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
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