urban paradise

Melbourne is still as great as ever and the work is soaring! The weather is starting to turn cool and the sweaters have come out, luckily it doesn't get quite as cold here as Tasmania- so this winter should be alright.

Still can't believe I'm headed into my 1 year mark soon...not enough time left! Elder Bednar said something when he came that really stuck with me. We were w/ him for 3 hours and it felt like 30 minutes. He said its because there is no such thing as time in eternity. Thats why it went so fast. The closer you come to eternity by the spirit, the less constrained you are in time. On a mission we are so close to the spirit, we get closer to eternity every day. Thats why it goes so fast. I feel so blessed to be apart of this glorious eternal work.

We meet so many people every day and its pretty safe to say 75% of them are cray. (Is that word still cool? Was it ever cool?) and because of that we hear some colorful words/language. When people yell here they call it abusing and we got abused this week...heaps, it was the funniest thing...not something I would wish on anyone but made for a good mission story I guess. It was only bearable because of the infinite atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. The enabling power is my saving grace. I wouldn't still be here w/o it.

Our investigator Pedro is so keen for his baptism on Saturday. We had some really cool experiences w/ him this weekend, God was working his miracles again...as per usual. He doesn't have a solid testimony yet, so we've been focusing on building that, spiritual experience by spiritual experience, line upon line, and the change I've seen in just 3 days in indescribable! Gods love is real an the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ is REAL. Say prayers for him.

Today we will be having zone pday...again! We have unofficially become part of the Chinese zone! (since the beginning of transfers) and we'll be having pday w/ them. :)

My favorite scripture this week..might be the same as last week. Moses 28:3 "Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should perish; yea even the  very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble."

Love you all,

From the most livable city in the world.

xxx Sister Hatch

keepin it simple

Pablo (Liu) got baptised this week, we witnessed an almost suicide, our other investigator Pedro will be baptised next week, we fasted and saw miracles, and I know the Atonement is real.

I love this gospel and i love my Savior, I know he lives. I love serving him!

All my love to all of you.

xxx Sister Hatch

Ha Jie Mei

my best friends Jordan and Paige sent me a Birthday/Valentines package. #forlyfe

Sisters Huang, We, Seeley, Wong & Albania. hot pot!

we thank thee oh god for a prophet

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles came to Melbourne Australia and instructed and inspired us.  We were asked to study 3 of his talks (all on acting on/in faith and being converted).  Me and my companion got to sit on the first row (God is looking out for me) and we all stood and Elder and Sister Bednar walked in along with Elder and Sister Halick (seventy) and Elder and Sister Lynn G. Robins (seventy) and President and Sister Maxwell.  Elder Bednar is powerful, intimidating, but approachable.  He spoke with authority and confidence.

Elder Bednar is known for his Q & A sessions and we got to have one with him!  He got up and asked questions and invited all of us (250+ missionaries) to answer.  He made sure we knew we are "agents" who have the choice to ACT- not be acted upon.  Then reminded us that this opportunity is rare- what are the chances of this happening again?  Really, when is the next time I will be 6 feet away from 2-3 members of the Seventy, their wives and an apostle?  Probably never!  Remembering the spiritual power we felt in the room with 250+ missionaries and all these people.  

It was a sacred experience.  I had a question when I went that day.  I needed an answer and it was absolutely answered 100%.  It was through the testimonies of these people that I felt my answer.  I know that David A. Bednar is a prophet, seer and revelator.  I know the Lord spoke to us through him that day.  I know personal revelation is real and comes to all those who "ask, seek, and knock."  "All revelation begins with asking inspired questions."  Elder Pearson

Elder David A. Bednar emphasized the same, but made the point when we ask God questions, we need to be ready and willing when we get the answer.  "We are not objects to be acted upon, rather, we are to be agents that ACT."  I'd invite all of you to ACT.  Ask God what you need to do to change and then just do it.  Your life will always change.

And I also wanted to say how much I love President and Sister Maxwell!  They are wonderful.  I'm so blessed to have them as mission parents.

Elder Lynn G. Robbins said to tell you (mum and dad) that all the Brethren love you and thank you for sending me on a mission- a blessing and a gift he offered to all of us.  

And for all who are wondering, no I did not get to shake Elder Bednar's hand.  But out of 300 missionaries, we were on the very first row, only 5+ feet from him for 3 hours!  And we made eye contact about 10 times, we may as well have.  It was a great day in the Melbourne Australia Mission.  

:) Pablo (our Chinese investigator w/ a Spanish name) will be baptised on Saturday! Exciting! Melbourne City is still gr8.

Zaí Jían
xxx

Ha Jíe Meí (my Chinese name)