Grateful for Gaining Strength from Your Testimony

July 31, 2024

Grateful for Gaining Strength from Your Testimony

Dear Elder Yu,

I do not know how to describe to you the joy I felt when I read your email. You have learned and gained so much knowledge that the Lord wants you to know during your first living endowment! I love how you came to understand the simple truths and the knowledge of how much Heavenly Father loves His children.

I could not comprehend the things that I learned in my endowment during our 1^st temple trip at Cebu Philippines Temple. It took me some time, even my second trip to the temple – Hong Kong Temple, only to realize the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for me and my small family.

This brings my memories back then to our family Hong Kong temple trip in 2019. During our family temple trip: Annabelle and you went missing in the busy streets of Hong Kong; your Daddy lost his job; your Daddy’s car broke down on the highway on his way back to Kulai after he came back from temple, and many more.

I realized that Heavenly Father blessed us with so much more after the Hong Kong temple trip. Annabelle and you gained your testimonies: both of you know that Heavenly Father hears and answers your prayers; You all have the testimony of the Holy Ghost that guided you to find your way back to the group safely and went back to the temple patron house.

I knew that it was not a coincidence that your Daddy lost his job while we were in Hong Kong. I know that Heavenly Father wants him to come back, He wants him to stay nearer to us, closer to the family, rather than having a woman outside in JB.

Everything happened for my sake and our family's good. I am so touched that I know that all these happened because Heavenly Father knows that I am trying my best to be faithful, striving to keep my covenant with Him. I can feel Heavenly Father’s love for me and my family.

I love how you mentioned that you can feel the Lord’s presence standing beside you while you are in the Celestial Room, checking on you how’s life being on earth? Is life treating you well and did you have fun? You are so hilarious on this!

My first thought was that it was not fun at all! Maybe it is because I have been too hard on myself facing all these challenges and feeling alone. Too many frustrations, upsets, and disappointments blurred my mind and hardened my heart to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit!

Your first invitation to me to write and share with you has somehow lessened the burden on my shoulders as if the Savior is yoking with me together. I can feel as if I am gaining the strength I need, the Holy Spirit flooded me with the memories and the testimonies that I had to me, the comforting words from Annabelle whenever I was feeling down. I know that the Lord is working on me through Elder Yu and Annabelle.

Like you said, “He will never abandon us but rather wants to help us. And we can get a of His divine help and guidance, when we do our very best, to obey our covenants with Him. Unless Heavenly Father breaks the promise, we are always in a covenant with Him. No matter what.”

I love your parable about an orange. It reminds me of “becoming”. The gospel of Jesus Christ is about the continuous active process of becoming. This is something that I learned in this week’s Come, Follow Me when reading Alma Chapters 36 – 38. It was the counsel that Alma the Younger gave to both his sons, Helaman and Siblon. Alma testifies to Helaman of his conversion after seeing an angel of God. Alma is the perfect example of “a becoming”. We might not as Alma as a singular event, but rather every small and simple means that makes up the process of becoming. It is ok if we are not perfect, but we are striving. That is the idea of becoming.

I feel as if everything is so coinciding when receiving your email and it is healing to write my thoughts and shares with you. I gained so many insights from you, Elder Yu, and my beloved daughter Annabelle Yu. Both of you indeed strengthen me and give me the courage and strength I need to go through the path before me.

Seeing you standing in front of the temple, made me want to go back to the temple and feel His presence. I know that Heavenly Father wants me to return to the temple because there is something He wants to reveal to me. It is stated in my patriarchal blessings that I will receive revelations about my personal lives, I will receive revelations of the lives of my family and I will receive revelations from Heavenly Father that His love for me is pure and exquisite.

Frankly, I have a feeling, and not sure if this time, the relationship between your Daddy and I could work or fix back anymore. But I just got calm and assured feelings in my heart that everything would work out for good for me. So, please do not worry and I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are watching over us!

Love,
Mummy

P.S. About the temple work, let me sort my family tree out then will give you the information. I actually have a name, my great grandfather but I only have his surname, I do not have his first name, as I have tried to search for some time. However, the FamilySearch system showed that his name is ready for temple ordinances even only has a surname. I wish I could have his first name and I know how to address him… if not, I can only call him 陈先生 or 陈太公 …hmmm…

2nd Email

你好, Hello, こんにちは,

안녕하세요, Hola, Talofa and สวัสดี

Well following my endowment, I had the opportunity to go and visit the Payson temple as well as Mount Timpanogos temple and it's a blessing to be able to do ordinances for the dead. Because while you can learn so much more while in the temple, the best part I love the most is still the Celestial Room, even though I had no questions while in there, I just feel like I'm at home and I just love the comfort I get while I am in there. Even during most of the ordinances I was soon sleepy and almost fell asleep while in the Temple HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!. ALSO I came to understand and feel how thankful the spirits on the other side of the veil are whenever we help them do their ordinances. Like I remembered when while sitting and accepting the celestial room, in my thoughts I said how grateful I am to be able to help this person to do his ordinances. The warmth I got was so real and just surreal, that the Lord is really grateful that I helped Him to do His work that day.

Gradually I also came to understand how much LOVE Heavenly Father has for me and it's comforting. Just last week, I had the opportunity to go and search regarding what faith is and why it is important. I also came to understand how studying the gospel with a question in mind can help us a lot, as I seek an answer with the Lord's help, He answered my prayers and helped me come to a better comprehension of the gospel itself, and an enlightenment in my bewildered mind as I came to the United States and it's just crazy like the people here are so different and at the same time soo funn and intriguing. During my 2 weeks of missionary life, I came to love MTC and the prison life here HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Slowly I came to humble myself and started to accept the changes in my life. Like the toilet, shower, sort of members of the church you meet, language abilities and my gospel knowledge. As well as my character and who I am. I did come to understand even better how to better love myself and the blessing for learning is that I feel confident in myself as I am able to rely and trust in the Lord.

I know that I am a child of God, I am created in His image, I am called to serve the Lord my God, I am a descendant of Adam and a part of the tribe of Israel.  And having these truths and knowing that the Savior has gone through everything and understands whatever pain I may experience gives me tranquility in my heart and mind and soul.

I even got to meet with so many different missionaries and I got a family here too. I also got to have an amazing 6th family I think which is my District and Branch Presidents

1. President and Sister Bangeders

2. Brother and Sister Silvas

3. Brother and Sister Nordins

and the friends I got is soooo amazinggg

And it's just soon AMAZING TO MEET ALL THESE FRIENDS THAT I GOT DURING MY TIME IN THE MTC. I just love the idea that I belong cause I know I am in the gang, the hood, the family of the Lord's battalions. Even after my mission I am a part of a large family of God so I belong everywhere and anywhere. I am GRATEFUL for accepting my cal to serve my mission and I am going to leave MTC soon. Nonetheless while I know I can do better, nonetheless I know it's the best experience I have on my mission and I wouldn't trade this journey for any worldly things. Learning how to play volleyball, do a greater personal study, getting better at expressing my emotions and ideas, being more friendly with others and not desiring to follow others but learn more about who i want to be, accepting my past and embracing my present to do even better for the Future!!!! Even coming ever closer to learning about the Lord and being discipline and sorting my time and resources wisely.

I love all my comps, fellas, bros and POOKIEEESS. I will be leaving and I can't wait to head out and serve my mission!!!!!!!

Okay gotta go BYEEEE

P.S. if you guys have some pictures which I am inside in your phone, could you add it into my mission photo album it will be a great help for me. Thank you SOOO MUCHHHH!!!

1st Email

Sorry for the previous call we weren't able to chat for a longer amount of hours. But I am writing this email a week beforehand, so you can hear all about my temple experience. 

Okay so about my endowment, I came to see how much love God has for us. I came to slowly learn about Adam and Eve, while it's soo simple and something that I have been taught again and again. Yet it gives me an incredible insight to how vital it is for us to learn the truths entirely or to have a perfect knowledge of things.

I love how because of Adam and Eve's active decisions to obey the Lord throughout their lives that it blessed them with the knowledge of how much Heavenly Father loves His children. Also I loved how their active decision brought us to be able to live on earth, experience hardship, learn what joy is and how we can gain it, lastly where we can find peace in our lives. I did come to understand that no matter where we are spiritually, He will never abandon us but rather wants to help us. And we can get a of His divine help and guidance, when we do our very best, to obey our covenants with Him. Unless Heavenly Father breaks the promise, we are always in a covenant with Him. No matter what

I also soon saw the terrestrial room and soon the celestial room. I came to see how much desire and eagerness He wants to be with us, that love He wants to be next to us. Like really next to you standing there and wanting to talk to you, asking you how mortality was and did you have fun with life.

I came to know how much love He has for me, but also how the Holy Ghost is always there in my life. Like the comfort and assurance in my heart I've always felt in life. So entering the celestial room is like I had a normal feeling which brought me much joy with how much closeness I have progressed to be with the Lord and the Holy Ghost. It's a comforting thought and feeling.

Took me some time to realize it.

I also came to learn a new perspective of truth. If someone tells you to describe an orange, people would say it's orange, citrus, sour and juicy. But if I said it's green, hard, not delicious to eat and disgusting. Has the truth of that fruit changed? No, because it's just an orange that isn't ripe yet and that's a new way for us to read and understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. That the eternal truth we can attain is still developing with the help of the Holy Ghost. And I am grateful for that insight. So gradually we can come to understand the Lord's gospel however it's a gradual progress and a lifelong one. No one on earth understands the whole truth immediately but no matter where we are in our relationship with the Lord, WE CAN ALWAYS COME EVER MORE CLOSER TO HIMMMM!!! So He loves me and you and will always want to bless and be by our side no matter what, the only thing that can really stop Him is our desire and will. I am grateful for all of His help and I love you guys sooooo much.

Sincerely

KoKo

p.s. Mommy if you want I can help do the ordinances of our family tree in the temple, but I need the information sooo tell me what you need.

Sunday Lunch with Annabelle

After Sunday Church, Annabelle and I headed to Restaurant Old Fatt Kee (老发记猪肉粉) for lunch. A comforting bowl of pork noodles was just what we needed after a morning at church.

We enjoyed a warm bowl of pork noodles, with soup, meat and other ingredients that made for a comforting meal. Of course, there were also a few funny moments while taking photos. Annabelle's playful expressions made our little lunch date even more memorable!

Sometimes, it is not about going somewhere special or having an elaborate meal. It is simply about spending time together, enjoying good food and sharing a few smiles. These little mother-and-daughter moments are worth keeping. ❤️

Grateful for Your Questions

July 26, 2024

Grateful for Your Questions

Dear Elder Yu,

Time flies, and this is your third week in the MTC. I hope you are well adjusting to your new life in Utah. We could see your bright smile and joy for the past 2 weeks when you video-called us during your P-Day! We love our missionary son so much!

Things happened between your dad and me since you left for Utah for your mission. I know I shouldn’t tell you all these things and burden you with all these things. It should be resolved between myself and your dad, but it was so hard...

Your Dad kept emphasizing, that Alvin and Yi Peng can't be husband and wife any longer. He wants to be just a friend, not a couple in a relationship. Last Sunday, I saw his video posted on his TikTok account, he was having breakfast with a girl whom he called his lover in the video. I was very upset and called him immediately. I asked him why he treated me like this. I stopped the call, and your dad texted me a long message later in the evening. I did not talk to your dad since last Sunday as he only called Annabelle. I do not know how am I going to live through the past week.

Until last week after your P-Day call, and I asked you about the conversation you talked about, you posted questions to me, which reminds me that I should put my focus on Jesus Christ instead of dwelling on the sadness, frustrations, disappointments, and anger, which I cannot control. I felt something in my mind and heart as your questions directed my attention back to the Savior.

You asked me: “What made you want to be baptized and enter the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? And what was/is your testimony when you entered that covenant with the Lord? Cause making that decision is a very hard yet sacred choice that you have made. So I wanted to understand why you choose to follow the Lord ever since that moment when the missionary invited you to be baptized.”

Well, to answer your first question, “What made you want to be baptized and enter the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?” I think I shared this a long time ago. time ago with you and Annabelle, that I always believed and knew that, there is a Creator even when I was much younger as a primary child. I am grateful that I have a mother who gave me no restrictions when I wanted to seek learning, even a long-distance correspondence of religion studies to learn about Buddhism and God.

I think the main reason why I want to be baptized and enter the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is because I prayed to Heavenly Father in Jesus’s name to seek His help to gather our family as a whole again after your Daddy and Mummy went through our first divorce. I promised Jesus Christ that I would someday go into His Church as a family and in my heart, I was wondering which church I should go to. When our family walked into the baptism fond, I knew that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church on earth and led by the Savior because of the little promise I made at that moment, only Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and myself know about it. And He made it happen, bringing a broken family back together again!

“What was/is your testimony when you entered that covenant with the Lord?” When I entered the covenant with the Lord, I think I had the testimony that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and my family so much, that He sent His only Begotten Son Jesus Christ to die and live again for me; I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know that family can be together for all time and eternity; I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always with me because I can see Their hands in every single aspect of my life, from helping me to get our current home, how the Lord paved the path in front of me after divorce, reunite with your Daddy, registered of marriage again, and how the Lord directs our family towards His Church. All these are the testimonies that I had. All these small pieces and bits strengthen me to keep the Word of Wisdom, the Law of Tithing, and make myself worthy to enter my baptismal covenant with the Lord. I further walked into the temple and made temple covenants with the Lord, even though I only went to the temple twice.

Writing here, I find that it is funny, as I will still be able to write all these things calmly because I thought it was supposed to be the opposite. Anyway, it is a healing that I can change my focus to the more important matters now. I am grateful to the Lord for getting me to where I am now. The Holy Ghost has brought back my sacred spiritual memories reminding me to remember the Savior. I am thankful to Elder Yu, for posting these questions to me because I know you are guided and instructed by the Lord.

I am grateful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, who gave me the precious opportunity to become a mother to His divine son and daughter, Issac and Annabelle. After you go on with your mission, Annabelle helps a lot in the home. She takes care of her Mummy like her big brother. I feel blessed that I have 2 not so little guardian angels anymore to teach, share, encourage, uplift, love, and care for me! I love both of you so much!

Elder Yu, I hope I can learn and grow spiritually together with you over the coming 2 years. So, please do not worry about what happened in the home and focus on your two years to serve the Lord—"invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.”

Love,
Mummy

A Small World at the MTC ❤️

What a lovely surprise! While receiving his missionary training at the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC), Issac had the opportunity to meet Sister Rachel Orellana, who teaches Bahasa Melayu to missionaries there.

Even more special, Sister Rachel had previously served her mission in the Singapore Mission, including time in Puchong Branch!

Who would have thought that someone who once served in our very own branch would cross paths with Issac all the way in Provo, Utah?

It must have been a familiar and comforting connection for him, especially as he prepares to serve the people in the Singapore Mission. What a small world, and what a wonderful reminder that the Lord connects people in unexpected ways.

So happy that Issac had this special encounter during his MTC experience! ❤️

A New Chapter: Mother-Daughter Date ❤️

My first date out alone with Annabelle at Manjoe, Main Place Mall, USJ 21, after Isaac flew to the US to begin his two-year mission.

It felt a little strange at first, not quite used to having just the two of us. I guess it takes time to adjust to the change in our little family routine. With Isaac away, things feel a little different, and there is an empty space that reminds us how much we miss having him around.

Nevertheless, life goes on, and all is well. We enjoyed our meal, shared a few laughs and captured some silly photos together. Perhaps this is the beginning of a new routine for Annabelle and me — more mother-daughter dates, more conversations and more little memories along the way.

We miss Isaac, but we are happy for him as he begins this special journey. One day at a time, we will find our new rhythm. ❤️

A Heartfelt Goodbye, A Mission Begins ❤️

It was finally the morning we had been preparing for, yet somehow, none of us felt quite ready to say goodbye.

We woke up at 3:30 a.m. and got ready to send Isaac to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Terminal 1. His flight was scheduled for 7:15 a.m. He would first fly to Narita Airport in Japan, then continue to San Francisco International Airport before taking another flight to Salt Lake City, Utah, where his missionary journey would begin.

Daddy Alvin had purposely travelled all the way back from Penang to KLIA just to send Isaac off. That gesture alone showed how much this moment meant to him. Before the departure, father and son had some private time together. I didn't know exactly what they shared, but I knew it was a special moment between the two of them.

At the airport, we took lots of photographs together. We wanted to capture these last moments as a family before Isaac began this new chapter. There were smiles, silly poses, warm embraces and, of course, the usual brother-and-sister moments between Isaac and Annabelle.

Looking at their photographs together, I was reminded of how much they have shared growing up — the laughter, the little arguments, the adventures and all the ordinary family moments that have become precious memories.

I especially treasure the pictures of Daddy and Isaac, and the family photos we took before he left. We were smiling for the camera, but behind those smiles were hearts that were not quite ready to let go.

As we said our goodbyes, I tried to be strong. But once Annabelle and I got into the car and continued our journey to Mecaje School, our emotions caught up with us. Both of us started crying. It was hard to imagine our family routine without Isaac around. No more seeing him at home every day, sharing meals, chatting or simply having him nearby.

As a mother, I will always remember the little things about having Isaac at home. Sometimes we take those everyday moments for granted until the day comes when we realise how much we will miss them.

But this is also what we have been preparing him for — to grow, become independent, strengthen his testimony and serve the Lord. Although it was difficult to watch him leave, I knew this was his time to go.

I am proud of him for taking this step of faith. There is so much ahead of him: new people to meet, lessons to learn, challenges to overcome and opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

That morning, we left the airport with heavy hearts, but also with a quiet sense of gratitude. We may be separated by distance, but our love and prayers will always be with him.

After all the tears and emotions, we finally received the news we had been waiting for — Elder Yu had arrived safely in Salt Lake City! What a relief! Seeing that he had reached his destination and was already meeting another missionary made our hearts feel lighter. It was comforting to know that he was no longer travelling alone and that the next chapter of his mission was beginning.

That moment reminded me that although we cannot be physically beside him, the Lord is watching over him wherever he goes.

 

Dear Isaac,

Go and serve with all your heart. Remember who you are, remember the values we have taught you, and never forget that you are loved. We will miss you more than words can express, but we are excited to see how the Lord will shape you through this experience.

One last hug, one last family photograph, and a new journey begins.

Until we see you again, Elder Yu. We love you! ❤️

A New Chapter Begins – Elder Yu’s Setting Apart ❤️ 9 July 2024

A special and unforgettable day for our family. On 9 July 2024, Isaac was set apart as a full-time missionary, officially beginning his service as Elder Yu, by Singapore Mission President, President Tolman at the Singapore Mission Office in KLDC.

It was a meaningful moment as Isaac officially began his journey as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Seeing him dressed in his white shirt and tie, standing alongside President Tolman and his wife, filled my heart with gratitude and happiness. It was a moment I will always treasure as a mother.

After the setting apart, we went to Jordan Hong Kong Restaurant to enjoy a meal together. We shared good food, laughter, and a little family time before the next chapter of Isaac’s missionary journey.

As a mother, there are moments when you wish you could keep your children close, but you also know they have their own paths to follow. Today, I felt grateful to see Isaac take this step of faith and service.

May the Lord guide, protect, and strengthen Elder Yu as he serves, teaches, and shares the gospel. This is the beginning of a beautiful new chapter, and I look forward to seeing how the Lord will work through him.

God be with you, Elder Yu. We love you and are so proud of you! ❤️