TEN DAYS LEFT

Yes, its true only ten days left! It is such a odd feeling. Doesn't feel real yet. Makes me nervous thinking about it. For the past 1 1/2 years I have lived a missionary life, oblivious to my family and friend's life, world news, etc. Just today I read my Aunt Sarah is having a baby in October. I had no IDEA she was pregnant. I've had two of my best friends get married, and another friend expecting a baby next month. Again, I didn't even know she was pregnant. My family has moved twice since I've been gone. My mom had braces and graduated college. Aah! So much more has happened. These are just the things I know about so far.

As a missionary you are stuck in your own world and don't realize time goes on without you back home. So it should be interesting going back and learning about what is happening in people's lives and the world.

This past week has been rather difficult. We had two typhoons, nothing bad happened, but wind and rain really do slow down missionary work. So does being sick. I got a cold! Boo! Its my last week as a missionary! :( But its not bad enough to prevent me from working, I just have low energy and am temporarily deaf, so it makes proselyting difficult.

But quick cool story before I go. Yesterday during street contacting. I  at the crosswalk waiting for someone to come that I could talk to, when a woman in a truck motions to me. She wanted to pamphlet. So I went out in the street and gave it to her. All I could say was our church name then the light turned green. It was cool. Normally people don't take a pamphlet, but this lady asked for one!Yeah!

 

ON THE LORD'S ERRAND

This past week we had Combined Zone Conference. Its tradition that all the returning missionaries give a 5-10 minute talk, sharing what they have learned on their mission and sharing advice and tips on how to do missionary work. I was nervous about doing it and didn't even know what I should talk about.

Preparing for it caused a lot of reflection on what has happened this past year and an half. I have had times of high success; baptism, finding lots of new people. But I have also had hard times, especially these past 6 months, where I haven't been able pick up a single investigator and every baptism falls through. But despite the ups and downs looking through all my journal entries, almost everyday I wrote the word "blessing" or "miracle." So for my last talk to the mission, I just bore my testimony about how this is the Lord's work.

I see blessings and miracles that occur so often, it can't be coincidence. It has to be a heavenly intervention. President Thomas S. Monson said "Remember this work is not yours and mines alone...It is the Lord's work. And when you on the Lord's errand, you are entitled to the Lord's help."

God really has helped me to be able to do this work. Missionary work is not easy. It test and tries your faith. I never expected that. But if you continue to work hard and ask for His help, you'll be able to have success in the work. And He will bless you. I really have seen that on my mission and have a great appreciation for this work. Its so important. We are helping others come unto Christ and make covenants that will lead them back to Heavenly Father and to be able to live with their families forever.

Sad but exciting to be going home soon. Sad because I will no longer be able to focus so much on doing the Lord's work. Once I get home I will be distracted with finding a job, trying to get married, etc. I am excited though to be able to see my family again and watch a movies :).

Serving a mission really is a special time we have to devote all our time and energy in doing the Lord's work. But despite that when I get home I hope to be dedicated in all my callings, to reach out to others who need help, to help the missionaries and among friends and acquaintances be able to share this gospel. Even though I won't be "set-apart" as a missionary, I plan to still be a hardworking servant God can rely on.

 *힐 자매*

Sister Hill

GETTING MORE BUSY

The area I have been serving in for the past 6 months has been struggling. In the past month I have only found five investigators, some which have already dropped. The four Elders haven't had much success either. Really depressing to work so hard and then not see any significant results.

But Saturday the Lord really did bless us. First we had a lesson with Lee Jane at 12:15, then at 12:30 we taught English class. That was hectic. Then after English class we talked with Darmia and Jameal.

Jamael is a former investigator who just got back a month ago from visiting her native country. We met with her before this transfer started and she told us that she doesn't know if she has time right now to meet regularly, because her Father-in-law has cancer and is usually the one to watch her baby girl.

Then about two weeks ago, during our English class break, our member Darima called and asked when it started up again and asked us to invite Jamael. I said "sure". So glad Darmia told me to do that, because that invitation was the whole reason she came to English class this past Saturday. And then after English class she told us she wanted to start meeting one on one again for gospel and English. I am so excited. She was one of our most progressing investigators before she had left. I really like her.

So now every Saturday we have three back-to-back lessons: Lee Jane, English Class, Jamael. So exciting. I haven't been this busy since my last area.

Ward Activity. The men cooked for the ward.

FOUR WEEKS LEFT

Me an my new companion Lee NaRae are getting along get well. Nothing much has happened in this past week. Just working hard and trying to find new investigators. Its kind of depressing. I keep on being told this should be the most effective time on my mission, but honestly its been the most difficult time. I  work hard and pray hard and have faith, but nothing is happening. I don't know why. Its really frustrating.

But I recently read a talk by President Uchdorf from the last Liahona issue. Really helped me to not get disappointed and frustrated about not finding investigators or having baptisms. He talked about how even after our "missions" we are still planting seeds and sharing the gospel. He is right. Even after this I will still have the duty to share the gospel, it will just be done in a different way. So I am just going to continue to work hard, show my faith, pray for help and blessings, even though nothing big may happen before I go back home. I am okay with that now.

This past Thursday we had a wonderful lesson with Kim SuGin on Chasity. After we read the definition, she said, kind of defensively, "I've never thought about cheating on my husband." That was an unexpected reaction. But I was given the words on what to say and explained we never thought that and how I've been taught it since I was young. Talked about how breaking this commandment can destroy families. She agreed. Then I bore testimony about how grateful I am for my parents and their loyalty to each other and specifically how my Father loves my mom so much. I cried through the whole thing. And Kim SuGin too got teared eyed and told me how she liked it. She shared, that since meeting with us she has recognized how important family is in our church. And that seems to really resonate with her.

The Spirit was there throughout the lesson as we continued to talk about families and Temples. I really want her to get baptized. And to be honest I think one day she will. Sadly, in a couple weeks she might be moving! That would bring us down to two investigators. But she wants to continue to meet missionaries even if she moves. So that's great!

SIX WEEKS LEFT

I have only 52 days left on my mission! Its so surreal. This Thursday I am helping my Mission President's wife cook for 35 people, the returning missionaries and their families. So it will be weird to see missionaries meeting their families for the first time in two years.

Aah. I get nervous thinking about returning home. The other day when I was talking to people on the street, I thought "Whoa, soon I will be one of those normal people." It was a weird moment.

This past week we picked up a new investigator! So that was super awesome. Then Saturday night our old investigator who went to Kieristan for three months, called us and wanted to see us. So we met her Sunday, she brought us back some souvenirs! It was fun to catch back up with her. We hope to continue to meet her and help her progress towards baptism. Before she left she was our most progressing investigator. Yeah!

Also, Wednesday we had a special zone testimony meeting. Everyone bore their testimony about the Savior. It was really cool to hear every one's testimony. Then Thursday, we had a special District meeting. We made Navajo tacos. It was so Delicious, and played Phase 10 while we watched the Testaments. Our District leader also shared a spiritual thought. It was so fun.  Sorry, I don't have much to write. Can't remember the details of this past weeks. Its just gone by so quickly.

Me and Sister Christensen making food for all the returning missionaries and their families.

Sister Cho on the bus with all her stuff on transfer day.

SIX WEEKS LEFT

I have only 52 days left on my mission! Its so surreal. This Thursday I am helping my Mission President's wife cook for 35 people; the returning missionaries and their families. So it will be weird to see missionaries meeting their families for the first time in two years.
 

Aah. I get nervous thinking about returning home. The other day when I was talking to people on the street, I thought "Whoa, soon I will be one of those normal people." It was a weird moment.

This past week we picked up a new investigator! So that was super awesome. Then Saturday night our old investigator who went to Kieristan for three months, called us and wanted to see us. So we met her Sunday, she brought us back some souvenirs! It was fun to catch back up with her. We hope to continue to meet her and help her progress towards baptism. Before she left she was our most progressing investigator. Yeah!

Also, Wednesday we had a special Zone testimony meeting. Everyone bore their testimony about the Savior. It was really cool to hear every one's testimony. Then Thursday, we had a special District meeting. We made Navajo tacos. It was so Delicious, and played Phase 10 while we watched the Testaments. Our District leader also shared a spiritual thought. It was so fun.  Sorry, I don't have much to write. Can't remember the details of this past weeks. Its just gone by so quickly.

50 CENT MIRACLE

Thursday we went street boarding at a cross-walk near a market. The sidewalks are really small on either side of the street, but there is always pedestrian traffic. So its a perfect place to contact people. Thursday we both felt impressed to go there. As we proselyted I carried a lime-green "MORMON.ORG" sign. Normally when we proselyte there I stand up against a bread shop wall with the sign, but that day the sun was so intense I had to cross to the other side after 10 minutes. The sun was scorching my skin and burning my eyes. The other side of the street was shaded but is more crowded. Therefore, more difficult to hold our board without being in the way of people. There are two fruit stands, and a Lady selling yogurt already there on the narrow sidewalk. But I manage to nestle myself against the wall and out of people's way.

Shortly after standing there Sister Cho comes over to me and tells me "I think I am going to go to the other side.

"Why?" I responded

"Well, I tried to make small conversation with the yogurt lady and she didn't respond to my question and just gave me a mean look."

About two months before there was a lady who called us a cult and told the yogurt lady all about it. So we think that's the reason for the mean face. But I told Sister Cho, who cares about what the woman thinks. Who cares if she is bothered by us being there, its too hot to be on the other side. So we continued as normal.

Then a grandma who had just bought yogurt from the yogurt lady comes over to me and says with a huge smile on her face "Korea is fun, isn't it." "Yes" I responded. She then gives me one of her drinkable yogurts. 30 seconds later Sister Cho comes over from across the street and the yogurt lady seeing that I was the only one to receive a yogurt, felt bad that Sister Cho didn't get one. So she then unexpectedly gives Sister Cho a yogurt.

So after contacting people for an hour we decided to get ice cream close by. Sister Cho ask "Should we buy the yogurt lady some ice cream?" "Yes!" I responded, having had the same impression. Outside we gave her ice cream then waited behind her for the light to change.

During that time she came over and started talking to us. She asked us how our church started. We answered her question and explained to her we are not paid and serve for 18 months. It was a good conversation. And amazing to see her perception of us change within one hour. Who knew it would only take 50 cents.

 *힐 자매*

Sister Hill

PATIENCE

Sad news, our investigator Kim InHwa is no longer on date to be baptized. Last Monday she called us to go eat, but it was P-Day and I was grocery shopping and making kimchi to prepare for our zone meeting lunch on Wednesday. Apparently Sunday we said we could, but that was defiantly a miscommunication. And in the end she felt really sad. So we were worried we had unintentionally offended her, but thankful Friday she answered our phone call. Sounded happy and said she'd see us at church. But on Sunday she didn't come, nor did she answer our texts or phone calls. When we prayed Sunday night on what to do, we just got the impression to cool it for awhile, so that is what we will do with her. Sad, because we would have loved to have a baptism this month, but it has got to be on the Lord's time and not ours. So we just need more patience.

Sunday was a busy day. The two wards combined because a Seventy came to visit. His name is Choi Yoon Hwan. He served as a bishop in one of the wards here. It is where he raised his family. Fun to see him and during his talk make references to personal experiences with the members here. He shard one about Miss Ju dating her now husband. She now has three daughters, two are in college.The wards I am serving in have literally grown up together. I really like how close knit the wards are here. I only wish I could have understood what he and his wife talked about, but they both talked so fast. But Sister Cho gave me a good summary of it.

This past couple weeks I have really gained a witness that bishops and those called into position really are called of God. I can't give you the details of the situation, but our Bishop has untangled a really sticky situation. As a third person I was able to watch him work under the influence of the Spirit. Everything worked our perfectly. We really do need to trust in those who have stewardship over us. The Lord gives them inspiration to help and guide us. And as we follow that counsel given, it will all work out, because it's God's counsel to us. I know the Leaders of the Church are called of God and act under the influence of the Spirit.

A NEW MISSION PRESIDENT

Friday we met our new Mission President, President Christensen. He is from Salt Lake City Utah and was a surgeon at the LDS Hospital. He started out the conference speaking Korean. He still is pretty good after at least 30 years. Also, his wife took Korean at the MTC and also bore her testimony in Korean her testimony. She did awesome. Reminded me when I was a greenie and could barely speak the language. I have come so far.

It was fun meeting them. First impressions, Mission President seems more serious and focused, but still nice and friendly. And Sister Christensen, spunky. She poked fun at her husband a lot when introducing herself. Excited to get to serve with them, but sad I don't have a long time to get to know them. They seem fun.

On Saturday we had lunch with a member from Mongolia. She taught us how to make Mongolia dumplings. You roll out the dough and then fill it with seasoned lamb meat. I loved it. But my companion had a hard time eating it. She said she prayed the whole time that she'd be able to eat it. I just laughed because now she knows what every missionary goes through trying Korean Food for the first time; its hard. The taste is different and super spicy, but the more you eat and get use to the taste, you begin to love it and crave it. ㅋㅋㅋ

After meeting her we had English class, and then after English class we rushed to an appointment with a high school student, but she didn't show. Later her mom called and told us to never call. Usually, I would be frustrated after such a conversation, but I wasn't. It was just disappointing because the Student confirmed with us to meet, she really did have interest, but her mom just prevented it from happening. Which is fine, because she is just protecting her daughter. And most people when they think of church, don't have impression. Hopefully later she will meet the missionaries again.

Also, our investigator, Kim InHwa who will be getting baptized in three weeks came to church! Yeah! She is progressing. She is having hard times lately and during our lesson Saturday we were able to testify to her how she can overcome all these things through relying on God. And just shared some scriptures about comfort. It was an unplanned lesson, but the Spirit was there directing it. It always amazing me how well I can speak Korean in Lessons. I feel fluent in those moments. The words just roll out of my mouth. The Lord really does bless his missionaries with gift of tongues when He needs it to count. Cool. So grateful for those experiences to really see the Spirit working through me. Lets you know you are doing the right thing as a missionary.

AN UNEXPECTED MIRACLE

This past week has been extremely busy. This past week we have been preparing for our English presentation that happened Saturday. Between me and Sister Cho, we made all the animals, signs, and with the help of the Bishop and Elders, the TV set. The whole project of making props got really big and I feel bad to say it took away from doing missionary work. But lesson learned for us and the English coordinators. We all realized, even though the presentation went really well, that it was too big and time consuming. So next time it will be a smaller scale.

All who came to the presentation really enjoyed it. The theme of the presentation was "Watching TV". So each presentation was a TV show. For our class we did a Barney and Friends like TV show, but the Korean version. I played BoMi Onee, the host of the TV Show. It was fun. Even though rehearsal and practice was crazy, the kids did great when it was the real thing and the parents loved it.

After the presentation of the older kids and the High School students, we had shops set up and gave people fake money. Then everyone had to speak English to us in order to get food. The presentation looked legit and was done very professionally. So much fun to do, but I am glad that stress is gone and I can just focus on missionary work.

After the presentation we went to go meet our investigator Kim InHwa. We've only met her a couple times before. But she came to our ward picnic and to church once. She hasn't been able to meet us for the past two weeks, but Saturday night she could. We planned on going to a free concert together but when we got to her house she told us she was too tired to go. We both we very disappointed, but the Lord had other plans that need to get accomplished.

Instead we talked with in her at her house and taught her the second lesson. She understood it all very well and agreed to get baptized on July 21st! She kind of said "yes" in passing, so Sister Cho asked again and she said "Yes, give me my calendar" and wrote it down. It was so miraculous. It truly was a Spirit led lesson. That morning we had no time to role play before the lesson, but I just opened my mouth and everything came out of me so fluently. Gift of Tongues! So awesome and NEEDED! It was a great lesson. So we are super excited considering me and my companion have been struggling with finding investigators for two transfers. It was an unexpected miracle. It is so important to realize how everything happens on the Lords time and not our own.

TWO TRANSFERS LEFT

Tonight is transfer calls. We are pretty positive me and Sister Cho will not be staying together. Really sad, because we love being together.

This past week, on Wednesday, we gathered together to hear Our Mission President's Farewell Speech. He is leaving after this week. So sad. He is a great man. So humble, always smiling. I will miss him and his wonderful wife.

Then Sunday, yesterday, was Ward Conference, so we wore our HanBoks. The members loved it. But I realized while in the elevator I forgot to but on my massacre. So I just looked gross in all the pictures. Its so hot in Korea. We are always sweaty and having that little touch of massacre makes a difference.

Later that day we went and did a lot of street contacting. We had fallen behind 40 contacts and needed to catch up. The hour went well but we met a man who I got so frustrated with. He started out by asking if we knew Mitt Romney and then ask "What do you believe?"

Sister Cho gave him a summary of the restoration and other basic Beliefs. Then he went off about how a church needs to have an apostleship. Which we told him we did, but of course he refused to listen. He would just talk over us. So finally I asked him a question "Is there a true church on the earth?" And he ignored my question. So my companion said, "She asked you a question and repeated the question. All he said in response was "no church is perfect." He was so annoying. He just wanted to argue. He didn't believe he even went to the true church. Then he just talked to only my companion and told her "This American is lost, but you, as a Korean, have a chance to really think about these things. Then Sister Cho responded, "I am Korean-American". LOL. I just stopped saying anything, because I was so annoyed with this man. It was not easy keeping a smile. Sister Cho wrapped it up nicely by simply telling him he can know for himself if these things are true or not. Then he left.

I have met several people like this on the street. Every time afterwards and during the conversation I am so frustrated. Because they are out to prove you wrong and have no desire to hear what you have to say. But every time it happens, it strengthens my testimony because this church has the answers that depute their claims or even supports their argument of what the true church has. Even though that man said Christ's Church needs an apostleship and we AGREED! He ignored that and continued to argue about it, when there was no argument to be had. Aaaah!!! The saying is so true, if they are a prepared person, they will listen.

ANOTHER TRANSFER ALMOST DONE

There is one week left in the transfer! I hope to stay in this area with my companion. We don't want to leave each other! On the way to the Community Center to email today, a grandma stopped us and smacked my stomach and told me I need to lose weight. Its hard to be offended when they are smiling. They really say it with such concern in their voice...but it still makes me feel FAT! As we walked away she smacked my butt and told us to work hard. せ せ せ

This week has been soooooooo busy. First Monday we went to the zoo and I got to hold a snake and best of all a BABY LEOPARD. He was so cute. Then, Wednesday we had our ward picnic. But the day before, the Elders decided to make 200 cookies for our members. And gave us some of the work. The only problem was I also had to prepare lunch for our Thursday Zone Meeting. I had to prepare food for 12 people, and I decided to try and make kimchi for the first time.

So from 10am to 11pm on Tuesday we were running around. At 10am I made cookie dough so the Elders could cook some, because we wouldn't have time that day to do it. At 11am we got ingredients for our Thursday lunch. Then we ate lunch. Then at 12:30pm we went and did a lesson with our eternal investigator Je InSheer. After six years of being taught we determined from that lesson, she is still not ready and needs to be dropped. It was good because we both agreed that is what needed to be done.

Then after teaching her we had to go travel 30 minutes to another area for an appointment at 2pm. We are trying to regular meet this part-member, less-active family. Their little girl HeeJean really likes us and was super outgoing this time. The first time we met she was so shy and didn't really talk. But that was not the problem this time. It was fun. And we just taught her about prayer and families being blessed by the gospel. She still is not officially an investigator, but we hope we can just establish a regular meeting schedule and continue to build a relationship with this family. So exciting.

Then we went back towards the church and tried to visit a less active, but the daughter wasn't home. We wanted to invite her to the ward picnic, but the mom, who is also less active gave us a referral! Then we headed back to the church for an appointment at 5pm. It was our first time meeting her, the Elders had met her on the street last week.

After that we went and ordered a pizza and while it was being cooked did street contacting. After that we had to buy some extra baking ingredients and then went home. Once home Sister Cho made cookies and I made Water Kimchi. In between all the cooking we did records. We ended up not making it to bed till 11pm, because my kimchi took longer then expected. That was just Tuesday!

Then Wednesday we met our investigator we had just miraculously found on the street last Saturday, in the morning and together went to the ward picnic. The picnic was so much fun. Had a water-gun fight, played dodgeball, kickball and ate meat. It was a perfect day and our investigator really enjoyed it.

After getting back home we were too tired to go outside. So we stayed inside doing phone calls, organization and updating records. And all in between that, I boiled Potatoes.

On Thursday morning I just cooked and finished preparing lunch. It was a lot of work but the end result was good. I made a main dish of chicken and a side dish of spicy potatoes, cucumber salad and water kimchi. Then for dessert we had bought ice cream. It was a cheap meal.

Only $4 per person. When I told the Elders I made the Kimchi, Elder Choi said "No you did not make that kimchi. Don't lie to me." But I did and my companion loves to tell Korean that on the street because they are so shocked. And I must say for my first time it came out great! And everyone loved it. There were no left-overs! It was a success.

Because of how busy the beginning of our week was we didn't have a lot of time to do proselyting. So By Friday we were 40 contacts behind and if you add the daily goal to that, it is 60. But Friday we had very little time to do proselyting again, only 25 minutes. But miraculously within that amount of time we contacted 33 people and by the end of the day we reached 41. And then Saturday we were able to reach 40 within a very short amount of time. It was a huge blessing, because then we weren't worried about how low our contacting numbers were and we were able to reach our week's goal despite how busy we were. It was all thanks to God's helping hand that we were able to do that. And when we contacted people it didn't drag, but went quickly and was fun. Huge blessing.

This past week has felt like two weeks! We saw so many miracles and received many tender mercies from the Lord. Also, our investigator who went to the picnic also came to church! So exciting!

FOUR MIRACLES

For the past transfer and a half me and my companion have only found two investigators. But over that time both of them dropped and we were left with our one slowly progressing investigator and an eternal investigator. We have been working so hard to find people who want to meet, but have had no success. And my Mission President foretold this to me in an interview I had with him, "Don't get frustrated when you can't find investigators." Well, I am happy to report within the past week we have picked up four new investigators! And the dry-spell has ended!

First, Tuesday, the Elders and us switched potentials we would be meeting that day. They met the guy we had and we met the mom and daughter they were going to meet. It worked out perfectly. First time meeting them all. The mom and daughter are English interest, but are willing to learn about our gospel. So that's awesome.

Second, Saturday we met an investigator we picked up last week. And this week she brought her friend, Betty. Betty also happens to be one of our ward member's friends from School and we had met them together before on the street. Also, both of them want to go to our ward picnic this Wednesday!

Then later that day we went to go do street contacting at KooRow Station. We have no investigators in 2nd ward and decided to do more contacting in 2nd ward boundaries. We have to travel to get there, but its only a 15 minute bus ride away. On the bus I saw the place I had envisioned before to contact at, but NO ONE was there. KooRow is a business area, so Saturday at the crosswalk we found it is not busy at all. So we went to one crosswalk further down with was right outside the subway station and it was crowded with people. My companion suggested we contact her first, then go down to the other one, because I still was wanting to go to the non-busy one.

We did some contacting there. It was difficult. We were further into Seoul, so the people just ignore you and don't stop. It was hard. So then about 30 minutes later I suggested we go to the other crosswalk. We walked down there and there were two people standing there, both men. So we just stood there discussing if we should go somewhere else.

Then two-minutes after being there a woman walked up to us, 50 years old, and asks, "Are you missionaries?" We started talking with her. She is original from Busan and has only lived in Seoul for one year now.

We briefly talked about the Book of Mormon and she told us how recently she hasn't been going to church and has been wondering if God is even listening to hear. Then she said "Well, that isn't true, I met you two."!  She was so nice and we set up an appointment for the next day, Sunday, at 5pm. It so cool, because the Holy Ghost was giving us promptings on where to go. And if we had not listened and cared more about contacting tons of people, we would have never met that woman.

Sunday, was hard, it was fast Sunday. And we were not sure if we'd have time to eat, because after our 5pm appointment we had an English Coordination Meeting at 7pm. Around 3pm us and our four Elders went to KooRow Station and did contacting together. Together we accomplished more. Got phone numbers and between me and Sister Cho we got 44 contacts within an hour. It was amazing! Afterwards, the boys went back to the church and we went to go try and visit a less active before our appointment in the area. Again the Lord blessed us, and when we got to the less actives house her door was open...so she couldn't ignore us and pretend she wasn't home, like she had done to the Elders the week before. :) She was really nice, invited us in and we visited for ten minutes. She is tired and just busy with work. We hope to make our visits more regular with her.

After our visit we rushed to meet our potential investigator at a crosswalk, and she came! That's a miracle too, because so many people punk. She took us to a restaurant to feed us, which we didn't really oppose cause we were starving. After that she took us to her house.

Its a room with a bathroom and kitchen, so small. And there we answered her questions and jumped back and forth from Restoration and Plan of Salvation. Even though the lesson wasn't organized, the Spirit was there. She told us how she thought about going to her church that day, but decided not to, because she was going to meet us later. Then she asked, "Do you think God would be mad if I changed churches?" She was so kind and listened well. She told us she wants to come to church next week and we invited her to our ward picnic Wednesday and she really wants to come! She is a very outgoing person.

After our amazing time with her we went to our meeting and were 10 minutes late. But its so amazing because we had been so worried about having time to eat dinner, but the Lord took care of us and through the lady we met, fed us. Such a huge blessing.

I have seen so many miracles this week. And it was reminded me again, that this is the Lord's work. Without Him or the Spirit we won't find those prepared people.

A LONG WEEK

Time has gone by so slowly this past week. Missionary work is not happening very much in my area right now. But we did have cool miracles this past week. First, we went street boarding down from an all-girls school and I was holding our giant, orange Mormon.org poster. A old man stop and started talking with my companion. Behind the man a high school student stopped and was peering over the old man to look at the board. So I stepped off the stair I was standing on and went around the man to talk with the girl. She told me she loves English and how she watches Ugly Betty and Scrubs. Her English name is Elliot.

I introduced to her our 30/30 program and set up an appointment for later that week, Saturday. She told me and my companion how she was so excited and didn't want to leave. (excited about speaking English with foreigners). She was cool and my companion met her Saturday with Sister Jung. I went to splits to another area that day. Apparently the lesson went well and we will meet her again this Saturday.

While I talked to Elliot on the street, Sister Cho got to speak to a crazy old man. She told me afterwards how scary judgement day will be and how she needs to be prepared. He also said Jesus is on the earth today preaching and the twelve tribes of Israel have gathered and there is a million of them right now. My companion, though fluent in Korean, told him sorry I am American-Korean and can't understand. So he left. It's great that he was sharing his beliefs, but the problem is with those kind of people, is they try to prove your religion wrong and they never let you speak. Our church never tries to degrade others beliefs, we simply want to share ours and invite others to learn if interested. Later that day we also set an appointment with an old man who is really interested. We will meet him today...if we can find a woman. Wish us luck!

For my splits this week I got to serve with my old companion Sister McClellan. It was fun. It was like a normal day being together again. While walking on the road we got 18 contacts. We both realized how much we've improved since we were last together. When we were together, walking and contacting on the street was difficult for us. We'd get like 3 people in an hour. So that was cool to see how we've improved.

Together we just organized her new area's records, like we did together while in HwaGok. They were super bad. And the house was cluttered. We did a lot, but there is so much more to do. Its really sad how missionaries poorly treat the houses they stay in  just because its "temporary". Makes me mad. And so many missionaries don't bother to organize their records. Drives me crazy. The first thing I do coming into a new area is find what needs improvement and do it. I can't stand messy records and cluttered houses. I am my Father's daughter.

This next week will go by fast. Yesterday we had our Stake Picnic, tomorrow district meeting, and Thursday we have a Combined Zone Conference. Three more weeks and this transfer will be over. Goes by so fast! Also, 15 weeks left on my mission. So weird!!!

TRIAL OF FAITH

Well transfer calls are tonight. I think I will be staying with my companion. Things are going great between us. She is awesome and so much fun. Our area however has been struggling. Only three investigators and possible down to two by the end of this week. Plus people have been so rude and mean to us on the streets. It hurts.

I was talking to this lady while she waited to cross the street, it started off casual, then as we crossed the street I transitioned it into gospel. half-way across the road, the suddenly stops. I walk a couple steps past her, then she turns so that she is on the other side of the cross walk. It was so mean! So that was so discouraging. And the days following we had many other experiences with people just talking with mean tones in their voices and just being rude. I understand how people aren't interested in our message. But its not hard to turn us down nicely.

Then on top of mean people we had an investigator drop us. She is from Vietnam, a mail-order bride and was introduced to us to start learning English. We've only met her twice. We called to see if she could meet us Friday and my companion was talking and she said "Why are you calling?" Then my companion ask, "This isn't Ming is it?" The lady replied "no" this is here family and she can't meet with you. She was so dumb. She tried to pretend to be Ming who has the worst accent when speaking Korean. And really, I am positive Ming would have liked to meet again. But she's sadly she is controlled by her family, like most other Korean woman. So sad. Just is frustrating, because her family probably thinks our church is bad. Like so many people are told by their preacher. So dumb. Really is frustrating when that happens because we are good people and we BELIEVE in GOD. Anyways, so that was sad that we lost our investigator Ming. :( So basically...its been ruff here, but we just keep on working hard. I know God will bless us. Just got to endure and continue to be diligent.

ONE WEEK LEFT

So it is one week left till transfers! Goes by so fast. Me and Sister Cho hope to stay together another transfer. We have lots of fun and work really hard together.

This past week we met one of our eternal investigators, Gee InSheer. She's been meeting on and off with the missionaries for six years. Tuesday we met her and talked about acting on faith and then committed her to get baptized May 5th. She answered exactly the way we thought she would, "no". When then followed up with "why". She explained how she loves coffee. She's worried that if she gets baptized she will just start drinking coffee again. She understands the importance of a baptismal commitment and doesn't want to break it.

In response to her concern I talked to her about a friend I had who gave up smoking when he got baptized. But even after baptism once or twice he had a smoke. I told her we are not perfect. Even after baptism we will continue to make mistakes, but as long as we strive to keep the commandments God will help us and forgive us.

After addressing her concern a little more we followed up with the question "Will you get baptized?" Then tearful she explained how she loves meeting with us, or otherwise she would not be. But she told us that she prayed about the church and based off a dream she had she felt the church was not for her.

Me and my companion have different ideas on how we should handle the situation. My thought was she wasn't living any of the commandments, reading, nor coming to church when she prayed about it, so how can she know. She didn't do all that she could. Plus, the church is for everyone! So my thought was next lesson to tell her she didn't even try. My companion, who has a friendship with this woman was thinking of slowly dropping her and easing up, because our investigator talked about feeling pressure. So, we decided to fast about it, which we did Sunday.

My companion shared with me this morning the impression she got for Gee InSheer and all our investigators: "Push them". I like it. We got some amazing investigators that need a little bit of good pressure to get them acting more and making commitments! So I am excited for this next week and the next transfer.

So this past Tuesday we had a lunch appointment with a member. We had ShabuShabu. Its a light lunch that leaves you feeling satisfied. Then ten mintues after the lunch we were at an appointment with an investigator. We looked in her office and both saw this HUGE McDonalds bag. My companion turns to me and says "Please tell that bag is full of something else and not food." Sadly it was food. She gave us Double Mac Burgers accompanied with french fries and a soda. It was was painful eating that meal. Any other time I would have enjoyed a burger, but it was just too much. The food didn't want to go down my throat. However painful that it was, it was so sweet of our investigator to do that for us. We've seemed to have alot of similar moments this week. I know I've gained weight :(

REACHING GOALS

Me and Sister Cho have been working really hard together. Our area has little investigators and only one out of six is progressing. So this week we have been working hard to reach our goals, espeacially of getting lessons on the street.

This week we got a lesson on the street, three days in a row! So exciting. Sadly, all punk'd when Sunday came around...But that doesn't matter. We are showing our faith and diligence and trying to meet with everyone.  At the end of this week we got 6 lessons and 14 member visits. So we reached our goal of 20 lessons for the week.

Also, we set a higher contacting goal for the week, which we reached and went beyond. We contacted 156 people on the streets of Seoul this past week. Seems like a small number, but we talked to everyone, where ever we went, and met some crazies along the way.

One grandma we talked to sang to us the way people do in old Korean songs (which isn't pretty). The same lady told me I was fat. And she spends $80 dollars on her dog to get it's hair colored bright red on the ears and tail and permed. She explained to us how dogs are sooo expensive? Well, if you buy your dog cloths and style its hair like that...then of course it is lady. Anyways, she was fun to talk with.

Then we met our creepy man from last week again. He gave my companion a hug.LOL! He is really nice, but just a little off. He wanted to buy us dinner, but we had to get home. But I am sure we will see him again, because is was the third time in two weeks. Next time we will get his number and refer him to the Elders.

Last Friday we had a member call us about her upstairs neighbor. While in the elevator she complemented on our neighbor's heart-attacked door. She then explained to her about how the missionaries to that. So she gave us a call, then we came over and heart-attacked the neighbors door. We then knocked and introduced ourselves. She was so nice and invited us in, but we had another appointment and didn't. So we will go visit her again and hopefully have more time to share more about who we are and our church! So cool. We also got a really great refferal. So the Lord has been blessing us in so many ways as weve worked hard to find those prepared people.

A GOOD WEEK

This week I have had some funny experiences with grandmas, investigators and a creepy man on the street.

First on Tuesday we went and did some tracting on the street. I started talking to a Grandma waiting to cross the road. She notice I had some spilled sticky stuff on my jacket and freaked out. She was trying to help me clean and my coat and kept tapping my boobs where the sticky stuff was nearby. I just don't care anymore if old grandmas touch me. I tried to continue to share with her the message as we were walking across the street, but she was still so concerened with my jacket and was pulling out stuff to clean it with. At this point I realized me talking was pointless so I quickly said "bye" and ran back across the street. Then a couple days later another Grandma kept tapping and stroking my face telling me how pretty I was. It was very flattering, but also akward around a massive group of people.

That same day there was a homeless man dancing on the street. He was very happy. He sang loudly, had a big smile on his face and just kind of hopped around. Looked like an Indian Dance. He was great. On the way back to the church and man in his early 60s approaced me with his hand held out. I relectuantly took my hand out to shake his. [Only the werid men offer to shake your hand. Its not in the culture to shake a women's hand. Its werid if they do that here]. He asked where I was from and I replied, pointing to my American-Korean companion, we are from America. He saw my companion and forgot about me. He shook her had and just held it and kept asking her questions. He was just loving her. My companion manages to pull her hand away. And he ask for her number, but she lies and say we don't have a cellphone and then say goodbye. He takes her by the hand again and huggs her, or tries, because she is pulling away. He was so werid. It was her first creepy man experience.

Then on the bus to district meeting another day, we were late and were stuck waiting for the bus to leave. We waited for 15 mintues and during this time the bus driver had us to a color test. It was amusing. Not sure exactly what went on, but according the combination of colors describes what you are feeling. It wasn't very accurate, but he is trying to hewn his craft...apparently. So many funny, amusing things happen on the streets of Seoul. I love it!

Thursday we met an investigator. She is AMAZING. Right now her sister is meeting missionaries in another area. For her committment she read the First Chapter of 1 Nephi. When we discussed it she had a sticky note of questions. She really studied the chapter and asked us "Where is Lehi's story? His son says he will start his account, but the Dad had a vision. Isn't that important." And "Why were the people in Jerusalem so wicked." "What about Africa and Asia. Are there other books like the Book of Mormon?" Her questions just blew our mind away and we were able to answer them. She has real intent. Its so amazing and a huge blessing to get to teach her.

DILLIGENCE

Diligence seems to have been the theme for this week and lasts. Lately I feel like I have been dragging because of the routine of missionary life. I have a tendacy to get bored of routines very quickly. {My mother will defianlty know what I mean by this.} But in district meeting we talked about consecrating our missionary work, by being diligent, not getting distracting about things at home, the furture, etc. Really good for me.

I haven't been lazy, don't think that, but definalty distracted and bored.  And while I thought about all these things I remebered a quote in "Preach My Gospel". It says something unto this, "Work, work, work. There is nothing more statisfactory in missionary work, than work." Looking back on my mission the happiest days have been when I am running around from appointment to appointment and returning home just barely at 9pm and collasping to my bed at 10:30. Then the hardest days have been when all appointments cancel and we just proselyte all day. Which I feel like that is what most of my days have been like lately.

So I have made goals to keep me working hard and moving. This week I went on exchagnes with a girl from Mongolia. She shared with me how her and her companion each day set goals to get a lesson, visit a member, visit a less active, and contact an old investigator. That really inspired me and is something I want to implement. 

I will work harder on getting lessons on the street, visiting members, less actives, and calling potentials each day. Maybe my problem these past few weeks have been very bad planning. I think the perfect remedy to get over the feel of routine missionary life and a little depression about the slowness of the work, is by working harder, pushing myself more, showing God I will do whatever it takes and setting good daily goals I can stive to get. That is where the statisfaction will come from and the feeling of a dull routine will go away.  

Even though missionary work has slowed down in my area the past couple weeks, I have seen blessings. Just yesterday we got a call at 8:30am from the Elders telling us about how a lady came into the church and wants to learn english. So we meet her yesterday around 9:30am. She is 58years old and divorced. Just two weeks ago her mom died and she found her son who she had given away for adoption 27 years ago. He lives in Texas and just last week she meet him. The only problem is they don't speak the same language.

So we are going to teach her english along with gospel. She was so sad when we met her. She seems tired with life. It hasn't been easy for her. So I'am excited to share with her the gospel and the power of the Atonement. I know these things can bring her peace and happiness, which she seems to desperatly need in life.

Seeing the changes this message can make in people's life is my favorite part about missionary work. That is why I love it, even if some days drag and are hard. Meeting people and sharing this message is what brings me such great happiness and confirms to me over and over again the truthfulness of this gospel. I love it!

FOLLOWING IMPRESSIONS

This week has been rather difficult. School started agian in Korea after a long break, so all but three of our investigators canceled on us this past week. Hopefully, this week schedules will be figured out and we will be back into a routine soon. Me and my compaion have had alot of proseltying time. But our numbers don't show how much we've actually done. We have been trying new things to improve our proselyting and are slowly improving on those things we've been focusing on.

Regardless of the slow week, we have three progressing investigators.

O Jung Hee came to church yesterday for the second time. We teach english and gospel with her and her daughter. Last week she came to sacrament meeting and the baptism. She enyjoyed it and really liked yesterdays sacrament meeting too. She clapped at the end of the last talk! LOL. Not loudly, just quietly to hersefl. So cute.

Earlier in the week, on Thursday, she invited us to her house for the first time. She fed us dinner and we talked with her for two hours about missionary work and asked about how she felt about getting baptized. She said she is not ready right now, but sees herself getting baptized in the future. Super exciting. She really enjoys gospel time and our church. Yeah!

Then Sunday Sister McClellan called to confirm an appointment later that day, but they canceled because of a Birthday party. About an hour later, we get a phone call from the person who cancled asking "Are you coming?" My companion had called the wrong person! We are not even sure who she had called. Thankfully, they were only a 5 minuted walk away.

We meet these two sisters, Na Ray and Na Kyung. They are 18 and 16 years old. We teach english and gospel with them. For an hour we did english and played BS. They loved the game and were really good at it.

Then we started gospel time and had such a good lesson. It was definatly directed by the Spirit. Which was a huge blessing becasue on Sunday's we don't have time to practice and plan well for our investigators.

It was cool, because we when first came in they told us they read the Book of Mormon introduction page. This is so awesome, because they don't feel like english sucks. They really want to know about our message. In the beginning of the lesson they asked us questions they had about the introduction. They said they didn't understand well, but they understood alot. It just hard to read the korean Book of Mormon because they use alot of chinese characters and they just don't know what the word means. I think it is harder then english.

Their questions lead right into the lesson on the restoration. In the lesson I taught the great apostasy and did the demonstration with the pyramid of cups representing the church of Jesus christ. Then you push a bottom cup that represents Priesthood and it all falls down. While I taught this I had the impresssion to share the scripture that says "One Faith, One God, One Baptism." They totally understood the scripture and realized how a restoration of Christ Church was needed.

We related the story of Joseph Smith and both liked it.

We talked about how they could know if this message is true or not and taught them how they can know. We explained the feelings of the Holy Ghost and Na kyung said she feels the Holy Ghost every night when she prays. Yeah! Then towards the end of the lesson I got the impression to invite them to baptism. The impression was clear. I thought "I have to ask them." There was no doubt and God gave me the courage to ask.

This was only the second time meeting them. I gave them a soft baptismal comittment; "If you found out this message to be true will you get baptized?" They said "yes." And then we invited them to come to church next week. The younger one seemed especially excited about it. So I hope they will come!

After the lesson my companion shared how she two got the impression to ask about baptism. The Spirit truly was guiding that lesson. And after teaching them I thought about how those who are ready to hear this message will understand, no matter how horrible the korean, and will want to hear more. So cool. The highlight of the week.

A GOOD WEEK

The transfer is half-way over and the Lord has been blessing us all week. On Monday we picked up a new investigator. She wants to learn english. But they way we introduce our program is telling then, rather boldly, she you have no gospel interest and you don't keep your committments, we won't be able to meet. She agreed. And after our lesson, she said she felt happy. She use to go to church but stopped going because alot of the people she met at churches where two-faced and just wanted your money. So she believes in God, just doesn't like church. It was really nice after our lesson, because members where doing an activity upstairs and she was able to meet some of them. She has potential.

Then Sunday, during sacrament meeting we got a text from one of our investigators saying she was here. We looked to the back and there she was. It was her first time to our church. We teach her and her daughter. Afterward they even stayed for the baptism. The boys had two boys get baptized. It was awesome, so many members attended, it was perfect.

Also, a inactive came to the baptism. She is autistic, really sweet, we meet her  every week, but her mom and sisters won't let her come to church. And she always randomly ask if we can meet like 30minutes before. Sunday worked out really well. A couple of the members saw her and recoginzed her and immeditaly started talking with her. It was so perfect. And she ate with us after the baptism. She texted us later and told us she really liked it.

Then later that day we picked up two new investigators. Two girls, one is 15 and the other 17 years old. We are doing 30/30 program with them, but I think they have interest and potential. Told them if they don't keep committments they will be dropped and we don't want to do that to them. They understood. The oldest stopped going to church, but her younger sister and dad are very active in their church. It was a wonderful, blessed week!

Interesting pictures from our area. Old amn pulling cart, Friends sleeping after preparing us dinner at the church and the crazy overhead wiring along the streets!