Scatter Sunshine

Dearest Family,

Sister Aro and I struggled this week but it was wonderful to meet President and Sister Hawks.When President Hawks asked us, "How are you doing?" We instantly replied, "Great!" (because we always have that mindset that everyday is going to be great!) but we couldn't trick him because his next question is, "How are you doing really?" :) 

Sister Hawks and I just got emotional and she remembers when I just barely got here and she even asked me about my future plans ^o^ and she just reminded me to be where the Lord can find you and it's going to happen so fast. 

How I just love them and I am grateful for their example and the influence they've had on me. This mission is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life and I've never worked hard before but this has been the happiest time of my life and the most fulfilling, and definitely a defining moment. 

My companion already knew me before she came to Hong Kong because she was acquainted with Elder Posadas and she tried to searched me on the internet, how embarrassing I thought but she said she was surprise that I was just different and that I've changed from those photos. So true! I'm grateful for Sister Aro and I've seen her grow as she leads our companionship. She's like my two younger sisters rolled into one and we've seen so much miracles together and we are enjoying the work as we are united in our purpose and we find joy in this work of salvation. We're always on LSS with the hymn, Scatter Sunshine because that's just what we do! 

In conclusion, I gave a talk on the Restoration and like what the prophets have said, it's not something that has happened but we are living on it right now and isn't it amazing how we are enjoying the fruits of the Restoration and we are so blessed with it! The most important truth revealed which is also the very core of the gospel is the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ that simply encompasses everything. How grateful I am for it. It's very humbling and amazing how the Lord helps us in this work. may we always remember Him. He is there. He is always there for you.

Mom and Dad, I always mention it in my talks how grateful I am for the both of you because I couldn't be where I am at without you. Thank you so much for being an example of being obedient to God's commandments and of living the gospel! I love you both! Yesterday, it was the couple missionaries, Elder and Sister Stott's 51st wedding anniversary then I remembered you, please wait for me til you celebrate your 25th anniversary! :)

This is something that I included in my talk which really struck me:

I can live with some human imperfections, even among prophets of God—that is to be expected in mortal beings. I can live with some alleged scientific findings contrary to the Book of Mormon; time will correct those. And I can live with some seeming historical anomalies; they are minor in the total landscape of truth. But I cannot live without the doctrinal truths and ordinances restored by Joseph Smith, I cannot live without the priesthood of God to bless my family, and I cannot live without knowing my wife and children are sealed to me for eternity.

May we all scatter sunshine, share the wonderful message of the Restoration as we live it through our examples, all along your way and to cheer and bless, and brighten every passing day! 

Love,

Sister Posadas

Embark in the Service of God

Hello everyone! I love you so much!

I just want to share this link from this year's mutual theme for the youth that I found and I hope you can find time to read through the counsel from church leaders and enjoy this short video clip:

https://www.lds.org/youth/video/embark-in-the-service-of-god-2015-theme-song?lang=eng

It's really a sacred and wonderful privilege to serve God and His children and I know that we can do it in our own ways as we do our part to give our all, our heart, might, mind, and strength in service, we can change the world and most importantly, we, ourselves our changed in the process. 

We went to the Temple last week and I've learned a lot being in this mission. I'm also grateful for the faith of the members here. They really are pressing forward as they stay to live a virtuous life and make it a commitment to be able to attend the Temple at least once a month and help their deceased ancestors. Their examples have taught me a lot and strengthened me as well. When a member of the church doesn't only practice their religion through lip service but live the gospel by heart and truly act as a true disciple of Jesus Christ inspires us missionaries and I know that they're making so much difference in this world and in hastening the work of salvation

May we always find joy in being able to serve and may we always remember the two greatest commandments. 

I'm pretty busy so sorry for not being able to email much. I'm happy as always!

Love,

Sister Posadas

*district photos during Temple Day and Elder Townsend, our district leader has a selfie stick! :)

My Year Ender

Dearest Family,

Everyday in December was just tremendously miraculous! I couldn't help but feel grateful for God's help in this work but of course, everyday should be as miraculous and especially for the coming new year. We now know better how to work harder to have this new normal and improve it even more in 2015. 2014 was really a terrific year, it was really a life-changing one.

My companion and I really enjoyed the Nativity Pullback Finding as the Nativity Scene in the Wan Chai Church really attracts people especially little children and as we stood at the entrance playing the He is the Gift video, we did our best to try to contact everyone who passes by the street. Regardless of whatever race they may be, we were ready with our fliers in Chinese and English. We were just so excited about this new finding strategy for Christmas! There were a lot of rejections but we were never weary, we just wanted them to hear about the glad tidings that we bring that we have our Savior Jesus Christ and it is because of our love for God and for our fellowmen that just keeps us going! Sister Aro and I both knew little Cantonese enough to introduce ourselves as missionaries and it was just awesome that some people did accept our fliers and would take photos of the Nativity scene. Somehow, we know that a good seed had been planted within them. We were able to help Filipinos who were lost along the way and get numbers so that we could set an appointment with and have them come to church next time. We also saw how all the other missionaries were enthusiastic about the Nativity Finding! It was really cool!

This week, Sister Aro and I were able to hand out 16 copies of The Book of Mormon and we were able to teach a lot of Lesson 1 or the Restoration message with our new investigators, most of them were member referrals. We were able to find people who were no longer active in the church on the streets too and also former investigators. We also had three pullbacks this week and it was amazing because we never had any pullbacks last month. We've proven that the cool weather is definitely not a hindrance for Filipinos to come to church. They aren't hiding. As we exercised our faith and be diligent in the work, we were led to those who are willing to hearken to the message and not harden their hearts. We were able to teach an Indonesian Muslim and as we read with her Alma 7:10-13 to help her know more about Jesus Christ, she liked those verses and it made her say that Jesus is a good man. 

We just loved how our teachings were centered on Jesus Christ and I do feel that the Spirit was strongly testifying on us as we teach. I'm grateful because Sister Aro and I were so blessed to be guided by the Spirit as we continue to prayerfully seek and ask to have the gift of discernment. As we get to know our investigators better, they really had that light in them as they share their feelings towards their Savior. They are very thankful for Him. We were able to help meet their needs because of the Spirit's help. Most of our new investigators are new here in Hong Kong. They are still very homesick and are having a hard time adjusting. We thought that it was just the perfect time for them and that God truly answered their prayers and ours as we were led to find each other and as representatives of Jesus Christ, we really wanted to help those who are sick, distressed, and lonely because that's just what Jesus did when He ministered here on earth. As I continue to ponder the experiences I had in this mission and change myself to be more like my Savior, my thought, actions, and words slowly changes and I constantly ask myself lately, "If Christ had my opportunity, what would He do? What would He want me to do?"

It was really good to see the members bring their family and friends to church this Christmas season and it was truly a wonderful experience for the sisters who are far from their families to celebrate their Christmas in the church and feel the warmth and love there. 

Thank you for the birthday greetings. My birthdays in the mission are really the simplest. I didn't have the feeling of wanting to have a cake but I'm grateful for all of God's blessings and those who were baptized this month. I feel better than giving than receiving on my birthday and the best gift I could give is myself as I lose myself in the service of God and of my fellowmen. I'm happy to give my heart to Him, holding back nothing. 

It was really a Merry Christmas indeed! I hope you all had a very meaningful one too this year. Know that you are always in my prayers.

I just want to share these verses in Mosiah 27: 36-37:

And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer. 

And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace ; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth. 

I'm so happy being a missionary! Happy New Year!

See you all next year! (The weirdest feeling ever?) 

Love,

Sister Posadas

Enjoy the random photos:

-Last Pday, we went to visit a member and her place was far from the city. It was really good to be there and she made pizzas for us and Filipino food! Yum!

-Sister Aro and I enjoy each other's company so much! The sisters are really sweet and thoughtful for all the Christmas treats, it was really funny how a sister gave us those dolls for us to play! (We know we look like kids though)

-Peninsula 2nd branch Christmas party

-My birthday selfie in blue. HAHA