James letter today

Dear Family,

   So the past 6 days have been what is known as Chinese New Years...
and it is the biggest holiday celebrated in Taiwan. For one... I have
never been in a war zone... but every day fireworks are going off. It is
really interesting. Two, when this holiday is celebrated people go home
to there birth place... so Taipei City is totally empty. Our city as
people, but not alot in it. Where did they all go you ask? They are down
South! So the other two missions are having fun, lol. Three, the
members that are still in Zhongli... love the feed us. It is a fact that
missionaries all gain more than ten pounds or more in a week, because of
this. I weighed myself before the holiday week and I was 174. I was
really shocked... I have gained 14 pounds since the beginning of my mission,
but I am smaller than before. It is all muscle... ( the bench press and
biking does pay off... as well as the heat :-P ) but I will likely gain
more from the food. I can add sushi to my list of new food eaten... how
cool is that, lol.
     So, yesterday was a trial of my faith. I was being tempted with
so many bad things. And it is really interesting that before the day
started I read a talk in the Ensign of 4 ways the Lord helps us. One, He
takes it from us all together. Two, He gives us strength to bear it.
Three, He waits than helps us. Or, Four, He lets us go through it and
learn. That is the one I went through. I had to fake it alot (being happy).
In fact, till I told Elder Ware before we went to our dinner
appointment, he thought I was dandy and happy. I know the Lord helped... we had
the opporunity to take two of our Filipino brethern with us on exchanges
for an hour and had two member lessons. We did not understand Tagalog,
but we felt the Spirit and it strengthend the members. Through the rest
of the day, we ran into more of them. They speak awesome English and
really provided a light when it was raining hard most of the day. The big
blessing and comfort came though after 10 oclock. My trainer, Elder
Peterson, called last night to give us some info on a man who has interest
in the church. Afterwards, we talked for a little bit and I felt so
energized. He has always looked after me, even though we have been in
other zones since our time together. He always asks about me when my
district leaders are in Taipei. That is a true trainer and friend. Also, a
member from my first area in TaoYuan called me up and said he would
attend English Class in Zhong li. He has visited me before and calls me
every now and again as well as writes. He was baptized the day I started my
mission, but I helped him come to church when he was lacking in his
testimony for a little bit. Amazingly, we are only a few months apart in
age, lol. Than, when I prayed... I felt to much love and peace. I had
passed the trial of faith.
      I am a testimony of a Heavenly Father who knows what He is
doing. I am an example of His Master-like workmanship. I know He lives. I
feel it everyday. Our teaching pool is all gone for Chinese New Year, but
we will not give up. The Chinese langauge continues to grow. I am
amazed at how the Lord teaches me and molds the language into my mind. I
love learning characters. They provide a fun game of challenge and
mystery. Just like math! So, how is the family all doing? Anything new going
on? I love you all, be brave and know the Lord lives!
     Love Elder Wei