August 16: Third Week in the MTC

Hello, all!

It has been quite the day today (isn't it always), and I am quite pressed for time. As a result, I will be able to share less today, but am attaching some pictures, so if all goes well, there's a couple thousand more words. Without further ado, I will jump right in; let the rapid-fire stream-of-consciousness begin.

Our biggest focus is the investigators that we are teaching. This is a lot of fun, and although we really have no Korean study time at all, because we are always preparing lessons, I do feel that my Korean is progressing because of this and the necessity of knowing the requisite vocabulary. We began this week to bring absolutely nothing into lessons with us, save the scriptures, which means that we have greater flexibility, if at times completely forgetting a part or getting stuck in the middle of a sentence. It has blessed us, however, and really focusing on talking with our investigators has allowed us to better cater to what they need. We use many hand gestures and such as well.

Sam and his companion, Elder Rosenberg, with their "investigators," local Korean members of the church who volunteer in the MTC to let the missionaries practice teaching and language. The picture is taken in front of the Provo temple, which is across the street from the MTC.

In trying to explain the time scale of various events yesterday, I said "twenty hundred years" rather than "two thousand," and we have had many stories like this. Some other fun things have happened in our lessons as well. This week, for instance, while trying to explain the similarities and differences between the Bible and the Book of Mormon, I drew a map on the board for reference, and after drawing North and Central America, with Mexico particularly rough looking, our investigator burst out laughing and said "Ice cream cone!" I couldn't help but start laughing as well, but the rest of the lesson went all right. Another day, we began with a hymn, "Where Can I Turn for Peace," but I led off, and started singing it to the tune of "Nearer, My God to Thee." We were a little bit off, but we ended correctly, and I didn't even realize what had happened until after our lesson.

Studies are going well. I am spending more time in the Book of Mormon, and loving it. Exercise has also been enjoyable. We often do the "impossible mile," wherein we go on the Elliptical on full incline and resistance as fast as possible until we summit the mount--or die trying. We play soccer occasionally as well, which is great fun.

We had a stress management class the other day. I am very happy here, but it was good to think about personal expectations, and maybe how some may be unrealistic. None of us will be able to perfectly teach, testify, or speak the language, but we will say what we need to say and do what we need to do so that we may invite who we need to invite to come unto Christ.

Sam's first talk for church

We all need to prepare talks for every Sunday, in Korean, and then a lucky couple of individuals are called up to speak. It was a good experience to prepare, and I felt that it really helped me with the language to do so. I did not end up giving a talk, but I did give the opening prayer, which was nerve-wracking, but hopefully went all right.

There was a nice musical number on Sunday, "Nearer, My God to Thee," on violin and in Korean. I love to speak Korean. I want to go to Seoul. After church, we had a nice walk around the temple, and there was a devotional that evening. It was great to be in the big assembly room with the organ, and there was sung a beautiful rendition of "Jesus, Savior of My Soul." I was just thinking how much parents sacrifice for their children, and how they lose themselves in the work. So mom, dad, and other parents, thank you.

There has been a bit of a bug going around. Elder Rosenberg and I are fine, just a bit stuffy, but when one missionary catches something here, it sure spreads.

Elder Sam's "district" of twelve missionaries (six companionships) in the MTC with the Provo Temple in the background

Our schedule is great. I am a bit tired at times, but honestly, this is the most sleep that I've gotten in years, and so much gets done in the mornings. Many other elders often find time to "mattress plank," but as of yet, we have been too busy, or exercising, and so haven't done any napping.

Sam and his companion, Elder Rosenberg, with Sister Partridge in front

The highlight of this week was a visit from Elder [Richard G.] Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, for our Tuesday devotional. We went early, to practice for choir, and enjoyed our song immensely, but when Elder Scott walked in, so much love was in that room. It was an incredibly special experience to hear from him, and it meant a lot to me. He talked at length about prayer, and how we, as mortals, have the unfathomable privilege of speaking to a supreme being, who, in turn, answers us. It was very touching to me, and I wish that I could say more, but I must go. We're going to the temple!

All the best, and may God be with you always,

Elder [Sam] South

The nametag, in English and Korean. Once he gets to Korea, he'll have another nametag all in Korean.