, but fun. I was Snow White and Sister Basko was Red-riding Hood. We had donuts on a string, bobbing for apples, making pumpkins out of playdough, and pin the face on the pumpkin, it was way fun, and the homemade donuts were delicious :)

Donuts on a String Game

Taiwan:

1) Has really tasty bread; all different kinds, super tasty

2) There's houses are all in a row; all connected sort of. And in front of the front door there's a little area (sometimes covered sometimes not) to park your car and then in front of that there's a gate. Yeah. I wish I could draw a picture...

3) The men here chew beetle nut, a really gross drug thing; like tobacco sort of, but red and grosser. Bleck!

Typical Street Market in Taiwan

This month our mission is focusing on faith and diligence. Though these things, we are already seeing miracles! I know every time we do something pleasing to God, especially when it's really hard, we are blessed. Keep following the Spirit, keep obeying, especially when it's hard!
You got this!

-Sister Biancardi

Beautiful Rice Fields

Ninjas and Oreos

Sisters Ninja

Hello!

Taiwan is still hot.... I can't believe it. Today was the first day that it was nice and cool. But I've heard it'll get really cold really fast; there's no autumn here, just straight from summer to winter. So I'll keep you updated.

For Halloween we ate the small amounts of candy and Oreos that we found in our house. That was our rebellious celebration, haha. But Sister Chen and Anderson did dress up as ninjas for a couple minutes, that was fun too. Next week we'll have our English Halloween Party, yay :D Taiwan does celebrate Halloween, but not nearly as much as America.

Something I've learned this week is that relationships take work; relationships with companions, with investigators, with friends, with family, with God... Just like a growing a plant, you can't build a relationship and then leave it alone and expect it to be fine. It needs constant nourishment. If a relationship in your life seems stale and stagnant the nourishment it likely needs is communication. When you pray do you really communicate with God? Or are they just words. God is our Father and He wants us to have a good relationship with Him. It will take a little bit of work, but it's worth it.

Have an awesome week!

-Sister Biancardi

Becoming

Hello!

Well... after the temple there isn't too much to report, haha. But Alexis, our new member is started to help us "peike" (help us with lessons); so fun! Also we went to a night market to invite people to our English class but it turned out to be a crazy carnival thing. It looked super fun! But weird to be there as a missionary, haha. English class was crazy as usual (we still teach the little kids class).  Yeah!

Taiwan!!! (I haven't done this in a long time, sorry!)

- They pull out umbrellas in the sun and I think it's the cutest thing

- They can find a way to put everything and anything and anyone on a motor scooter

- Honking on the road means 1 of three things: 1) Letting you know I'm behind you (nice honk...but it still scares me) 2) You're in my way 3) I'm doing something illegal; watch out

This week we also had exchanges where we switch companions for a day. It was good and made me think a lot about what I can do better. Something I've worked on my whole mission (and probably will my whole life) is communication. The key to good relationships and ultimately the key to staying happy. At least for me. There was one time in particular this week that there was something on my mind and I knew I needed to talk to my companion about it. It was really hard to get it out at first, but afterwards, I felt so much better. I know open communication is always the option, which is so not easy for me. But I also know the best things we can do for ourselves are not going to be easy. Keep on working on strengthening your weaknesses and striving to become better. It's worth it!

-Sister Biancardi

Temple, Temple! TEMPLE!

Long day! Here's how it went! Woke up at 4:40 -started biking to Daya at 5:30; got there at 6:10 - got on the bus and left at 6:30. It was about a 2 hour ride there so we watched Ephraim's Rescue on the fancy TVs on the fancy bus :)

Then we were at the temple about 9:00 until about 1:00. After we took pictures for a little bit, we headed back. We watched the Joseph Smith movie on the way back :) Got back to the church at about 3 and biked back to our area to have the rest of P-day. Yay!! Great day!

Enter in at the Gate

Hello!!

This week was pretty crazy and exciting. They say there are always trials before a baptism. They were so right. But thanks to all your prayers it all got worked out, and Alexis was baptized last Saturday! Yay! I am so happy for her to be able to take this important step in her progress. We often compare baptism to a gate, opening up to the pathway back to Heavenly Father. Once we enter in at the correct gate, we still need to "press forward with steadfast faith in Christ" in order to reach our goal of eternal life in the presence of God. As she continues to follow Christ's teaching in her life she'll reach that goal. How cool!!

This week we also got an opportunity to have an interview with our Mission President. It's a great chance to ponder and discuss our progress so far. I feel like every time I stop and think about my progress I'm like "Wow, I've changed so much! So awesome!" and then, the very next thought is "I've got SO FAR to go...." But I'm so grateful I have the help and strength that comes from Christ's Atonement. When we learn about Him and his gospel, and apply those teachings into our lives, it gives us power and strength beyond our own to accomplish goals and become better. It's so amazing!

Also. Today is not our P-day :( Because tomorrow we get to go to the temple!! :D Yay! I'm so excited and hopefully I can tell you more about it tomorrow or next week.

Remember to rely on the One who can never fail you. Remember to Enter in at the Gate, follow the path and "Stay in the Boat!" And remember to keep being awesome!

-Sister Biancardi

Words of the Prophets

Hello!!

This week was great! We saw miracles, found some new investigators (for us and other missionaries), and listened to our beloved prophet speak. The biggest miracle to me was Alexis preparing for baptism. We've been teaching her for the past couple months and she is amazing. She's all set to be baptized this Saturday. But I know from experience Satan doesn't like people getting baptized and will do everything to tempt them and try their faith, so please pray for Alexis! I'll let you know how it goes next week.

Goofing Around with Alexis

Alexis this weekend was able to come with us and watch all of General Conference. That was another miracle. General Conference is a big meeting for all the members of our church and anyone who wants to join. Over the course of two days we watch 10 hours of amazing, inspired men and women of God give incredible talks and council. This year I especially learned about truth, temples, prophets, and revelation. 

On a hike together

One example about truth that I loved said "Resenting the law of gravity won’t keep a person from falling if he steps off a cliff". That is truth. And I know that this gospel and this church, is true in that sense of the word. It is true whether or not we believe it. It is true whether we are in a time of despair or a time of plenty. God is literally our Father and He loves us. I invite you to go online and watch these inspiring messages. And if you don't want to, or are wondering why I'm inviting you, watch the last talk first (David A. Bednar), he'll explain it.  www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/come-and-see?lang=eng

Night Market at TaiZhong

Love you all! Have a good week!

-Sister Biancardi