February 18, 2015
Hello family!
Last week in Moscow
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| Sister Worthen and me |
Things almost seemed too easy here! It definitely was a tender mercy from the Lord, but me and my companion got along perfectly, the winter wasn't even that cold, and I could speak English! Life was a breeze. Of course there were the typical mission hardships like being tired and getting rejected, etc. but life was pretty great!
Excited to go to Taiwan
So I'm excited to go to Taiwan and be in culture shock! I'm ready for the challenge of learning to love new people again. It will be wonderful to sound dumb in Mandarin and make myself vulnerable because I know it will humble me and force me to rely on the Lord since I won't even know how to communicate with people. I know the food might also be a big adjustment, but I know it will make me try to be more understanding and appreciative of other cultures. All of these things begin my next adventure!
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| Twins |
I will miss Moscow so dang much though! And when I say that, I'm really referring to the people. My companion Sister Worthen has been so great! We've become so close over time so it will be weird starting from fresh and getting to know someone all over again. I've loved being in a married student ward and I have really become friends with so many of the members. I know that whatever ward I'm in next will be very different and most likely a family ward.
I also know they likely will have a different mentality about missionary work; the Bishop might not be quite as enthusiastic and the members likely will not be as involved. I really have never even heard of a ward like ours before! Being involved with the missionaries here really is an expectation. Right when new couples move in, they get involved right away and it's been such a blessing! The members are proactive about inviting their friends to activities and it's so much more effective that way! Bishop works for a property company so he meets with people all the time so we receive tons of referrals from him and that helps a ton! I'm going to miss all of these things, but I know Taiwan will be awesome too!
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| Heart attack |
5 course meal and heart attack
Valentine's Day was super fun! We went over to the Goodwins and cooked a 5 course meal together for her husband. It was great being back in the kitchen and making fancy recipes! It was all delicious and it was fun being their waitresses. It meant so much to them that they could enjoy a meal together and sit down for the entire thing and visit while we brought it all out. We also made tons of valentines and heart attacked them to members' doors which was really nice too.
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| Lookin' legit |
Heavy rifle
While visiting Ting & Tom (our recent convert), we got to try some of Tom's military gear! When we walked into the living room, he was doing something with oil to his rifle on the couch. Casual. So we just sat next to him and started talking. We finally commented on how he was just chilling with his rifle. He let us hold it and then he brought out all of his gear that he wore in the Middle East. It was really cool seeing it up close and trying it all on. Man, is it heavy! He then told us to try running and crawling and jumping around, because that's how it is in real life. I could hardly jump.
Spokane Temple
Today we were able to go to the Spokane temple which was really neat! It was the smallest temple I've been in so far but very pretty! I'm glad I was able to go before leaving :)
Love and His Friends
This week I've been thinking about love because of Valentines day and especially about some scriptures in John chapter 15 verses 9-14:
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| Spokane Temple |
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
These are interesting verses for me to ponder. If we keep the commandments, then we will feel the Savior's love. But most of all, I love how He calls us His friends. It makes it so personal to know He views us that way and it makes me feel closer to Him.
What I picture when I pray
I remember a few years ago I was talking to my mom one night and she asked me what I picture when I pray. I told her I picture someone watching over me from up high above in Heaven -- this sort of all-powerful type of Being. We talked some more about that and she gave me some new ideas that I've tried to apply in the way I pray. I've made it a goal to truly picture myself talking to a friend now when I pray, because I know that's how He thinks of us. This helps me to know someone is listening and that I can really open up and feel like someone is not so far away.
Time's basically up, but I love you all ... and you're in my prayers!
Tuesday
I'm excited to fly out on Tuesday! I'll find out more details when I receive my travel itinerary in the mail tomorrow.
Thanks for all the support and love! Love you all!!!
Sister Sinclaire Hancock
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| Bible brunch |
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| Sisters and Elders |
We're so excited for your next part of your mission in Taiwan! I'm glad you've had some great experiences in Moscow, and for those you've worked with and grown to love. Best to you and your new journey!
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