WooBang LAND Gabshida

Good morning everyone!

 

So, to clear things up, the standing Buddha we were able to see last week was luckily 33 meters tall instead of 3 meters tall. That was quite the relief. It was really incredible to see and we were grateful we went. To give you a little taste of Sister Wallace's personality, this is the prayer she offered that night verbatim: "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for letting us see the giant Buddha today. It was really really awesome, even though it is idolatrous and an abomination to you." Ha. Today we are actually going to an amusement park (WooBang land). I know I know, we seem like party missionaries. I am of the belief that we have to take the opportunities given us. Hopefully we will have fun.

 

Thank you for writing. Sounds like SLC was fun this last week and that the Guam folk got to hold down the fort a little bit. Also, Grandma and Grandpa, thank you for writing to me! Grandpa, it was especially nice to hear about some of your mission experiences and to partake of your good will and encouragement. I so appreciate your love and support. Hope everyone's travels this next month go smoothly.

 

As for Sister Lee's baptism....a few days before her dad said that he wanted her to learn more and to know more for herself about the church before she got baptized. So, it hasn't happened yet. Her grandma is actually the person in opposition. The good news is they haven't opposed it indefinitely. The door is still open to continue teaching her and Sister Lee was really disappointed it wasn't happening like she thought it would be. We have a few ideas about how to help her sooner. I think we often expect people to have a perfect understanding of the church before they get baptized and in so doing we diminish their righteous desire and, albeit new, maturing faith. I hope we will be able to find solutions this week or at least in the next few weeks. It was hard news to take in, but we'll wait with patience and pray with fervor.

 

Sister Lee had to cancel our appointment just an hour or two before, which was also disappointing, so we did some contacting in front of Keimyeong Dae Hakkyo (a neighboring university). It was fun. We had, as always, a lot of abrupt and awkward introductions and conversations, but we were able to meet some really cool people who may have interest. They are all very busy, but I think early 20s is a good time to find people--they can make their own decisions, they are thinking a lot about the future and what they want from life, and they will listen to us because we are around their age. I think we will spend more time there this week. Yesterday we also spent time at a giant park (Duryoo Park) right across from WooBang Land. On Sunday afternoons it is like a walking conveyer belt of people. I think it will be a fun place to talk to people as well.

 

Sister Wallace is putting herself out there in Korean, which is a great way to learn, but it also yields some fun/funny results sometimes. On the subway the other day she asked someone if she had ever seen Sam Gyeob Sar (three layer flesh/fat ((a Korean traditional meat)) instead of Seongyosa (missionary) like us before. It was the cause of some laughter. Also, at a restaurant she was trying to tell the owner that because she ate all the food she would become fat (Doong Doong Ha Da), but instead she said that she would become (Dong Dong Ha Da). That second word just happens to be poop. So, we've laughed a little this week.

 

Good news yesterday. Sister Yang, a sister who served at the Temple Square mission 10 or 15 years ago but has become less active in the church, came to church with her whole family! Her husband is not a church member and this is the first time that many of the members have ever met him. We were able to share a message with her about the temple and eternal families about a week and a half ago at her home. I can't tell you how happy we were to see her come through the door. I hope we will be able to continue to strengthen her.

 

Anyway, things are going along. I will be able to call you, Mom, for Mother's Day. I will do my best to find out if it's possible to call on  Sunday the 13th instead. I'm excited to talk to you!

 

Mom and Dad-- safe travels coming up! Love you and I will talk to you (real live voices) soon!

 

Nick and Meg--hope you're well. Miss you. Scoping out all the Korean babies and planning to send you one soon. Really. Somehow they are infinitely cuter than any other infant.

 

Char and Matt-- safe travels. I'm glad to hear you had fun! Hope the trip is going well. Love you. Thanks for the one liner!

 

Ladi and Bob-- you are on the move! Hope it goes well. I will keep you in my prayers. Have fun in CA and in Hershey.

 

Love,

Julia

priesthood authority...if only

Hello from Daegu En Hang (措备篮青) (Daegu Bank)!

 

We are emailing at the bank before we head up to a mountain nearby to see the largest standing Buddha in the world. (There are always qualifications about "largest," "smallest," "best," etc...aren't there?) I guess it is over 3 meters tall, which is over 9 feet. I hope it will be fun. Of course it will be.

 

Anyway, on to the next big news. Chucky is pregnant! Whaa?? I'm excited. I hope it's a girl who makes her big debut on September 13th. I am impressed at your secret keeping ability. Let's be honest, none of us have ever been all that good at that, so keeping things quiet for that long was a feat in and of itself. Keep me updated on the events in her (yes, I will will her a girl by referring to "her" until she arrives) development.

 

Well, our dear 14 year old Sister Lee has not been baptized yet. She was sick this week (as were Sister Wallace and I...explaining constipation in Korean to the pharmacist was a real treat, let me tell you. He look appalled. Luckily I wasn't the injured, I was just the mouth piece...ha. Too much information?), so we weren't able to meet with her. We have pushed it back to this coming Sunday, April 29th. Sister Lee came to our English class on Saturday though. Afterward we got to talk to her a little bit about baptism. We had been concerned that she felt pressure to be baptized and that is why she accepted the invitation. We were also worried that she didn't really understand what baptism was. When we brought it up she said she was scared. I asked her why and she said that she's afraid of water and doesn't swim well. I promised her she wouldn't have to swim...ha. It was a perfect opportunity to actually go to the baptismal font, assure her it wouldn't be scary, and she and I actually even did a little mock baptism, where I (hopefully not too sacreligiously...) showed her how to plug her nose, what level the water would rise to, how to hold on to the person's arm etc. The elders who also serve in our area were watching from above. They asked her who she wanted to baptize her. We had originally really wanted her brother, Sean, to baptize her, but she is quite vehemently opposed. Ha. So, the next answer out of her mouth was...drum roll...ME! Yay! My first baptism!...we had to do a little explaining about who, exactly, can hold the priesthood etc., but I will admit that I was flattered to be chosen. She also said she wants to be baptized to live with God again. I think that's a great reason given the amount of information and contact with spiritual things she has. This week we will continue to teach her the commandments and expound more about what baptism really is.

 

Sister Wallace and I have also committed to one another to give at least one Book of Mormon away daily. This has quickly focused our conversations on restored truth and religion. Sister Brady (MTC Companion) recently started an activity in Busan that I think sounds really fun. They got a giant white board and a big box of copies of the Book of Mormon and went to a big park. On the white board they wrote "If you could ask God one question what would it be?" Then, they talked to any who talked to them, using the BOM to answer their questions. If we can find a good spot I think I might steal that idea.

 

 I am grateful for a companion who spurs me on when I feel like not being awkward. It has surprised me that as I understand Korean culture and language more, naturally, it becomes more awkward to talk, because I can see how awkward they feel. But, it doesn't matter. In some ways I miss the days of having no idea what was going on, except knowing I was testifying of something I knew to be true. It is a blessing to be able to respond more individually to those we come in contact with, but man, if I let my natural self in even just a little, I just want to squirm.

 

The other day we gave a Book of Mormon to a man on the subway who has seen missionaries before. He explained that he used to be Catholic, but that he has been disappointed a lot by his religion and he doesn't attend anymore. His family still attends and pressures him to attend, but he really doesn't want to. I was able to testify about the BOM and, although we only had 2 stops to do so, promise him that if he reads and prays about that book he can know the truth for himself. He thanked me and put the book in his brief case. I don't think I'll get to see what happens with him, but I hope he reads it.

 

We are excited for the baptism this week! That is the big news. I hope all goes well. The other day we were looking for a less active member on the back streets of the Pyeonri neighborhood. Like all Korean addresses, it was really hard to find and I was getting kind of frustrated. I could hear some music in the distance. As we got closer I recognized it to be "I Need Thee Every Hour" in Korean. We followed the music, intrigued. It was a blanket sewing shop where a man and woman were working. We tried to talk to them, but a little Satanic dog popped around the corner and chased us away. I'll admit I had visions of a missionary miracle in my head when I recognized these people were listening to a hymn, but they sort of politely shooed us away. Which is fine. It really was a miracle and it brought peace to my soul to hear that beautiful hymn on the street. I felt alone, but I knew I wasn't. I've never thought about how, especially as a missionary, that hymn can be Heavenly Father's plea to us also. I thought about moments when I haven't been as focused as I could have been and that Heavenly Father needs me every hour too. I'll try to be better. I'm grateful for the peace of a hymn on the back roads of Korea. 

 

Dad-- thanks for sending me your info about my setting apart. I really really appreciate it! Sounds like you were busy, as usual. Apparently Elder Ringwood is coming to our mission in May, which should be fun. It sounds like you're doing well. I would be really interested to hear some of your talks from zone conferences. Maybe someday I will have that opportunity...I hope so! Love you.

 

Mom-- thanks for the letter. I forgot to tell you that OF COURSE i received the pearls you sent. they are beautiful and I really appreciate them. You are becoming quite the seasoned public speaker, aren't you? I hope it is going well. I miss you and love you! 

 

Nick-- hope the bar exam results were promising! Golf season is in full sway now, right? Hope you are doing well.

 

Meg-- sister friend. miss you. love you. think of you often. I will send your gift/letter next week!!

 

Char-- already shouted out to you, but wow. really blown away. love you. thanks for the package/letters BTW. they were a real treat!! Happy Bday to Lincoln!!

 

Matt-- glad you got some time off and blew Charlotte's cover. Ha. But really, let's be honest, it had to happen. Congrats!

 

Ladi-- thank you for the package and pic of minnie/note. It was a timely arrival, we'll just say that. Thank you! The pic/craft is above my desk for me to see daily. Thanks for the diligent letters. I really really need/appreciate them!

 

Bob-- golf! good for you. Thanks for your wisdom and advice that creeps into Laura's letters sometimes. You are great. Talk to you soon. 

 

Grandpa-- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Love you so much. I'll send something your way soon

 

Love you all!!

 

Love,

Julia

a baptismal date!

Good morning!! Johen Achim Im Ni Da.

 

We are at the Dong Daegu train station because it is the 2nd week of the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival. Our mission has all received permission to go there today. I was always a little disappointed that I spent 3 transfers there and then would miss the event that makes the town famous. I was pretty excited we could go. It will be fun. My companion, Sister Wallace, on the other hand, is elated we can go. She is elated about most things. Enough for the both of us. Ha. I am grateful I have to calm her down about things instead of try to pump her up. The alternative wouldn't be all that great.

 

This week we taught 14 year old Sister Lee the Plan of Salvation. I mentioned her in my last letter. Her brother is 20-year old Sean, who recently became interested in the church again and speaks near perfect Harry Potter English (that's really how he picked up his accent---he watched Harry Potter so much because he wanted to talk like them). Their mom has also recently begun attending church again and the Elders are going to try to start working with their dad. It really is what seems like an ideal situation. Sister Lee picks up quickly on gospel concepts and remembers well. During our last meeting she committed to be baptized on April 22 last lesson. We will continue teaching her. Our hope is that her brother can receive the priesthood and baptize her at that date. I think that would be a really powerful experience for their whole family. We are really pulling for it. It is incredible to be a part of the change in people's lives. It is so apparent to me that I have absolutely nothing to do with this work except in any willingness to use my agency to share the message and expect those who are ready will respond to it. I have to remember that.

 

We still don't know our area very well. It is HUGE--especially compared to my last two areas, but that also makes it fun. It also means there are new people to talk to all the time. Yesterday was Easter and we were suprised how much more of a festivity it was than Christmas. Many people wore traditional Korean Hanboks and were giving out hard boiled eggs to any who would partake. We were standing in front of these ladies probably in their 60s yesterday and started talking to them. They told us we were about a good work and gave us some hard boiled eggs and yoghurt drinks. They just whip these things out of their Korean Mary Poppins bags. It's quite the spectacle. That is how you know you are loved and accepted here in Korea---food. That is certainly the way to my heart. Now that I have been here for a while it has started to become such a regular occurance, but when I really think about it, strangers reaching out to us on the street is such a blessing and a rarity. I am so grateful to be serving among the generous Korean people. They aren't always interested in our message but 95% of the time they are deeply interested in our well-being. Such good hearts here. I can think of very few places where I would be so warmly welcomed and taken care of.

 

Yesterday we were able to watch conference. It was really good, as always. It is both spiritually uplifting and exhausting, but always much-needed. All of the news was old news, but I was grateful to have the opportunity to watch it--especially because we were able to watch it in English. I especially liked Elder Holland's talk, Elder Evans' and Elder Andersen's talk. It is cool how there are specific answers one can really receive if we go with the heart to receive it. 

 

I was really sad to hear that Ralph Evans passed away. He was such a good man. When things happen so suddenly life's impermanance becomes increasingly more apparent. I am not always pleased with life's circumstances, but grateful for the way they breed perspective if we're willing to see. I hope his family is doing okay. 

 

I am grateful to have heard from a few of you this week. Sorry for the premature email. I may be able to check it a little later as well, so if you feel so inclined, I'd love to hear from you.

 

Happy Easter! It is Sister Wallace's favortie holiday. He is risen. It's true. Because He's risen, we can be risen also--to a higher plane of thought, above sin, above our old selves, eventual in immortal bodies and up to eternal life. I am so grateful for that knowledge and the magnitude of it. Whenever I forget or lose focus it is this knowledge and reality that gets me back on track. 

 

I love you all!

 

Dad--thanks for the mail. I'm glad you are still pushing along and always pushing your missionaries. It is good. They need and appreciate it. I promise you that. Get some sleep! Take a P-day!

 

Mom-- sounds like you were up to your usual frantic holiday schedule. Please don't stay up late to write me. Next week would be just fine! I'm sure whatever it was you made was delicious. I was certainly craving a good Easter meal as I ate my Korean ramen last night. Ha. Love you.

 

Nick--it's been a while. Love you. Hope you're well. Golf season is in full force now, right? 

 

Meg--hope the post-birthday month withdrawls haven't been too bad. Love you. Still haven't sent my package away, so you are officially guiltless for the tardiness of my package. :) <---gross...i know. i had to. Love,

 

Char-- hope the boys are holding down the fort. that's probably how it feels sometimes, eh? (Canadaism.) Hope you're well. I think of you often. Love.  

 

Matt-- Hope you're happy and well. I really would love to know when your birthday is. Someone has to inform me. Ha.

 

Ladi-- thanks for the mail. I sure appreciate it. Did you get my letter I sent a few weeks ago? Thanks for updating me about Kacie. She looks gorgeous and happy. Tell her congratulations from me. Wow. Crazy. Ahhhh. Pennsylvania. That will be such a fun experience. Tell Minnie hello.

 

Robert-- congrats on the Hershey deal and the new internship. Sounds like fun! Also, thank you for the mail last week. While it was unexpected it made it all the more welcome. Thanks! I hope you're doing okay.

 

Kacie Barnson-- congratulations!!! Such a big event. Love you. Glad you're happy!

 

Alexa Hall-- send me your address.

 

Ashlee House-- send me your address.

 

Heather Fawson-- send me your address.

 

Brooke Tarbet-- send me your address.

 

LOVEEEEE

julia

Training in Jungri

Hello everyone. Sister Mecham here.

My email just got erased, so I am a little flustered, but I'll do my best to recap. Right now we are the Helms' house. They are a senior couple in the Daegu area who invite everyone in the zone over for a breakfast the 2nd pday of the transfer. We ate well. It is always fun to be with other missionaries.

Well, after last Pday I went with Sister Chu back to Daegu. She is a Korean sister who has been serving here for 3 transfers. She doesn't speak hardly any English so I truly learned a lot of Korean in the few days we were together. We worked in the Sangin area (my first area and where my current home is located), and also went to my new area, Jungri. It was kind of a fiasco, but we had fun. Sister Chu is just about the sweetest person in the world. She is nearly 6 feet tall and quite a bean pole. Truly a gentle giant. I love living with her. I hope she is doing okay. The language barrier is still somewhat limiting, but she is great.

On Wednesday we came back to Busan for training day. We did some fun contacting activities out on the streets of Korea with these 5 new American sisters. They were so pumped about missionary work. It was really contagious. It's so fun. That night I stayed the night in a neighboring Busan area with Sisters McComber and Sister Lee. Both of them are also training. It was fun to be with them. It kind of feels like a sleepover when you don't have a companion. It is a nice "break," in a way.

The next day we were assigned our new companions. My new companion in Sister Wallace. She is from Heber City. We are complete opposities in every single way. She is loud, outgoing, blonde, cutesy etc. etc. It is fun, though. If anyone has ever seen "Enchanted" she is a lot like Jizelle. She says "anyeonghaseyo!" to every single person we see on the street. She really doesn't feel confident in her Korean abilities, so she just talks to people in English. It is funny and fun. People really don't know how to react to her. She is quite an anomaly here, but because of that more people are talking to us. I was initially a little worried about our differences, but I know we're together for a reason and that people can feel her love quite easily, which is a talent I don't always possess. I think that may be a big part of the reason we're serving together. I'm glad we get to learn together. It's fun to see Korea through such young new eyes again. Korea is so fresh!

We still don't know a lot about our area yet, but were able to learn quite a bit from the Elders who are also serving there. The ward is just 35 strong--about half of which is youth who essentially come on their own. I think we will be working a lot with the younger people in the ward. One of the members, Sean (his American name), is about 20 years old and just recently returned to church. He speaks English almost perfectly and also knows Mandarin. He studied in Malaysia. His roommate there was a returned missionary. Sean was maybe 14 or so when he was baptized. Since then his mom has been a less active member and the rest of his family knew nothing about the church. Sean is really excited about church right now. This week his mom and his 14 year old younger sister came to church! We have an appointment to teach his little sister on Thursday. She is so cute. To me it is a testament of the power of the testimony of family members on those they love. I know members are the key to the work. Right now we are working on the trust of the members, and when we're not doing that, we need to be out finding on the streets. I know Heavenly Father will sanctify our efforts.

Granted, I am at times still overwhelmed with the responsibility and task at hand. But, we'll get there. I have never prayed more in my life. I know when we take a chance on people, with faith in Christ, Heavenly Father sees He can trust us. I hope this week will be full of Jungri success stories to relay. Until then, Sarangheyo!

Mom and Dad--sounds like you've been busy again with health issues etc. Hope the island hopping stops long enough to catch a nap someday soon. Love you and I'm so grateful for your mail/support!

Nick and Meg-- hope you're well this week. Hope the birthday was fun and things are going well. Miss you so much!

Char--thanks for the 2 emails. It's fun to hear from you. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me. It is nice to draw on in times of need.

Matt-- hope you are doing well! Did I miss your birthday? I am sorry that I can't remember when it is.

Ladi-- so off to PA, eh? fun! we have a neighboring amusement park in our area---Woobang Land. We may go there next week. It's no Hershey Park, but it's the best I've got for now. I still haven't heard from you. Write fast!!

Bob-- hope school is going okay. Congrats on the internship at Hershey! Can't wait to see what happens.

Love,

Julia