Aug. 9, 2011 to Sept. 27, 2011

                                                            Aug, 9, 2011

Hey family,     

It's been a crazy first week. I love you all so much.  Just some business first, my mail box was changed from 130 to 138 so send letters to 138, if you want to change that on my facebook, my password is sfamily8, gmail-msabey8@gmail.com. Also did anything happen with Aunt Sherry?

Thanks for your letters, I am so glad Daniel already wrote. I would love to hear from the rest of the kids. Dad I loved your letter, I am sorry I couldn't play Wally ball with you. This is my email, I will email you latter today about my week but I got to go now. Hey family,  A few more things, then my week.

1. I have gym everyday so another pair of underwear would be appreciated. Also I have a wad of cash in my desk that is my tithing, could someone turn that in for me?

Ok so my week was crazy. The worst and hardest thing is my companion went home today. I don't know why, he didn't tell me anything, it is not how I hoped my first companionship would go. We have been going to interviews so I knew something was going on but he told me at 11 that he was going at 11:30, so I helped him pack and sent him off. It is so weird to me, he went to the temple with me today, and last night we were all laughing. I just hope and believe I had nothing to do with it. I am tonight the branch will decided what to do.  Now on a more happy note, this week has been filled with tender mercies.  Our "investigator" (the teacher next door) panjisheng has started reading the Book of Mormon, and has committed to pray. I want to tell a story about our last lesson; I started off by asking if he loves his family, we knew the dad died so I promised him that through Christ’s atonement families can be together forever. I asked how he felt when he read the Book of Mormon and he said he felt good, I told him that was the Holy Ghost. Then my companion taught the lesson where he tried to explain how to pray. We challenged him to pray and he said he didn't know how, so we gave him the instructions in Chinese, and told him this is how, he read it and we asked him if he could pray and he said yes, we bowed our head and closed our eyes, and he read the instructions as "the prayer", I realized and opened my eyes and he was laughing to himself. It was funny, so after word I tried to tell him that that was the instructions but I don't know the word for instructions, and the word "fangfa"-method came to mind so I was able to explain that the instructions were the method of prayer, and then helped him pray. That was not the only time that I came to a stumbling block and the word I needed came to mind. I am also remembering words from high school that I forgot without putting in much work. The gift of tongues is real.

We had Elder Bateman and President Brown give devotionals that were amazing, and I watched the testaments, and I got to go to the temple today. I felt the spirit strongly in all of them. One was on faith, another baptism, and even though our temple time was at 6:30 so we had to get up early when I entered the celestial room I felt the spirit strongly there. What’s new at home? Anything you want me to write about?  I love you all and pray for you each night.  I think next week I will write down what I am going to say so that I can type a longer letter, sorry if this is short.

Elder Matt Sabey

Aug. 16, 2011

So I just got a new companion today! His name is Elder Verkler, and he seems super nice. This week I have been with my roommates as a threesome, one of them lost a close family friend who died in her sleep at age 42. Reason was unknown. It was a shock and I didn't know what to say because I have never had anyone I was really close to die, but then I thought about our religion and how we know that Christ has not only atoned for our sins but felt our trials and adversity also. I told him I can't relate to you but Christ can, he knows exactly what you’re going through. It is so beautiful that a boy totally separated from his family cannot feel alone in his trials here at the MTC. I will tell you more about my companion next week, so far I know that he is the oldest in his family with three younger brothers. He went to Carnegie Melon for college and is a computer science major.

This week our investigator Pan, was dropped and we got two new ones, a both our teachers who are Quio and You Dixiong. I have been learning so many new words and am just beginning to learn new grammar. It is a blast leaning the language, everyday you go home with at least 20 more words you didn't know before. In tall lab (learning on computer so we hear native speakers) I reviewed I think 96 words in one hour. It was intense. 

Thanks for the letters, I loved mom's and Brian’s and dad’s. It’s exciting to get letters. Grandma has sent me three already and John Groberg has sent me one. I feel more popular here than at home, lol. It’s nice to have a big family isn't it. TO answer moms questions yes I am keeping a tender mecy and mission journal, but they are all combined into one entry. So for our branch we all have to write a talk every week and then the bishop calls 2 missionaries up each week at random. We also have to write our branch President every week, so it demands a lot but also its great. Brian thanks for the advice on letters, and I read Nephi’s psalm today, you are so right, it truly is great. Hurrah.

 Some questions for you, What ever happened with the play I wrote? Also how was Asher Lev?

Love you all a lot.

Elder Matt Sabey.

ps Why did you all write Elder, am I supposed to? I just wrote matt, and remembered you all wrote Elder so wrote Elder?

I am about to read dad's email so will send you another letter today hopefully.

Hey, great letter. I loved the funny stories? SO how Europe coming? How’s Rachel? I here she is coming to Utah! That’s exciting, how does she feel about it? What’s she up to? What does she feel about it?

SO mom sent the underwear here and I got them. I also got the fruit. Thanks. I am having fun learning the language and our district rocks, but we get out of task some times and don't SYL as much as we should. Any suggestions?

Did I ever get my last pay check from Troy? Did Aunt sherry ever send the paper work? You can check my email, the user name is msabey8 and password is sabeyfamilyI am still open to suggestions on what to write about. I am excited to here about europe.  Also my return date is projected august 22nd, is that after BYU starts?  Love you all, Matt

                                                                                   

                                                                                    Aug. 23, 2011

Hey guys so I wrote a letter but lost it, so I only have 20 minutes to write. I loved mom's and dad’s letters.  My companions name is Elder Verkler. He is awesome. He is nice, kind, a hard worker, and sings bass. We get along alright. We have started to run and do abs together during gym time. Then I go play b-ball and he does something else. I am getting better at ball, watch out cubby.

My district is great, we all get along with each other, and I like everyone. They get easily distracted, but when we have district meetings it is easy to see they all have deep faith.

  My week has gone by fast. Here are the highlights. I loved my first TRC, however it was not with random people, not enough showed up, it was with my companion’s older district. This was so fun to see why everyone is on a mission and to get to know them all with only speaking Chinese. I was smiling the whole time. I am in choir and we are singing precious savior, which is such a cool song. I It is dynamically one huge wave, and it is about the savior calming the storms of life. I love the music, but also the director, they both are funny but also give great spiritual insights. I will be here for general conference so might be able to sing in it. Wouldn't that be so cool.

  Our investigators are all progressing, and I love teaching them. I am getting almost off of notes for lessons. I am able to say what I want, and they understand. One asked if what we were saying is that before birth we knew our heavenly father, and I was able to respond by saying that a prophet said that after we die we will be shocked with how well we know him, except for the word shocked, but he said he understood. He truly understood our message. It's great.

 Spiritual thought for the week, I love the idea that we all have a time where we ask, Carest thou not that we perish?” If we have him in our vessel, He will answer, and we will not fear. For no ocean, spiritual or physical can swallow the ship where lies the master of oceans and earth and skies. Also we all should want to be tools in god’s hand, but you get to choose what told you will be. I imaging Mother as a cello whose music envelops people, whereas bud corkin is a hammer. I don't know, your thoughts?

Love you all

Matt                                                                                                   

Aug 30, 2011

Hey if you get this before 4 can you send me the address of the Condo?

Here are all my questions- No bee report? Are they all dead?, Also who is Rachel staying with? What team did Cubby make? And I still have not got a response on thoughts from Asher Lev. I really thought it might help, but could hurt. I am interested.

Ok so my week was great, best yet. I am doing better as SYL, but still not great. Class is almost all SYL, and I am learning maybe 25 words a day and one grammar rule. I need to work on characters. I got all the ones we worked on this summer down, is there a way to send the slides from Chinese class with the pneumonic? That would be a huge help. We spend about two hours a day learning how to better teach and we spend about one hour a day on the computer. This is some of my most effective time; I generally learn twenty new words for my lesson, or investigator that I can use. I know all the vocab for lesson one two, and first two parts of three. Before I came here I knew the first part of the first discussion. I also review about 50 words, and listen to 15 minutes of talking and answer questions on what I heard to see how much I got all in one hour. I am getting better. Then I spend the rest the one hour of self-supervised language study on creating pneumonic for the words I learned that day. It is kind of crazy that we really only have two hours a day set apart for learning new words, but how much we still grow. We also have one hour a day where the teacher "coaches" study, and we can study language or do personal study or companion. Other than those two hours I SYL, use a little notebook where I keep all my pneumonic and vocab. I pick up some, we have one hour of grammar, and then we teach 2 investigators each day, but I just lost both my teachers due to BYU starting, so now we have no native teachers. Sad.

So my companion is having interviews with the stake President just like my old one did, I certainly hope he stays. Please pray for him, his name is Elder Verkler. I have no idea what the interviews are about, but We are having a great time together. We are used to each other and have a similar since of humor, so we laugh a lot together. We run together, I was so slow at first, we originally did like an 8 minute mile, but then I cut 20 the next time, and twenty again the next time, so yesterday I ran a 7:20 minute mile, I am excited for a sub 7 hopefully this week. we also do abs together. it’s just nice having a friend as a companion, and I think he wrote home about how he likes me as my next story will tell.

Stories of the week- So my companion’s girlfriend sent him a package, but in the package was a Present all wrapped for me. The note said from what she heard I am a great guy and would like to meet me. It was a nice tie. My companion said she never gave him a tie. Awkward. But not really, she writes him almost every day, and has sent him much more then ties. But it was fun to joke about. I felt bad because I carried the package and her name is Hannah spelled Hanne, and I asked him "Who is Hane?" Then she gave me a tie. I really like it to.  Sorry it's so late, I didn't have time till now.

Sept 6, 2011

So this last week was crazy, as usual. It was the worst and best yet, worst because my companion went home, and I miss him. We were close, and it was great. But still it was a week filled with spirit. We had President Holland give a speech on last Tuesday, which was amazing-and I will let you know about it in a letter. Then with my new companions  my roommates again, Elder Ping and Stark, it was hard because they are not as hard working, or exactly obedient, but today I had a good experience with Elder Ping- He said he never opens up emotionally to people, but today he wrote me a poem and at was beautiful, but told me he was struggling. I think I may be in this companionship[ to help him. I read in Matthew 26 I believe that where two or more are gathered in my name there will I be also. This helped me to know why we are in companionships, because there Christ will be because we are always gathered together in his name.

I told you it was a spiritually uplifting week, let me just tell you some of my thoughts and experiences, In 3 Nephi when the people were going to kill those who believed on Christ because Samuels signs were not given yet they said "For behold your joy and your faith have been for nothing." I thought those were interesting things to make fun of because Joy comes from god and also Faith is a belief in things that are true. So by saying this they were almost bearing testimony of its truth, and then when the signs happened and Christ came forth, they fell to the earth and were sad because their "Great plan of destruction" was frustrated. I thought that was interesting compared too the "great plan of mercy, then I saw it, pre mortal life and war in heaven was written all over this story.

I have always waken up at 6:30 but have not always got out of bed right away, but I have started to and I have had much more energy, I think it’s partly attitude partly blessing.

Pres. Brown talked on Sunday and he talked about being exactly obedient. It was powerful, but then the best part was that he did not want us to be a failure, and the thought came to me that "You are nothing but you are not a failure."

Then later on Sunday we had a devotional by Pres. Heaton who talked about how missionaries worry about how they are doing, and their communication with the investigator too much and not enough about the investigators communication with god. We are a means but not the way. 90% of the work is done by the lord. I remembered my father’s blessing and how I was told that I was nothing, and it's not me that converts. I have thought a lot about this this week and in district meeting today I was able to explain it. I also was given the gift of tongues in English. earlier this week when thinking on the topic I tried to remember who was the leader of that army that kept getting cut in half, to prove it's the lord not them, and in district meeting I remembered Gideon with no problem. I didn't look it up or anything. I bore my testimony that we were nothing, we were 19 year olds who get paid about as much as 16 year olds. We are like Alma who was told he was boasting, he said "as for my strength I am nothing" but the lord is everything.  The story of Gideon and how he did it so we knew it was the lord. Now we are 19 year olds and are nothing, but our message is true and is everything, so we have so great a cause to go forth in.

Love you all.  Elder Matt Sabey

Thoughts on why Christ is a serpent on the rod- any cool dual symbolism with Satan?

How about with climbing a mountain how on the ground looking up we see a large area, and the going is easy, but there comes a point where you have to look down at the rock beneath your feet to progress, but then at the top you see a much fuller view than originally?

PS. Cubby no letter...

                                                                                                                                               Sept 13, 2011

Hey you all,

It's crazy how in the world the MTC is but not of it. It’s crazy to think that most my family is just a mile or two away, but it is nice to know that my cheering for BYU and the Broncos made a difference last year. Sorry but you guys might be in for a rough couple of years in the sporting area. It was weird hearing that there are rebels in Lybia and there was an earthquake and huge news like that from letters.  This last week was good. I really enjoy learning more of the gospel. I am excited to go out and share.

This last week was the ten year anniversary of sept. 11th.Did Obama give a speech? I didn't realize till half way through the day when I was on lds.org and saw that the MoTab was preforming a sept. 11th memorial thing and I wondered how many days till then and looked at my watched and realized it was that day I wished I could watch it, along with the devotional by Elder oaks that day but I knew I was busy. I felt bad not remembering this important day, how quick to forget we can be. Then later that day for the devotional Pres. Brown decided to commemorate Sept. 11th by showing us a youtube I believe called I am overcome, and then the MoTabs performance. It was great, I also got to watch some of the devotional that Elder oaks gave, and finished it today. i figured maybe my family was doing the same. I loved that thought.

Spiritual thoughts of the week are  in 3 Nephi 19,13 the spirit fell upon them. I thought that was interesting word usage because that generally is used for war. Yet I also thought maybe a blanket, or both because it cleanses the sin with fire, but comforts the person like a warm blanket. Any thoughts_

In either 6, 7and 8 it says That there were mountain waves that crashed upon them but the boat was tight like Noah’s that no sea monster could break it, and a in 8 it talks about how the wind never ceased to blow toward the promised land, and how long were they in the boats_ A year almost. I got from this that often out trials may seem like mountains in the way, and will come crashing down on you they will bring us toward heaven, and it may take longer then you thought but praise the lord as they did.

A few requests, what’s Ian Darcies, andrew Gibbs, and alis adress? Also can I get his grace is sufficient and the four missionaries talks? Lastly I am down to a 7:01 mile.

ps brian the hynm book is small, and I can engrave it, any requests?

Love you all

Elder Matt Sabey

                                                                                                                        Sept 20, 2011

Hey you all, I love you, had to just say that.

 Thanks for all the letters this week, they really do mean a lot.

First to answer moms questions

My companions are Elder Stak and Ping. They are good guys, and we are getting along all right, but its hard to be in a threesome, and they are not 100 percent obedient, they take naps, and cheat on email time, or get up late and go to bed late. But I still like them both and they both are here for the right reasons.

No I don't have any native teachers anymore, but I listen on the computer 15 minutes a day.

I do see Justin around, and am glad for that. We often get in a little chat during a meal. I have not seen Ian, but I would freak out if I saw him, could you check and let me know when he gets here. I mean he is my future brother in law dui bu dui. My district is doing good all-around but we have some slower learners and some extremely fast learners. Elder ping is slow and Elder stark and I are fast. It makes it interesting, and I am sure hard for the teachers. I love Sundays, but for some odd reason they are the day's I feel most tiered. I generally watch talks or movie/Mormon messages on lds.org. Some good ones are come what may and love it, and Sunday will come. 

Thanks for sending his grace is sufficient, I loved it. I think he was truly inspired. One prophet I believe said that true wisdom is taking something complicated, and simplifying it down so that even children can understand it, that is what he did with grace. I think an investigator would understand it.

In choir we are singing "consider the lilies of the feild" I enjoy it, and I loved the insight the director gave that he got from a primary kid. In the parrable of the 99 and the one lost sheep, we often focus on the one lost sheep, but what about the 99? He heard a primary girl give a talk where she said "there once was a shepherd who had 100 sheep, he started counting them, 1,2,3...37,38,39...77,78...98,99. The choir director never realized that he had to count and check up on each of his sheep before he went for the one lost one. I thought the shephards more like tom, anne,  bill, joe, claire, elle,... I know that’s true that we are numbered and he takes care of those in his fold. 

Spiritual insight of the week- Moroni 7 is about faith hope and charity, and I think that the cycle is hope leads to faith which leads to action which leads to charity, and the whole chapter ends in verse 48 where if we are true followers of Christ and we see Christ, we will then begiven a hope to be like him. The cycle starts again, at the end. I loved it. Eternal progression is real.

 I am writing a poem I will send to you next week I hope.

I had a few extra minutes to type luckily. We got Elder Nelson today. He talked about the Book of Mormon. It was cool. He gave us its history and testified of its truth. I loved it.

I finished the Book of Mormon this week, and prayed to know the truth, I had a good feeling, but not any different then I feel most the time in the MTC. We also received the Book of Mormon Ensign, and were told to read it for tonight. I did and enjoyed it. Then I wrote Andrew O as prompted, and told him about it and as I was writing I realized that the Ensign was part of my answer. I also realize that the talk today was also. I also realized I will get a stronger answer by following it instead of just reading it.

can you send the fourth missionary talk?

Also Gibbs address, and Tazes

Love you

                                                                                                                        Sept. 27, 2011

Hey You all,   I love you all so much. I am excited to hear more from you. This week has been the best yet. Guess what- I am getting companion number 5! LOL I think I might have the record for ever in the branch. Yet this time it's only good news, I am getting a new companion because one person in our district is going to the England Leads mission early, ironically his name is Elder England, and he is the most proper American I ever meet. He will do great. I will get his companion Elder Jasperson until we leave on the 18th.    I am working hard, and learning a lot. I got a 6:57 the other day, sub seven- oh ya. Yet yesterday I got a 7:01 again, but I still felt good about it. I think I have a running partner again and that will push me more.

  A few questions- Did any pay tithing on my last paycheck? If not please do and add a 3 dollars in case I missed anything. I want to be a full tithe payer. Also I know I sent in a request for my license extension, but don't know if anything came out of it. I think they were supposed to send a sticker to put on my license. If it’s there that would be great. Also could someone in Provo send me a bag of balloons? I think that I could put them to good use in china, and only have like ten. I have all the other equipment. I borrowed a copy of "The fourth missionary from a friend and lost it and would really love a copy to give him back if you could send that. Also when does Ian enter the MTC? I would have written him today but mom made it should like he would be here soon.

Oct 4, 2011 to Jan 8, 2012

                                                                                                                        Oct. 4, 2011

 This week was great. I got a new companion, I will know for sure who it is tonight. But I think it will be Elder Hsiao, whose family is from Taiwan, but he is not any better than us, he just went through the fast track. He's great. I totally loved general conference. I want the whole world to watch it. My favorite was look up, so mom I really am working on my posture now. lol I loved the idea though. I realize how important it is to look forward and up, not down and back. I sometimes feel like lots wife when I look back at sins that I have already confessed. If gods forgotten them, we need to become more god like and forget them to. Also mother, I am waiting for the coat you used on your mission, I think that would really help. lol. But seriously, what a church we have. I learned that one of my friends from high school Kari Baker's dad had a stroke at 55, on a bike ride and died. I just wanted her to know what we know. It would help her so much. I am sending her a letter. I love our church. Dad you did a great job raising Rachel because there has never been a doubt you loved mom. Thanks for your example. I loved your Lehi’s dream analysis. Her Here are some thoughts I have with it. It's interesting how the iron rod is next to the river/cliff, when there’s a barren wasteland it could be at, nowhere near the filthy river. It’s almost not fair to those righteous(one step wrong and your toast) but then let’s look at it from the sinner’s point of view, although it may be a steep hard climb, the path is right next to you. Jesus will help you up. I also like the Jesus can walk on water, and go under for baptism, if we cry lord save me, he will immediately. I love how in his baptism he "straitway went out of the water." If we have faith we need not remain in it. Also I re-read it this week and saw a JS first vision parallel where Lehi was first surrounded by darkness, and it was not until he called upon the lord that he was delivered. Then when they saw Jesus (the tree) it was "whiter than any white" "and brighter then noon day sun. I thought those were cool thoughts.

                                                                                                                        Oct. 11, 2011

I wrote this poem for the family but it is from Cubby's perspective

Last week in the MTC

I love you all, thanks for writing and your prayers and support.

Hey I would love it if you would be willing to edit my poem, or add ideas or anything-  some thoughts were how the false summit got me further then if I had only seen the top, or I was on the giants shoulder when on dads, or the first-dad shall be last because he’s helping the last. I don’t know.

Also there are a bunch of foreign lang books here- want a French book of Mormon or hymns dad, or Chinese things mom or Brian or Italian things David?

I took a talk called the fourth missionary from a friend and lost it, so if you could send it to me I would greatly appreciate that.

When does Ian get here?

Any news on the drivers license?

Could I get Andrew Gibbs address?

I am looking forward to the flash cards!

Lastly did the boys get my package?

Any ways about the week

I have loved this week. I am with Elder Hsiao, (his name is spelled that way because it's the old Romanization like Taipei instead of bei) He is super nice and hard working. We lived in the same hall at byu. However we were not great friends, I just knew his name. Probably because he was always in the library studying.  But he's great, smart, obedient and we SYL about 80 percent of the time which really does help our Chinese a lot. It's great to have a hard working companion.

 

So my favorite funny story for the week- my companion calls the restroom a xishoujian (wash hand room) so zi was trying to use that word but switched the first two syllables so it was xiouxijian- which literally means rest room. It was the coolest accident ever.

I am learning about 15 characters a day and 20 other vocab.

I don't have that much to tell you, my days are all mostly the same, but I loved what elder Uchdorf said in the general relief society meeting about how the happiest people are those who notice the small things on their way to great things, and all the rest the talk-golden ticket analogy, you’re not forgotten etc. SO if you have not seen it watch it.

Any ways some of those small things were I I am dominating in B-ball and still running, and loving gym. I actually enjoy learning Chinese, and feel good about my Chinese. Obviously a little nervous, but confident that I will be able to survive in Taiwan (i hope). I have pulled a few small pranks mom, so I must confess because I told you I wouldn't, but I think you’ll be fine with them- for example I had to turn my suit coat in for dry cleaning so wore my companions suit and asked a friend of ours of the female kind who's suit was best, and a few things of that sort, the worst was  there was a guy in the shower and his towel was hanging over the edge, so i took it (I couldn't resist) but he got it back quickly.

Spiritual thought- I don't know if I told you all this last week or not but I love how there are always people supporting you or backing you up. I came to this revelation because after years of church, general conference, and BYU devotionals (one year of that) I finally asked why are there always people sitting behind the person giving the talk? I came to the realization that they are there to back him up.; then I realized every calling has people supporting you up to the prophet and down to me.

 Next one was the broken steel bow- insights- steel made of man, steel is not flexible, steel is hard to break. Wood is made of god, is flexible, and also strong in ways stronger than metal. I will let you make the analogies and comparisons Love you all Elder Sabey

So if you want to use this you may

After all my years of growing up

Father finally thinks I ready

He’s made a plan to challenge each of us

Sure we’ll make it if we’re steady

A family goal, through different paths,

To all have conquered mount Quandary

Mother knowing we’ll nee warm cloths

Silently does her children’s laundry

Packed and ready with all we’ll need

We leap into the car

Mother calms us all, and sincerely prays

Trusting father to take us far

Having reached our destination

We jumped on out and stared

The immovable giant laughed at me

Calling you can’t climb me if you dared

Then I heard my father’s voice

Calling us over for a story

One of Joshua at eighty years old

Still trailing flames of glory

Who feared no mountain nor giant foe

For he gave the lord his all

Facing both he charged onward and up

“Give me this mountain” was his call

Inspired I helped to pitch our tent

Toward that little hill

I knew I’d make it to the top

No longer so starkly real

Confidently I zipped up my bag

And was shortly immersed in sleep

I dreamed of fighting giant foes

And monsters of the deep

Rise up oh men of god

I heard more loud and clear

I rose and dressed for this great test

Give me this mountain we did cheer

And off we were with dad in front

To protect and set a pace

With mom in back to make sure

No one felt it was a race

Laughing and talking we started off

Down the clear and sloping trail

Into the woods and over brooks I cruzed

Determined not to fail

Soon I lagged a little bit

But caught up nice and quick

Waiting for us by a sign they were

Where the trial began to split

I knew it was coming, for it was in the plan

To split the older from the young

But mom was nice to stay with us

the youngest and make it fun

we talked, sung and pleadingly prayed

to see them at the top

I hiked and hiked and felt so tiered

Yet Matthew had to stop

I felt so proud a big boy now

The youngest of the kids

We drank some water and ate some bread

Rach called “come on, the mountain bids”

Soon we left forest into a rocky dusty trail,

With the Sun shining above

Mother leads or lags with us

Directed by her love

Breathing was harder, breaks more frequent

My head began to throb

“we over half way there” I said

Wondering could I do the job

Fighting on I felt a grasshopper

In the eye of the giants stare

“Give me this mountain” I heard

I said a humble prayer

Then on I went with faith in god

Yet the way grew even steeper

Sick and tiered I rested and looked back

My faith grew even deeper

The fourths the way one quarter left

That’s all we had to go

I saw the peek seemingly just ahead,

My body told me no

I’ll make it there, the tops not far

I picked up the slowing speed

My sister brother and dear mother

Followed my restless lead

Soon realized the top we saw

Was a rocky lame false summit

The giant laughed at me asking

How I thought I could have done it

dropping down, exhausted from my charge

catching my panting thin breath

Thud it hit, Altitude sickness

My head felt close to death

Yet on they went, Matt and Rach

For their eyes were to the top

I tried to follow their slow pace

yet soon I had to stop

My mother stayed by my side

telling me it’s all ok

I cried a tear, feeling stuck right here

and making my mother stay

After a while I got cramped up

watching the others reach the top

I looking up I saw dad coming down

My head began to drop

He called my name from far away

I did not dare look up

for he trusted me to climb it all

to drink this bitter cup

Then called again much closer now

No disappointment in his voice

"Look how far you've come my son

Such reason to rejoice"

"We are now not far from the top

our family waits up there

It starts with just one step, my son

you’ve almost done your share"

I stood up and took that step

then bent over and threw up

"I can't dad, I've done my best"

I can't drink this giants cup

Reaching down he picked me up

for a piggy back on shoulders

"You've done your best, that’s all I ask'"

as he climbed over many boulders

Then laughing together we made it up

Mother Dad and I

We saw our whole family cheering us

some began to cry

When at the top what a view

a 360 degree prize

On top of the world, seeing a larger view

and touching the clear blue skies

Nevertheless being with family at the top

was the best prize by far

"give me this mountain" we cheered together

forever a guiding star

'went down and drove home, the same,

like it never happened

But I remember well that day

when I conquered my first mountain

I have conquered many more since then

when asked which one was worst

I look them in the eye and say

"as always its the first"

But let me tell you the whole truth

though at first I started off shouting

"I am strong enough to conquer Quandary"

I soon was loudly pouting

My father came down and carried me

He gave me this mountain

 Thanks for sending me the letter to President Grimly.

I was shocked to find out however that I was a tennis captain, had a full tuition scholarship to BYU, and frequently wrote mother notes to see how she was doing. I don't know where you got you information but I am pretty sure those are not true. I wish they were. Thanks it was really nice and way above the praise I deserve.

This week I had infield orientation and loved it. I am so excited to go to Taiwan. It is also nerve racking too, but onward and up ward, look forward not back and look up not down.   I want to start memorizing scriptures like Elder Scott told us, send me what you think were good ones to memorize.

Love you all,  Elder Sabey

                                                                                                                        Oct. 18, 2011

The best week yet

 I love you all, thanks for writing and your prayers and support.  Hey I would love it if you would be willing to edit my poem, or add ideas or anything-  some thoughts were how the false summit got me further then if I had only seen the top, or I was on the giants shoulder when on dad’s, or the first-dad shall be last because he was helping the last. IDK

Also there are a bunch of foreign lang books here- want a French Book of Mormon or hymns dad, or Chinese things mom or Brian or Italian things David?

I took a talk called the fourth missionary from a friend and lost it, so if you could send it to me I would greatly appreciate that.

When does Ian get here?  Any news on the driver’s license?  Could I get Andrew Gibbs address?

I am looking forward to the flash cards!  Lastly did the boys get my package?

 About the week:  I have loved this week. I am with Elder Hsiao, (his name is spelled that way because it's the old romanization like TaiPie instead of bie) He is super nice and hard working. We lived in the same hall at BYU. However we were not great friends, I just knew his name. Probably because he was always in the library studying.  But he's great, smart, obedient and we SYL about 80 percent of the time which really does help our Chinese a lot. It's great to have a hard working companion.  

So my favorite funny story for the week- my companion calls the restroom a xishoujian (wash hand room) so zi was trying to use that word but switched the first two Syllables so it was xiouxijian- which literally means rest room. It was the coolest accident ever.  I am learning about 15 characters a day and 20 other vocab. 

I don't have that much to tell you, my days are all mostly the same, but I loved what Elder Uchtdorf said in the general relief society meeting about how the happiest people are those who notice the small things on their way to great things, and all the rest the talk-golden ticket analogy, you’re not forgotten etc. SO if you have not seen it watch it.

Any ways some of those small things were I I am dominating in B-ball and still running, and loving gym. I actually enjoy learning Chinese, and feel good about my Chinese. Obviously a little nervous, but confident that I will be able to survive in Taiwan (I hope). I have pulled a few small pranks mom, so I must confess because I told you I wouldn't, but I think you’ll be fine with them- for example I had to turn my suit coat in for dry cleaning so wore my companions suit and asked a friend of ours of the female kind who's suit was best, and a few things of that sort, the worst was  there was a guy in the shower and his towel was hanging over the edge, so I took it (I couldn't resist) but he got it back quickly.

Spiritual thought- I don't know if I told you all this last week or not but I love how there are always people supporting you or backing you up. I came to this revelation because after years of church, general conference, and BYU devotionals (one year of that) I finally asked why are there always people sitting behind the person giving the talk? I came to the realization that they are there to back him up. Then I realized every calling has people supporting you up to the prophet and down to me.

 Next one was the broken steel bow- insights- steel made of man, steel is not flexible, steel is hard to break. Wood is made of god, is flexible and also strong in ways stronger then metal. I will let you make the analogies and comparisons.  Love you all  Elder Sabey

 Oct. 23, 2011

Well it's been a while since I wrote. I am loving it here. What a great place. It really is a lot like China. Other then it has more 7-11s. My mission President is great, as is the mission Mom. I was a little nervous the first night because it seemed like he was feigning interest, and he was I think but that was because it was midnight, and I almost forgot that. I wrote a letter that will tell you more about my President. Sister Grimley is pretty quiet but nice and supportive. It's been great doing some work! I actually talk to people, and they understand. I have gotten 4 phone numbers so far, and have helped teach 8 lessons. It’s crazy. I am understanding and following every lesson but other topics I rarely can follow. Yet it’s fun. Today I finally get to go to my first area. I am going to Longtan, it's pretty isolated so we are the only missionaries in the area so we get the church to ourselves and can teach women, which I guess is a big deal, IDK.  My companion is Elder Bensen from Utah. He's a hard worker and supper nice. In this mission once you’re a senior companion, always a senior, once district leader always one, and ZL unless you train and that’s what my companion was, a ZL so I think President trusts him a lot. He is a sponsored wake border, and is fun.

 Now about Taiwan- I love the food, it’s different but great. I still like breakfast most, mmmmmmm. They have so many great foods for breakfast my favorite was either a breakfast sandwich or a onion bread. I tried passion fruit and was shocked with how sour it was, not at all what I expected.

  Weird experience- there is this gay eternal investigator who bugs the missionaries about it because he thinks it’s fun. At church he asked me in English to take a picture of my companion in the shower, but all I got was a picture of my comp. and didn't know he was gay, so I said yes, first mistake. Then my companion asked if I heard what he said and told me what he said, and I didn't want to make the guy feel like his English was bad and was a little weirded out so tried to play it off like I heard and was joking. Letter my companion pulled me over and told me he was gay and not to egg him on. I felt so awkward and bad. So I started my mission off like it should, with a crazy experience. The rest the time this guy kept flirting with the missionaries and the ward had a dinner for us that night and he came to that to and flirted with us there. So weird. any advice?

  This Sunday we had a stake conference but for the Asian area, so watched it on TV, and had President Scott speak about women hood. It was great, even though I had heard most the stories before. (I watched it in a room that wasn't translated, so understood every word, yay.)

 Love you all

Elder Sabey

PS Mom thanks for the email, I love you a lot.

 Hey everyone, Love you so much.                

Nov, 2, 2011

Hey family,

I do have p-day on Monday, but during temple week it's on whatever day we go to the temple. I got to go already. What a great experience. I truly love the temple. I thought that it was interesting how Adam named eve that because she’s the mother of all living things, when they had no children, and there are many living things. So any thoughts on that. Lastly how the devil says the fruit is soo good, when the scriptures say that of the fruit of knowledge and eternal life one is bitter and one sweet. So I think that the fruit was bitter. And that is where chi ku comes from.  idk.

Well funny experience, I was being treated to a dinner the other day at a restaurant, and the owner/cook asked if I was full and I said yes. Then she asked "hai keyi ma" *literal translations: still able” which I took to mean "can you still eat" and so I said "bu keyi." Then my companion told me "hai keyi means how was the food, and I told her horrible. Oh ya, got to love these experiences. I hurriedly apologized and thanked her for a great meal.

My companion and I white washed Longtan so we are still getting to know it and the members. In a way it’s nice. My investigators are all great and I love them. Sun Dixiong (Brother Sun) is the one with the most doubts but he’s gaining a testimony, and he wanted to know real changes the church had helped us make in our life.  I told him one that in middle school I had not the best friends, though good not the best. Then when I really converted, the church helped me change to really good friends. Before then I hadn't even realized the church had changed this in my life.  I was learning as I shared it. It was great and after that lesson he said, "I am reassured now." I think he was thinking about dumping us. Then this last time he came in sad and left happy.  It’s so great.

Our golden investigator is Zhaung Dixiong, this last lesson he came in excited about having read Alma 34 and bore a beautiful testimony on faith and how from faith we receive power. We had planned on reviewing the third lesson with him but he was for us. We told him yea and faith helps us to want to repent. He cut us off and asked if he could bear his testimony, and proceeded to do so on repentance and the importance of prayer in the repentance process. We then talked shortly about baptism and reset his baptismal date because he hasn't come to church yet because of his job, which he is quitting to be able to come. In the prayer he prayed to be baptized as quick as possible. So, yeah, golden. I think if I told him not to be baptized,  he still would. So I love it, no pressure at all.

I am excited to read emails on Monday morning. Anything else you want to hear about then?

Love Elder Matthew Sabey

ps Hey so yeah, friends can email me so please put it up on facebook.

pps I hear dad talked with Elder Calvert the other day, so thanks. If you want to send the pin to email that’s fine. If not and you just send money or whatever that’s great. I still have the card just can't get money from the atm without the pin. Whatever. Just thanks a bunch

 

Hey I sent Daniel an email so have him check it.

I am working out still, and I have four hours of study in the morning. So don't get out till 1, but the time I am working I really am happy. It's so great, and God has given me energy.  We are TEACHING A FAMILY TOo.   wELL LOVE YOU

Nov 6, 2011

Miracles and humility

 We will start off by answering questions; I do an hour of personal study two of companion study and one of language study. My companion does the same with me. There is a new training program we are going through with different topics every week. It’s good. My companion’s great with people and has good Chinese I think. He is a sponsored wake boarder and good snowboarder. He’s cool. He's the oldest of his family, has two little brothers and a 5 year old sister whom he’s shown me many pictures of and is adorable.  I contribute a lot to lessons, we are trying to get to 50/50, it’s fun.  The Shi family is great, the dad doesn't have great interest but the mom and two kids (a daughter whose 13 and son whose 10) do, and they are keeping every commitment. They love me and I love them. Lastly I eat out almost all the time except breakfast and when we are feed by members, and even then it's out to eat most the time. I love some of the food but some I don't or is just bland but I am getting better.

Thanks for telling me about grandpa. I am so glad he made it through. I love him.

A few questions- What happened with Josh?  How is life at home? How are the bees? How's school? Did Grandpa Sabey serve a mission/ Where?

Ok now finally to my week, it's been another great week. We got 25 lessons this week!! A few stories, we were with a recent convert and I told him I am from Colorado and he told me that Coluoladou (long) means Komodo (dragon) in Chinese so yeah, definitely the best state.

  A cool little miracle, there’s this kid named Wu Dixiong who randomly met with two missionaries on the same day and one set him up for the next week Thursday but he thought it was this week’s Thursday, he however didn't have time that day and felt bad but didn't come. The next week my companion felt he should give calls to referrals which he got from the missionaries who have been transferred. This kid was expecting a call because he thought he had fanged [missed the appointment] us. He answered and reset up for Friday. That Friday we found out he lives an hour and a half away and came to Longtan just for meeting with us. He committed to baptism, praying and attending church. His girlfriend lives in Longtan and would also be able to hear us instead of going to the closer missionaries to him. It was incredible. I am excited to teach him again.

 The other miracle is about my studies. Saturday I was tired and fell asleep during personal study and didn't really get anything out of it, then a paper fell out of my B of M that said "not well pleased." I took it as a sign that I needed to do better personal study. The rest of the studies didn't go so well either. Then on Sunday I focused and got a lot more out of it, I was focusing on how to follow and recognize the spirit and enjoyed it.  I prayed to learn how to  be better at following promptings.  Then at the start of companion study I got to pick the song and "Be thou humble came to mind” so I suggested it and it was an answer to my prayer. It told me all I need to know. I am positive it was revelation and an answer to my prayers. The rest of the studies went well for me.

 I guess Dad has a birthday coming up, I forget is 40th or 41st? Well happy birthday. I will send you a letter in the mail today; if it gets there late know it is coming.

Hurrah for Israel.   I love you all

Elder Matthew Sabey

PS What is Ian Darcy’s address? I want to write him but we can't write anyone but family on email, although we can receive from anyone. He's in Alaska now isn't he? What’s Dia up to? Well love you again.

                                                                                                                        Nov 16, 2011

Hey all,

I loved hearing from so many this week. I would ask you to use email and not dear elder because dear elder goes to the mission home which is an hour and a half from us, so we only get there like once a month. I just got dad’s letters from Daniels birthday, so yeah.  One more request, can you get me Ian Darcy’s address? I would like to write him. Also with the pin number, Bro. Calvert whom dad talked to, suggested you send me a new credit card in one envelope and my pin number in another. I thought this was a good idea because my card expires  in the 2-3 months anyway. Whatever but I really do want to pay for my bike.

A few of you asked what I would like you to talk about. I love hearing about anything. I would like to hear more about specific funny stories like grandpa being in the same room as Josh, any cool spiritual ideas or experiences or mission experiences that would help my mission, maybe sports, and obviously girls. Dia's getting back soonish right?

About my week, We see little miracles every day.  I love it. We met a woman down a road I choose to go down, but my companion was the one who went back and talked to her, her name is Amon from Jakarta, and she lives close to the church. She said she always wanted to go to the church but never had seen anyone in it. We set up and meet with her, she used to be a Christian, and still is but her church is far away so she never goes. In the lesson we felt the spirit strongly. I testified of priesthood power and after that she said,  "It's true." We committed her to baptism, and at the end of the lesson she said "I have money but am not happy, here I am happy." What a miracle. The Shi Jiating (family) met again and this time I could tell that there was a difference, they were excited to meet with us and had been praying and reading the BOM together. They committed to baptism to. I guess it's really rare to commit an entire family to baptism; the dad even seems to be developing interest when before it was just for his kids. We meet with a 17 year old whose family has no religion and was searching. He also committed to baptism. Also the miracle Wu Dixiong I told you about that came from an hour and a half to hear our message, he came and understood the importance of reading the Book of Mormon and is progressing, except he had something on Sunday so couldn't come to church.

Some spiritual thoughts- I loved Alma 1 and 2, I realized that it really could apply to us in our days, Amlici teaches a new religion similar to Nehors and wants to become king, but was out voted but didn't give up. (Kind of like abortion in California with title 8 I think) This is encouraging how the majority is rarely wrong. I like to compare his religion to the idles of our day- cars, sports, porn, ads, etc. So he decided to fight instead, Yet Alma had time and prepared with all manner of weapons. In the fight the verse starts out with the Amalicites slaughtering the Nephites; nevertheless the Lord did strengthen the Nephites and they ended up winning. Even though prepared, still only in there need did the lord help. So Alma sent spies to watch them, and the spies came back rushed saying, “make hast for the Amalicites joined a Lamanite army and unless we hurry we will lose our families and homes”, so they went. Even though way outnumbered they went. The joining of the armies is significant, how often can we see porn, cars, sports and ads together? In the fight Alma prays to the lord to spare his life so he can be an instrument in his hands and save "this people." Then got up and lo and behold there is Amalicai which he quickly dispatches and they end up winning even though greatly outnumbered. I said the same prayer because I need strength to resist all worldly idles so I can help this people. I liked comparing Almas prayers to King Noah’s plead for his life to Giddianton, I would suggest you do it. Noah wants to save us first then "my people.' All about himself still. Also he is on a tower not low and humble.

Love you all,

Elder Matthew Sabey

Nov. 21, 2011

To answer your questions

My relationship with my companion is good. I find that when I push back, and am stubborn it's hard to like him, but when I am submissive meek and humble it's really easy. We often laugh together at nights and that’s the only rule we have trouble with, which is we are in bed and lights out at 10:30 but talk till 11 which I feel like is maybe against the spirit of the law, but not the rules, and I really enjoy it, and getting to know him better. I would love your views on it. He is a Utah Mormon family, but thinks they are looked on as jack Mormons because they snowboard, Wakeboard (he's sponsered). But I think he likes thinking that and people don't actually think it, because he seems as Mormon as they come. Everyone in the mission looks up to him, and thinks he's perfect, and President likes him too so probably he will be an AP. We work out together but I run a little faster, so not side by side. The morning is neither of our favorite times, we are not that chatty in the morning. Hardest part by far is missing you all, I love everything else, and am seriously trying to get swallowed up in Christ, to lose myself and get to work, but it's hard. My worst day was Dad’s B-day because I couldn't be there and tell him thanks for everything, and enjoy everyones presence. So that’s what I am struggling with most now. Also being such an imperfect representative of the only perfect man is hard. I feel inadequate, but reading Elder Bednar’s and Uchtdorf’s fist talks in conference really helped me feel better about it. I love the scripture in D&C that says "The lord has suffered you to come to this place" or something like that. It's such a great place with great responsibility but he has suffered me to come here. I have seen so many miracles, some pan out and some don't but they all are true miracles.  There’s a saying that so many miracles happen around new missionaries. I believe it, It’s the lord saying it's him not us. That’s where I find solace, my job is to obey the commandments of god and open my mouth and it will be given me, like it was Elijah. I had no Idea how I was going to tell you this, but I started writing and it came. It’s so amazing what happens when you have the spirit with you.

  I wanted to share a scripture with you, but I can't find it, I think it's in Alma 33 about how because of the prophest’s trials the lord has listened to him, It may help your lesson. It sounds like such a great lesson. I am going to use it. I want to hear how it goes. I am so impressed with your planning weeks in advance. God is a plan maker just like you. Thanks for being a great example.

So I want to tell you about my first Baptism. An investigator named Ye ting hui (Jeimei/sister) who we meet with twice got baptized. All the teaching and stuff had been previously taught, and she had already had a baptismal interview but hadn't honestly quit coffee, so couldn't get baptized, and then a boy in the ward her age that has a mental problem grabbed her breast so she stopped meeting with the missionaries.  She also had a little mental problem, I guess. Yet when we meet she seemed normal, I guess through the meeting with the missionaries, and baptism she has mostly gotten over her problem, the whole ward says it's a miracle. There were only 10 at the baptism and one was the boy, who had asked for forgiveness, was there to support. It was kind of annoying but beautiful.

I love you all

Elder Matthew Sabey

Nov 27, 2011

Hey all,

I had a great last week. No baptisms or anything, but a great week.

I first want to talk about the day of miracles. On Tuesday I was on exchanges with a ZL, and we had a full day planned with no finding time. Yet on the bus I decided to talk to the guy sitting in front of me, and he was interested and set up an appointment. Then we had a great lesson, and after we went outside and were waiting for our next lesson, and a high schooler on a bike was riding by and I asked him to stop and he did (first time that ever happened), and I invited him to have a tour, and he had time so he did. At the end we had a mini first lesson and learned that he had a friend die 3 years ago, and is still having a hard time dealing with it. It was a powerful lesson and he set up for 2 days later. He's golden. So yeah, the two people I contacted that day set up, kind of awesome. Then when riding to dinner the Shi Jiating(family) saw us and bought us drinks. We had been worried about them because they haven't been coming to church so it was nice to see them, and talk. It's so great to have all these miracles. Then that night was the best sun set yet. There were a few others but I don't remember them all.

Then thanksgiving, it was a good day. We had a lot of good lessons and John a member, who is in my advanced English class had invited us to dinner, and couldn't do it till after 8 so he helped us in a lesson at 7:30 and was a great help, then went to dinner at 8 in the night market. We got Stinky tofu for the first time, one fried the other spicy. I was starving and nervous, but it really doesn't taste as bad as it smells. I actually kind of enjoyed it. The soup for the spicy stinky tofu was great. The fried tofu was much worse, but it was still bearable. Then we went and got some chicken butt- which was good but super fatty, and whenever you thought about what you were eating, you wanted to puke. Lastly we went and xiao xian cao, a traditional drink/jelly that was super good. I don't tihnk I will ever forget that thankgsgiving dinner. So dad thanks for not describing yours to me.

Friday we had zone conference and I taught, as the youngest missionary there because my companion is a district leader. We taught on the doctrine of Christ and it went well, I have learned that if you’re teaching by the spirit you can teach anyone, even if your Chinese is bad, or your teaching 2 year experienced missionaries. I knew I was teaching by the spirit because I got a lot of new insights as I taught. I learned/taught about how the doctrine of Christ is a "pattern of living." It's not just 5 steps but a cycle. Earlier that week I realized that faith, repentance and enduring to the end we all are still working on but then I realized the full pattern/cycle. If we develop faith in Christ, he will show us our weaknesses, and we will want to repent, prepare be baptized/take the sacrament and become worthy of a more full measure of the gift of the holy ghost which if we follow its promptings the more faith we develop, and the higher up we get on this cycle the broader the veiw, and more rewarding the view.  It’s just like climbing a mountain.

I love you all,  Elder Matthew Sabey

Dec. 4, 2011

Hey family,

--First Transfer done, miracles abound.  What time do you read your emails? We generally do it at 6:40. Do you have a computer in your apartment? No! That would be crazy cool but probably to much of a distraction. What do you do for P-days? It's never the same but the best part is your letters. Tell us a little about the city you're in- Longtan is a relatively small city, there are trees, gardens, lakes etc.. It's a beautiful area; because of the smaller population contacting everyone God puts in your path is a lot easier. How's Chinese coming? It's coming slowly but surely. I hope next transfer I will get a native companion because then it will improve faster. It is just slow to learn a language. Are you still working on characters or mostly just vocabulary? I am working on phase one, trying to get it done in two transfers; this is phrases, teaching, vocab, etc. It will be great, then I get to do phase two (vocab), then three which is just characters, but everyone in the BOM. The president’s goal is for us to finish phase 3 by the end of our first year. So no characters now. Sad.

 What a weird thought, my first transfer is done. Time truly flies. I am a part of a new training 12 week program so I knew I was staying with my companion in Longtan, your wish came true. I am loving it most of the time. We are being so blessed, my companion says I don't even realize how blessed we are. This was our best week yet. We taught 31 lessons and 16 member accompanied lessons, and 7 investigators at church. We saw so many miracles this week.

My favorite one was when God used me. My companion told me to find a place to track for 10 minutes, so I found a place that was relatively small, my companion said it was too small but if I wanted we could try. I said I wanted to. Then we rang on door bells and were rejected the first few times. Then we rang another and no one came but we could hear voices which we realized were around the house. I looked and saw a little girl waiting expectantly. I told my companion that there was a little girl waiting for a parent over there and he said, "If you want to go contact them you can?" Shortly after the mom came out on the scooter and I went and contacted them. They were interested and set up for the next day, she said she wanted to forget some things of the past, and we told her we could help. We set up with  the bishop and his wife as peikes (members to help). When she came we started off on our average first- time meeting using teaching phrases like "Every person we teach has individual challenges and concerns. No matter what your concerns or challenges are the savior and his teachings-the gospel- can help them." We proceeded to explain prayer and asking question when she just opened up to us. She has been abused by her husband, and so has her daughter "half to death." So moved away once, but he found her again. So she went to the government and they moved her here from Taizhong. She has no job, and is struggling with the past. It was so sad, but the spirit was so strong. I love helping her. Our Bishop is trying to get her a job, while we had a lesson on the atonement and I could testify that the atonement can heal anything. She once said "Every time we set up I want to not go, but I follow my heart and come." I had no idea I was being lead by the spirit to find her that day until looking back but now I know. I hope you guys will pray for her. Also as a missionary what can I tell you when people tell me stuff? Is this acceptable?

Another miracle was we had an appointment at someone’s house, who was new so he told us the street (with about 1000 houses) but forgot his address.  He told us to call when we got there. We did, with no response. We decided to go tracting, but before prayed that he will answer his phone again in ten minutes when we try again. On the third door we knocked and a boy and girl came walking by and stopped and asked if Bai zhanglao was one of us, and we said yeah. He was our APPOINTMENT. They WERE ON THEIR WAY TO the girl’s SCHOOL (and were planning on fanging [not showing up to the appointment] us). We asked if they had time to meet and the girl said we could and she Would just be late. I felt a little bad that she would be late, but this was more important. It was so cool how that prayer was answered, but even better than we prayed for. He was sent to us.

I love you all.  Elder Matthew Sabey  PS If you haven't sent my package I would love waterproof gloves. 

Dec. 10, 2011

Hey, Grandpa.

Was just thinking about you. I love you so much and am so glad for your steady testimony. If it weren't so strong, I don't know if I would be on a mission. I heard you're not doing well. I pray for you.love your humor and positive attitude. You're such a good example. I hope you get better.

I'm loving my mission. I just had my first baptism, and it was so rewarding. I was so happy even though there were a few funny faux-pas, it all ended great. I love being a missionary and living a missionary life. I want to ask your advice. What's the most important thing I can learn on my mission, and in life. Also, what's the thing you're most proud of in your life. Also, if you could give me one piece of advice, what would it be? I love you and pray for you. Your Grandson.

Elder Sabey

Dec. 18, 2011

Oh family how much I do love you. I loved your letters today. Thanks

I just love the mission. It is so great; I can't believe it just keeps getting better. We had our second baptism this week. A Zuang Dixiong, It was so great. In Taiwan generally not to many members attend the baptismal services, which is sad but makes the story better. On Friday we meet with one of our most golden investigators Selina, and shared about tithing. She had a lot of questions and wouldn't commit to it, but set up for the next day, the day of Zhuang's baptism.  We also had only found 3 of the 7 investigators we had hoped to find.  Saturday was going to be super busy, my companion and I  fasted that the baptism would go well, we would find new investigators and Selina would accept tithing. Well we started with Selina and she committed to obeying the law of the country, obeying the prophet, and god, and TITHING!!!! It wasn't the strongest commitment she was like I will definitely start off paying but if I don't see the promised blessings then we'll see. Then we got fanged (investigators didn't come to the set up) twice but one came, and was great. One of our members at the lesson said she received inspiration that this women (the investigator) would get baptized.   A little awkward but I hope it's true.  Then we meet with another investigator that told us he was bi-sexual and wanted to hear our view point, we luckily had the gospel principles book on us and shared with him from it. Then we went to the baptism, and we had so many miracles. We had 7 investigators besides Zhuang come, There were as many investigators as there were members, lol. We had forgotten to remind them about it that day but they all still came. I performed the baptism which went well the first time, no re dos (I was so glad), and then after the baptism all our investigators loved it so much that they stayed another30-40 minutes, approximately the time of the whole baptismal meeting. Some of our investigators are more active than almost any of the members. We are so blessed.

  Another highlight was a women who is living with a member but isn't divorced from her husband out of fear of him has committed to baptism. I felt we need to and I had her commit, and when she accepted she felt to spirit so strong she started crying. It was so great.

Then we had eight investigators at church and in weekly numbers we had 12 progressing investigators. It is definitely not me or my companion working here, there are many other missionaries better than us getting worse numbers. Angels are working here announcing good tidings of great joy, and I get to come and witness the greatest miracle of all, the birth of Christ in a person’s life, and see them themselves be reborn. I loved dad's letter. Fear not was announced to the shepherds miry and Joseph. "Fear not, only believe" a great quote of Christ.

Love you all

Elder Sabey

I will call at 8 our time so 6 yours 

ps Can you send Ian an email saying I can't email but can read his, and got his and loved it and will write him back?  

Jan 8, 2012—

One week before transfer 3 begins 

                                                                                                                        Oct. 4, 2011

 This week was great. I got a new companion, I will know for sure who it is tonight. But I think it will be Elder Hsiao, whose family is from Taiwan, but he is not any better than us, he just went through the fast track. He's great. I totally loved general conference. I want the whole world to watch it. My favorite was look up, so mom I really am working on my posture now. lol I loved the idea though. I realize how important it is to look forward and up, not down and back. I sometimes feel like lots wife when I look back at sins that I have already confessed. If gods forgotten them, we need to become more god like and forget them to. Also mother, I am waiting for the coat you used on your mission, I think that would really help. lol. But seriously, what a church we have. I learned that one of my friends from high school Kari Baker's dad had a stroke at 55, on a bike ride and died. I just wanted her to know what we know. It would help her so much. I am sending her a letter. I love our church. Dad you did a great job raising Rachel because there has never been a doubt you loved mom. Thanks for your example. I loved your Lehi’s dream analysis. Her Here are some thoughts I have with it. It's interesting how the iron rod is next to the river/cliff, when there’s a barren wasteland it could be at, nowhere near the filthy river. It’s almost not fair to those righteous(one step wrong and your toast) but then let’s look at it from the sinner’s point of view, although it may be a steep hard climb, the path is right next to you. Jesus will help you up. I also like the Jesus can walk on water, and go under for baptism, if we cry lord save me, he will immediately. I love how in his baptism he "straitway went out of the water." If we have faith we need not remain in it. Also I re-read it this week and saw a JS first vision parallel where Lehi was first surrounded by darkness, and it was not until he called upon the lord that he was delivered. Then when they saw Jesus (the tree) it was "whiter than any white" "and brighter then noon day sun. I thought those were cool thoughts.

                                                                                                                        Oct. 11, 2011

I wrote this poem for the family but it is from Cubby's perspective

Last week in the MTC

I love you all, thanks for writing and your prayers and support.

Hey I would love it if you would be willing to edit my poem, or add ideas or anything-  some thoughts were how the false summit got me further then if I had only seen the top, or I was on the giants shoulder when on dads, or the first-dad shall be last because he’s helping the last. I don’t know.

Also there are a bunch of foreign lang books here- want a French book of Mormon or hymns dad, or Chinese things mom or Brian or Italian things David?

I took a talk called the fourth missionary from a friend and lost it, so if you could send it to me I would greatly appreciate that.

When does Ian get here?

Any news on the drivers license?

Could I get Andrew Gibbs address?

I am looking forward to the flash cards!

Lastly did the boys get my package?

Any ways about the week

I have loved this week. I am with Elder Hsiao, (his name is spelled that way because it's the old Romanization like Taipei instead of bei) He is super nice and hard working. We lived in the same hall at byu. However we were not great friends, I just knew his name. Probably because he was always in the library studying.  But he's great, smart, obedient and we SYL about 80 percent of the time which really does help our Chinese a lot. It's great to have a hard working companion.

 

So my favorite funny story for the week- my companion calls the restroom a xishoujian (wash hand room) so zi was trying to use that word but switched the first two syllables so it was xiouxijian- which literally means rest room. It was the coolest accident ever.

I am learning about 15 characters a day and 20 other vocab.

I don't have that much to tell you, my days are all mostly the same, but I loved what elder Uchdorf said in the general relief society meeting about how the happiest people are those who notice the small things on their way to great things, and all the rest the talk-golden ticket analogy, you’re not forgotten etc. SO if you have not seen it watch it.

Any ways some of those small things were I I am dominating in B-ball and still running, and loving gym. I actually enjoy learning Chinese, and feel good about my Chinese. Obviously a little nervous, but confident that I will be able to survive in Taiwan (i hope). I have pulled a few small pranks mom, so I must confess because I told you I wouldn't, but I think you’ll be fine with them- for example I had to turn my suit coat in for dry cleaning so wore my companions suit and asked a friend of ours of the female kind who's suit was best, and a few things of that sort, the worst was  there was a guy in the shower and his towel was hanging over the edge, so i took it (I couldn't resist) but he got it back quickly.

Spiritual thought- I don't know if I told you all this last week or not but I love how there are always people supporting you or backing you up. I came to this revelation because after years of church, general conference, and BYU devotionals (one year of that) I finally asked why are there always people sitting behind the person giving the talk? I came to the realization that they are there to back him up.; then I realized every calling has people supporting you up to the prophet and down to me.

 Next one was the broken steel bow- insights- steel made of man, steel is not flexible, steel is hard to break. Wood is made of god, is flexible, and also strong in ways stronger than metal. I will let you make the analogies and comparisons Love you all Elder Sabey

So if you want to use this you may

After all my years of growing up

Father finally thinks I ready

He’s made a plan to challenge each of us

Sure we’ll make it if we’re steady

A family goal, through different paths,

To all have conquered mount Quandary

Mother knowing we’ll nee warm cloths

Silently does her children’s laundry

Packed and ready with all we’ll need

We leap into the car

Mother calms us all, and sincerely prays

Trusting father to take us far

Having reached our destination

We jumped on out and stared

The immovable giant laughed at me

Calling you can’t climb me if you dared

Then I heard my father’s voice

Calling us over for a story

One of Joshua at eighty years old

Still trailing flames of glory

Who feared no mountain nor giant foe

For he gave the lord his all

Facing both he charged onward and up

“Give me this mountain” was his call

Inspired I helped to pitch our tent

Toward that little hill

I knew I’d make it to the top

No longer so starkly real

Confidently I zipped up my bag

And was shortly immersed in sleep

I dreamed of fighting giant foes

And monsters of the deep

Rise up oh men of god

I heard more loud and clear

I rose and dressed for this great test

Give me this mountain we did cheer

And off we were with dad in front

To protect and set a pace

With mom in back to make sure

No one felt it was a race

Laughing and talking we started off

Down the clear and sloping trail

Into the woods and over brooks I cruzed

Determined not to fail

Soon I lagged a little bit

But caught up nice and quick

Waiting for us by a sign they were

Where the trial began to split

I knew it was coming, for it was in the plan

To split the older from the young

But mom was nice to stay with us

the youngest and make it fun

we talked, sung and pleadingly prayed

to see them at the top

I hiked and hiked and felt so tiered

Yet Matthew had to stop

I felt so proud a big boy now

The youngest of the kids

We drank some water and ate some bread

Rach called “come on, the mountain bids”

Soon we left forest into a rocky dusty trail,

With the Sun shining above

Mother leads or lags with us

Directed by her love

Breathing was harder, breaks more frequent

My head began to throb

“we over half way there” I said

Wondering could I do the job

Fighting on I felt a grasshopper

In the eye of the giants stare

“Give me this mountain” I heard

I said a humble prayer

Then on I went with faith in god

Yet the way grew even steeper

Sick and tiered I rested and looked back

My faith grew even deeper

The fourths the way one quarter left

That’s all we had to go

I saw the peek seemingly just ahead,

My body told me no

I’ll make it there, the tops not far

I picked up the slowing speed

My sister brother and dear mother

Followed my restless lead

Soon realized the top we saw

Was a rocky lame false summit

The giant laughed at me asking

How I thought I could have done it

dropping down, exhausted from my charge

catching my panting thin breath

Thud it hit, Altitude sickness

My head felt close to death

Yet on they went, Matt and Rach

For their eyes were to the top

I tried to follow their slow pace

yet soon I had to stop

My mother stayed by my side

telling me it’s all ok

I cried a tear, feeling stuck right here

and making my mother stay

After a while I got cramped up

watching the others reach the top

I looking up I saw dad coming down

My head began to drop

He called my name from far away

I did not dare look up

for he trusted me to climb it all

to drink this bitter cup

Then called again much closer now

No disappointment in his voice

"Look how far you've come my son

Such reason to rejoice"

"We are now not far from the top

our family waits up there

It starts with just one step, my son

you’ve almost done your share"

I stood up and took that step

then bent over and threw up

"I can't dad, I've done my best"

I can't drink this giants cup

Reaching down he picked me up

for a piggy back on shoulders

"You've done your best, that’s all I ask'"

as he climbed over many boulders

Then laughing together we made it up

Mother Dad and I

We saw our whole family cheering us

some began to cry

When at the top what a view

a 360 degree prize

On top of the world, seeing a larger view

and touching the clear blue skies

Nevertheless being with family at the top

was the best prize by far

"give me this mountain" we cheered together

forever a guiding star

'went down and drove home, the same,

like it never happened

But I remember well that day

when I conquered my first mountain

I have conquered many more since then

when asked which one was worst

I look them in the eye and say

"as always its the first"

But let me tell you the whole truth

though at first I started off shouting

"I am strong enough to conquer Quandary"

I soon was loudly pouting

My father came down and carried me

He gave me this mountain

 Thanks for sending me the letter to President Grimly.

I was shocked to find out however that I was a tennis captain, had a full tuition scholarship to BYU, and frequently wrote mother notes to see how she was doing. I don't know where you got you information but I am pretty sure those are not true. I wish they were. Thanks it was really nice and way above the praise I deserve.

This week I had infield orientation and loved it. I am so excited to go to Taiwan. It is also nerve racking too, but onward and up ward, look forward not back and look up not down.   I want to start memorizing scriptures like Elder Scott told us, send me what you think were good ones to memorize.

Love you all,  Elder Sabey

                                                                                                                        Oct. 18, 2011

The best week yet

 I love you all, thanks for writing and your prayers and support.  Hey I would love it if you would be willing to edit my poem, or add ideas or anything-  some thoughts were how the false summit got me further then if I had only seen the top, or I was on the giants shoulder when on dad’s, or the first-dad shall be last because he was helping the last. IDK

Also there are a bunch of foreign lang books here- want a French Book of Mormon or hymns dad, or Chinese things mom or Brian or Italian things David?

I took a talk called the fourth missionary from a friend and lost it, so if you could send it to me I would greatly appreciate that.

When does Ian get here?  Any news on the driver’s license?  Could I get Andrew Gibbs address?

I am looking forward to the flash cards!  Lastly did the boys get my package?

 About the week:  I have loved this week. I am with Elder Hsiao, (his name is spelled that way because it's the old romanization like TaiPie instead of bie) He is super nice and hard working. We lived in the same hall at BYU. However we were not great friends, I just knew his name. Probably because he was always in the library studying.  But he's great, smart, obedient and we SYL about 80 percent of the time which really does help our Chinese a lot. It's great to have a hard working companion.  

So my favorite funny story for the week- my companion calls the restroom a xishoujian (wash hand room) so zi was trying to use that word but switched the first two Syllables so it was xiouxijian- which literally means rest room. It was the coolest accident ever.  I am learning about 15 characters a day and 20 other vocab. 

I don't have that much to tell you, my days are all mostly the same, but I loved what Elder Uchtdorf said in the general relief society meeting about how the happiest people are those who notice the small things on their way to great things, and all the rest the talk-golden ticket analogy, you’re not forgotten etc. SO if you have not seen it watch it.

Any ways some of those small things were I I am dominating in B-ball and still running, and loving gym. I actually enjoy learning Chinese, and feel good about my Chinese. Obviously a little nervous, but confident that I will be able to survive in Taiwan (I hope). I have pulled a few small pranks mom, so I must confess because I told you I wouldn't, but I think you’ll be fine with them- for example I had to turn my suit coat in for dry cleaning so wore my companions suit and asked a friend of ours of the female kind who's suit was best, and a few things of that sort, the worst was  there was a guy in the shower and his towel was hanging over the edge, so I took it (I couldn't resist) but he got it back quickly.

Spiritual thought- I don't know if I told you all this last week or not but I love how there are always people supporting you or backing you up. I came to this revelation because after years of church, general conference, and BYU devotionals (one year of that) I finally asked why are there always people sitting behind the person giving the talk? I came to the realization that they are there to back him up. Then I realized every calling has people supporting you up to the prophet and down to me.

 Next one was the broken steel bow- insights- steel made of man, steel is not flexible, steel is hard to break. Wood is made of god, is flexible and also strong in ways stronger then metal. I will let you make the analogies and comparisons.  Love you all  Elder Sabey

 Oct. 23, 2011

Well it's been a while since I wrote. I am loving it here. What a great place. It really is a lot like China. Other then it has more 7-11s. My mission President is great, as is the mission Mom. I was a little nervous the first night because it seemed like he was feigning interest, and he was I think but that was because it was midnight, and I almost forgot that. I wrote a letter that will tell you more about my President. Sister Grimley is pretty quiet but nice and supportive. It's been great doing some work! I actually talk to people, and they understand. I have gotten 4 phone numbers so far, and have helped teach 8 lessons. It’s crazy. I am understanding and following every lesson but other topics I rarely can follow. Yet it’s fun. Today I finally get to go to my first area. I am going to Longtan, it's pretty isolated so we are the only missionaries in the area so we get the church to ourselves and can teach women, which I guess is a big deal, IDK.  My companion is Elder Bensen from Utah. He's a hard worker and supper nice. In this mission once you’re a senior companion, always a senior, once district leader always one, and ZL unless you train and that’s what my companion was, a ZL so I think President trusts him a lot. He is a sponsored wake border, and is fun.

 Now about Taiwan- I love the food, it’s different but great. I still like breakfast most, mmmmmmm. They have so many great foods for breakfast my favorite was either a breakfast sandwich or a onion bread. I tried passion fruit and was shocked with how sour it was, not at all what I expected.

  Weird experience- there is this gay eternal investigator who bugs the missionaries about it because he thinks it’s fun. At church he asked me in English to take a picture of my companion in the shower, but all I got was a picture of my comp. and didn't know he was gay, so I said yes, first mistake. Then my companion asked if I heard what he said and told me what he said, and I didn't want to make the guy feel like his English was bad and was a little weirded out so tried to play it off like I heard and was joking. Letter my companion pulled me over and told me he was gay and not to egg him on. I felt so awkward and bad. So I started my mission off like it should, with a crazy experience. The rest the time this guy kept flirting with the missionaries and the ward had a dinner for us that night and he came to that to and flirted with us there. So weird. any advice?

  This Sunday we had a stake conference but for the Asian area, so watched it on TV, and had President Scott speak about women hood. It was great, even though I had heard most the stories before. (I watched it in a room that wasn't translated, so understood every word, yay.)

 Love you all

Elder Sabey

PS Mom thanks for the email, I love you a lot.

 Hey everyone, Love you so much.                

Nov, 2, 2011

Hey family,

I do have p-day on Monday, but during temple week it's on whatever day we go to the temple. I got to go already. What a great experience. I truly love the temple. I thought that it was interesting how Adam named eve that because she’s the mother of all living things, when they had no children, and there are many living things. So any thoughts on that. Lastly how the devil says the fruit is soo good, when the scriptures say that of the fruit of knowledge and eternal life one is bitter and one sweet. So I think that the fruit was bitter. And that is where chi ku comes from.  idk.

Well funny experience, I was being treated to a dinner the other day at a restaurant, and the owner/cook asked if I was full and I said yes. Then she asked "hai keyi ma" *literal translations: still able” which I took to mean "can you still eat" and so I said "bu keyi." Then my companion told me "hai keyi means how was the food, and I told her horrible. Oh ya, got to love these experiences. I hurriedly apologized and thanked her for a great meal.

My companion and I white washed Longtan so we are still getting to know it and the members. In a way it’s nice. My investigators are all great and I love them. Sun Dixiong (Brother Sun) is the one with the most doubts but he’s gaining a testimony, and he wanted to know real changes the church had helped us make in our life.  I told him one that in middle school I had not the best friends, though good not the best. Then when I really converted, the church helped me change to really good friends. Before then I hadn't even realized the church had changed this in my life.  I was learning as I shared it. It was great and after that lesson he said, "I am reassured now." I think he was thinking about dumping us. Then this last time he came in sad and left happy.  It’s so great.

Our golden investigator is Zhaung Dixiong, this last lesson he came in excited about having read Alma 34 and bore a beautiful testimony on faith and how from faith we receive power. We had planned on reviewing the third lesson with him but he was for us. We told him yea and faith helps us to want to repent. He cut us off and asked if he could bear his testimony, and proceeded to do so on repentance and the importance of prayer in the repentance process. We then talked shortly about baptism and reset his baptismal date because he hasn't come to church yet because of his job, which he is quitting to be able to come. In the prayer he prayed to be baptized as quick as possible. So, yeah, golden. I think if I told him not to be baptized,  he still would. So I love it, no pressure at all.

I am excited to read emails on Monday morning. Anything else you want to hear about then?

Love Elder Matthew Sabey

ps Hey so yeah, friends can email me so please put it up on facebook.

pps I hear dad talked with Elder Calvert the other day, so thanks. If you want to send the pin to email that’s fine. If not and you just send money or whatever that’s great. I still have the card just can't get money from the atm without the pin. Whatever. Just thanks a bunch

 

Hey I sent Daniel an email so have him check it.

I am working out still, and I have four hours of study in the morning. So don't get out till 1, but the time I am working I really am happy. It's so great, and God has given me energy.  We are TEACHING A FAMILY TOo.   wELL LOVE YOU

Nov 6, 2011

Miracles and humility

 We will start off by answering questions; I do an hour of personal study two of companion study and one of language study. My companion does the same with me. There is a new training program we are going through with different topics every week. It’s good. My companion’s great with people and has good Chinese I think. He is a sponsored wake boarder and good snowboarder. He’s cool. He's the oldest of his family, has two little brothers and a 5 year old sister whom he’s shown me many pictures of and is adorable.  I contribute a lot to lessons, we are trying to get to 50/50, it’s fun.  The Shi family is great, the dad doesn't have great interest but the mom and two kids (a daughter whose 13 and son whose 10) do, and they are keeping every commitment. They love me and I love them. Lastly I eat out almost all the time except breakfast and when we are feed by members, and even then it's out to eat most the time. I love some of the food but some I don't or is just bland but I am getting better.

Thanks for telling me about grandpa. I am so glad he made it through. I love him.

A few questions- What happened with Josh?  How is life at home? How are the bees? How's school? Did Grandpa Sabey serve a mission/ Where?

Ok now finally to my week, it's been another great week. We got 25 lessons this week!! A few stories, we were with a recent convert and I told him I am from Colorado and he told me that Coluoladou (long) means Komodo (dragon) in Chinese so yeah, definitely the best state.

  A cool little miracle, there’s this kid named Wu Dixiong who randomly met with two missionaries on the same day and one set him up for the next week Thursday but he thought it was this week’s Thursday, he however didn't have time that day and felt bad but didn't come. The next week my companion felt he should give calls to referrals which he got from the missionaries who have been transferred. This kid was expecting a call because he thought he had fanged [missed the appointment] us. He answered and reset up for Friday. That Friday we found out he lives an hour and a half away and came to Longtan just for meeting with us. He committed to baptism, praying and attending church. His girlfriend lives in Longtan and would also be able to hear us instead of going to the closer missionaries to him. It was incredible. I am excited to teach him again.

 The other miracle is about my studies. Saturday I was tired and fell asleep during personal study and didn't really get anything out of it, then a paper fell out of my B of M that said "not well pleased." I took it as a sign that I needed to do better personal study. The rest of the studies didn't go so well either. Then on Sunday I focused and got a lot more out of it, I was focusing on how to follow and recognize the spirit and enjoyed it.  I prayed to learn how to  be better at following promptings.  Then at the start of companion study I got to pick the song and "Be thou humble came to mind” so I suggested it and it was an answer to my prayer. It told me all I need to know. I am positive it was revelation and an answer to my prayers. The rest of the studies went well for me.

 I guess Dad has a birthday coming up, I forget is 40th or 41st? Well happy birthday. I will send you a letter in the mail today; if it gets there late know it is coming.

Hurrah for Israel.   I love you all

Elder Matthew Sabey

PS What is Ian Darcy’s address? I want to write him but we can't write anyone but family on email, although we can receive from anyone. He's in Alaska now isn't he? What’s Dia up to? Well love you again.

                                                                                                                        Nov 16, 2011

Hey all,

I loved hearing from so many this week. I would ask you to use email and not dear elder because dear elder goes to the mission home which is an hour and a half from us, so we only get there like once a month. I just got dad’s letters from Daniels birthday, so yeah.  One more request, can you get me Ian Darcy’s address? I would like to write him. Also with the pin number, Bro. Calvert whom dad talked to, suggested you send me a new credit card in one envelope and my pin number in another. I thought this was a good idea because my card expires  in the 2-3 months anyway. Whatever but I really do want to pay for my bike.

A few of you asked what I would like you to talk about. I love hearing about anything. I would like to hear more about specific funny stories like grandpa being in the same room as Josh, any cool spiritual ideas or experiences or mission experiences that would help my mission, maybe sports, and obviously girls. Dia's getting back soonish right?

About my week, We see little miracles every day.  I love it. We met a woman down a road I choose to go down, but my companion was the one who went back and talked to her, her name is Amon from Jakarta, and she lives close to the church. She said she always wanted to go to the church but never had seen anyone in it. We set up and meet with her, she used to be a Christian, and still is but her church is far away so she never goes. In the lesson we felt the spirit strongly. I testified of priesthood power and after that she said,  "It's true." We committed her to baptism, and at the end of the lesson she said "I have money but am not happy, here I am happy." What a miracle. The Shi Jiating (family) met again and this time I could tell that there was a difference, they were excited to meet with us and had been praying and reading the BOM together. They committed to baptism to. I guess it's really rare to commit an entire family to baptism; the dad even seems to be developing interest when before it was just for his kids. We meet with a 17 year old whose family has no religion and was searching. He also committed to baptism. Also the miracle Wu Dixiong I told you about that came from an hour and a half to hear our message, he came and understood the importance of reading the Book of Mormon and is progressing, except he had something on Sunday so couldn't come to church.

Some spiritual thoughts- I loved Alma 1 and 2, I realized that it really could apply to us in our days, Amlici teaches a new religion similar to Nehors and wants to become king, but was out voted but didn't give up. (Kind of like abortion in California with title 8 I think) This is encouraging how the majority is rarely wrong. I like to compare his religion to the idles of our day- cars, sports, porn, ads, etc. So he decided to fight instead, Yet Alma had time and prepared with all manner of weapons. In the fight the verse starts out with the Amalicites slaughtering the Nephites; nevertheless the Lord did strengthen the Nephites and they ended up winning. Even though prepared, still only in there need did the lord help. So Alma sent spies to watch them, and the spies came back rushed saying, “make hast for the Amalicites joined a Lamanite army and unless we hurry we will lose our families and homes”, so they went. Even though way outnumbered they went. The joining of the armies is significant, how often can we see porn, cars, sports and ads together? In the fight Alma prays to the lord to spare his life so he can be an instrument in his hands and save "this people." Then got up and lo and behold there is Amalicai which he quickly dispatches and they end up winning even though greatly outnumbered. I said the same prayer because I need strength to resist all worldly idles so I can help this people. I liked comparing Almas prayers to King Noah’s plead for his life to Giddianton, I would suggest you do it. Noah wants to save us first then "my people.' All about himself still. Also he is on a tower not low and humble.

Love you all,

Elder Matthew Sabey

Nov. 21, 2011

To answer your questions

My relationship with my companion is good. I find that when I push back, and am stubborn it's hard to like him, but when I am submissive meek and humble it's really easy. We often laugh together at nights and that’s the only rule we have trouble with, which is we are in bed and lights out at 10:30 but talk till 11 which I feel like is maybe against the spirit of the law, but not the rules, and I really enjoy it, and getting to know him better. I would love your views on it. He is a Utah Mormon family, but thinks they are looked on as jack Mormons because they snowboard, Wakeboard (he's sponsered). But I think he likes thinking that and people don't actually think it, because he seems as Mormon as they come. Everyone in the mission looks up to him, and thinks he's perfect, and President likes him too so probably he will be an AP. We work out together but I run a little faster, so not side by side. The morning is neither of our favorite times, we are not that chatty in the morning. Hardest part by far is missing you all, I love everything else, and am seriously trying to get swallowed up in Christ, to lose myself and get to work, but it's hard. My worst day was Dad’s B-day because I couldn't be there and tell him thanks for everything, and enjoy everyones presence. So that’s what I am struggling with most now. Also being such an imperfect representative of the only perfect man is hard. I feel inadequate, but reading Elder Bednar’s and Uchtdorf’s fist talks in conference really helped me feel better about it. I love the scripture in D&C that says "The lord has suffered you to come to this place" or something like that. It's such a great place with great responsibility but he has suffered me to come here. I have seen so many miracles, some pan out and some don't but they all are true miracles.  There’s a saying that so many miracles happen around new missionaries. I believe it, It’s the lord saying it's him not us. That’s where I find solace, my job is to obey the commandments of god and open my mouth and it will be given me, like it was Elijah. I had no Idea how I was going to tell you this, but I started writing and it came. It’s so amazing what happens when you have the spirit with you.

  I wanted to share a scripture with you, but I can't find it, I think it's in Alma 33 about how because of the prophest’s trials the lord has listened to him, It may help your lesson. It sounds like such a great lesson. I am going to use it. I want to hear how it goes. I am so impressed with your planning weeks in advance. God is a plan maker just like you. Thanks for being a great example.

So I want to tell you about my first Baptism. An investigator named Ye ting hui (Jeimei/sister) who we meet with twice got baptized. All the teaching and stuff had been previously taught, and she had already had a baptismal interview but hadn't honestly quit coffee, so couldn't get baptized, and then a boy in the ward her age that has a mental problem grabbed her breast so she stopped meeting with the missionaries.  She also had a little mental problem, I guess. Yet when we meet she seemed normal, I guess through the meeting with the missionaries, and baptism she has mostly gotten over her problem, the whole ward says it's a miracle. There were only 10 at the baptism and one was the boy, who had asked for forgiveness, was there to support. It was kind of annoying but beautiful.

I love you all

Elder Matthew Sabey

Nov 27, 2011

Hey all,

I had a great last week. No baptisms or anything, but a great week.

I first want to talk about the day of miracles. On Tuesday I was on exchanges with a ZL, and we had a full day planned with no finding time. Yet on the bus I decided to talk to the guy sitting in front of me, and he was interested and set up an appointment. Then we had a great lesson, and after we went outside and were waiting for our next lesson, and a high schooler on a bike was riding by and I asked him to stop and he did (first time that ever happened), and I invited him to have a tour, and he had time so he did. At the end we had a mini first lesson and learned that he had a friend die 3 years ago, and is still having a hard time dealing with it. It was a powerful lesson and he set up for 2 days later. He's golden. So yeah, the two people I contacted that day set up, kind of awesome. Then when riding to dinner the Shi Jiating(family) saw us and bought us drinks. We had been worried about them because they haven't been coming to church so it was nice to see them, and talk. It's so great to have all these miracles. Then that night was the best sun set yet. There were a few others but I don't remember them all.

Then thanksgiving, it was a good day. We had a lot of good lessons and John a member, who is in my advanced English class had invited us to dinner, and couldn't do it till after 8 so he helped us in a lesson at 7:30 and was a great help, then went to dinner at 8 in the night market. We got Stinky tofu for the first time, one fried the other spicy. I was starving and nervous, but it really doesn't taste as bad as it smells. I actually kind of enjoyed it. The soup for the spicy stinky tofu was great. The fried tofu was much worse, but it was still bearable. Then we went and got some chicken butt- which was good but super fatty, and whenever you thought about what you were eating, you wanted to puke. Lastly we went and xiao xian cao, a traditional drink/jelly that was super good. I don't tihnk I will ever forget that thankgsgiving dinner. So dad thanks for not describing yours to me.

Friday we had zone conference and I taught, as the youngest missionary there because my companion is a district leader. We taught on the doctrine of Christ and it went well, I have learned that if you’re teaching by the spirit you can teach anyone, even if your Chinese is bad, or your teaching 2 year experienced missionaries. I knew I was teaching by the spirit because I got a lot of new insights as I taught. I learned/taught about how the doctrine of Christ is a "pattern of living." It's not just 5 steps but a cycle. Earlier that week I realized that faith, repentance and enduring to the end we all are still working on but then I realized the full pattern/cycle. If we develop faith in Christ, he will show us our weaknesses, and we will want to repent, prepare be baptized/take the sacrament and become worthy of a more full measure of the gift of the holy ghost which if we follow its promptings the more faith we develop, and the higher up we get on this cycle the broader the veiw, and more rewarding the view.  It’s just like climbing a mountain.

I love you all,  Elder Matthew Sabey

Dec. 4, 2011

Hey family,

--First Transfer done, miracles abound.  What time do you read your emails? We generally do it at 6:40. Do you have a computer in your apartment? No! That would be crazy cool but probably to much of a distraction. What do you do for P-days? It's never the same but the best part is your letters. Tell us a little about the city you're in- Longtan is a relatively small city, there are trees, gardens, lakes etc.. It's a beautiful area; because of the smaller population contacting everyone God puts in your path is a lot easier. How's Chinese coming? It's coming slowly but surely. I hope next transfer I will get a native companion because then it will improve faster. It is just slow to learn a language. Are you still working on characters or mostly just vocabulary? I am working on phase one, trying to get it done in two transfers; this is phrases, teaching, vocab, etc. It will be great, then I get to do phase two (vocab), then three which is just characters, but everyone in the BOM. The president’s goal is for us to finish phase 3 by the end of our first year. So no characters now. Sad.

 What a weird thought, my first transfer is done. Time truly flies. I am a part of a new training 12 week program so I knew I was staying with my companion in Longtan, your wish came true. I am loving it most of the time. We are being so blessed, my companion says I don't even realize how blessed we are. This was our best week yet. We taught 31 lessons and 16 member accompanied lessons, and 7 investigators at church. We saw so many miracles this week.

My favorite one was when God used me. My companion told me to find a place to track for 10 minutes, so I found a place that was relatively small, my companion said it was too small but if I wanted we could try. I said I wanted to. Then we rang on door bells and were rejected the first few times. Then we rang another and no one came but we could hear voices which we realized were around the house. I looked and saw a little girl waiting expectantly. I told my companion that there was a little girl waiting for a parent over there and he said, "If you want to go contact them you can?" Shortly after the mom came out on the scooter and I went and contacted them. They were interested and set up for the next day, she said she wanted to forget some things of the past, and we told her we could help. We set up with  the bishop and his wife as peikes (members to help). When she came we started off on our average first- time meeting using teaching phrases like "Every person we teach has individual challenges and concerns. No matter what your concerns or challenges are the savior and his teachings-the gospel- can help them." We proceeded to explain prayer and asking question when she just opened up to us. She has been abused by her husband, and so has her daughter "half to death." So moved away once, but he found her again. So she went to the government and they moved her here from Taizhong. She has no job, and is struggling with the past. It was so sad, but the spirit was so strong. I love helping her. Our Bishop is trying to get her a job, while we had a lesson on the atonement and I could testify that the atonement can heal anything. She once said "Every time we set up I want to not go, but I follow my heart and come." I had no idea I was being lead by the spirit to find her that day until looking back but now I know. I hope you guys will pray for her. Also as a missionary what can I tell you when people tell me stuff? Is this acceptable?

Another miracle was we had an appointment at someone’s house, who was new so he told us the street (with about 1000 houses) but forgot his address.  He told us to call when we got there. We did, with no response. We decided to go tracting, but before prayed that he will answer his phone again in ten minutes when we try again. On the third door we knocked and a boy and girl came walking by and stopped and asked if Bai zhanglao was one of us, and we said yeah. He was our APPOINTMENT. They WERE ON THEIR WAY TO the girl’s SCHOOL (and were planning on fanging [not showing up to the appointment] us). We asked if they had time to meet and the girl said we could and she Would just be late. I felt a little bad that she would be late, but this was more important. It was so cool how that prayer was answered, but even better than we prayed for. He was sent to us.

I love you all.  Elder Matthew Sabey  PS If you haven't sent my package I would love waterproof gloves. 

Dec. 10, 2011

Hey, Grandpa.

Was just thinking about you. I love you so much and am so glad for your steady testimony. If it weren't so strong, I don't know if I would be on a mission. I heard you're not doing well. I pray for you.love your humor and positive attitude. You're such a good example. I hope you get better.

I'm loving my mission. I just had my first baptism, and it was so rewarding. I was so happy even though there were a few funny faux-pas, it all ended great. I love being a missionary and living a missionary life. I want to ask your advice. What's the most important thing I can learn on my mission, and in life. Also, what's the thing you're most proud of in your life. Also, if you could give me one piece of advice, what would it be? I love you and pray for you. Your Grandson.

Elder Sabey

Dec. 18, 2011

Oh family how much I do love you. I loved your letters today. Thanks

I just love the mission. It is so great; I can't believe it just keeps getting better. We had our second baptism this week. A Zuang Dixiong, It was so great. In Taiwan generally not to many members attend the baptismal services, which is sad but makes the story better. On Friday we meet with one of our most golden investigators Selina, and shared about tithing. She had a lot of questions and wouldn't commit to it, but set up for the next day, the day of Zhuang's baptism.  We also had only found 3 of the 7 investigators we had hoped to find.  Saturday was going to be super busy, my companion and I  fasted that the baptism would go well, we would find new investigators and Selina would accept tithing. Well we started with Selina and she committed to obeying the law of the country, obeying the prophet, and god, and TITHING!!!! It wasn't the strongest commitment she was like I will definitely start off paying but if I don't see the promised blessings then we'll see. Then we got fanged (investigators didn't come to the set up) twice but one came, and was great. One of our members at the lesson said she received inspiration that this women (the investigator) would get baptized.   A little awkward but I hope it's true.  Then we meet with another investigator that told us he was bi-sexual and wanted to hear our view point, we luckily had the gospel principles book on us and shared with him from it. Then we went to the baptism, and we had so many miracles. We had 7 investigators besides Zhuang come, There were as many investigators as there were members, lol. We had forgotten to remind them about it that day but they all still came. I performed the baptism which went well the first time, no re dos (I was so glad), and then after the baptism all our investigators loved it so much that they stayed another30-40 minutes, approximately the time of the whole baptismal meeting. Some of our investigators are more active than almost any of the members. We are so blessed.

  Another highlight was a women who is living with a member but isn't divorced from her husband out of fear of him has committed to baptism. I felt we need to and I had her commit, and when she accepted she felt to spirit so strong she started crying. It was so great.

Then we had eight investigators at church and in weekly numbers we had 12 progressing investigators. It is definitely not me or my companion working here, there are many other missionaries better than us getting worse numbers. Angels are working here announcing good tidings of great joy, and I get to come and witness the greatest miracle of all, the birth of Christ in a person’s life, and see them themselves be reborn. I loved dad's letter. Fear not was announced to the shepherds miry and Joseph. "Fear not, only believe" a great quote of Christ.

Love you all

Elder Sabey

I will call at 8 our time so 6 yours 

ps Can you send Ian an email saying I can't email but can read his, and got his and loved it and will write him back?  

Jan 8, 2012—

One week before transfer 3 begins

Today I am so glad to be a missionary. I love being a witness of Christ, while watching the restoration I heard Joseph smith say "I knew it, I knew that god knew it, and I could not deny it." I felt the truth in his words and told the investigator the same words. I am so sure god is directing this work and it's not us that can't deny it. No matter how much I wish otherwise my chinese is not sufficent enogh to convince anyone to be baptized, or make any major life decision, but this week Zhong Jeimei got baptized. I was blessed to be the one that contacted her and to extend her the invitation to meet with us. She gave me a Christmas letter that said that on a rainy day at an intersection I rescued a lost sheep. She is so great, already one of the most active members, and has given us 2 referrals and her security guard yesterday called us up and set himself up. Its great to see the work move forth. We also have another next week Wei Jiemei who is a part of the "English crew" Selina who got baptized last week, Zhong Jeimei who got baptized this week, and wei jeimei who is next week. They all are great friends and are lifting each other up. I am not worried about any of them.

I have few questions for you all, What are your plans for this semester? What classes are you taking? What happened for new years/Christmas break? What is Andrew Gibbs and Rachel's address? What's new?  It's crazy I am almost done with my second transfer, which ends a week from today. Then I will get my "breaker." Supposedly usually a really hard disobedient companion. So we will see. WE will also see if I stay or move. I am excited.

Well this week was great as usual. A few highlights were I loved exchanges with a member from my first district, who was great, and it was his birthday. I bought him a Dunkin doughnut (yeah it's here : ) ) and we had a great lunch and then I meet a women and we gave her a tour of the church, and committed her to coming to church. It was great. It's always a highlight when an investigator passes a baptismal interview, also at church we had 4 rcla's come and it felt so good to see them there. Sacrament meeting went great and they all felt the spirit I bet. The best though was the baptismal service. WE had a few funny part like she had to wear a giant white suit because we were missing our mid-sized ones, and her feet came up once so she had to do it again. But the highlights were a rcla giving a great closing prayer, and the joy she had and we had. You can't get that joy from any money. She bought us all cake to eat after. It was such a great experience.

I love you all and am excited to hear from you.

Today I am so glad to be a missionary. I love being a witness of Christ, while watching the restoration I heard Joseph smith say "I knew it, I knew that god knew it, and I could not deny it." I felt the truth in his words and told the investigator the same words. I am so sure god is directing this work and it's not us that can't deny it. No matter how much I wish otherwise my chinese is not sufficent enogh to convince anyone to be baptized, or make any major life decision, but this week Zhong Jeimei got baptized. I was blessed to be the one that contacted her and to extend her the invitation to meet with us. She gave me a Christmas letter that said that on a rainy day at an intersection I rescued a lost sheep. She is so great, already one of the most active members, and has given us 2 referrals and her security guard yesterday called us up and set himself up. Its great to see the work move forth. We also have another next week Wei Jiemei who is a part of the "English crew" Selina who got baptized last week, Zhong Jeimei who got baptized this week, and wei jeimei who is next week. They all are great friends and are lifting each other up. I am not worried about any of them.

I have few questions for you all, What are your plans for this semester? What classes are you taking? What happened for new years/Christmas break? What is Andrew Gibbs and Rachel's address? What's new?  It's crazy I am almost done with my second transfer, which ends a week from today. Then I will get my "breaker." Supposedly usually a really hard disobedient companion. So we will see. WE will also see if I stay or move. I am excited.

Well this week was great as usual. A few highlights were I loved exchanges with a member from my first district, who was great, and it was his birthday. I bought him a Dunkin doughnut (yeah it's here : ) ) and we had a great lunch and then I meet a women and we gave her a tour of the church, and committed her to coming to church. It was great. It's always a highlight when an investigator passes a baptismal interview, also at church we had 4 rcla's come and it felt so good to see them there. Sacrament meeting went great and they all felt the spirit I bet. The best though was the baptismal service. WE had a few funny part like she had to wear a giant white suit because we were missing our mid-sized ones, and her feet came up once so she had to do it again. But the highlights were a rcla giving a great closing prayer, and the joy she had and we had. You can't get that joy from any money. She bought us all cake to eat after. It was such a great experience.

I love you all and am excited to hear from you.