Merry Christmas!

Yobesayo? Anybody home?

Sorry that the phone card called it quits so abruptly. I can't say I was surprised. I was mostly just disappointed that it didn't allow me an extra second to say goodbye. Suddenly "This phone card expires in 30 seconds" was blaring through the speaker incessantly without a break for me to relay the message. Regardless, it was nice to talk to all of you, or at least hear your voices. I hadn't anticipated the number "5" not working on the phone, so my apologies that it was kind of an unconventional choppy conversation.

Thank you for the Christmas gifts! We got to the post office and they had to bind our boxes together so we could carry them home better. What a fun surprise. I got Mom and Dad's gift, Charlotte's gift, and Aunt Kathy's gift. Thank you thank you! I will personalize a thank you sooner, but know that I am wearing many of the new clothes I received. I usually don't care all that much about clothes, but it is really nice to receive something new to wear. I needed a new coat, and was planning on going to another Gu Jae (second hand store) today to look for one, but Charlotte came through. I also needed another scarff. Inspiration, I tell you. Sister Yeon said I look very "vivid." I'm not sure if that is a compliment, but I told her that, ignorantly or not, I believe that all colors go together. Maybe more people will take note and want to talk if I dress brightly. Thank you! All the gifts were really fun and some will be very delicious. I don't know if Aunt Kathy knew this or not, but Snickers are my favorite candy bar, so I was particularly pleased! Also, the American food mixes, especially the brownie mix, will definitely be put to use. Also, Grandpa, thank you for the card and your generosity! I so appreciate all you do for me and loved reading your favorite scripture passages this week.

After both of us had opened our gifts the house was a mess and I started to get a little bit of a "candy before breakfast headache." It really felt like Christmas. Thank you.

I fear I sounded a little down about the work here, and if that is the case, please forgive me. We are excited to meet with a man tonight who we found in our area book last week. He seems genuinely interested. The first lesson/meeting with someone is always interesting, but we are looking forward to it. I'll let you know how it went next week.

This last week we met with a man who is maybe in his 70s, Jeong. He had some sort of stroke a while ago, so he has a difficult time walking, but cruises around the streets in quite the zippy wheelchair. He attends a church and reads the bible, but also received a Book of Mormon when the missionaries first contacted him in June. They never followed up so the book has mostly been gathering dust. We were able to meet with him two times this week. I have a really hard time understanding him because he had a stroke and so his speech is impeded a little bit and beyond that, he's speaking Korean, ha. But, he has a good heart. I can tell that already. He invited us into his home and his wife suggested we go find someone who doesn't believe anything. She likes to leave the room when we come, but Jeong is very kind. He also happens to collect clocks. I counted 13 of them in the living room alone. It would be one thing if he synchronized them, but most of them are a minute or two ahead of the ones around them. It's enough to drive someone crazy, but quirkiness is endearing. For someone so obsessed with time he sure is relaxed. We are grateful for that. I think he has a sincere desire to find truth. The first lesson was good. He really likes talking about Joseph Smith. During the second lesson I was in Tong Yeong with Sister Milius, a new missionary who has been here for about 5 weeks, while her companion, Sister Lee Hae En, served in Jinhae with Sister Yeon. Exchanges are an interesting opportunity, but Tong Yeong is beautiful and Sister Milius has a strong desire to do her best. It is inspiring.

From what I heard, the lesson with Jeong went well and he accepted a soft baptismal committment. We will teach him about the plan of salvation this week and plan to extend a baptismal date invitation. I'm looking forward to it.

I can't remember who said it, but someone said that we cannot give a crust to the Lord without receiving a loaf in return. I see that every single day. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Also, during our Christmas party someone filmed this video of us singing and posted it here if you want to see it/me:

www.busankoreamission.blogspot.com

Love you!

Julia

Here are a couple photos of the Christmas experience around here. P.S. We write from an employment center every week...these people must really think we're inept. Still no job. Here the same time each week...

Merry Almost Christmas

Merry Almost Christmas! Thank you to all of you who wrote me this week, especially those who remembered my Christmas request of including your favorite scripture and why. It is always nice to hear about those things, and of course, the updates are nice as well.

As for the conference call, I hope it works and would love to have all of you on the line. I will try calling at 8 AM my time on Dec. 26th. Many of the calling cards are specifically land line to land line or cell phone to cell phone. We can't call from our cell phone, so I will use the number Laura provided and hope it all works. If not, know I love you and I'll talk to you next time around. Thank you for doing that, Laura!

It is still very cold fall weather here, so in many ways it feels absolutely nothing like Christmas. In any case, it is coming quickly. Tomorrow we will go to Busan for a mission wide Christmas party, which should be fun. I'm looking forward to playing guitar on a few musical numbers and being with other missionaries. We will also have a combined ward Christmas party on the 24th at one of the wards where we serve (Pung Ho). Both Jinhae and Pungho ward members will attend. We're hoping to get some of our investigators and less active members to come as well. It is always nice to have an activity where they can feel the spirit and get to know the members better.

This week was a little rough in a few ways. Our most recent converts, Eu Hae En and Lee Yeon Jeong, have had a hard time coming to church lately and have stood us up a few times as we've tried to teach them the new member lessons. They came to sacrament meeting yesterday, but left after that to go somewhere with their friends. This situation has me fairly stressed out. The last thing I want to have happen is for them to jump straight from the baptismal record to the less active list. We have been teaching a lot of teenagers the past few months, and admittedly it can be difficult. I wish I could remember what it was really like to be 15. I don't know that the other Young Women have helped them feel all the welcome, so we are starting there. Regardless, the ward is really good about wanting to help in any way they can, and like us, are worried. I'm grateful for their help. We are praying to know how to help their faith grow.

They were supposed to come with us to a Christmas open house in Busan at President Gilbert's house. We had confirmed several times that they would be able to come, but when we called them at noon on Saturday, they said they couldn't come. We were scheduled to leave at 2 and it would have taken the better portion of the day. We hadn't made much of a back-up plan, but since none of our investigators are progressing right now, we decided to really go through the area book and see what was there. As we looked through both area books we began calling all the people whose contact information we had received. Some of these dated back to over 7 or 8 months ago, so they were understandably confused. "Who is this?? No, I don't remember." Most of the calls were not fruitful, but we called one man who asked if we could meet later that very same day!! Our schedules didn't quite match up, but we were delighted at the prospect. It was a challenge to mask the excitement in our voices on the phone. We will call him today to set something up for this week. We are also going to visit a grandpa this Wednesday who has some interest. It's amazing to me that right when I feel like casting out my faith with unbelief Heavenly Father shows us a minor miracle.

As I've mentioned, most of our investigators are not currently progressing, so we're trying to find the balance between being patient with them and knowing when our time is better spent elsewhere. It's hard to know, but I'm grateful for the spirit and hope to have the faith to follow it. Last night we were knocking doors at an apartment complex near our house and one of the ladies said to come back at 10 AM this morning. So, we received permission to go out a little early today and check back with her. She either didn't answer or wasn't home. Even though she wasn't home I just had the overwhelming feeling that it's okay. Instead of being disappointed it's easier to remember to take a chance on people, to take a chance that they might have real faith. In Preach My Gospel it says something like if you try your best you may still experience disappointments but you will not be disappointed in yourself. I have to remember that. Dad, you might appreciate something that I heard President Eyring say after he was the third person to quote a particular scripture in a conference. He said "Repetition is not boredom. It's inspiration."

So I have been on my mission for 6 months now. Crazy. I still have a lot to learn, but as we refocus our finding efforts, I am hopeful we will be able to help people progress in this gospel. When I remember and focus on the "why" of this work instead of the "what" or "how" I find peace. I have to remember if my efforts are out of love for those around me they are not wasted, even though I have weaknesses and will not be a perfect servant. President Uchtdorf said, "The 'why' of obedience transforms the mundane into the majestic." This is my Christmas hope this year.

As for my favorite scripture right now it is Mosiah 3:5-6:

5 For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the ^aLord ^bOmnipotent who ^creigneth, who was, and is from all ^deternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a ^etabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty ^fmiracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the ^gblind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.  6 And he shall cast out ^adevils, or the ^bevil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men.

Before my mission I hadn't really thought much about Christ's miracles. But, although this scripture refers to His body in the use of the words "tabernacle of clay," I thought about how a tabernacle of clay could be compared to my heart. If it is maleable and a place where holy inspiration can be sent, then I will see miracles and power of the Atonement happen inside of it. Some mornings, to be honest, I feel a little sick because of my weakness and my fear of not being enough. Through Christ's atonement those feelings go away. Sometimes I don't recognize the spirit, but He reaises me from the spiritually dead when I ask in faith.  Sometimes I sit down on the bus and willingly bind my tongue, but through Christ's atonement I can get up and talk to people, the lame can walk. And, although I walk and often speak blindly, having no idea what to say or how to say it, I see miracles when I am open to recognizing them. All manner of dis-ease is overcome through Jesus Christ. I love Jesus Christ. He has become my friend. I hope I have become His friend too. One of my goals of my mission was to have a heart where Heavenly Father could send inspiration and  know it would be recognized, received, honored and cherished. I don't know that I'm there yet, but how grateful I am that every day I have the opportunity to try to serve others better. I truly stand all amazed at the love He offers me.
All of you are profound evidence of His love in my life. Thank you. Merry Christmas.
Love you and I'm looking forward to talking to you.
Julia

Anyonghasayo!

Anyonghasayo! (Direct translation: Are you at peace?)

I hope you are all doing well. Thank you to those who wrote me this week, and those of you who didn't, repent and write next week. Ha.

It sounds like the beat goes on around home and Guam and such. It does here as well. We had a bit of a frustrating week with appointments and are still trying to learn how to spend our time well, but when we expect miracles and ask for the eyes to see them, we start seeing them, regardless of how small they might be. I really loved the talk that was given in general conference about the guy who after a really long day at work just really wanted a piece of chicken before he went home to be with his family again, but didn't have the money. He did the searching and he had the faith and his prayer was answered. It was a simple prayer. It was a simple answer. Heavenly Father cares about what we care about, especially when it's His work we're trying to do.

Our less active search has not been exactly fruitful quite yet, but we continue anyway. We are especially trying to focus on those who have been through the temple and been on missions. We were actually able to eat dinner last Monday with a less active couple who have recently decided they want to come back to church of their own volition. The brother has been a member for quite some time, but his wife just joined the church a few years ago and has been in and out of activity. They are humble people and give me hope that there are others like them. We will teach the wife the new member lessons because she never received them.

We also have been trying to teach the father of a recent 12 year old convert. Her father is a little wild. He generally drinks a bowl of alcohol while we're there and offers us some each time. He is 61 and kind of a hardened guy, but let Kim Do Ah be baptized because he saw that the missionaries really care about her and that the teachings of the church are generally good. He has progressed a lot since the missionaries first met his daughter, but it usually turns into more of a heated discussion than a spiritual lesson. He thinks Mormon thinks he is Jesus Christ. I generally understand maybe 10 -15% of what he says because he speaks with a very thick southern accent (Satorri). Even Sister Yeon has a hard time understanding him. Anyway, yesterday we went to their house with a member and talked to him about The Book of Mormon and invited him to read it. The war of words approach just isn't going to work, but we're hopeful that he'll actually read it. He has cancer and does not have a job. It seems like he's had a hard life, but he is welcoming to missionaries. That is the first step.

We had zone conference on Wednesday in Busan. The Gilberts have given us the 5 S's: strict obedience, sincere prayer, scripture study, service, and submission. They also talked about Christ's disciples and how they left their nets straightway and followed Him. They talked about anything that might be our "nets," things that seem harmless but could get us tangled up pretty badly after a while. They asked us to write down anything and everything that is keeping us from focusing on the work or opening our mouths. We then put those things in the trash and burned them. It was kind of Girl's Camp-esque, but in a kitschy way it felt good to write down those things and see the physical manifestation of their demise. We are still having to work to really let those things go, but I really enjoyed zone conference and am always impressed by The Gilberts.

I don't know if I've mentioned this, but because there are two wards in our area (Jinhae/Pungho) we work with Elders here also. On Saturday the Elders had two baptisms. Lee and Yoon are 16 year old friends of a member in the Pungho ward. They are really good girls. The Gilberts actually came to see the baptism and spend some of the day with us. It was nice to have them here. They are wise and their energy pervades every place they pass through. Even though Sister Gilbert can't speak a lick of Korean everyone loves her. She is a good example to me.

Lee Hae is a very imaginative artist who always accidentally says in her testimony that she can BECOME Jesus Christ. Besides this minor doctrinal fauxpaux she understands the gospel quite well and has a sincere testimony. I think she will do well. She is fun and funny and spacey. I like her a lot.

Yoon H. is half Philipino. She has been investigating the church for a few months now. She wanted to be baptized long ago, but her parents opposed. Eventually she was somehow able to get permission. She has real faith. It is impressive to me. When she was reading The Book of Mormon she cried when Nephi died because she liked him so well. She also wants to teach her friends the gospel because it has helped her so much. She is sweet and I am really convinced she will continue to grow in faith and diligence.

Sister Yeon and I were able to sing "I Stand All Amazed" in harmony with the guitar at the baptism. It was really fun. Sister Yeon initially studied opera/music at school in Seoul, so she has what I consider to be a good balance of a trained voice and the ability to blend well with others. It is nice to sing with someone who really knows how.

Christmas is coming fast. We will have a combined ward Christmas party on the 24th. We will also have a mission wide party on the 18th, which will be nice. I am looking forward to Christmas on a mission. Every single day I am trying to focus on helping people come unto Jesus Christ so Christmas takes on even greater significance now.

As for the Christmas phone call we have been asked to call in the morning around 8 or 9 on the 26th, Monday, since that will be Christmas in the states. If that doesn't work for you, Mom and Dad, I'm sure we can work out another time actually on Christmas. I don't know the time difference between here and Guam, but let me know what works. I will probably call from the church via a calling card. If you can give me the number to call and what time works that would be great. If we can link up with everyone else in the US/Canada that would be fun, but if not, we've been instructed to primarily call our parents, so...my deepest regards to those I love in the US/Canada.

A special Christmas request to the family:

I don't need much, but I would really love if in your next email to me you would share your favorite scripture and why you like it/what it means to you. Thank you for your faith and prayers. I think about your examples all the time. I'm praying for you too. Love you all. Merry Christmas so soon! 

Love,

Julia

getting the run around

Hello Family!

First, the beloved garage!! It's hard for me to believe that actually happened and that Charlotte didn't just do some Photoshop magic to pull a prank on me. My most heartfelt regards to that ol' thing. Isn't it weird how we get attached to things like garages? Anyway...hope all is going well with the repair/removal. Thanks for keeping me updated. I will admit that one of the bigger fears of Pday is the idea that there might not be any email in my inbox, but all of you are very stalwart, so thank you!

So this week has been good and hard for several reasons. We had big plans to really get things going with some of our investigators. However, it has become apparent to me that this work is so much about personal agency, both mine and that of our investigators'. It was the kind of week where everything went wrong. We had about 4 appointments fall through and a few of our investigators seemed to have stopped answering the phone. I am learning the difference, slowly, between being disappointed and moving on and being discouraged. I have also learned how to read a map this week...ha. We got to the area where we were going to search for a less active member and realized that we had forgotten the exact address. We went back home to get the address, which ended up being a royal waste of time, and then went back to the area and couldn't really figure out where we were or how to get where we needed to be. Let's just say I'm grateful for a Korean companion and that we are both humble enough to ask for directions. In doing so we actually got the contact information of the bank employee we asked. I was reminded that when Heavenly Father promises that our weaknesses will be made strong in Ether 12, I don't really think He always means that we will become strong in a weak thing, but that He will put people in our path to show us the way, to make us strong. Whether that person is a bank employee or Sister Yeon, or Jesus Christ we have to expect that weak things will be made strong. It made for some good laughs anyway.

We have decided that we really want to focus on finding less active people and finding new investigators along the way during our travels. We received less active lists from both bishops in the wards we serve (Pung Ho and Jinhae). There are about 40-50 active members who attend each ward. For each ward there are an additional 100-130 less active members. We were a little shocked at the numbers, but as we get better at mapping out where these people live and how we can use time more effectively in looking for them, I think we will be successful. These people once had a strong enough testimony to be baptized. These are people who know who Jesus Christ is and once professed to believe in Him enough to be baptized.  If even 5 or 6 people come back to each ward I know it will make a huge difference. Many of the ward leaders have expressed a desire to help us if we have the opportunity to visit these people. It's a daunting task, but if we can do it right, I know it will be helpful. Helping people have real faith, not obligatory faith, not fleeting faith, is really challenging, but I know that all my efforts will pay off and I will be happy if I keep trying.

To be honest, I feel a lot like an amateur racquetball player. I thought about my experience two summers ago when Ranger and I really got into playing racquetball every morning.We started out so poorly, but got to the point where we felt like we were pretty good. I remember being a little surprised at how winded I could get just playing racquetball.  The room isn't all that big. It wasn't until we started watching some of those old guys who wear the goggles and the sweatbands that we realized how inefficient our playing style really was. Seasoned players seemed to be able to get every ball by simply moving a foot or two, while we were chasing down every ball relentlessly. The difference between our styleswas experience. They had learned how to judge how the ball comes off the wall and the most efficient way to act after they made this judgement. So we've been doing a lot of running around in Jinhae/Pungho, but the learning curve is a little steep. Maybe I'll try wearing racquetball goggles and see if that improves my missionary technique. It will be a good conversation starter if nothing else.

It's hard for me to believe it's almost Christmas. It is still fall here in Korea. Thank goodness for that. I'm not too keen on snow. I usually fare just fine with a pea coat and my scarff. Today we are going to play soccer in Masan with two zones. Hopefully it will be fun. I am a little selfish with my Pday time, so I will admit, I wasn't thrilled at the prospect, but it is always fun to be around the other missionaries. We also have zone conference on Wednesday in Busan. I am really looking forward to that. President and Sister Gilbert always bring the spirit and I always go away with more resolve and faith after hearing from them.

Mom and Dad--

Glad to hear Micronesia goes on. Thanks for your letter, Dad. It sounds like fun to get to travel around so much, even if sleep deprivation plagues you every once in a while. I know the missionaries feel richly blessed to be around you. We certainly feel that way around here. I'm sorry you won't get to paint the garage at 9:30 PM anymore..l know that was a hobby of yours...

Nick--

Thanks for the note. Love to hear the every detail of sickness. It makes for a good (sympathetic) laugh. Ha.

Meg--

Hope you are well! You look great in the pics Charlotte sent.

Char--

Thanks for the letter. I loved the blog post and pictures. It's always nice to see everyone. Did you ever get my "birthday" gift I sent you?

Matt--

Thanks for saying hello! It was nice to hear from you and I always appreciate the sage advice. Why IS loving people so hard? Ha. Sounds like you're doing well.

Ladi--

Sounds like too much adventure in SLC. Sorry to hear you had to bear the brunt of the situation! Hope things are looking up. Or you're looking up. Timber.

Bob--

Home ownership. Wahoo! Sounds like a drag. Hope you've recovered from the all nighter.

LOVE YOU ALL!

Julia

Training or being trained? both.

Hello family!

I'm sure you're wondering how I'm holding up. I'm wondering the same thing. Ha. First things first, my companion is really great. Her name is Yeon Su Hyeon and she is from Seoul. She lived in the United States/Canada for 7 years (age 14-20), so she speaks English fluently and Korean of course as well. She actually lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan briefly when she was 14 years old. She noticed on my family reunion shirt that it said Ann Arbor and wondered if I had family there. When I told her that Brad and Meredith live there we pieced it together that Brad was her bishop when she lived there. She said he may not remember her because "she was a shy little Asian girl." It was fun to make that connection anyway. The Sunday before she came was stake conference, where they played a video about Korean missionaries in the MTC. I was really impressed by one of the sisters who was interviewed...and now she is my companion! Wild. She is semi-famous in the stake.

Anyway, we spent a few days in Busan for training day. It was fun. We got to do a lot of contacting on the subways and on the street. Sister Yeon tore it up. She got a few contacts and gave away a copy of The Book of Mormon. She is a good mix of both a desire to be exactly obedient (that I really haven't seen in many of the missionaries here), a desire to be a Preach My Gospel missionary (that is, actually open our mouths instead of hang out with the youth for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon), and the warm Korean personality that so pervades this country. We are enjoying our time together so far even though I lack much sense of direction sometimes...ha. That's really the only thing that's caused any frustration. It will get better. Especially as both of us get to know the area better.

Being "young" in the mission may be what others deem our biggest weakness, but I really see it as a strength. Being around all these young missionaries with a lot of desire and no notion of mission culture has really helped me refocus and given me renewed desire to really do what I've been called to do. I noticed that many of my contacts lacked the most important parts--testimony and promised blessings. That's the point when the spirit can step in. It is fun and motivating to be with someone who is really trying to be a good missionary in all of the ways that I want to be a good missionary. I am lucky and plan on capitalizing on this time I have with Sister Yeon.

On the way back to Jin Hae from Busan I inevitably took the wrong bus...but we were able to get the bus driver to meander his way to Jin Hae and talk to him about the gospel too. How grateful I was for a Korean companion at that point. So far no more wrong busses. The good news is both of us know it is better to laugh than get worked up.

On Sunday our two most recent converts, Eu Hae En and Lee Yeon Jeong were supposed to get confirmed in sacrament meeting. We had talked to them and they were planning on coming. Up to this point I hadn't really felt a lot of responsibiity or worry about investigators coming to church. They usually do so I figured they would. Sacrament meeting started and they still weren't there. The bishop and his counselors motioned to me and I told them they were coming...We sang the opening hymn. Still not there. The opening prayer was particularly lengthy and I was praying the most fervent prayer this little heart knows how to pray. During the opening prayer I heard the chapel doors open. The prayer concluded and Eu Hae En and Lee Yeon Jeong barely had time to sit down before they were called back up to the front to receive the Holy Ghost. It was good. Even if they were in their jeans and pajamas. I'll take it, and I know Heavenly Father will too.

We have big plans for the area. Yesterday we got a less active list and also emphasized at the ward council that we can only stay at members' homes for an hour or maybe an hour and 15 minutes for meals. This was emphasized by my Korean companion and is culturally sometimes a sensitive subject. At any rate I think they took it a lot better from her than they would from me.

We are trying to teach Kim Do Ah's (a new member) father and grandmother. It will be interesting. The father has cancer, and was initially hardened toward the church and the missionaries. He has really progressed a lot in his feelings toward us and allowing his daughter to learn about the church. Tonight we will go to their house and invite them to be part of the lesson after dinner. We are hopeful.

In our new effort to be bold we are really trying to teach investigators in the right way. It is really refreshing to have a renewed sense of purpose and I hope it will permeate everything we do.

It will be good! Thank you for your support and love!

Glad to hear Thanksgiving was fun all around. I ate a Korean feast followed by pumpkin pie at The Gilbert's for training day. I did enjoy that pumpkin pie. Oh, and Mom, thank you for the Reese's! A little piece of heaven on sometimes long days. Love you Love you!

Love,

Julia

growing up awfully fast

Hello!!

 

Well, I am writing to you much later than usual because...as Mom and Dad already know, I am training!! Wha????! I was schocked. Floored, quite literally. President Gilbert asked if I was sitting down. This is not necessarily due to any skill or virtue of my own, but really, they had no other choice. Typically they try not to have someone "white wash" (move to a new area they don't know well/doesn't have good records) and train at the same time. My companion, Sister Lee Ga Hee, has been in Jin Hae/Pung Ho since she came to Korea in June. So, it was time for her to go, but she is not training in her new area. There are a lot of sisters getting called to our mission and not all that many sisters in our mission. So, as it were, it's me, I guess. Apparently it's some sort of mission record to have a foreigner train after just two transfers. So, here I am. Guinea pig. I am nervous in a lot of ways, but excited in a lot of ways too.

 

President Gilbert asked if I was sitting down when he called, which is always the line to open a can of worms. When he told me I was training I kind of fell to my knees on the kitchen floor and my stomach flipped over once or twice. I think that's how I will best serve my new companion---if I stay on my knees and pray. I told President that I was a little overwhelmed, but that I would get over it. I then said, I'm over it. Ha. Fake it til you make it, as the saying goes. I understand that Mom and Dad were actually in the Gilbert's hotel room in Seoul when they called to tell me the news. Ha. I'm glad you didn't say anything, ha, but in some way it's nice to know you were there. I feel like you're always here with me, especially as we're united in purpose. The Gilberts are great.

 

Anyway, I'm in Busan for a few days on exchanges. Today was exchange day so we brought Lee Ga Hee to Busan to meet her new companion and go to her new area. I will stay with Sister Min Bo Ram and Sister Oaks in Busan until Wednesday/Thursday when we have training day at the mission home. I am excited because I feel it will be fun to be with a brand new missionary. I remember having a huuuuggee sense of urgency. I remember being inside and hearing cars honk and thinking I really needed to be outside preaching the gospel. The honking cars were a reminder that there are souls behind those steering wheels and I really want to help them. In some ways, "old" mission culture has extinguished some of that fire out of me and my mission hasn't quite been what I want it to be. I'm grateful Heavenly Father gives me so many opportunities to start over and grow. It's incredible when I think about it.

 

There are 4 American sisters and one Korean sister coming. I'm hoping for the Korean. We'll see.

 

On Saturday, we had two baptisms---Lee Yeon Jeong and Eu Hae En. They are 14 year old friends. Eu Hae En chose the oldest grandpa in the ward to baptize her. He is a little confused sometimes, so he had to baptize her twice because it didn't go quite right the first time. She was gasping when she came out of the water the second time, because he held her in for so long. When she got in the bathroom she said just loud enough for everyone to hear... "I didn't know baptism would entail someone trying to kill me." Truly the start of a new life, in more ways than one. Ha. They were sweet and shy and a little overwhelmed at all the attention. They will be confirmed on the 27th since Sunday was Stake Conference.

 

I am nervous about our investigators because so many of them are close to Lee Ga Hee and I sometimes wonder if their interest is a gospel interest. But, I know that Heavenly Father is over all, so I will do my best to fill any holes in the right way. With Him I am whole, not a hole. He knows them perfectly. I'm looking forward to the opportunity. If you haven't been praying for me, please, get on your knees. Ha.

 

Charlotte, I saw your friend Ben at Stake Conference. he was nice enough to say hello. He was kind.

 

That's about it. This work is God's work! I'm grateful for Him and for the restored gospel. Wish me luck. Or better yet, pray.

 

Love you all.

Time is up.

 

Julia

Happy Birthday, Chucky!

It's me again, everyone!

I love hearing from you, so thank you!

First of all, happy birthday to Charlotte! I hope it was a nice day and that Lincoln made you breakfast in bed. Secondly, I was sad to hear about Meredith. I hope she is doing better. I will pray for her. Also, Mom and Dad, I hope you are enjoying Korea. The Gilberts are the best and they are looking forward to talking to you too! It is actually not all that cold, luckily. I usually do just fine with my pea coat, which incidentally looks an awful lot like the Korean Navy jackets. There are a lot of sailors/Navy men in Jinhae, so it is kind of funny to have matching jackets. Ha.

Anyway, the work! This week has been good for a few reasons--we have been teaching two 14-year old girls, Lee Yeon Jeong and Eu Hae En. Sister Lee Ga Hee first met one of their friends, Sister Che, on the street about 6 or 7 weeks ago. We initially met with that friend, who the following meeting, brought 3 additional friends. Sister Che and Seong Ga Jeong, the third friend she invited to our meetings, have not been progressing. However, a few weeks ago Lee Yeon Jeong and Eu Hae En committed to be baptized on November 19th. They are the two who when they heard about the plan of salvation let out an audible sigh of awe. They are good girls. 

We were worried about parent permission, so last Monday we met Lee Yeon Jeong's mother. She wasn't expecting us, but we brought cookies and eventually brought up the baptism. The clock really has never ticked so loudly as it did in those moments of silent waiting...she wasn't too opposed, and generally had a positive attitude toward us and the idea, but said she needed to think about it. We felt good about the exchange. We are still waiting to hear about permission from her mother, but Lee Yeon Jeong passed her baptisimal interview on Sunday. 

Her friend, Eu Hae En, brought the baptisimal papers to church on Sunday, signature and all. We are excited, and at least Eu Hae En will be baptized on Saturday! We are really praying that Lee Yeon Jeong can join her. Two days ago we were able to finish teaching them the commandments. As Sister Lee Ga Hee and I started companionship study earlier that day, we began talking about what we had studied in personal study. About a week ago Sister Lee Ga Hee had been asking me a lot of questions about who will be able to go to the celestial kingdom/receive exaltation. It had been several days since we last talked about it. Before we began our discussion, suddenly D&C 137 popped into my head. I knew that was about Joseph Smith's brother, Alvin, and the celestial kingdom. I didn't know why I had thought of it, but as I flipped to it, I realized that it answered our question perfectly. We were both pleasantly surprised and relieved.

Anyway, I feel that I was prompted to find D&C 137 that morning. As we taught Eu Hae En and Lee Yeon Jeong the rest of the commandments later that night, they had quite a bit of skepticism about tithing, but committed to keep it. Also, when we talked about keeping the laws of the land, including even the small laws, like not crossing on a red light, we were surprised at the response. Sister Eu Hae En and Lee Yeon Jeong said that they had a friend about a year ago who crossed on a red light and was hit by a car and died. Sister Eu Hae En said that she felt our church was true, but wondered about the fate of their friend. She said that their friend had been religious, but since she was not part of our church, wondered if she would be able to go to the celestial kingdom. It was the perfect opportunity to read D&C 137 together and explain that those who would have accepted the gospel if they had not passed away can and will inherit the celestial kingdom. Even though I didn't understand a lot of what was going on in the lesson I am grateful that Heavenly Father gave me a tiny burst of inspiration to help our investigator.

As they left and Sister Lee Ga Hee and I did the dishes at the church, they came back about two minutes later inquiring how exactly to pay tithing. We told them we put it in an envelope and give it to the bishop. They said they would bring it to church the next day! I am inspired by their faith...10 minutes after hearing a commandment they are ready and committed to keeping it. It takes some of us years...it is a blessing to see faith grow. We are looking forward to their baptism this Saturday!

Transfer calls are on Thursday...we suspect that Sister Lee Ga Hee will be moving. I am a little overwhelmed at the prospect, but I know God is over all. Sister Lee has spent nearly 5 months of her mission here. We sometimes have different styles and ideas of missionary work, but I am learning a lot from her. She has the unique ability to see others needs and sacrifice in their behalf immediately. It is incredible. I am able to see her do so for me every single day, for our investigators, and for complete strangers. I know this is one of the reasons I am with her right now...It is something I really want to learn to do. The other day we passed a plant in the church landscape that was drooping because it needed water. I casually mentioned it to her and immediately she poured all her drinking water in the soil. It's just who she is to serve everything and everyone around her. If she moves I will miss being around someone who serves with such eagerness, but look forward, as always, to learning from someone else as well.

We were also able to teach Pak Jin Yeong (the girl we taught to pray last week) and her mother, Kim Gyeong Hoa. Sister Lee Ga Hee met Kim Gyeong Hoa on the bus a while ago. Kim Gyeong Hoa was not planning on participating in the lesson. She made us delicious food and expected we would just teach her daughter, Pak Jin Yeong. Pak Jin Yeong, as I've mentioned before is not attending school because she had trouble with friends. Anyway, they have two crazy dogs who are generally more of a nuissance than they're worth (it was heartbreaking to see them get beat down with a hanger...), so we were a little worried about the spirit being there. After lunch, they both agreed to participate in the lesson. We taught them the entire first lesson. They have little to no concept of God. I was able to relate the first vision, which brought the spirit. During the lesson the dogs were quiet enough to not chase the spirit away. I could tell Kim Gyeong Hoa was really trying to soak it all in. There is so much new vocabulary for people who have no religious background, but at the end of the lesson, Kim Gyeong Hoa, even before we had asked her, said that she wanted to read more of The Book of Mormon and understand it better. She explained that as wek spoke she felt something warm in her body and that her heart was at peace. We smiled, delighted at her recognition of the spirit, and told her that was exactly what she felt. They are reading the BOM and we will talk to them more this week. It was maybe the closest to how I imagined missionary work being. It was exciting. Pak Jin Yeong closed the meeting with a prayer. From her mom we learned that she was excited to meet with us again. We are hopeful about them.

Anyway, time is short, but I love when we really get to see the inward feelings of people's hearts and how quick they are to reveal them when the spirit is present. It is rewarding.

Wish me luck with the next transfer. We'll see what happens!

Mom and Dad-- welcome to Korea! Enjoy it. Even though people drive crazy, as you remember, the Korean people are gracious and kind. I'm jealous that you get to go the temple. It will be fun for you to meet with other mission presidents and exchange ideas and experiences. I look forward to hearing about it.

Nick and Megan-- sounds like you are busy as always. Thanks for the letter, Nick! I hope the Tahoe holds up and that the calls from LDS Family Services are promising. I'm praying for you!

Charlotte and Matt-- Chucky Sue, you owe me. Happy Birthday! Hope it was great. I want to hear about Calgary a little bit more. Highs and lows. Highlight reel would be fine too. Ha. Love you.

Laura and Bob-- even though I didn't hear from you this week, I somehow managed to not print out your letter from last week, so reading it kind of felt like hearing from you this week. I hope you had a good one! Minnie sounds like she was the real life of the Halloween parties. Oh well, I guess on Halloween the objective really isn't to be the "life" of the party, now is it. Wah Wah wah....lame joke? Check. Time to go once those start flowing from the keyboard.

Kacie Barnson!! You leave soon. Send me your address. Missionary work is the best! Love you.

Love you,

Julia

a week of losing and finding

Hello to my dear family.

 

You would think I could come up with a new way to address you, but it's all that ever comes to mind, I suppose, because it's what you are. Thank you for your letters! I will not have time to read them right away, but I printed them out for later. It is always inspiring to hear from you, no matter how little or much you have to say. Thank you for your support!

 

I will admit, with Halloween coming and going I really craved a Reese's peanut butter cup. I hope all of you were able to eat one for me. Peanut butter is in short supply around here. Ha.

 

This week was pretty good, although there was an inordinate amount of time losing and trying to find necessary items. Somehow we managed to lose our keys on the bus, Sister Ee Ga Hee's wallet on the bus, and Sister Ee Ga Hee broke her shoes so we had to buy new shoes, and she also strained her neck on the bus as we traveled back from our P-Day activity last week.

 

It was a little bit frustrating and put a damper on our plans, but bless those honest Koreans, we found the wallet at the lost and found at the bus terminal with everything in it. We never found the keys but were able to get into our house and get a new copy relatively inexpensively. She also acquired some lovely (in jest) grandma shoes that while comfortable, are quite the eye sore. I tried to convince her not to get them, but she really doesn't care. She is funny. She also was insisting that she had sprained her neck. She had done this before and wanted permission to go get acupuncture at the hospital. A side note about Koreans and the hospital--Since they have public health care they go to the hospital for everything from a slight cold to a heart attack because the co-pay is around $10. People wear the hospital clothes and drag their IVs everywhere out on the street. At night It kind of turns Korea into quite the haunted house. People will even bike dragging their IV along. Anyway, Sister Lee Called Sister Gilbert and asked if she could get acupuncture. An adamant no resounded from the other side of the phone. Sister Gilbert's suggestion was a warm bag or sock of rice on the hurt spot and some IB Proufen. Sister Lee was appalled. Warm rice??! I told Sister Lee that this is American medicine. We never go to the doctor.  Anyway, we tried it and it helped a bit.

 

The next morning she was reheating it and left it in a little too long. I noticed it started to smell like burned popcorn...Sister Lee had forgotten and left it in the microwave for too long. When she opened the microwave tons of smoke came pouring out..her face was priceless. "Oma!" When I stopped laughing and finally came over, her sock and the rice were charred and black and the sock had virtually melted into the rice. The black rice seemed to be growing at an exponential rate, filling the microwave in a very repulsive way. It truly was a scene out of a scary movie. It made for a good laugh, in any case. The good news is Sister Lee's neck is feeling better and we can do better and more missionary work.

 

As far as missionary work goes, we again had 7 investigators at church--6 of whom are under the age where they can independently decide to be baptized and one who is over 80 years old. Regardless, we were quite pleased and are hopeful about this week.

 

The two girls who had a baptisimal date for this coming Sunday,Bo Hee and Hae Bin, are not so sure anymore. There desire has weakened because they haven't learned how to receive or care to receive personal revelation quite yet. This is my fear with younger girls who see missionaries as someone fun to hang out with, but not necessarily as a way to spiritual enlightenment. I was afraid their testimony of us was growing much more than their testimony of Christ. Sometimes though, I think that a testimony of a good person precedes a testimony of Christ. This week we will try to teach them how to read the Book of Mormon effectively and pray and receive answers to their prayers. Hopefully they will have renewed desire for the right reason.

 

In good news, two of the girls we are teaching, Eu Hae En and Lee Yeon Jeong, committed to be baptized on November 19th. They seem to have real desire. They loved the plan of salvation. When we got to the end they both let out a sort of audible sigh of awe. We are hopeful that they will continue to progress. This afternoon we will meet Sister Lee Yeon Jeong's parents and tommorrow we will meet Eu Hae En's parents. That is what may be the real test. I will admit that I am nervous that if they are baptized and I am here with another inexperienced American it might be difficult to retain them, but God is over all, right? I am grateful for that knowledge. We hope their parents are receptive to the idea.

 

We were also able to teach Bak Jin Yeong this week. Sister Lee met Sister Bak Jin Yeong's mother on the bus a few weeks ago. Jin Yeong is 16 years old and is currently refusing to go to school because she had trouble with friends. We met with her and got to know her a little bit. She is sweet, but a little bit shy. We taught her the first few principles of the first lesson and I felt like I should teach her how to pray. Afterward we asked if she would offer a prayer. She did so willingly and well. It is really incredible to be part of someone's first time talking to God. Even though these are simple prayers, they are heartfelt. Most of the trouble in our lives seems to stem from forgetting that we can talk to God and that He is our loving Heavenly Father. We are looking forward to teaching her more this week and hopefully teaching her parents as well.

 

Just two more weeks of this transfer. It is likely there will be another change. I am admittedly nervous, but there is great peace in presence in the present. So that's what I'll do. That's all Heavenly Father asks us to do.

 

I am enjoying teaching in spite of my weakness. Things are good. It is incredible when we are receptive to the spirit how quickly we learn this is not about us at all...it is something much bigger. I am grateful for that lesson every time I learn it.

 

Love you all! Sorry no personal notes this time!

 

Love,

Julia

Happy Halloween!

Hello to all! Happy Halloween.

 

First things first. Rest assured I have secured a new bath towel and it is still intact. In spite of language differences, life is fun when I let it be.

 

It was a good week. We were able to go to Wang En Ha's baptism on the 28th. She is an 8 year old whose Grandpa is a church member, but the rest of her family is not. We taught her all four lessons so it was fun to see her on her big day. She is so cute. She has short hair and lots of Spiderman stickers to go around, but I think she is forced to wear girly clothing every now and then. Ha. She reminds me of me except that she has a huge heart. I love her because even though we hardly have much to say to one another she gives me huge hugs every time I see her. She did great at her baptism. It was sweet.

 

Two of our investigators, Hong Bo Hee and Jo Hae Bin, were able to come to the baptism as well. They are 15-years old and very sweet girls. I'm not sure how much their faith is growing, but day by day we are getting there. Sundays and Saturdays are gold for us, but many of the weekdays we do not have teaching appointments because people are so busy. Anyway, these two girls love Americans and always mention how high the bridge of my nose is and how blue my eyes are. They also love to tell me that I have red cheeks and dark circles under my eyes. Yes, correct you are. Ha. Koreans are quite frank about appearance, but it's fun. We have taught Hong Bo Hee and Jo Hae Bin the first three lessons and they have come to church two weeks in a row. They actually committed to baptism on November 13 (happy bday Chucky), but we need to talk to their parents and work on their faith a bit. It is exciting and the ward is really focusing on helping them.

 

This week we had just three investigators at church, but we are hopeful. I can't believe transfers are in 3 weeks...I have a feeling Sister Lee will leave since she has been here for nearly 5 months. I'm trying not to think that far ahead, but it's a challenge. Life is no fun without challenges, right?

 

All the missionaries in the zone threw a Halloween party in Masan. There were probably 100-125 people there. It was quite a bit of work, but it was fun. They don't know much about Halloween here. When I was constructing a Jack'o lantern on the back wall of the activity room, one of the Korean elders asked why I was making its eyes like THAT (upside-down triangles). Those are not eyes, he defiantly proclaimed. Oh but they are. It took some explaining, and a lot of laughing. We had a spook alley, face painting, mummy toilet paper toss, and all the missionaries did some skits. All the sister missionaries wore traditional Korean Hangboks (long dresses worn on special occasions). I am not of the Korean build, so it looked like I was wearing a tent that was somehow one or two sizes too small. All the Korean grandmas and moms spent a good deal of time trying to fix me up every few seconds--it must have looked like it didn't fit. Ha. I may or may not have played electric guitar while wearing one of these dresses. It was quite the juxtaposition, but I think everyone had fun. Quite a few people who are interested in the church came and enjoyed themselves.

 

Well, as of yesterday I have been in Korea for 2 months. Hard to believe. I'm grateful for these little bench marks that help me refocus and set goals on how I can be better and see where I've come from. More than that, I'm grateful to learn how to love people more, as difficult as it sometimes is. There is so much to be learned from giving up your will. I am still learning every single day. I have taken comfort in the scripture in 1 Nep. 21 where Christ says "they walls are continually before me." I like to imagine Him, in all his power and glory, pushing the walls of my heart outward so there is more room for people and understanding...so there is more room for a whole population of people to love. I know He can do it if I let Him. It's amazing to see it work.

 

Mom and Dad-- sounds like things continue to go well. Isn't it crazy how quickly things change? I can't believe you've sent so many missionaries home and have not received as many. I hope they see the increased productivity of your mission and reward it soon. Thank you always for your support and love. I love you both so much. Every day I am here and see people who do not have that kind of support I become more and more grateful for you and your faith.

 

Nick and Megan-- chili cook offs left and right! Sometimes I dream of delicious American food, but Korean food is tasting better every day. I read chili and my mouth started to water. Didn't even know I missed it...have a good Halloween. I'm sad to hear that Nick will not be Lil' John this year. What a disappointment. Megan, good luck with the flapper idea. I have a Hangbok you can borrow...

 

Charlotte and Matt--thanks for the letter in spite of being busy. Happy birthday soon! Be on the lookout for a small something. Ranger is from Cardston. Did you know that? Oh Lincoln. What a little menace. Ha. It is a lot more fun to hear the stories than to be the one that has to run after him, I'm sure. Ha. Tell Wynne hello!

 

Ladi and Bob-- thank you for your letter! I hope Halloween panned out and costumes came together. So glad you have found new friends. It is amazing how much a new friend can change your perspective about life, even just through simple conversations or time spent together. Thank you for keeping me updated.

 

Grandma-- always nice to hear from you! Somehow you manage to keep yourself so busy. I love it. I have always admired how much time you spend helping other people and I'm sure they appreciate it too.

 

Oh, yoraboon, the work goes forward. Thank you for your prayers and letters. They mean a lot to me. I know Heavenly Father is blessing me and the Korean people because of your prayers. We are off to a chrysanthumum festival in Masan with our zone. It's a beautiful sunny day, maybe around 55 degrees farenheit (sp?). It will be fun.

 

Love,

Julia

a real novel this time

Family!!

 

I love you. Thank you for your letters, as always. In my opinion, they are the highlight of p-day. I appreciate your stories and wisdom. I need them, in a lot of ways, so thank you again.

 

This week has been a pretty good one. We (I, especially) am working on getting back on the fired up finding boat. When I let my insecurity bind me I really am hurt by the pain of regret much more deeply than the pain of rejection or hard work. So, every morning is kind of like the bus ride to a basketball game, except this time I'm listening to hymns and praying really hard and trying to remember new Korean phrases that might spark interest in the gospel message. This week I have vowed to not sit down on the bus so I can walk around and talk to everyone. I find that when I sit down, it's over. Maybe I can talk to that one person, but it seems I never get around to anyone else if that conversation dies. Unfortunately, as sister missionaries, in our mission we are no longer allowed to contact men because it gets so complicated to meet with them again. In some ways it is really hard to be restricted like that, but in some ways it shows me exactly who I need to talk to.

 

Anyway, we were able to teach some lessons this week. Most of them went pretty well. I pitch in my simple sentences every now and then, along with my simple testimony. I am working to bring more convincing power to those words, no matter how simple they may be. The spirit is the real teacher. The sincerity and piercing affects of it really bring people around (including me) quickly. When I'm worried about stumbling, I absolutely stumble. When I am worried about other people I have seen much more success. I love the verse in Alma 34 that says that as soon as we repent, whether it be of selfishness, or negative thoughts, the plan of redemption immediately comes into effect. I have felt that over and over.

 

This week we had seven investigators at church. It was really great! Many of them seemed to like church more than they expected to. There were four 14 year old girls there, a 15 year old girl whose friend is a church member, and two 18 year old boys. With all these young people we doubled the youth Sunday School class. Sister Lee is a master multi-tasker and kept everyone comfortable and happy. As I've mentioned before, everyone in Korea is very very busy. Students go to school all day, then they have Hagweon just an hour or two after school and then they study more. They get home around 10 or so and probably study a little more. Most adults work 12 hour days. Koreans value their families very much, but with the way the culture is, they really don't get to spend too much time together. Sundays and Saturdays are usually the only two days people can meet, so we are very busy on those days. The hardest thing with the youth is obtaining their parents' permission to be baptized. We will see.

 

Speaking of culture, the other day as we were saying hello to everyone we pass, I began saying hello to this grandpa. I got as far as "Anyeonghasay--" Oh. Right as I said, "oh," I realized he was just urinating right there on the street. I guess that's as good a place as any. It broke the routine, anyway. It has also been raining here quite a bit. People will still ride their bikes in the rain, but they also carry an umbrella in one hand. This makes for some pretty precarious situations and hydroplaning. Koreans hate the sun, so they carry parasoles. Koreans also hate the rain because they think the acid rain will make you go bald. So, if I come back bald because I played the part of a skeptical American, please love me anyway.

 

We have a baptisimal service on Friday. It is the baptism of the grandaughter of a member of our ward. Her mom is not a member, but she is a sweet little tomboy girl who reminds me of myself a little bit. We have one more lesson to teach her this week. She is so smart and sweet. We're hoping some of our investigators will come.

 

One of the 14 year old girls, Bo Hee, is obsessed with Waygookeens (foreigners). We really can't have much of a conversation, but she just stares at me and says how pretty I am. I guess just being different than the norm is enough to deem you pretty around here. Other girls in the ward said I look like Emma Smith from the Joseph Smith movie. Thank you. I have also been told I look like Hermione, from Harry Potter. I wish. Ha.

 

Anyway, yesterday after church we talked with Bo Hee and her friend Yae Bin about baptism. We have only taught them the first lesson and only briefly talked about baptism. We showed them the picture of Christ being baptized by John the Baptist. We also showed her the baptisimal font. Bo Hee said she wants to be baptized. When we asked why, she said she wants to say sorry to Christ and Heavenly Father. I asked her why she was sorry and she said just that she has made a lot of mistakes.

 

It is interesting how innocent and pure many of the Korean youth are. I feel like none of my 14 year old peers thought the sweet, child like way that so many of those I have met think. Maybe they are too busy to get into much trouble. I am impressed, anyway.

 

I have realized that my lack of language is extremely limiting to how effectively I can help people. So, this week, I am rededicating myself to language study and prayers for the gift of tongues. It's not just going to come. I have to put in the labor. I'm looking forward to it. The other night I spent the better part of the night swatting at a mosquito who thought it might be fun to drink deeply from every pore in my face. This is a nightly occurance, by the way. I thought about all that time I racked up focusing on something that really wasn't all that important and how it caused me to lose an entire night of sleep. I really don't want my mission to be that way--whether it's my own weaknesses/fears, a companion I don't quite understand, lack of language ability--if I spend my time, my conversations, my energy focusing on those things I will never be the missionary Heavenly Father needs me to be.

 

I have been comforted by a Neil A Maxwell quote:

 

"God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability. And if we then prove our dependability He will increase our capability."

 

So here's to showing Heavenly Father I believe His promises through being dependable. It will be a good week!

 

Mom and Dad-- Wow! Work in Micronesia sounds incredible. I am so happy to be united in this great work with you and love hearing how fired up you are about it. We have to be. I am learning much from your examples of faith. Go break those records!

 

Nick- Thank you for your letter! I loved hearing your stories. Glad business as usual (parties, Mac stories, and ESPN) press forward. Thanks for your insight. Glad I won't miss an NBA season. Ha.

 

Megan-- Hope work and fresh baked french bread are still happening. I have made a conscious effort to put my rain coat where it belongs in people's houses after your story...ha

 

Charlotte-- thank you for the updates. I hope hosting goes well. You always were a party animal and never let anything stop you. If there's a will there's a way, and it seems that with you, there is always a will.

 

Matt-- Hope you are still the new sherriff in town. Keep at it.

 

Laura-- Minnie must be keeping you busy. I hope she is being good. Remember your nightly duty of endearing her to me. Hope HTML is not working you over too much. Missed you this week!

 

Robert-- Hope school/work are still going okay. Can't wait to see what you've done with the house. Ha.

 

Grandma-- Thank you for your letter last week. I have included you on the email list. I love hearing from you. You have a wonderful way of commentating the present and the past all at the same time. I love you and Grandpa!

 

Ah. At the end of the day I know who I am. I know I am a daughter of God and that He loves me and He loves all His children. I am happy to be in Korea, in spite of my weakness. It is good to be weak. It keeps me humble. Very very humble. Ha. This is God's work. I know it.

 

Love,

Julia

Jin Hae/Pung Ho is a beauty

Hello to you, family!

 

I love hearing from you. Thank you!

 

Well, as mentioned, I was transfered last week. We actuallyl cover two wards: Jin Hae and Pung Ho. It is kind of a challenge because we go to the respective wards every other week. Sister Lee is a really good missionary and I am learning a lot from her. As for the why and how of the transfer: I think Sister Brady was having a hard time in her situation and that President thought her personality might work better with Sister Oaks. I'm hoping it's been as good of a change for her as it has been for me.

 

Sister Lee actually speaks English quite well. She is virtually a Korean/English dictionary. The other day she came up with "paprika" from her memory bank of vocabulary. She is a convert of three years and a very genuinely happy person. She has the unique ability to make anyone feel comfortable, regardless of language barrier or anything else. She said she is happy when people can feel of her love. She is so good at helping people feel her love that it's no wonder she is always happy. I am learning a lot from her about Korean, keeping things simple, loving people, being optimistic, thinking of others first, and sincere prayer. Last transfer kind of shook her a little bit so we are working to get to a place of renewed energy and faith. We are working at working in unity. She gives me a lot of opportunities to say things, but I don't always say it quite right or explain it enough. I can imagine that it is difficult to not want to do all the work when you are a native speaker of a language, but Sister Lee patiently helps me and I am very appreciative. She has really gained the trust of the members. She has been here for 4 transfers and will likely leave next transfer, leaving me and another very young missionary (maybe even another foreigner like me) to be in this area. If I think about that too much I get overwhelmed, but I know that Heavenly Father will help me know how to do whatever He needs me to do.

 

We still do have an occasionaly misunderstanding, like this morning while we were cleaning she asked if I had a towel we could use to scrub the floor with. I suggested we use mine since I was going to wash it later anyway. She said "are you sure?" and I wondered why it was such a big deal and agreed it would be fine. The next thing I know she is cutting my towel into small sections...okay, so my towel is now a rag, or several rags, rather. There are things like this, but they make me laugh.

 

This week we got to teach lessons! This is new for me. We teach an 88 year old lady named Jang Jeong Ae. She is the mother of a member. She is very sweet and funny although she has a hard time remembering very much. Sister Lee was massaging Sister Jang Jeong Ae's feet and asked her "Why are your feet so small, Sister Jang Jeong Ae?" and Sister Jang Jeong Ae replied, "Because I am so small." Touche. Anyway, when we talked to her about baptism and asked her why she wants to be baptized she said "Because I'm God's daughter and I want to follow Him." That kind of response was a break through for her. We will see.

 

We are also working with some junior high students. We taught them the first lesson on Saturday and then all four of the girls came to church on Sunday. Two of them were really bored, so they left early, but the other two are interested and want to learn. We asked them how they know God exists and they said through their feelings. It is a challenge to work with young people because so many of their parents forbid them from getting baptized, but we are hopeful about at least two of the girls.

 

Another girl we're working with who did not come to church this week is a 16 year old girl. She is very stressed because of school, but has some gospel interest. We are working on helping the youth befriend her. 

 

Yesterday we read The Book of Mormon with a recent convert named Brother Darshana, who is here for work. He is from Sri Lanka and is maybe in his late twenties or early thirties. Because of work he is not always able to go to church. Anyway, it was pretty much my job, because he speaks English (sort of), and less Korean than I do. After reading part of Alma 32 in Sri Lankan, English, Korean, and following along to our respective languages he offered the closing prayer. He said a very humble prayer about how he was grateful that Heavenly Father had sent someone to help him understand The Book of Mormon, because he was worried that after last transfer there wouldn't be anyone to help him. It was one of the first times on my mission where I really fet like I was able to do something, really. It is easy to get bogged down, but I was grateful for this man's humble prayer. It made me feel  needed and I really needed some sort of affirmation.

 

I am learning and teaching and happy. Slow and steady wins the race. Anyway, that's all for now. Love you all!

 

Love,

Julia

The winds of change & Jin Hae -- a little town in the mountains

Hello to all of you lovely people,

 

I think of you often and appreciate your encouragement, prayers and letters. I am currently at the Daegu train station because....I am being transferred already! Sister Brady (MTC companion) are actually just switching places. She will be in Daegu (Sangin) with Sister Oaks and I will go to Jinhae/Pungho with Sister Lee Ga Hee. Here in Korea you have to use all three of their names because there are so many Sister Lees or Sister Kims. Sister Brady and I, although we have different personalities, have similar ideals as far as obedience and hard work go. I think both of us had an idea of how we wanted a mission to be and it is a challenge to help change the perspective of some who have been here for some time while attempting to learn Korean and really how to do this missionary work thing.

 

It will be good to have a Korean companion, but I know I will be out of the loop more than I ever have been. That said, I'm looking forward to the challenge to get better at the language and learn all I can from another companion. I am also looking forward to a fresh start. I have gotten in some habits that I am ready to break, and while I have that opportunity every day, every hour, every moment through the power of repentance, there is something quite exciting about a new geographical location where no one knows me. I can be who I need to be for Heavenly Father.

 

So my big bag was two centimeters too tall to be shipped through Taek Bae at the post office. I'm hauling it around. It's a real doozy. Lots of staring eyes. Oh well. It's a good proselyting opportunity.

 

As I was saying goodbye to many of the members this week I was surprised to find my emotions close to the surface. Even though they don't really understand me and I don't really understand them, I can feel of their good hearts. In some ways I was sad I didn't serve them as well as I would have liked. It really has been a wake up call to me to put everything I am into this mission. I don't want to come home with anything left, as Elder Holland suggests.

 

We got to watch conference yesterday and Saturday. Luckily there is a military branch in our ward, so I got to watch it in English. It was quite the relief.

 

This may be short, but I might get another opportunity to write later after transfers. We'll see.

 

In any case, here is my snail mail address:

 

Sister Julia Elizabeth Mecham

Korea Busan Mission

Dongnae PO Box 73

Busan-si

Busan-gwangyeoksi 607-600

South Korea

 

Mom and Dad, will you send yours as well? The office sister was asking about it, and of course I would like to send you a letter sometime too.

 

Megan and Nick--I hope the home study went well. I have been praying for and thinking about you a lot. Thanks for the note, Meg! Love you both

 

Charlotte and Matt- Hope things continue to go well! You should think about writing me later if you have time.

 

Laura and Robert-  Sounds like you're both very busy. Hope you're finding time for Alberto's every now and then. Write if you have time!

 

Love you!

Julia

 

..........

 

Well, I made it to Jin Hae. We are at Home Plus emailing on the computers they have for sale. They have to love that, I'm sure. I brought my giant suitcase, backpack, and an old guitar a missionary gave me before I left Daegu--inside the store. We asked if it was okay to have all that stuff in here and they gave us the once over and then put a sticker on my bottle of water that essentially says I bought it somewhere else. They weren't too worried about the amount of merchandise I might be able to steal. Thank goodness for a society who trusts one another. This would never happen in the US.

 

Sister Lee Ga Hee is a really loving person. I think I will learn a lot from her. A lot of Koreans are really physically affectionate and she is no exception. As some of you know, I am not, but apparently I will be learning. Ha. I think it's sweet, regardless of how unatural it is for me to hold on to someone's arm while we walk down the street. I think she is kind of recovering from what felt like a rough transfer for her. I am learning that the work is nothing without unity and so I will be trying to both follow her, trust her, and if need be, make any suggestions in the most loving way possible. She joined the church 3 years ago in the Seoul mission area. She emphasizes building relationships of trust a lot because that is how she felt God's love through the missionaries. She wants to recreate that experience for other people too. She will do anything for me. I can already tell that. I am already impressed with how quickly that attribute endears.  

 

Jin Hae, from what I've seen, is a beautiful mountain town off the ocean. It's not at all like the busier Daegu. Daegu is very flat in the valley and the mountains aren't quite so close. Jin Hae feels just like the "city that is set on the hill," or at least how I imagine it. It doesn't have a subway and seems generally quieter. It will be fun to get to know the area and the people here. I have a feeling my language skills will have the opportunity to grow exponentially here.

 

Many things to learn...even more to teach. 

 

I have been rereading a miracle of Christ in the New Testament every morning with the hope it will refine my perspective. The other morning I read about a leper who was healed by Christ in Matthew chapter 8..."and immediately his leprosy was cleansed." It seems simple, but as I read about lepers/leprosy in the Bible Dictionary, it became apparent that this may not have been simple at all.  Lepers were not to enter the city walls, and if a stranger came upon them a leper had to shout "unclean!" as an audible warning.  In this scriptrue it seems that we only see the immediacy of the miracle and forget about what may have been a very long walk of shame.  This leper, despised of everyone, walked with faith because he knew the source of healing and that was his absolute focus. I thought of Lehi's vision of The Tree of Life in 1 Nep. 8 and how those who come unto Christ with full purpose of heart proceeded faithfully toward the tree heeded not the voices of those who mocked them because they knew something bigger. Anyway, my hope is that I will be willing to put my pride on the line for Christ.

 

Anyway, high hopes for Jin Hae and my new companionship.

 

Love to love you all,

 

Julia

 

the work moves forward

Yoraboon, can you believe it's been a week?

 

Thank you for the abundance of emails this week and the two handwritten letters (you know who you are). It is really nice to have such inspiring people as family and friends. I am so grateful for your advice, stories, updates and musings.

 

It is amazing to me how quickly and yet how slowly time seems to go by here. This week, in a moment of hesitation to talk to someone, I coined a phrase: "The longer you wait the less time you have." Just call me Yogi Berra. But really, it's true. When I really consider who people are, see them as people, I am much more apt to talk to them and invite them to learn more about our message. Today, whomever I sat by, I imagined someone I love around their age--whether it be Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, Laura, Nick, Charlotte, Robert, Megan, Matt...and how much the message of the restored gospel has blessed their lives. This exercise has actually proven to be the most inspiring as far as getting me to say something to someone. I am still struggling to do this, but we're getting there.

 

The urgency to share the gospel initially turned me into a crazy person--if I wasn't talking to someone I was guilty, and if I was talking to someone I was pretty forward. I have laxed up a bit, but I really know that I shouldn't. The habits I make now will stay with me my entire mission. This mission is undergoing major revamping right now. Prior to President and Sister Gilbert's arrival, my companion confessed that most companionships were lucky if they even talked to ten people per day outside of regular activities. Although Sister Oaks and I didn't have the week we envisioned and were a little disappointed with ourselves, we have grown together in our commitment to share the gospel. In Preach My Gospel it says that our success is primarily measured and defined by our commitment to invite others to come unto Christ. We are taking that to heart and really trying to find people to teach now.

 

We weren't able to meet with Kim Su Eon this week (the guy we met at the subway station who asked us about life callings). Apparently he is busy with tests at school until the beginning of October. We will be calling him. I think he will be surprised to hear from us again, but Sister Oaks and I feel like he really is ready to hear the gospel.

 

Last Sunday we went to dinner at a member's house. She has two teenage girls and...a guitar! I got to play it and sang one of my more religiously based songs. One of the daughters said I have a "husky" voice. Thank you! Their English vocabulary is so impressive and entertaining here. Of course I thought of the time that Mac said he liked the "Husky" pants. Oh boy.

 

I also went on exchanges with Sister Ee early last week. She is serving in Ulsan. She actually came to my area, Sang In in Daegu. She is really inspiring. She went to school in Seoul for nursing, but is from Busan. She wrote that in big letters in her mission papers, but....she got called to the Busan mission anyway. So Laura, although California was an initial disappointment, I think Sister Ee has you beat. Her Dad is the stake president in Busan so she can't serve there. She basically has the possibility of two or three areas to serve in. Anyway, her English is very good and she described how she likes how Joseph Smith described his experience in the first vision by saying "The light descended gradually until it fell upon me." She emphasized that we need to be patient with ourselves and others and expect that we will come to an understanding of how to be the best missionary we can, but that it will likely happen gradually, as my testimony has. She is really outgoing and good at contacting, so it was a nice change of pace for me. I hope someday I get to serve with her. We'll see. When we went back on the bus to Ulsan (about an hour and 45 minute ride), I was able to see the familiar Tae Wah river etc. It was kind of fun.

 

Yesterday after church we did a "service project" way out in the country with the ward where we harvested chestnuts. I had no idea where we were going or what we were going to do. It was the most unusual Sunday afternoon I have spent here. Just smack those trees and look out below. When the bishop was hitting a tree one came down on my arm. Luckily I was wearing a sweater so the spikes didn't penetrate the skin, but this morning I looked at my arm and thought I might have poison ivy or something....no, just left over from the collision. Never a dull moment.

 

Everyone on the street is quick to compliment your Korean even if you only say "An yeong ha say o." It is very sweet. The culture is very much like that. I was thinking about how rude we can be as Americans when people are trying to speak English. Generally, a lot of people just say "I can't understand you" or "you should be better at English if you're going to live here." I hope I can be more complimentary about it when I return. I think I could get in a lot of trouble though, as the USA is a little bit more of a melting pot than Korea. There are lots of people to offend by complimenting their English skills if they have lived there their whole lives....ha.

 

I have loved the hymns more than ever. "Come Come Ye Saints" has been particulary influential. The line "no toil or labor fear, grace shall be as your day," has resounded. Grace will always outdo any obstacle to God's work if we are willing. Pray for me to be better and to exercise faith. I can feel your prayers, and I know that it is because of them that I have been able to do any needful thing up to this point.

 

M and D-- Thank you for your letters and thoughts! lots of traveling, as per usual, it seems. It sounds like Guam is full of many kind warm people like Korea is. Glad you were able to make some connections to the Chuukese government. Maybe a future career in store? I love that you are pushing the missionaries. It is absolutely what we need.

 

Nick-- Thank you for your thoughful letter. I love hearing about your mission and the ways the spirit led you. It is always motivating. It's nice to hear you are doing well and are happy. Glad I'm not missing an NBA season. Ha.

 

Meg-- Thank you for your note! You are a gem. I love to hear your thoughts and funny tid bits. They keep me going, always. Tell Mac attack hello from me.

 

Char-- thanks for the past letter, pictures, and new letter. I love hearing from you. I am glad you know about Asia, especially Korea, and that you have good ideas for contacting. I really need and appreciate them. Sometimes I wish we were companions so we could tear it up. Ha. Glad you and the boyz are doing ok.

 

Matt-- glad to hear the job in Calgary is better. You run those board meetings like they've never been run before. I'm pretty sure you'll be USA president by the time I return.

 

Laura-- thank you for the update on you and yours. Minnie! What a little babe. Can't wait to meet her someday. I'm glad you're doing well and finding a little more purpose in work/motherhood balance. Thank you for your advice, always.

 

Robert-- sounds like you really nailed the blessing. Wish I could have been there to hear it. Hope school is going well.

 

Love you all! Till next time.

 

Julia

Chuseok has come and gone. Time to work!

Hello to all of you lovely people!

 

Thank you for writing to me this week! I love hearing from you, always. I am still learning so much every single day.  Sometimes the lessons are very hard to learn, but I am blessed when I apply what I learn. This week I was reading about Abinadi in The Book of Mormon and he stated that a certain group was not wise because they did not apply their hearts to understanding (Mosiah 12:27). Oh, so that's what I have to do...

 

Last Tuesday the entire mission went to Busan for a mission P-day to celebrate Chuseok. Each zone had t-shirts made for their zone and we had a bunch of fun activities/food. It is always inspiring and upliftting to be around The Gilberts and the other missionaries en masse. I always walk away mre determined to do my best. President Gilbert told us that we cannot be casual about who we are. That is absolutely true. Whenever I start to feel that way I get really really sad about it. When I try, even though people might not listen to me, I know I am showing Heavenly Father and myself the commitment I have to His work. I also read a quote from Heber J. Grant that has been proplelling me forward:

 

"That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing is changed, but that our power to do is increased."

 

We also spent the actual night of Chuseok (Monday) at the house of some members of our ward.  They own a restaurant out in the country, but invited us to their house.  There are lots of traditional dishes made especially for Chuseok--one of which is shark. I tried it. It tasted exactly like I imagined the dog sharks drenched in formaldehyde we dissected in 6th grade might taste. It wasn't too bad, actually. Most of the food here has been okay. I don't crave it yet, but I eat it with a smile on my face. Chopstick skills are going up.

 

The members with whom we spent Chuseok are just good, down to earth, humble people. The husband is the first counselor in the bishopric and the wife is the 1st counselor in the Relief Society. In Korea, they play rock, paper, scissors (Kai Bai Bo) for everything. Their 12 year old son lacks some sort of growth hormone so he is really tiny. When he was playing his siblings/dad in Kai Bai Bo to see who would have to do the dishes he just kept winning and winning and laughing hysterically. Some things don't need much of a translation.

 

We had a really frustrating day a few days ago.  We had an "appointment" with the Relief Society and the elders in our area.  It was at the Daegu Arboretum, where the RS President lives. It ended up being a tour and a leisurely walk that lasted way too long. It was like P-Day on a non-P-day day.  We found out later that one of the elders has to go home tomorrow because he can't serve in the army when he thought he might be able to, so he's headed home a few months early to start school and get his military assignment figured out. So, it was sort of like his last hurrah, but it drove me crazy. Anyway, we had an appointment to meet with a 50 something year old Buddhist man at our church--my first teaching appointment with someone interested in the gospel. We had planned to meet him at the subway station right by our house. We got the church ready and walked to the station to pick him up. We waited...and waited....and waited....nothing. So after about 20 minutes and a phone call that he did not answer, we went back to the church to get ready for English class. We were a little disappointed. We had met a Chinese girl who was planning to come to our English class that day, so we headed back to the subway station to pick her up about a half hour later. We waited, and waited....nothing. As we were a little discouraged, both of us were sort of distracted. Suddenly, a kid in his 20s sat down next to us and in English says: "I want to ask you a question."  We were kind of shocked. He must have walked up from the train, through the turnstyle, past us and then circled back around the pillar that we were sitting by to talk to us. He proceeded:

 

"I want to talk to you about life callings, because you obviously know more about God than I do.  As youths, we have to make a lot of decisions and today I had an experience.  Just three hours ago I finished a service project where we got to work with people with disabilities.  I have been a law/business major at a Catholic university here in Daegu for a while, but I felt really good while I was serving with these people. I just finished talking to a friend of mine who was a social work major and I'm considering switching over. How do I know it's God telling me to do this instead of just my own thoughts?"

 

Wha?? How in the world was this person just led to us? We explained that every good thing comes from God adn that feelings are often the way he communicates with us---they are real. We told him that through prayer and careful consideration he would be able to know what he is supposed to do. He was so thoughtful and open hearted. He was on his way to talk to his pastor about it.  We asked his name (Kim Su Eon...but my Christian name is Paul). We asked if we could meet again. He gave us his information and we are going to set up an appointment this week.  It was surreal.

 

In PMG it says that we will be led to people who are ready to talk about spiritual things or they will be led to us.  I hadn't really believed the latter part of that promise until the other day.  We had asked him if he had ever seen missionaries before and he said that he's seen them on the train, but he's never had the courage to talk to him.  What does that imply? That there are many who want to talk, but we just have to take that step to invite them to talk. What had seemed like a failure of a day evolved into the most miraculous day of my mission thus far.

 

As we walked back to the church I thought about how carefully that had to have happened. I am convinced more than ever that my life/God's work is kind of like a symphony--a very dissonant theme does not make itself manifest or meaningful often until much later in the piece, but Heavenly Father knows the notes well and the instruments to carry out the work.  He knows who will hear Him through specific instruments and He conducst with great confidence and care.  More than "one step enough for me," as suggested in Lead Kindly Light, it has become one note enough for me.  While I was in the MTC, my friend Nelda shared a May Swenson quote with me about a bird who is perched on a statue of an angel: "We know not upon what mystery we stand." Essentially, so much more can be made of us if we trust both what we've been given (our wings/talents) and the wings of the God we put our trust in (his promises are sure). It's true. We're looking forward to meeting with Kim Su Eon and others this week. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

Mom and Dad--busy as usual! Sounds like you are doing well and loving to be with the missionaries. I have no doubt that like the missionaries in the Busan mission, the missionaries absolutely love being around you too. Love you both

 

Nick and Megan-- so fun to have somany little concerts and fall activities lately.  Thanks for your love! Oh BMcKnight...would have been dreamy. Love!

 

Char and Matt-- thank you for your letters, Chucky. I didn't get the DearElder you meant for me to get. I sent home a box with my mission home address in it (it's in the big packet they give you before you go on the mission).  Laura can find it for you. I don't have it with me right this second. I miss the boys and you of course. Thank you for keeping me updated on their developing personlaites. Any tips for street contacting in Asia? Everyone is on their phone, everyone is running around, I can't say much. I will try. What was your approach(es)? BRT? Spread the message like crazy? Love.

 

Laura and Robert-- keep at it. thank you for your pictures of Minnie! Keep them coming. I can't believe she's already nearly a month old. I love you both! Contact approach suggestions welcome. Love to love you.

 

Till next time. Thank you for your prayers! I love all of you dearly.

 

Love,

Julia