Hello from Jeju Do. I really do love this place....
We are writing a little later than usual today because we actually
went to a little island just east of Jeju called Udo. It was really
really beautiful. We took an hour bus ride, a ferry, and then rented
bikes and made a complete circuit around the coast of the island at a
leisurely pace in about 2 and a half hours. I was glad there was no
typhoon to ruin island paradise this Pday. It has been, in my mind,
perfect weather this past week. Fall is my favorite season and it is
not disappointing here on Jeju Do.
Anyway, besides today, we have had a good week. It has been really
inspiring to watch the difference Sister Lee has made in this area. I
feel that member trust and interest and good feelings about
missionaries have gone up significantly. I am grateful for Sister
Lee's willingness to just call people and ask them for help. I can and
have done that before too, but I think she has a special gift to get
us the help we need when we need it.
We really haven't been having any success finding people. So, this
week we met with some members who, when we looked in the area book,
have some referrals that sort of petered out due to lack of interest
etc. We figured those who were willing to give referrals will be
willing to find more friends to share the gospel with. We encouraged
them to find opportunities to share the gospel and praised their
efforts. It was a really positive result. We don't have anything yet,
but I can feel the energy shifting.
We decided to fast so that we could know how to find the people who
are ready to hear the gospel. I'll be frank, fasting is something that
takes all the discipline this 5' 3" frame can muster to be done right.
That is, to be a spiritual feast pointed toward faith rather than
physical starvation. Anyway, we were on the bus and I sat down next to
this student. I have had some interesting spiritual experiences lately
that have prompted me to open my mouth a little more than usual.
Initially, because I was hungry, I didn't really feel like doing much
of anything, but as I thought about the experiences God has given me
lately I knew I needed to talk to her. So, I did. It was a simple
conversation--she's been to a church once and liked it because it was
Christmas and she got a present at the end of the day. She told me she
thought God exists because of some of the more intricate parts of life
like the human body and nature. Anyway, she said we could meet again
and gave us her phone number. We contacted her again and it was the
easiest meeting we have ever set up. It actually made us nervous that
she wouldn't show up it was so easy.
But, Saturday rolled around and she came and brought a friend. Sister
Ahn and Sister Jeon. It wasn't a perfect lesson and I don't know that
they know that they feel God is relevant to them right now in their
lives, but it ended well and they agreed to meet again. And, just like
that, someone we found on the street becomes and investigator. I know
I need more faith, but I am grateful when faith is tried and we see
some beautiful fruit of it at the end of the week. A big miracle for
us.
Also, Pres. Ringwood and Pres Gilbert came to Jeju to reorganize our
District Presidency. It was good to see them and their wives. They are
great people and I can't help but think that they are people living
the gospel of joy and rejoicing as they get to share it. They are
always happy and inspiring. Definitely something to aspire to. I
really didn't request that phonecall and I'm sorry if I was slightly
awkward, Dad. Ha. Anyway, it was great to see them and feel of their
spirit. Everything is fresh in Jeju right now--new district presidency
and a branch president of about 2 and a half months. I love fresh
starts. They bring the tides of change and hope into my heart.
Anyway, I'm happy. Elder Ringwood asked if I was so he could report it
back to my parents. From the mouth of two witnesses here it is: I'm
happy. We are having fun and have even more fun when we work hard.
Love you all so much!
Julia
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
with a typhoon knocking on our door...
Hello!
There has been a short break in the most recent typhoon so we got a
call from our leaders about 45 minutes ago telling us to go email and
get home again by 1. Moses parted the Red Sea so I guess, if email is
important enough, a typhoon can be stopped for a few hours. We're
grateful. I'm especially grateful to get out of the house. Although my
past habits may cause you to think otherwise, I tend to go a little
crazy being cooped up all day.
We are safe and although there are supposedly winds at 60km/h on the
way, so far so good. Apparently this typhoon is going to have the
power to flip cars over. Usually it hits the southern part of the
island (Seoguipo) more than it hits us.
Anyway, this week was good. Sister Lee is in her last transfer and not
about to give up. I love her for it. I may or may not have mentioned
that she has two younger siblings also on missions in the Korea
Daejeon Mission. While all three of them were on their missions their
dad suddenly passed away last December. It has been understandably
really hard on their family, but all three of them decided to stay on
missions. It is experiences like this that make my concerns about the
future or past seem really minute. I'm grateful for Sister Lee's
example. Sister Lee was in her last area for just over 8 months. That
kind of a duration can slow one down sometimes and she admits it was
difficult for her. She is grateful to be in a new area and willingly
loving, talking to, and jumping into every assignment we've been
given. It really is awesome to have a companion who is more "senior"
than I am. I have learned a lot about planning and fearlessness from
her. We really believe we can find and teach a family this transfer
and are putting our effort in to do so.
Honestly, this week, the numbers weren't great, but the attitude and
feeling was so different that it felt like success to me. We acted in
faith on our goals and when they weren't met we knew we had done all
we could do. Of course, there is room for improvement, but I am
grateful for a companion who wants to be here and wants to serve. She
too is surprised at her desire this point in her mission, and I know
it is a miracle that both of us needed at the time we were called to
serve together.
We have already had our fair share of funny moments. We have been
eating frozen bananas for dessert lately and after receiving a box
from the 27th E. Ward Young Women (THANK YOU!), I thought it would be
delicious to melt some of the chocolate and dip the bananas in it.
Sister Lee was in charge of the chocolate melting in the microwave.
Well, about a minute later smoke was pouring out of the microwave. The
chocolate was burned and our house was billowing with smoke. It was,
of course, quite pungent and disappointing, but the truly funny moment
was when Sister Lee pulled a bonified Ghostbusters on us. She got out
our vaccuum, plugged it in, pulled it up off the ground and tried to
suck the smoke into it. I haven't laughed that hard for a long time. I
told her about Ghostbusters and have been singing it to her every now
and then. She doesn't appreciate it, but it keeps things light.
Yesterday, after church, one of the elder's investigators, Brother
Kim, was baptized. He is about 30 years old and is the boyfriend of
one of our members. I have never seen an investigator more involved in
his own baptism. He and his girlfriend made all the refreshments for
afterward and they sang a duet of "I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus." They
had requested that I sing something, so I sang a version of "Teach Me
To Walk In The Light" I arranged and accompanied on guitar. Although
those we invited did not come to the service, it was just a really
clean, moving feeling to see a baptism again. It's been a while, and
to witness someone really change and want to change is a beautiful
thing. We were grateful to have the opportunity to be there. Sister
Lee and I have talked about how seeing and hearing, while they promote
faith, are not faith. Faith is in the feet and it is evident that
Brother Kim's faith is sincere.
Anyway, we're not sure what this week holds, but I hope we can meet
some people with willing feet and hearts. It takes one to meet one, I
guess, so we're working to exercise more faith ourselves.
Admittedly I'm excited for Dec. 2012, but so grateful for this time I
have to be consecrated to the Lord here in Korea. It's not easy and I
think I would be a lot less grateful and less apt to call miracles
miracles if it were easy. I think that's part of why Heavenly Father
sent me here. I received an email from President Gilbert today about
making this the most productive time of my mission and that's what I
intend to do. As Elder Holland has said, we look to the past to claim
the embers, not the ashes, but faith is pointed toward the future. The
best is yet to come!! I know that is true for all of us. We can
improve in whatever our endeavors are.
I love you all and know this is God's work. He is beside me as often
as I invite Him to be and that is an empowering knowledge. Thank you
for your faith and prayers.
Love,
Julia
Dad-- I appreciate that you are a bigger picture kind of guy. I think
Mom fills in any of the gaps nicely. It's really fun to hear your
accounts of the same events. Thank you for your consistent letters and
encouragement. It's fun to be about the same work!
Mom-- thank you for the updates. Sounds like you've had fun with your
missionaries and travel lately. Your missionaries sound like they're
working hard and helping people progress. It's always fun to get new
ideas from them. Thank you!
Nick-- hope you're doing well! I don't know a lot about your job, but
I am sure you're doing well at it. Thanks for the letter the other
week!
Meg-- thanks for the update and I will never complain about length,
ever! So, one sentence or two is welcome. I know you will do great at
your new job. The learning curve is never fun, but it is fun to look
back later and see how far you've come. You are great. Thank you!
Char-- I got your letter/pictures yesterday. Thank you! The boys are
looking handsome. I loved the pictures and was thinking how great of a
photographer you've become until you told me someone else had taken
the photos. Take it as a compliment that I could readily believe you
were the mastermind behind the photos. It's hard for me to believe
there is another little boy in your family! I hope you're recovering
well. It was also fun to read/see your missionary pictures etc. You
were a champion and I actually got some good ideas about how to
increase in faith from your letters. Thank you!
Matt-- hope you're doing well! Hope work on site isn't draining you
too much and you'll be able to be back with the newest Adsero soon.
Ladi-- thanks for the update and the picture. I can't imagine Minnie
is real, but the stories about her bring her to life so thank you.
Isn't it fun that she has her own personality? If she "pat pat pats"
me when I first meet her I will be royally offended. You should warn
her now. Travel to SLC safely!
Bob-- I assume you are holding down the SLC fort well. I hope school
is going well. I know the rest of the Collard clan is looking forward
to hanging out with you again upon their return from Canada.
Ah. We're out of time. 밥 먹헌? 아니, 지금 가야되...사랑해!!
There has been a short break in the most recent typhoon so we got a
call from our leaders about 45 minutes ago telling us to go email and
get home again by 1. Moses parted the Red Sea so I guess, if email is
important enough, a typhoon can be stopped for a few hours. We're
grateful. I'm especially grateful to get out of the house. Although my
past habits may cause you to think otherwise, I tend to go a little
crazy being cooped up all day.
We are safe and although there are supposedly winds at 60km/h on the
way, so far so good. Apparently this typhoon is going to have the
power to flip cars over. Usually it hits the southern part of the
island (Seoguipo) more than it hits us.
Anyway, this week was good. Sister Lee is in her last transfer and not
about to give up. I love her for it. I may or may not have mentioned
that she has two younger siblings also on missions in the Korea
Daejeon Mission. While all three of them were on their missions their
dad suddenly passed away last December. It has been understandably
really hard on their family, but all three of them decided to stay on
missions. It is experiences like this that make my concerns about the
future or past seem really minute. I'm grateful for Sister Lee's
example. Sister Lee was in her last area for just over 8 months. That
kind of a duration can slow one down sometimes and she admits it was
difficult for her. She is grateful to be in a new area and willingly
loving, talking to, and jumping into every assignment we've been
given. It really is awesome to have a companion who is more "senior"
than I am. I have learned a lot about planning and fearlessness from
her. We really believe we can find and teach a family this transfer
and are putting our effort in to do so.
Honestly, this week, the numbers weren't great, but the attitude and
feeling was so different that it felt like success to me. We acted in
faith on our goals and when they weren't met we knew we had done all
we could do. Of course, there is room for improvement, but I am
grateful for a companion who wants to be here and wants to serve. She
too is surprised at her desire this point in her mission, and I know
it is a miracle that both of us needed at the time we were called to
serve together.
We have already had our fair share of funny moments. We have been
eating frozen bananas for dessert lately and after receiving a box
from the 27th E. Ward Young Women (THANK YOU!), I thought it would be
delicious to melt some of the chocolate and dip the bananas in it.
Sister Lee was in charge of the chocolate melting in the microwave.
Well, about a minute later smoke was pouring out of the microwave. The
chocolate was burned and our house was billowing with smoke. It was,
of course, quite pungent and disappointing, but the truly funny moment
was when Sister Lee pulled a bonified Ghostbusters on us. She got out
our vaccuum, plugged it in, pulled it up off the ground and tried to
suck the smoke into it. I haven't laughed that hard for a long time. I
told her about Ghostbusters and have been singing it to her every now
and then. She doesn't appreciate it, but it keeps things light.
Yesterday, after church, one of the elder's investigators, Brother
Kim, was baptized. He is about 30 years old and is the boyfriend of
one of our members. I have never seen an investigator more involved in
his own baptism. He and his girlfriend made all the refreshments for
afterward and they sang a duet of "I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus." They
had requested that I sing something, so I sang a version of "Teach Me
To Walk In The Light" I arranged and accompanied on guitar. Although
those we invited did not come to the service, it was just a really
clean, moving feeling to see a baptism again. It's been a while, and
to witness someone really change and want to change is a beautiful
thing. We were grateful to have the opportunity to be there. Sister
Lee and I have talked about how seeing and hearing, while they promote
faith, are not faith. Faith is in the feet and it is evident that
Brother Kim's faith is sincere.
Anyway, we're not sure what this week holds, but I hope we can meet
some people with willing feet and hearts. It takes one to meet one, I
guess, so we're working to exercise more faith ourselves.
Admittedly I'm excited for Dec. 2012, but so grateful for this time I
have to be consecrated to the Lord here in Korea. It's not easy and I
think I would be a lot less grateful and less apt to call miracles
miracles if it were easy. I think that's part of why Heavenly Father
sent me here. I received an email from President Gilbert today about
making this the most productive time of my mission and that's what I
intend to do. As Elder Holland has said, we look to the past to claim
the embers, not the ashes, but faith is pointed toward the future. The
best is yet to come!! I know that is true for all of us. We can
improve in whatever our endeavors are.
I love you all and know this is God's work. He is beside me as often
as I invite Him to be and that is an empowering knowledge. Thank you
for your faith and prayers.
Love,
Julia
Dad-- I appreciate that you are a bigger picture kind of guy. I think
Mom fills in any of the gaps nicely. It's really fun to hear your
accounts of the same events. Thank you for your consistent letters and
encouragement. It's fun to be about the same work!
Mom-- thank you for the updates. Sounds like you've had fun with your
missionaries and travel lately. Your missionaries sound like they're
working hard and helping people progress. It's always fun to get new
ideas from them. Thank you!
Nick-- hope you're doing well! I don't know a lot about your job, but
I am sure you're doing well at it. Thanks for the letter the other
week!
Meg-- thanks for the update and I will never complain about length,
ever! So, one sentence or two is welcome. I know you will do great at
your new job. The learning curve is never fun, but it is fun to look
back later and see how far you've come. You are great. Thank you!
Char-- I got your letter/pictures yesterday. Thank you! The boys are
looking handsome. I loved the pictures and was thinking how great of a
photographer you've become until you told me someone else had taken
the photos. Take it as a compliment that I could readily believe you
were the mastermind behind the photos. It's hard for me to believe
there is another little boy in your family! I hope you're recovering
well. It was also fun to read/see your missionary pictures etc. You
were a champion and I actually got some good ideas about how to
increase in faith from your letters. Thank you!
Matt-- hope you're doing well! Hope work on site isn't draining you
too much and you'll be able to be back with the newest Adsero soon.
Ladi-- thanks for the update and the picture. I can't imagine Minnie
is real, but the stories about her bring her to life so thank you.
Isn't it fun that she has her own personality? If she "pat pat pats"
me when I first meet her I will be royally offended. You should warn
her now. Travel to SLC safely!
Bob-- I assume you are holding down the SLC fort well. I hope school
is going well. I know the rest of the Collard clan is looking forward
to hanging out with you again upon their return from Canada.
Ah. We're out of time. 밥 먹헌? 아니, 지금 가야되...사랑해!!
Monday, September 3, 2012
typhoon survival 101
Hello!
As you can see we survived the typhoon. It was something to behold, but overall, at least in our neighborhood, not as bad as I thought it might be. Typhoons are rather unpredictable and a sudden gust of wind can send one flailing, so we were instructed to stay inside all of Tuesday. That was a challenge on any of the work we wanted to do this week, but we got a few things done from home. The winds were howling and the rain was torrential, but we stayed safe and healthy. The elders in other areas had no power and were miserably hot, but we all survived.
Thanks for writing! Glad to hear you're all safe.
This week we had some good experiences. I haven't clarified for a few weeks, but I have definitely discovered that people actually live here. It's just our area/neighborhood that is extremely touristy. I think a lot of troubled people have come here with the belief that living on an island paradise will change their hearts, but unfortunately the economy, like most places, is pretty rough here right now. Anyway, we have been knocking doors, which hasn't proven to be the most effective method in my experience, but we can't really figure out how else to go about personal contacting right now.
Well, we were a little down a few days ago and Sister Gilbert called to see if we had survived the typhoon. She also asked about our area. I said it would be better if we had people to teach, but that we're trying. She told us to get on our knees and ask how many people Heavenly Father has for us to teach in this area and call her back when we find out and let her know so she could pray for us as well. We were kind of shocked and jaded about it, but we went forth anyway. We felt that 3 was a good number and settled on that and let her know.
The next day we went out and we were knocking on doors and...for the first time on my mission, someone let us in. Sister Kang. We tried to mask our utter shock as she flung the door open and invited us in. She is about 50 and works at a hotel as a cleaner. It happened to be her day off from a very busy schedule. I think she is someone who has always sought God in her life, but not so much organized religion. She was very curious about the BOM and our testimonies of it. Perfect. We were able to share with her and invite her to read it. She was excited to know that the BOM clarifies parts of the bible. We are hoping to be able to teach her this week as well, depending on her schedule. It wasn't perfect, but we were really grateful for the opportunity. It gave us hope. Person we could teach number one.
This Sunday we met what some have dubbed our "eternal investigator." She has been attending church on and off for 7 years, but has trouble keeping some of the commandments (as we all do...) and as a result is too nervous to commit. She has even had plans to be baptized once or twice, but it fell through. When we invite her to hear the lessons she feels pressure and stops coming to church. Anyway, as a result we've been careful with her. This Sunday our branch president interviewed her and she said she really is considering baptism again. The branch president suggested somewhere between October to December to her as a goal. She agreed. Person #2 that we may be potentially teaching this week.
I know prayers are answered and that there are prepared people. I am grateful for your prayers and love. Thank you! Sometimes I forget when things are hard, but I appreciate all the optimism, good energy, and prayers you're sending my way.
Anyway, this Thursday is transfer calls. We'll see what happens. My guess is a new companion and I will stay in Jeju, but still not sure.
I love all of you! Hard to believe that Charlotte and Matt's baby is coming this week! Congratulations! I will pray for you. Nice to hear from all of you. Special shout out ot A. House. Thanks for the mail!
Till next week,
Love,
Julia
As you can see we survived the typhoon. It was something to behold, but overall, at least in our neighborhood, not as bad as I thought it might be. Typhoons are rather unpredictable and a sudden gust of wind can send one flailing, so we were instructed to stay inside all of Tuesday. That was a challenge on any of the work we wanted to do this week, but we got a few things done from home. The winds were howling and the rain was torrential, but we stayed safe and healthy. The elders in other areas had no power and were miserably hot, but we all survived.
Thanks for writing! Glad to hear you're all safe.
This week we had some good experiences. I haven't clarified for a few weeks, but I have definitely discovered that people actually live here. It's just our area/neighborhood that is extremely touristy. I think a lot of troubled people have come here with the belief that living on an island paradise will change their hearts, but unfortunately the economy, like most places, is pretty rough here right now. Anyway, we have been knocking doors, which hasn't proven to be the most effective method in my experience, but we can't really figure out how else to go about personal contacting right now.
Well, we were a little down a few days ago and Sister Gilbert called to see if we had survived the typhoon. She also asked about our area. I said it would be better if we had people to teach, but that we're trying. She told us to get on our knees and ask how many people Heavenly Father has for us to teach in this area and call her back when we find out and let her know so she could pray for us as well. We were kind of shocked and jaded about it, but we went forth anyway. We felt that 3 was a good number and settled on that and let her know.
The next day we went out and we were knocking on doors and...for the first time on my mission, someone let us in. Sister Kang. We tried to mask our utter shock as she flung the door open and invited us in. She is about 50 and works at a hotel as a cleaner. It happened to be her day off from a very busy schedule. I think she is someone who has always sought God in her life, but not so much organized religion. She was very curious about the BOM and our testimonies of it. Perfect. We were able to share with her and invite her to read it. She was excited to know that the BOM clarifies parts of the bible. We are hoping to be able to teach her this week as well, depending on her schedule. It wasn't perfect, but we were really grateful for the opportunity. It gave us hope. Person we could teach number one.
This Sunday we met what some have dubbed our "eternal investigator." She has been attending church on and off for 7 years, but has trouble keeping some of the commandments (as we all do...) and as a result is too nervous to commit. She has even had plans to be baptized once or twice, but it fell through. When we invite her to hear the lessons she feels pressure and stops coming to church. Anyway, as a result we've been careful with her. This Sunday our branch president interviewed her and she said she really is considering baptism again. The branch president suggested somewhere between October to December to her as a goal. She agreed. Person #2 that we may be potentially teaching this week.
I know prayers are answered and that there are prepared people. I am grateful for your prayers and love. Thank you! Sometimes I forget when things are hard, but I appreciate all the optimism, good energy, and prayers you're sending my way.
Anyway, this Thursday is transfer calls. We'll see what happens. My guess is a new companion and I will stay in Jeju, but still not sure.
I love all of you! Hard to believe that Charlotte and Matt's baby is coming this week! Congratulations! I will pray for you. Nice to hear from all of you. Special shout out ot A. House. Thanks for the mail!
Till next week,
Love,
Julia
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