Every Thought [letter of December 29, 2013]

[Editor's Note: Thanks for the birthday wishes for Sam on Facebook! I sent them all to him in an email, so he got them the day after his birthday. -- Sam's mom]

"Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." Doctrine and Covenants 6:36

A tasty street scene in Sam's area of Seoul

It's been a beautiful week in 서울! Although the blanket of snow came a day late for Christmas, we've enjoyed the lights, trees, decorations, and spirit of Seoul during the wintertime.

Thank you all so much for very fun gifts from dear family, and very fun and inspiring letters from my other "family" in New Haven. I love you all and appreciate profoundly your love and support; your words are thoughtful and humorous, and it is always a pleasure to hear how all are enjoying this wonderful time.

Unfortunately, neither of those that were planning on being baptized this past weekend received the ordinance,  but both are so, so close, and will definitely have that opportunity very soon. Betty's twin sister came into town from China, so we're hoping to pique her interest as well. ^^ Sa Gae is back in China for a few months, which is sad, but we'll stay in touch with him as he is away, and one of the two churches in the massively huge city of Shanghai is very close to his home, so that is a wonderful blessing. Min, who I haven't referred to as of yet, was baptized this past week in Dongdaemun, however. I spoke with him one night my first transfer as we were walking to go to English class, and he came along with us to class. He wasn't really interested in the Gospel at first, and we didn't start teaching him before I came to Imun, but now he has made amazing progress. It's the first experience I've had where someone we talked to on the street has been baptized, and it's cool to see that with God's help, it does happen!

Missionaries outside the Seoul temple: no snow yet!

On Wednesday, we attended a wonderful Christmas conference as a mission. Both President and Sister Christensen addressed us, and among many other wonderful sentiments, they talked about finding room for the Christ child. From that one night in Bethlehem until today, humankind has struggled to find room for Him in our lives. This is a season to let Him in, to find a place for Him in us, to grow in Him, and to realize His central role in everything we are and do. As we talk with people rushing every which way on the street or knock on doors, we are striving to open hearts and find a place for the Christ child to enter in. And while some closed doors on Him, some too travelled hundreds of miles through every condition to find and to worship him. I know that people are searching in haste for Him in their lives, and as they search, He will welcome them with open arms and exalted offerings.

Christmas conference friends

After lunch, there were several performances. The Korean sisters did a really cool classic fan dance, Elder Rosenberg dropped a beat with his famous beatboxing ability, and Elder Mumford, with whom I live, sang a "dank" (Washington slang?) Korean ballad. Sister Ahn, from my 동기 (age group) and I played on violin and cello. It was a lot of fun to see friends, and quite an enjoyable day. We loved that day and throughout the week to greet everyone everywhere with a smile and a "Merry Christmas!" Smiles and friendship, spreading love wherever possible, seem to go a long way.

As per the old adage, I'll wrap up here and send some photos from the past little bit.

All my love from Seoul, and happy New Year!

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