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.