Week 1 at the MTC

Dear Family & Friends,
Day 1--  I'm alive!!! Today has been really overwhelming but really good. I  just want you to know that I love you all!!! I'm doing well.  I didn't sleep very well last night...curse the Giles-overactive-brain-syndrome. I'm looking forward to getting into a routine here. Today I kind of felt like a piece of meat being processed...but it was very organized:)haha. 

My Chinese name is Gu Jiemei. It kind of reminds me of a gooey cookie..so I'm fine with it:) I AM SO GLAD I'VE BEEN WORKING ON MY CHINESE!:)

It's been super helpful since our teacher spoke entirely in Chinese yesterday. I was so grateful to have some knowledge of what was going on.

My district has 2 missionaries going to France and they speak Chinese just like Dad does:) with a French accent.  haha It's glorious

My companion is Natalie Tate and we were friends on Facebook before coming here. She is very enthusiastic and she is a wonderful teacher. She's very receptive to other people's needs. I think we're going to work really well together. 

Monday:  When I came here I thought there would be a lot more people telling us where we should be etc...But we're on our own to figure things out most of the time. We didn't know where sacrament meeting was so Sister Tate and I were wandering the building trying to listen for Chinese. We ended up finding a nice little man who took us to the front desk and we barely made it to our room as the bread was being passed. We prayed and we were blessed. Really it was a lot like we were investigators:)  We were searching for truth but knew not where to find it. We got help from a "missionary" and then we were so happy!!! and we got to partake of covenants!!! It was glorious. 

Sacrament meeting was cool!!! We prepare talks every week and then one elder and one sister are called up to give their talks in Chinese (Hunger Games Style) haha. After that President Teng's wife spoke in English as well as President Teng. A lot of sisters in our branch have been getting sick, but Pres. Teng got up and promised them that they would still be successful and that the Lord would make up for lost study time. President Teng is our branch President!

Thank you for the prayers, letters and packages!!! They mean so much to me!!!

Wo Ai Ni!!

Gu Jiemei (Sister Giles)

PS. (Mom Note:  Since she didn't send any pictures this week, I added a few from the last few weeks:)

So Maddie!!! haha

I love this girl:)

Last hug for Dad

All of us dropping Sister Giles off at the MTC

She's On Her Way

Well Maddie is off to the MTC. Here are a few pictures from today:) Also we just want to thank you all for loving her and helping her to prepare for this important time in her life. She was so excited to go:) We know she will be a great missionary!!! Thanks for all your love and support.

It all fit!!!

Last picture at home:)

Family group hug!!!

Ready to go:)

We love you Maddie!!! Pax per iustitium!!!!

My Farewell

It looks like this will be my first and last post on this blog! My mom's going to take over for me and post my letters on here while I am in the mission field.

I just wanted to express my gratitude once again for all of the love and support I have received over the past few months and really over the course of my life. I have had so many tremendous examples in my life and there are many many people who have lead me to where I am today. 

SO THANK YOU ALL!!

I know this church is true. I love it with all my heart. I know that my Savior died for me long ago and that he lives for me today. I'm thankful to have grown up in a family that is strong in the gospel with parents who've taught me the truth from the time I was very young. Nothing else can bring this kind of peace. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and that He is the one who has called me to Taiwan. Even though I have yet to serve with a name tag, I know Taipei is where I am supposed to be. I am excited for this opportunity and I look forward to seeing you all in 18 months!

God be with you 'till we meet again!

Sister Giles