Check out this story. It's completely true. I think the paranoia of security officials is reaching an all-time high. And to top it off, it happened in Canada!
Time flies like a Ferrari racing down an empty freeway. After two years of absence, I am back in Taipei! Fortunately, I arrived just in time for a typhoon, so the weather isn't too hot. The musty humidity, crowded apartments, wonderful people, and fabulous food are just a few of the many things I miss about this wonderful country (yes, COUNTRY). I will be here for about a month before heading back to UCLA.
WHO IS IN TAIWAN NOW?? I WANT TO KNOW!! Even if you're not here, but know somebody who is, please let me know! Thanks!
Just a little update on myself. To many, it may seem like I have disappeared off the face of the earth for the last two years. Indeed, I was off the face of the internet for the past little while, but now I'm back! For those who may not be aware, I just finished up two years as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Calgary. It was probably two of the best years of my life. I learned so much, things that can't possibly be learned in school. My understanding and testimony of God and the purpose of life have grown immensely. From a non-religious point of view, I've learned how to deal with people and make things happen. Nevertheless, I'm still the same me! In other words, I haven't become some crazy religious freak who has no life. Because I've been out of touch with most of you over the past couple of years, I hope you can drop me a line and let me know what's been going on in your life.
My parents flew in on Wednesday to pick me up and travel around a bit. We've already been to Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and other attractions around Calgary. On Tuesday, we will fly to Utah and stay there for a few weeks. Then, we will go to California for a few days and finally to Taiwan. I will be in Taiwan for about a month before starting back at UCLA in September. Well, that's about it for now. Keep in touch!
Those of you who know me well are probably already aware of my two year break from school to serve as a Mormon missionary (yes, those people in suits riding bikes down the streets of Taipei). For those of you who don't, let me briefly explain why you won't be seeing me online at all during the next two years.
First of all, to answer the obvious question - yes, I am Mormon. Since a young age, it has always been my plan to dedicate two years of my life to do the Lord's work. Our church recommends that young men do their two year missionary service beginning at age 19, which explains why I am leaving at this time. I don't plan on becoming a priest or anything of the sort. In that regard, these two years are like the mandatory military services of Taiwan and other countries (however, our church's missionary service is completely optional). After I complete my missionary service, I fully intend to go back to school and complete my degree.
Beginning May 4th, I will enter the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah to go through approximately three weeks of training. After that, I will proceed to Calgary, Canada to spend the remainder of the two years as a Mormon missionary. Our church does not allow people to choose the location of their own mission. I simply applied and was assigned to the Calgary mission. The interesting thing is that I will be serving in the Mandarin-speaking portion of the mission. I will be working with all the Chinese and Taiwanese people in Calgary (which, incidentally, constitute a huge minority there). In addition to proselyting the Gospel and teaching people more about our Church, I will also be doing community service work in the area.
The commitment to becoming a Mormon missionary is a strict one indeed. For the entire two years, in order to maintain the purity and sanctity of the experience, I will not be allowed access to TV, radio, or the internet. Also, besides one day off a week, I won't have any sort of break or vacation time. This does not signify, however, that I will be completely shut off from the world. I will have access to regular mail in addition to limited email and telephone usage.
I'm sure that these two years will be monumental in my personal growth, and I'm looking forward to all the experiences I will have. But I don't want to lose contact with people just because I'll be gone for two years. So please, whether you're bored or just want to say a quick hello, send me a postcard or letter! Keep me updated about happenings in your own lives. I promise that I will write back every single person who writes me.
I pray that God may be with all of you. Peace, and Amen.
P.S. If you really want to send me something, please send to the following address (this isn't exactly where I'll be living, but I will receive all mail sent there):
Elder Nicholas Chang McGhie Canada Calgary Mission 7044 Farrell Road SE Calgary, Alberta T2H 0T2 Canada
"Have the faith to believe it can be done. Have the determination to follow through. But have the foresight to know what's possible."
- Nicholas McGhie, 2004
Feel free to leave a comment so I'll have something read in case I get bored!
