Welcome to Hong Kong

Okay so the last 3 days are kind of a blur but I'll try my best to let you know what all has happened. After I talked to you on Monday night, we flew to Taiwan. It was like 14 hours or something on a plane, and I actually was able to sleep quite a bit. When they served breakfast I had the option between an egg omelet or a traditional chinese seafood porridge. Of course I chose the seafood porridge. It wasn't terrible but definitely not the best (1. seafood porridge is what it is called 2. its airplane food).

When we arrived in Taiwan we went to find something to eat. I had a delicious bun with bbq pork in it, and we waited for our next plane. I am always amazed at how simple customs is in other countries. On my way to Hong Kong I met two really nice ladies going there on business. They helped me finish writing my testimony in my chinese book of mormon (in characters. WOOP WOOP) and then I gave it to the one named V as we were leaving the plane.

Then we went to meet the mission president/APs. They were all really nice, and I was on fire! We got outside finally and the heat was insaaaane. Like it isn't even THAT hot but because it is so humid here its almost like you cant breath the air is so wet and your whole body constantly feels sticky. By this time it was 1030am HK time (and 830pm utah time) so I was quite tired. But on we pushed. We had a bit of an orientation and stuff, and then were each given a book of mormon and we headed out to get our residency permits. I met so many awesome people! There was this man from HK whose grandparents were from India who was a hindu and spoke perfect english but was from Hong Kong. We talked a while and he told me a bit more about Hinduism and such, and how he believed it was true but not at the same time. Mostly he just believed in reincarnation. Then my number got called.

After that I met a few more people, a couple of moms and their children. They were so sweet. My cantonese is horrible but they all loved talking to me. I even was able to give one a book of mormon. She and her daughter were really kind. We laughed a lot and I was glad to be able to give it to them. Also everyone kept telling me that my cantonese was so good. but for real i know its not so good, but I'm trying. I really am trying. And then we went street contacting. This was really hard because we had a street display and most people wouldn't even look at us. But all the rejections are worth it when one person will give you even a moment of their time. There was one man, M, from mainland china who i spoke to who i gave a pamphlet on the plan of salvation, which is probably the most amazing thing I know about. I lovvvvvveeeee the plan of salvation! It was all I had on me, and its especially cool because in mainland china you can't preach the gospel, but if they come here they can receive it!

Then we went back and ate dinner, had interviews, and taught the APs one principle from the 1st lesson. We decided to teach about the book of mormon, but like... I was SO tired by this time I pretty much had a breakdown. I started laughing SO hard right as we were about to teach them and we had to go out into the hall until i could get myself under control. I was pretty much dyyying. Afterwards the APs had been taught by everyone they came in and asked everyone if they had any more questions. Me practically dead by this point asked when we could go to sleep. They let us go to bed a bit early (thank goodness) and i was so tired i just brushed my teeth and washed my face even though i hadn't showered in like 3 days by this point. I slept so much but it was so nice. This morning we found out who our trainers are. Mine is named sister E and she's from Washington. I'm in the same apartment as Sister M from the district at the MTC just older than us, and her companion as well. Apparently we have the nicest apartment in the entire mission too! My first area is Tuen Muen (say it toon-moon), which is in the New Territories. The only other person I know in my zone is Elder W. His area borders mainland and is just northeast of mine i think. I really like my companion so far. I think we'll work well together, and I am planning on working hard. today was kind of tough on my though and I think I could do better. It was really nice too because we saw almost everyone from the older district... actually i think i might have seen them all... Yeah. I saw them all!! :) I just love them!

Then we headed to Tuen Muen. We went to meet up with the elders to go shopping and to the library for computers, but ended up watching the best two years for quite a while before heading out of the church. We bought some food and now im on the computer. apparently we are teaching an investigator tonight a first lesson. I am excited about it, and just hope I am able to follow the spirit so I can teach with it and meet this person's needs. I am so blessed to be here in this wonderful country. It is going to be a lot of hard work, but I know that God will help me. I know the people who've gone before me will help me. Thanks for your prayers!


Love, Sister Black