Discipline is not what you think it should be...week 23

**Ian attended the temple with his district Monday so his P day was moved to Thursday.

Here's a couple experiences from this week:

On a more comedic note, I was able to go door knocking for the first time ever on my mission, and we met a lot of success (because if Chinese people aren't moving in a rush anywhere, they feel obligation actually to answer the door and entertain their guest, be it a stranger or a friend). We met this lady who looked about 80 years old. She proudly pulled out of the corner of her small house a rat in a cage that she had caught and immediately drowned. She did this immediately after shaking my hand, and I began to start wanting to get to the nearest MTR in order to wash my hands. She was very nice though, and was a machine when it came to telling us about her neighbors and their religious beliefs. She didn't have any interest, being Bai Sahn (she worships her ancestors), but we got many other new/potential investigators because of her.

On a much more serious and personally sacred note...

We went to the edge of our area to surprise visit an old investigator that I hadn't talked to or seen in a month because he wasn't answering his phone.

Chinese culture is definitely different from America. Physical Punishment is much more controlled in America, but it's actually promoted in china in order to have the same order promoted in schools and other organizations. We got to the 24th floor of the building and as soon as the elevator doors opened I recognized the painful shouts of his daughter followed by his harsh shouts. We walked out of the elevator and waited for a second or two, though it felt like an eternity. Both of us were uncomfortable and flinched every time we heard what we found out later was a back scratcher on her. We didn't want to be there, but we turned it to God. As we prayed, that feeling that we both dreaded but desired came into our hearts that we needed to go and ring the doorbell. Mustering my courage, I did so. He opened his door, looked directly in my eyes, and stood still. He was still wielding his back scratcher, his eyes started as a wild and intense stare, but he softened as he realized who we were. He looked down shamefully and let us in. I took my shoes off, took a quick glance at Elder Powell, and sat down. He got us some hot water because it was about 5 degrees celsius outside. We saw his daughter in the corner doing what looked like writing homework. I told her as tenderly as possible that it was good to see her. I tapped her shoulder and she flinched, but immediately relaxed realizing that it wasn't any hostile movement.

Our investigator sat down. We opened immediately went to the scriptures where it was about Lamoni's father taking upon the responsibility to share what he had learned from Aaron. He knew that he had the responsibility to be an example to others. Especially his family. What he didn't get was that we are to act in long-suffering, speaking as the Spirit does with a still small voice, a voice of love, hope and comfort.

He still was confused. I followed a prompting to share a personal experience with the guidance of the spirit as a missionary who's duty is to serve God and be a representative of Christ. He was much more understanding, and we closed up with saying that prayer is the way to invite the spirit into your daily activities. Reading the scriptures is how you learn how the spirit has worked in the lives of others. Going to church is for the purpose of seeing it having been operative in the lives of others as well and sharing your own experiences in order to grow and strengthen each other. He agreed and said that he would be coming to an activity that we have this saturday. That'll be amazing, because we're making what is the chinese equivalent of a cookie, but with twice as much butter.

I forgot the camera this morning because we were up, exercised, ready and out the door this morning for our temple session, which is actually why I didn't have the opportunity until today to get back to everyone until today.

I love the temple. It's so wonderful to go there.

Actually, about that, I got moved. I no longer live in the temple. As of last week today I have been living in Sha Tin New Town Plaza area. It's a lot more convenient and much less expensive to reach our area now that we don't have to spend 11.5 HK$ every day on the MTR (Hong Kong's subway system).

I'll have to send a picture next week, but we also have a new ward mission leader. His name is Jordan Lee. I actually knew him a little bit before my mission! More a friend of a friend, but still super cool because we have quite a few common friends. He actually remembers seeing me at the Provo Rec Center Life Guarding. Super big coincidence! He leaves for his mission in a month to Vancouver Canada speaking Mandarin Chinese (look out Cordon Farris!).

Brother Li, Elder Powell, Elder Taylor

This week is based on my working on the weakness recovery program. Alma 7:23 describes the specific parts that make up the whole essence of humility. I've been working on submissiveness so far, but I'm about ready to start studying the next topic.

I love my mission! I love the people, the place, my companion, district, the mission president, and above all, this Gospel that has provided the way to Eternal Life for all that are willing to have Faith, Repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and then Endure to the End.

Make sure that you are all going to the temple. If you cannot at the time, get ready to do so. That's literally the most important thing that you could ever do for yourself and your family.

I love you all!

P day at the temple

Why did the monkey cross the road? week 22

I am gaining weight, but I'm not sure where it's going. My pants are even slightly looser than they were initially. I think it may be the weight of the spirit.

Ponderize this week is Matthew 26:45. The soul is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Well, this week I officially had one full lesson because of all the rain. No one was able to come and they didn't want us to visit their houses (that's not out of the ordinary because Hong kong houses are about as big as my kitchen back home).

We found 3 new investigators though, and we had quite a few mini lessons. We also increased our english class attendance by quite a lot.

The situation for this week and the coming weeks as well as to do with the Ng family. They are a part member family. Sister Ng is the Relief Society president and is one of the nicest ladies I know here. You also have the 8 year old son who was just baptized a few months before I got here. The dad is not a member though. He's been attending church, meeting with missionaries, and even waits outside the temple for his wife and will talk to her and pray with her in the garden. He is too afraid of committing to something that he won't keep to. He doesn't do anything around his family or even in HK, but if he's traveling, there are word of wisdom issues that will come up that he is too easily beset by. We have set a goal with this family to have them sealed 1.5 years from now and to have him baptized this year. I really love this family. Gabby will call me "Yeti" because when I took my shoes off before entering their home, he realized that they were much larger compared to his dad's. He's going to do that forever now...great.

We also saw a monkey crossing the road. Taxis were getting really angry at it when it finally got out of the way and climbed up this wet light pole (almost slipped when it got up).

I've been working on a new method of study. Does everyone know what the addiction recovery program is from the church? Well, I'm pretty sure that I'm the only worthy Elder who has ever used one. President Lam said that when he did it as a Bishop, he called it the "weakness recovery book". I have gotten to the middle of Step 3. I cannot believe how much I have learned from it though. So much change has happened over the past few weeks of using it, and I am aware that all of the change is coming from increasing the level of thought I have towards my personal improvement as a missionary. Many personal studies have ended in many tears and 15 minute prayers begging for forgiveness. We are all imperfect. That's why we need this perfect gospel and a perfect God and a perfect savior.

I love you all, and I hope that you would take the invitation from me to share your testimony with someone that you care about today. LOVE YOU ALL! Jeunsau Gaaimihng and all that jazz! Hopefully the snow is staying for you all. We just get to revel in the rain and cooler weather:)

P.S. I also got to eat cuttlefish leg soup! Still not sure how to say it in chinese. It's probably the most complex wording I've heard so far. Good thing it's not too important.

Notes from mom:  Owen thought this was some pretty cool information from Elder Walker's blog.
The Cantonese word for Jedi is 長老, which is the same way to say "Elder" so that was cool.

Daak Laaht (how DO you spell this?) follow up...week 21

I don't have as much time today. Definitely spent a lot more time sending personal emails today than I usually do.

One funny incident is that I met a young man named Jordan Lee. He's originally from Hong Kong and speaks fluent Cantonese, but he also speaks english because for 5 years he lived in MAPLETON! He is friends with a guy I graduated with named Hunter Davis, and Jordan actually recognized me from being a lifeguard at the Provo Rec Center. He's going on his mission in a couple months to Vancouver, Canada. I know another guy who just headed to Toronto though (speaking Cantonese though).

Finally got a picture of Elder Tam, though it was by accident. The other elders got a hold of my camera and had a selfie smashdown.

Elder Tam:

We also have a new assistant. Elder Peacock is going home TODAY and I will never see him again, maybe, I hope I will though. 

President and Sister Lam, Elder McSweeney, Elder Peacock:

Elder Dale is from the UK. He's super Leng Jai (That is how people call you pretty boy here) and he's super good at speaking the language. We actaully have the same Chinese name (Daai) and he's a super nice guy (obviously, otherwise I don't think President Lam would want him there).  

Elder Dale:

My Ponderizing scripture this week is D&C 131:7-8. May we all seek to look through Heaven's Eye's. The purer eyes can help us simplify, reason, understand, and clarify for ourselves as well as for others. For my familia, remember the countless times that we have listened to that song and watched the movie that has that song about looking at your life through Heaven's Eyes.

I got a hand me down suit coat from Elder Peacock. "It's a little tight across the chest" (Lord of the Rings) but it's in pretty good condition and I think I can make it last through march when the temperature gets hot and we still have to wear suit coats.

Love you all. I hope you are all doing well and are all healthy.

Keep the Faith everybody!

That one guy in China,

Elder Ian Rane Taylor

P.S. Hong Kong is not only the best place ever, but due to slight warming up in the area, the monkeys are starting to come back to the area near the church at night. Super scary, but cool at the same time. Need to remember to not carry food with me on the way out of the church.

Notes from Mom:  "So Dak Laaht was a terrible idea from the beginning. No accidents, but I definitely was fighting for control when we were visiting the Lee family that night. Never gonna pull a stupid stunt like that again, even for a less active member (Who actually SHOWED UP ON SUNDAY!).

I love you all, and I know that our Father in Heaven is watching over you with eyes more pure than mine, and sometimes I swear I catch a glimpse of all of you kneeling in prayer together.

Keep the Faith, Hold to the Rod. Forbid none to come unto Him, for such is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Elder Taylor

China Hong Kong Missionary and full time soldier in the Army of the Lord.

Daak Laak...week 20

Today I eat the spiciest soup in Hong Kong. It's called Dak Laak. It's described as blood red gorillas punching you in the mouth over and over again. When it's hot, the steam is rising into your eyes so that you can't even look at it when your eating it. Half of the soup is your tears and the other half is meant to be the fury of every single person that you have ever annoyed...I'm in trouble. It's for a less active (Hugo/Handsome). He said that he would come if Elder Powell and I did this. I'll have pictures next week and a video that I'll have to show you when I get home.

Tomorrow I set my record for lessons in a day: 6. All of them I have either never met or met once before on the street. Lot's of Lesson 1. Lot's of new baptismal dates are planned now.

I honestly have no stories except this one:

We had this activity called a Leui Hang (pronounced Loee hung). It's where approximately 100 people got on a couple of buses, traveled to a fishing village in Yun Lung (Fish Dragon) and ate Dau Fu Fa (Raw tofu with can sugar. SUPER good and pretty healthy for being an early dessert). We then had dim sum where I ate: chicken in so many different ways I couldn't begin to describe, abalone, fish with creamed corn, eggplant, pork, lamb, and oranges to finish it off. We then went to a place that they are getting ready for fireworks at new years. It's got a strawberry field and a petting zoo next to it with pigs, goats, turtles, and fish. So many people became referrals and we got to meet and develop relationships with countless members and nonmembers as well as part member families.

My ponderizing scripture is the SMILE scripture. 2 Nephi 9:39. To be Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal. We should avoid sin in it's entirety, but we should also learn from our mistakes that we unfortunately will doubtlessly make.

Happy New Year Everyone! Happy Birthday to Simon, my big little brother, and also to Jacob Blonquist. Hope you like the pictures.

Seahorses (no I didn't eat one. They are super expensive).

 The fish in that tank next to Elder Powell is literally the biggest I have ever seen. It probably weighed 200 pounds. We really hoped it didn't just suddenly decide to get agitated, because that would have been a waste of a suit.

An unpoppable bubble.

Massive turtle,

 the bus that I had the opportunity to share my testimony to,

and Elder Powell with his own kind :)

Brother Lee, Elder Powell, Elder Taylor:

Bishop Mak and his wife, Elder Taylor, Elder Powell:

and Brother Au. All amazing men and woman with so much heart and conversion to the gospel. I'd be the worst missionary ever without these people.

The Christmas-New-Year Blast! Week 19

Well, hello everyone, and ALOOOOOOOO-HA! Not in Hawaii, but I thought I would give it a try. Didn't really work did it...

This week has been hectic. We have been having SO many lessons at the most inconvenient places in our area. We're jumping all over Tai Wai Hong Kong in order to get to these lessons. I'm so glad to say that we are having a huge BURST of success, be it in finding new investigators, or getting more progressing investigators. This is probably the best I have been doing all of my mission, though I haven't reached the baptism yet. That should be happening in February though!

Talking with family is a very strange experience, but I'm glad to see that my family is in Ship Shape and "Bristol Fashion" as Elder Cook would say.

I hope that Everyone had a good week and had a good Sunday/Monday so far. I love being ahead of everyone else in the world as far as time goes. It's crazy how that works.

This week, Elder Powell and I found 2 new investigators and have about 13 potentials. Still working on calling all of them. LOVE IT!

Shout out to my amazing Elder friend Enrique Cahua for killing it in that one place that he's serving... I think it's Texas...;)

My Pondering scripture is 2 Peter 1:1-10. This scripture is very similar to D&C 4:6, but I think it's more appropriately in depth and instructive. I think it's a good reminder of the need for eternal progression. Giving up the lusts of the world in the search for our call to virtue.

I also read a talk in the November Liahona (FINALLY GOT IT IN ENGLISH!). I really appreciate the talk "What Lack I Yet". The Spiritual Practice is definitely something I will be looking into and that I would invite you all to do as well: Ask your Heavenly Father that question "What Lack I Yet?" and just sit quietly waiting for a response. It may just come through your thoughts. It may come from a random comment from your companion unaware of your prayer reminding you that you need to write in your journal that night. I have found so many different ways that revelation comes and am SO grateful for that.

This is some of the Buddhas from when we went for last P-day to 10,000 buddhas. I lost count after about 5 or so. Sorry about last week and the slow computer problem! I hope you all have an amazing new year!

 The district:

The original selfie stick Buddha:

One of these guys is riding...A PEACOCK! The other one has the Eyebrows of Eternity and wisdom.

The pool of turtles...of eternity. Everything has "of eternity" at the end of it in Chinese.

That baby is forever rocking that pose... 

And Sister Jeung is forever such an awesome member of the Church with such a powerful testimony. I think it may be the first native testimony that I have actually understood (mostly). 
Me with Elder Powell and Sister Jeung (the amazing mom I mentioned).

Christmas in the Temple Apartment.

The district went Banner finding.  They sang Christmas carols in Cantonese and English:

Elder James telling the story of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" That was especially awesome because he has a slight tremor when he talks, but you couldn't tell. You would have LOVED it. I hope they got a video of it on the Facebook page or something. If not, that's too bad for you.

An additional picture from a building.  We were on the 45th-ish floor. That was one of the freakiest things I've seen. You can't even tell where the bottom is. This picture from soaring heights is at full zoom in, so yeah.  I couldn't tell what was lining the edge and asked Ian.  He replied, "People just leave stuff hanging out. Most people don't own a dryer (or sometimes they have more clothes than they can fit in their apartment)."

Notes from Mom:  This week we got our phone call from Ian for Christmas!  He actually called us on the evening of Christmas Eve.  It was wonderful to see him and hear his voice.  I'm attaching the email we received from the office elders.  

Hello Brother And Sister Taylor,

These are the assistants of the china Hong Kong mission. We would like to inform you that your son Elder Taylor will be skyping you at 10am Hong Kong time which is about 7pm on the 24th of December your time. If you have any questions please feel free to email us. Merry Christmas!

Elder Peacock (孔長老), Elder Liew (劉長老)

Assistants to the President

China Hong Kong Mission

中國香港傳道部會長助理

Cell: (852) 9751-9706

Office: (852) 2337-7556

One of many screen shots of Ian:

On the # day of christmas my mission gave to me...week 18

I have eaten way to much. In one week I gained 5 pounds. I have a lot of money left over because people keep feeding us (that or we have no time for a meal so we just don't eat. Still don't feel super fat though, and I am definitely keeping word of wisdom standards.

People really like GamSaa (The golden ball Ferrero Rocher chocolate ball things) and they'll give them to you until you run away or explode.

I have four old friends with me. Sisters Lo and Nettles and I get to keep Elder Walker with me in the District. 50 percent of the mission is now 6 months or less experience in the mission. My MTC companion and Elder Warner from our MTC group are companions now in the New Territories. Inspiration that will bring forth miracles.

Speaking of miracles, I found 2 very special men this week. One is Horis, who has not talked to missionaries for 10 years, almost as tall as me and about 40 pounds heavier (not fat at all).

The other man is amazing. Missionaries were teaching him in September, but he disappeared into mainland never to be seen again...or so we thought. I was calling on the potential list and saw the name and didn't recognize it (boy was I exhausted). I called it, heard him and when I asked him if it was Toby, I remembered. He is back in Hong Kong. We have met with him once. We have a scheduled baptism for the end of the transfer in February. What a miracle. I will send pictures when I actually remember my camera in a lesson.

This week was also the "My conversion" testimony meeting. A member of our ward named Sister Jeung (pronounced jerng). She has such a powerful testimony, and she is also one of the sweetest and most patient mothers I have ever met (though not in comparison to the woman that gave me life and the light of the gospel whom I dearly call mom). She has a little 1 year old named HayHay who is a monster and an angel. By the time she had finished her testimony last night, Hay Hay had successfully given me a stack of about 30 hymn books that he had been stealing from the pews. She's originally from mainland, but she speaks fluently both Mandarin and Cantonese. She's actually a life saver for Sister Kino and Ellsworth, who are the Mandarin missionaries that visit about every couple of weeks. I have a picture with her and Elder Powell from last night.

My ponderization scripture is probably one of the most widely used and most widely ignored and hypocritically used. Matthew 5: 3-12, rightly called the Beatitudes. I would desire to emphasize two points that are essential for FAMILIES. Blessed are the Peacemakers and the Pure in Heart. Ponder the meaning of the meaning of being called the children of God and "see[ing] God." An example of the Believers is a peacemaker and has pure and humble desires to do what is right  in serving those that are around them. If we apply these principles in the home, it invites the spirit of peace and charity into the halls that are meant to be the most hallowed in our worlds.

I read those two specific verses hundreds of times over and over, going to every cross reference possible, and discussed it with Elder Powell, who agreed with me that in addition to the rest of the principles in this scripture, the home's true foundation is based and structured around making peace and building hearts that are pure. Look to the children that are sinless and without guile. How could something so simple and tender have the ability to apply the most powerful tool and build the most sturdy foundation? Don't overcomplicate it. Follow the guidance of the spirit, and use the Light of Christ to discern the good from the evil (evil in this case could also be considered confusing or useless or distracting).

When we get rid of all of that fluff, The extra functions, parentheses, and finish through the order of operations which are faith, repentance, baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (and renewing those covenants and the worthiness to have those gifts with us through the sacrament) and enduring to the end, we can realize that it comes down to our agency. Learning the Laws, Knowing Good from Evil, and a consequence connected to our action, be it a blessing from God or a curse that we place on our own heads. The example of Christ is given and explained. It ISN'T SUPPOSED TO BE THAT HARD!

Read the Conference talk from President Monson from the Sunday Morning Session. There's more in there than you can find.

LOVE YOU ALL! SHOUTOUT TO CHANCE FARR!

PS Chance, I might end up actually being your trainer when you show up. That is my reason for pushing myself really hard right now for language. Who knows though. I hope you're not stuck with me, but that still would be SO cool. Springville to Hong Kong like your life depends on it!

Move Calls...week 17

So this week, we have end of transfer move calls. I will no longer be with Elder Tung. He's headed to Pok Fu Lam learning again sau yuh (sign language). I will be with Elder Powell, who is the legend of being the "Happiest Missionary in Hong Kong". Super excited. I'm staying in the temple. I have pictures of my district in our last district meeting before move calls. They are all such amazing missionaries. Sister Hansen and Sister Cochran are both leaving this Thursday. Sad to see them go, but I have learned so much from them.

About Skype, I have found out that I actually might be able to do that. Dad, could you please set up an account for me so that I can then use it in an internet cafe in my area to call you all. Please be utterly specific in any instructions you send, otherwise, I might not be able to do it. All the computers are in chinese, so I am relying on memory of functions here. But also, we are actually allowed here to have 1 hr of skype. Tell me what day and what time you would want me to call you. HK is 15 hours ahead of you (so at 00:00 on Dec 25 in Utah, it will be 15:00 in Hong Kong for the same day). If you have other questions, email me and I will get back to you. I don't have to call you on christmas day though. Just some time that week or the next week.

Also, my Christmas gift to you, Dad, is a little info about magical chinese medicine. Elder Tung says that if you do this every day for a month, you with get rid of your allergies:

Take 1 cup of raw soybeans. Immerse them in water and let them soak over night.

Peel the outside layer in the morning. Should be relatively easy.

Immerse peeled soybeans in boiling water for 6-8 minutes.

Immediately blend in a blender and drink. It's not meant to taste good. It's gross. Start when your allergies start acting up and see what happens though.

Elder Tung and I have been through a hard transfer together. We have no progressing investigators, our finding is very unsuccessful most of the time, and I still struggle with language because that's the way that missionary work is supposed to feel. We are still happy though. Still feeling the spirit. Still loving the work. Still doing our best every minute of the day.

Ponderization this week is about that. Even when Mormon and Moroni had a literally hopeless people, God still had a work for them to do. Maybe it's supposed to be a trial. Whatever it may be, growth comes because it's from God. I've come to be able to feel calm in the most panicked of situations. I say what needs to be said when I myself have no words. I love this work. I love remembering the birth of Christ. This is His work. Moroni 9:6

Picture 1: Left to Right is Sisters Gamboa and Hansen (Tai Wai) and Sisters Cochran and Yong (Sha Tin)

Picture 2: Elders Walker (training with me) and Zone Leader Elder Phung (he's from California).

Picture 3: Liu Wa (Mandarin for "Green Frog")

To Adam, I met this Less active. His name is Hugo (he calls himself "Handsome" as his name). 

He really likes Legos. He's 12 turning thirteen in about 2 months. Could you send me pictures of some of your fine creations so that I can show him? Here are some of his Legos.

Also my last sunday dinner with Elder Tung. Eggs on Rice with a sauce made of Ketchup, tomatoes, salt sugar, and companionship unity.