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
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