Church and Cheese

So today we left at 7:00am and rode a bus for 2 hours to arrive in Shenzhen at 9 for District Conference. I slept most of the way there. Conference started at 10 so we were an hour early. It’s an international district there were not that many Chinese people, the only ones there were spouses of foreigners. We sang Joseph Smith’s vision for our opening song. It was amazing to be in China yet singing about something that happened in America with people from all over. They read a statement about how members of the church are not allowed to share the gospel with Chinese nationals. BUT as one of the speakers talked about in her talk about missionary work, we are allowed to talk with other foreigners about the gospel. Its quite an experience living here.

For our middle song we sang “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go Dear Lord” which was kinda fun because we were all here in China for one reason or another for whatever reason. The longer that I’m here, the longer I feel like this is where I am supposed to be right now. I’m not sure why exactly yet.

Elder Jui Chang Juan, an area 70 spoke to us last. He is so funny! He talked about a lot of different things, but I just really enjoyed it. He made a lot of jokes but made some really powerful analogies and some experiences. I don’t know. I feel like being a better person now.

After church we went to President Colin Robinson’s house for lunch. It was divine! We had Hawaiian haystacks. I can’t remember the last time I recognized everything on my food. It was so good! There was delicious cheddar cheese. I have not had cheese at all since I’ve been here and I miss it so much! All you people in America go right now to your fridge and eat some cheese. Right now. Do it! Just kidding, but seriously. You are so blessed! I can’t wait to eat cheese all the time when I get back. We asked them where they got the cheese and they said you can get it at an import store. But talking to one of the girls from the other school she said it’s pretty expensive. So maybe for special occasions and holidays? ALSO, Isabella, one of my Chinese friends said she knows a cheese store and I’m hoping it’s cheaper. It might be different cheese or taste differently, but hey, I’m in CHINA, I do what I can. And now that I just spent a whole paragraph talking about cheese…moving on.

We had a short fireside following lunch and talked about church in China. Since we are pretty far away we won’t be able to come every week so we are going to meet with the Shenzhen branch via skype. And since we have priesthood we will be able to pass the sacrament as well. Basically we are going to be a twig. Twig = a branch of a branch. The Zhongshan Twig. I love it. They sure are taking care of us. They got us speakers so we can clearly hear and a hot spot thing so we have internet to skype. They are great! I love our district leaders! Also, after the fireside they had cookies and fudge for us. I love me a good down to earth chocolate chip cookie.

I love that even though I am far from home, in another country, halfway across the world, the church is the same. Where 2 or 3 are gathered, there will I be also. I loved meeting with other faithful saints and feeling the spirit. I hope I get to go a couple more times while I am here. But I am so grateful that I will be able to receive the sacrament each week while here. I am grateful for my Savior who died for me and everyone else in the big world. I am beginning to realize more and more just how many people there are. I am grateful for a people who love to serve and even though they don’t know us, they are so welcoming, letting us come into their home and feeding us delicious food. The Church is true wherever you go! I love the gospel. I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I’m just feeling so blessed today!

Tender Mercy: Cold watermelon here tastes as delicious as cold watermelon in America. I love it.