On a Scale from 1 to 10, Definitely a 6.4

Wow, this has been a long week!

... I have been trying to think of some funny way to make it seem nonchalant that I was in a 6.4 earthquake this week, but after 5 minutes of sitting at this computer and staring blankly at the screen grinding the gears in my head, I have come up empty. We didn't do much else this week. So... Yeah! We were in a massive earthquake in Hualian City on Wednesday night, that has resulted in the collapse of several buildings and the loss of several lives. We are truly grateful that we missionaries were all kept safe in such a dangerous time, and that so many people were also protected! Our prayers go out to those whose homes have been damaged, and to the families of those whose lives were lost. But through this tragedy, I truly have found peace in knowing with a surety the plan my Father in Heaven has for me, and that this life is not the end. And my love for the people of Taiwan and their charity has grown as we have seen so many people so willing to help those around them!

Also, today is my 10 month anniversary on a mission! It's so weird to think I only have 14 months left, I still feel so new, but at the same time, I am grateful I still have so much time to give in service to the Lord and His children. I am definitely not the best missionary, but I am so grateful the Lord accepts everyone with a sincere desire to follow him, regardless of our ability! To celebrate my 10 months, we went to the beach in Hualian this morning, and took some cool pictures! The Taiwan ocean water was actually quite a bit warmer than the air, which only made me a little sad we can't go swimming. Oh, well!

This morning, I was reading a short talk from President Nelson, from the General Conference in October 2012, titled: "Ask the Missionaries! They Can Help You!" In the talk, President Nelson made a statement that was very interesting and helpful for me, he said "All missionaries, younger and older, serve with the sole hope of making life better for other people." That definitely made me ponder my motivations and attitude as a missionary. Have I been focused solely on making life better for others? Or have my own problems and concerns been getting in the way? The quote was talking about missionaries, but I think it is so relevant and applicable to everyone! Regardless of whether we are old or young, male or female, rich or poor, is our sole hope to make lives better for others? Christ taught us in His ministering that "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." If we are willing to look outside ourselves, and find those who need us, even in the times when we ourselves are struggling, then the Lord has promised us that He will bless us, and that we will be happy. I have seen the joy of charity, and I am grateful every time I see someone, in their own circumstances, with their own trials, willing to stop and help another who has stumbled or fallen on the path. Thank you to everyone who has, at one time or another, stopped and helped me when I have stumbled and fallen, and thank you for those who have stopped to help others. I can testify that when we have a desire and a willingness to bless the lives of others, as a direct result, our lives are also blessed.

I love you all, and thank you so much for the emails! I am safe!

Love,

Elder Shope