Another week has come and gone in the glorious city-state of Singapore :) This one has been full of ups, downs, turn-it-all-arounds, hey Macarena! :) Since last I've been able to experience even more of that lovely, torrential Singapore rain, as well as some other great and fun times. :)

So, on Tuesday we had the opportunity of meeting with an investigator who's been being taught since about April. He is SUCH a cool guy! To describe what he was originally like prior to his investigation of the Church (in the words of one of the other missionaries here in Singapore): "He was a cold-hearted Communist from China." Which is pretty much all the description necessary for him. He was born and raised there, and has moved over here for work purposes.

On this past Fast Sunday we as a companionship fasted with him; the lesson we'd had with him just prior to that fast included a promise from Elder Frey (my trainer) that if he would fast and pray with real intent, he would receive an answer that this Church was true. Tuesday we were a little worried about whether or not he'd prayed and fasted sincerely enough to receive the desired answer. As we met and talked with him, our fears were quieted! It was SO AWESOME! Our discussion ranged from eternal life to the spirit world, finally coming to a halt at baptism. He'd been challenged to be baptized before, and his date was set for sometime in September. But after the Spirit-led lesson we'd just had, that baptismal date got moved up to August 17! Yeah, that's this Saturday, boys and girls! Awesome awesome awesome! :)

Also this week, after watching a clip from 'The District' for training, both me and Elder Frey felt very good and very strongly about beginning some sort of Family History movement among our YSA. In December our ward is going on a temple trip to Taiwan, and we both want our YSA to be prepared with their own family names. Operation Family History has been discussed with the ward mission leader now, and this week we're going to talk with the family history consultant in the 2nd Ward. Once we get the green light, the party is gonna start, and it's gonna be awesome :)

So in D&C 67:10, we read: "And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me [the Lord] and know that I am--not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual."

I've read this verse many times before, and always it's provided some measure of comfort for me. This week I've been working on having patience and hope (see Preach My Gospel, Ch. 6, for more info :) ), and this scripture just resonates with the clarion call of both of these. :) As we strip ourselves from jealousies and fears, as we let go of our pride and humble ourselves, as we turn from self to service--we are allowed to change and become who we're really meant to be. It takes time, though; sometimes, I think, we all forget that we're meant to not only be patient with others, but with ourselves. This is something that I've been learning this week as I've seen some of my personal defects and have learned ways that will hopefully correct them.

Patience is trusting in God's will and His timing (see PMG Ch. 6, folks, it's really good! :) ). I testify that as we are patient and humble ourselves, the Lord will refine and shape us into instruments and tools that can serve Him to the fullest :)

God be with you all till we meet again!

Mai Zhanglao :)