Christmas in Taipei

Here in Taiwan, Christmas is not a holiday. People still go to work and to school. Stores are all open. Shoppers scurry back and forth, not laden with Christmas gifts, but with food from the fresh market for the daily simple fare. Cars and motorcycles noisily make their way through the crowded traffic - not crowded because of Christmas travelers, but just crowded - like everyday. 

But at Christmas time, the temple grounds displays a large nativity of Jesus Christ's birth. I am touched by the loving embrace of Joseph as he and Mary cradle the new born Babe. It was a sacred, holy reverent experience, never to be forgotten. In humble surroundings, without fanfare, perhaps away from extended family and friends - the most significant birth in the history of this world took place. There were no parties. There were no large family gatherings. There were no games, big meals, delicious snacks, sports, or family activities. There was, of course, no Christmas tree, no wrapped gifts beneath it's boughs. No Santa Claus. No cookies. 

But there was a new Light in the sky! 

And in Taiwan there are lots of Christmas lights!  They grace high-end shopping malls and small mom and pop shops. There are Christmas decorations nearly everywhere, encouraging shoppers to take advantage of Christmas sales.

 

That first Christmas had no gifts  - but there were gifts that came later when the wise men visited the young Child - presenting Him with gifts fit for the King He is. 

And here in Taiwan there are gifts!  Parents the world over are sending their love with piles of packages lined up for the missionaries.

 

That first Christmas had no cookies, or parties or large gatherings. But here in Taiwan, we had several community concerts where nearly all the missionaries came and sang or performed, plus two large zone conferences, complete with talent shows and a movie! 

Christmas Concert on Sunday night

Zone Conference brunch - complete with homemade 

cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate!

One of our talent show stars! She's playing a traditional
Taiwanese ceramic flute.

The senior missionaries were also treated to a Family Home Evening at the mission president's home, and a beautiful Christmas Eve dinner and program at the home of the AIT Director (American Institute in Taiwan) and his wife, who happen to be members of our Church. 

That first Christmas had no parties, but they did have angels! And so do we - about 128 of them - and they do angelic work every day.

So while our Christmas here in Taiwan may not look like yours, wherever you are in a pandemic-laden world, your Christmas and ours both do look a bit like that first Christmas. We both have lights, music, choirs of angels, people spreading the Good News, and gifts that have come from long distances. 

But most of all, we have Jesus Christ in our midst, as do you. He is the greatest gift to mankind. His birth was a gift, His life was a gift, His sacrifice and death were gifts, His resurrection was a gift, all so that we can be blessed with the gifts of immortality and eternal life. It truly IS a magical time of year!  Merry Christmas from Taiwan, where the gifts of Christmas are still the gifts of Christ.

 

 

photoa

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Of Light and Heat

I am intrigued by the words of Jesus Christ when He said, "I am the Light of the world." (John 8:12). The symbolism in Light is awe-inspiring. My mind is filled with wonder as I ponder the words that describe Christ as, 

...the light of truth;  Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.

As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;  As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made; And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand. 

And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes...                                                                              Doctrine and Covenants 88: 6-12

The light from the sun brings both radiant light and burning heat. Both are essential to our progression toward Him.

Of Light and Heat

The sky, they say, is black at night,

When in truth it's filled with light,

Enough to see the path to keep –

Enough to trust while others sleep.

Lord, here’s my hand. I cannot see  

Unless I put my trust in Thee.

Flickr.com - courtesy of George Thomas

The graying of the dawn awakes

The greater view which road to take.

The shadows bow and take their seat

As cool gives way to fervent heat.

      Lord, here’s my heart.  I cannot see

      Unless I put my trust in Thee.

Flickr.com - courtesy of Rania Hatzi

Unfettered day with rays unfurled

Brings burning heat upon the world.

Faint, seeking Balm to soothe the brow –

The dross is cleansed in me somehow.

Lord, here’s my will. I cannot see

Unless I put my trust in Thee.

Flickr.com - courtesy of Luca Castellazzi

The sunset warm begins to glow,

Another time and place to show.

The path now clear with radiant light,

I take my place within His sight.

Lord, I am thine, for now I see

Both light and heat bring us to Thee.

Flickr.com - courtesy of Magic Foundry

Deborah L. Coffey

2016

So You’re Thinking About Serving a Mission?

When we first started out to get ready for our first mission, we had so many questions!  Unanswered questions about little things became unsettling concerns until they were resolved.  For example: What kind of shoes should I bring? Can we buy things we are used to buying? Will they have hot water or will I be taking cold showers for two years? Do they have air conditioning? Will I ever see chocolate chips again?  Ha!

For us at least, these “little” questions felt pretty big.  Yes, even the chocolate chip question!

So we started this blog – a blog to help people who are thinking about serving an LDS senior mission – to take the journey with us as we discover the answers many are wanting to know. 

Here are some of the questions that burn in people's hearts...

Can we communicate home easily? Absolutely - modern communication methods are in vogue....

Flickr.com - Courtesy of Wonderlane

Flickr.com - Courtesy of Richard Vignola

Can I get my own medicine for my needs?   Yes, but “medicine” is relative…

Chinese Medicine Shop - Flickr.com - Courtesy of Charlyn Wee

Can I drink the water? Yes, if you seriously want to... 

Flickr.com -  Courtesy of Clive Reld

Can I eat “regular” food?  Yes, but “regular” is also relative…

Octopus Pizza - Hong Kong

Will my house be fine while I am gone? Wait - you have an actual house????

Emergency Housing in Nepal with 5 families living inside.

Can I get money out?  Yes!  Worldwide. They always want your money.

Flickr.com - Courtesy of Jessica Paterson

Seriously though, the thing to remember is this.  Whether you serve a domestic or international mission, tens of thousands of seniors have gone on missions.  If they can do it, you probably can too. Everyone has had these same questions and resolved them in various ways. Here are some tips that may help as you prepare for a mission:

• The Church puts senior missionaries in safe, clean, modern housing.  All of the senior housing we visited in Asian countries were of very high standard and were comfortable for each couple.
• You will usually be replacing another couple who has already been there. They and your mission president are your #1 source for specific answers to your particular mission. Once you receive your call, you will be given contact information of who you can email to get detailed information.
• Other senior missionaries who have gone before you have already found all the stores, markets, shops, ATM's, and transportation tid-bits.  You probably won't have to re-invent the wheel. 
• There are phone numbers you can call about insurance, medical and mission-type questions. If you have questions about senior missions, you can call 1-800-453-3860 (ext.2-6741), or email: seniormissionaryservices@ldschurch.org.
• You are welcome to email us anytime too!  We'd love to hear from you and answer any mission-related questions that we can.  You can email us at: coffey58@gmail.com.
• If you have questions about different types of missions that are available, check out THIS LINK.  It has email links to senior missionaries whose mission it is to answer your questions. Operators are standing by!  

Ultimately, when we walk in the footsteps of the Savior, we put our trust and faith in Him. Serving a mission is a true act of faith. When we feel the call of the Savior moving us to serve a mission, may we have the courage and faith to, like Peter and Andrew, drop all and follow Him. The rest of the journey will be priceless.

Best wishes on your exciting mission.

Elder and Sister Coffey

The Lord's Timing is Always Right

We firmly believe that the Lord has His timing for everything.   And His timing is always right. There are no coincidences.

Last fall Greg and I were still in Hong Kong serving as Asia Area Welfare Specialists.  We anticipated coming home from that mission, being in the US for about 6 months, and then going out again on another mission.  In preparation for our new mission, we began the missionary application process, which included a medical physical.  The extremely thorough Chinese doctors found a couple of possible medical concerns, and recommended having a repeat test done 6 months later.  

Because of this recommendation, our missionary application was put on hold. We were so disappointed because we wanted to receive our call and assignment quickly so we could know where we would be going. But we had to be patient in the Lord's timing.

President Lewis and Sister Mary Hassell

It was shortly after that, on March 1st, 2016, that the Vietnam Mission was officially created. Elder Lewis Hassell, then serving with his wife as a senior missionary in Vietnam, was called to be the new mission president.  Greg and I had the opportunity of working with President Hassell on several humanitarian projects and other special events from our office in Hong Kong. We were thrilled to hear of the new mission creation.

Click HERE to read about the creation of the new Vietnam Hanoi Mission.

Before that time, the possibility of us serving in Vietnam as member leadership support (MLS) missionaries did not exist.  The position had not been created.  Now, with the inauguration of the new mission, and the newly announced official church recognition in Vietnam, the opportunity for us to serve there was opened up.

Had our mission application been sent in when we had originally planned last fall, we would not have been assigned to Vietnam. We believe the whole delay for the medical re-check (which showed perfect health) was part of a divine plan to enable us to serve in Vietnam.

One of our dear friends serving in the Asia Area Office with us sent us this email when she heard of our new assignment:

Hi Coffeys,

Everyone here is very excited for your new mission call.  It was announced in devotional  meeting today, and caused quite a stir.  You will be perfect.

Knowing how much you love Vietnam, I can’t help but see the hand of the Lord in the timing of your call.  Had you been able to submit your papers when you first tried, I don’t think the Vietnam couple MLS complement would have been in the system.  Who says calls don’t come from the Lord?!

Best wishes for the new assignment!

I love Elder Bednar's reminder to us that the Lord is in charge of the details of our lives:

“I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. ….Faithfulness, obedience and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord’s timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings…"
― David A. Bednar

I'm especially excited about this assignment since I lived in Vietnam when I was a little girl. I lived in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) from 1968-1972.  My dad worked for a civil engineering company.  Some of my greatest memories was of our school at the Phoenix Study Group.

Here is a picture of my school class photo taken in Saigon, Vietnam in 1970. I am third from the left. The woman next to me is our teacher.  There were only five of us in the class! I'd send more pictures of me in Vietnam when I was little, but they are packed away in our storage unit.  Maybe later this summer I can pull some out and post them before we leave for Vietnam.

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Our Second Mission Application - for the Second Time

Our first full-time mission experience forever changed us.  We are no longer the same as we were.  Others might see us as the same, and maybe we behave the same and look the same, but inside we are forever changed.  It is something we can’t fully describe, but it was delicious.  It was sweet. It was exquisite. The experience taught us about new vistas and heightened views. And we long to serve again.

In a previous blog post, we described having to wait six months to have a repeat medical test before we could submit our papers for our second full-time mission. That test is now complete and it confirms that we are perfectly healthy and able to serve in any capacity with no restrictions.

So today we submitted our mission papers, again, to request serving a full-time mission.  And now the 4-6 week wait begins before we find out where the Lord will have us serve this time.  We are happy to serve anywhere and do anything.
 

"Congratulations! Your missionary recommendation forms have been submitted...."

One of the changes we experienced from our first mission came about by watching others live fully consecrated lives. These incredible men and women had learned to put aside their own wills and humbly submit to the will of the Lord in all things.  We watched their lives unfold as they discovered that when you “seek … first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all … things (are) added unto you.”  (Matthew 6:33)

I had not particularly wanted to serve an office mission, but having done so, and having been so completely changed by the experience, I am eternally grateful to the Lord for allowing us that most precious opportunity.

Going on a mission is not about us.  It’s not about what we want to do.  Some may be concerned about serving a mission because they don’t want to serve in an office, or don’t want to go overseas, or don’t want to stay in the United States, or don’t want to be where it is cold, or where it is hot, or where it is crowded, or where it is hard.  Or they don’t want to do a temple mission or don’t want to do a family history mission, or only want to do a temple mission, etc.

As hard as the Brethren try to be accommodating to senior couples requests, a mission call is not about us.  It is not for us.  It is about learning that very doctrine of consecration and putting words and promises into lives and action. It is for the Lord and the call is from the Lord.

Yes, our service may look to some simply like free labor for the Church. Or, when seen through the perspective of covenants and promises, the service that missionaries provide can unfold into pure discipleship and unwavering dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ, who never once asked what was in it for Him.

We are so excited for our call we can hardly stand it.  While we are happy to serve anywhere, we requested Asia, and to serve as Member Leadership Support missionaries (MLS). So, once again - where do YOU think we'll be called?

Courtesy of flickr.com/Travis

Senior Missionary Opportunity

Are you thinking about serving a senior mission? Here is a heart-felt plea from our good friends, Paul and Karen Sullivan. President Sullivan is serving as the Mission President in the Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk Mission. Previous to this mission, they were serving in the Asia Area office where we first met them. Here is their message:

Dear Family & Friends,

We are writing, asking for your help. Our mission is in need of Senior Couples. We are in desperate need for an 'Office Couple' starting the end of July. Senior couples have so much to offer: life experiences, church experience, knowledge, love and testimony. By serving a mission you could strengthen a branch, help develop future priesthood leaders, teach young adults and set an example of a happily married couple. 

You could teach the power of music in primary, how to teach without reading the manual verbatim, the beauty of self reliance and the power of freedom from addiction. The church is only 24 years young in Ukraine. A great foundation is being laid and strong, powerful examples of faithful members are needed. If you could pass the word to your friends, family, and acquaintances we would greatly appreciate it.

Our mission, Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk Mission, does not have the charm of Europe, the ease and abundance of the U.S., the sophistry of Hong Kong. But we do have 54 amazing young men and young women who are dedicating 18 months to 2 years of their life who light up the room and will steal your heart. We have wonderful members who need to know how to build a strong righteous family. We need to build Priesthood leaders who know how to righteously lead. Young adults and youth are coming into the church without the support of family who need mentors. We have primaries with few children who need someone they can count on to be there each Sunday. We need those who are willing to hug, show compassion, offer smiles, speak a few Russian words and have an abundance of love to share.

It's not a cake walk. It takes faith to go into the unknown, a sense of adventure, computer literacy, a sense of humor and positive attitude and good health. As you do, we can promise you an abundance of blessings will flow of a deeper commitment to the Savior, of stronger love in your marriage, untold blessings to your children and grandchildren from your powerful examples and an amazing satisfaction from making a difference.

The timing may not be right for you at this time, but we would greatly appreciate it if you would ponder on those friends or family who may consider this opportunity. Feel free to forward this letter to them or give them our email address if they would like to discuss further or have any questions. 
(their email is: kcsullivan13@gmail.com)

With love and appreciation,
Paul & Karen Sullivan

President and Sister Sullivan with their missionaries.

The Roller Coaster of Goodbyes

It is extremely hard, if not impossible, to explain the range of emotions that are coming in swells, more and more frequently as the days speed by.  On the one hand, we are excited to go home and see our children and our grandchildren, four of whom we haven’t met in person yet.  As we Skype them and talk about seeing them soon, I can hardly wait to hold them in my arms! 

On the other hand, I break into tears as I talk to the sisters at the branch, or work one on one with a sister and her challenges, or offer support to another in her time of distress.  Or share with another on her hope and joy in the future. They are darling sisters whom I love dearly and may never see again in this life.

Again, the thought of not sitting in front of a computer all day at the office brings a feeling of relief and joyful anticipation.  On the other hand, by the same token, the thought of no longer being involved with the moving forward of the great humanitarian work throughout Asia, of seeing the breadth of humanity in various countries of the world - of just up and leaving it all behind - is nearly more than we can bear. 

One of our treasured memories - our visit to Nepal

The roller coaster is spinning faster.  It is extremely hard to say goodbye to all of this. Our treasured memories will stay with us forever. 

How can one adequately describe what a senior mission is like?  It is simply not possible.  As with younger proselytizing missionaries, the greatest experience has been the growth in ourselves. What we have learned, what we have grown to understand, what we have learned to love, has been far more than anything we could have ever dreamed of.  There is no way, sitting back in our living room in St. Charles, Missouri, that we could have even dreamed of the amazing experiences and opportunities that would have been ours in these short 23 months.

Our last day as serving in the Hong Kong Temple:

Our release papers from serving in the Hong Kong Temple

Our last weekly Area Welfare Coordinating Council Meeting:

Weekly Area Welfare Coordinating Council Meeting

I think the greatest part of this mission has been the blessing of working closely with members of the Area Presidency - Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Elder Randy D. Funk, Elder Sam C.H. Wong and Elder Siu Hong Pon - as well as our association with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in Timor-Leste. We have been able to see how the Lord reveals His will to His servants, and how revelation guides and directs this Church. 

Tonight our replacements - Elder and Sister Nielson - arrived from the United States.  They served several years ago in Lao as the humanitarian couple, so they come already with experience.  They will do a wonderful job!  They'll take our apartment once we leave - we spruced it up nicely for them. 

Elder Coffey visits with Elder and Sister Nielson at the airport

This  mission has been one of the greatest experiences of our lives. Missions are tough and have challenges, to be sure, and you have to push through those challenges, just like anything else. But when you allow the Lord to be your partner, when you allow Him to guide your choices, when you stay focused on why you came on a mission - it is glorious beyond description.