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
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