Last Post from Provo: Korea Here I Come!

Good afternoon to all, annyeong hashimnikka! ^;^ 

It's another beautiful day! It's about two and a half days now before we voyage onward, and as might be expected, our imminent departure to beautiful Korea is occupying much  of our thoughts. We leave at 3:30 Monday morning, and a lot needs to happen before then! Of course, however, that kind of logistical preparation will be easy to do; we need to prepare ourselves inwardly as well. We are all certainly a bit nervous, but simultaneously ready to go! As Elder Rosenberg says, we love everything about the MTC, except the fact that we aren't in Korea serving the people there. We don't know the language. We'll be strange foreigners loosed in Seoul. And yet, we are not afraid. Dad emailed me one of my favorite scriptures this morning, wherein Jesus counsels us to "be not afraid, only believe."

I have already seen incredible evidence of God's love for each of His children here, and experienced his tender mercies and miracles, and I need to share this with Korea. Although we don't speak the language well, I have committed that I will open my mouth. I will talk to that one extra person on the bus; use that last minute of study time; knock on that one more door. I know that God will bless us, and is preparing and showing His love to His children in Korea.

We had "In Field Orientation" yesterday, which is essentially a series of lectures and breakout classes designed to facilitate our transition as we get out into the field. It was both enjoyable and instructive, and I received some good insights concerning my personal responsibilities, how to fulfill them, and how to better work with members and others as a missionary.

Our devotional this past Tuesday was given by Don R. Clarke, of the seventy. It was our last Tuesday devotional at the MTC, and the last one that will be held at the Marriott center at least until next summer. It was very touching to me. I was free and able to sing in the choir for the first time in a couple of weeks, and we sang "Nearer, My God, to Thee," which continues to be one of my favorite hymns. During that song, and others throughout the evening, I again really felt God's love. Later, as a district, we sang "I Believe in Christ" in Korean, "Na Keuriseudo Mitseumnida," and this too was really a witness, in Korean notwithstanding. It has been a blessing to really have been able to feel the Spirit as we sing and speak in Korean, and reaffirms the universal nature and love of our God.

I had many thoughts during the devotional, but some more meaningful realizations are as follows: a missionary, or more appropriately, a person in general, becomes happy the day when they begin to care more about others than they do themselves. This certainly isn't true for me yet, but is certainly something that I want to continue to strive for. Another thought that I have had previously is that a mission experience can, and certainly should, change me, but it doesn't have to if I don't let it. I want to let it. I want to be a different person, a more Christlike person when I return home, having served the Lord with all the strength that I have. I received another witness of the truthfulness of Joseph Smith as a prophet, and of the reality that God the Father and the Son appeared to him. As we shared the words of Joseph Smith in a lesson with our investigator this week, he had a powerful experience, and the Spirit was very strong:

 I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me . . . When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! (Joseph Smith History 1:16-17)

I also directly received answers in relation to questions that I have been having this week as I read the Book of Mormon.

I need to go, but I love you all. I cannot wait to go. It's so soon. I'm not qualified, but I know that the Lord will qualify us as we trust Him. He will "lead [us] by the hand, and give [us] answer to [our] prayers."

Many thanks for all of your love,

Elder South

One more week, Han Do Ju, Ooone weeek mooore

Good day to all! I love you. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support. I sincerely know that you care, and thank you for that. You mean so much to me as well!

It has been a crazy week with getting the new missionaries oriented, comfortable, and productive. The computers were down for a good bit, so there has been lots of running around and figuring out alternate methodologies and such. They are a bit nervous, and still adjusting, but doing great.

Another group of Korean missionaries came in this week, comprising five sisters and three elders. They are really fun, and I've spent a lot of time with them already. One of my teachers taught me some phrases in a heavy Busan (southern Korea) accent, and they are all from around there, so we've been having a great time. Only a couple really speak any English, so it's been really enjoyable to do orientation with them and lead them around and such, and has included lots of gesturing and acting things out. I just love them. I can't wait to just be able to talk to and love the people of Korea. 10 days now! We got our travel itineraries today.I will leave here at 3:30 in the morning on the 30th, and get to Incheon at 6:30 pm Korean time on the first of October for a new adventure.

This same teacher I have been working a lot with. He is not one of our teachers, but is acting as a zone resource, and has spent a lot of time with our class. I told him a story in Korean the other day, and he asked afterwards if I had studied Chinese. Funnily, he said that my speech patterns are very tonal, like Chinese, and the Koreans have expressed similar sentiments when I have asked them. Apparently this makes me sound like I am from northeastern Korea, where the speech is a bit tonal. Anyway, I'll need to listen really carefully and try to imitate the speech when I arrive.

This is a great place. I've made some really good friends, and have gotten a lot closer to the missionaries in the group younger than ours this week.

Brother Kim was baptized this past week. A word of explanation on our investigators: On Fridays, we teach people who speak Korean from around the area. These are generally return missionaries or BYU students from Korea, but not all are members of the church, and these are very rewarding lessons. A week before we came here, one of these investigators was baptized. Last week, we Skyped with a sister in Korea and her mother, and that was really cool. We may do that again tonight. When I refer to investigators, however, they are a training tool of the MTC, and we teach them until their baptismal date, in spite of that really not being the end at all of the conversion process, but really the beginning. Anyway, that's how it works. Brother Kim, one of these investigators, was baptized this past Monday, so we have been practicing street contacting and tracting with our teacher instead, which has been a lot of fun. Also fun, kagahohohada is to tract in Korean.

Spiritually, it has been a very uplifting week. I really have seen some incredible tender mercies of the Lord and miracles this past week, when some things just shouldn't have been possible or feasible, but worked out better than I could have thought. The Lord is in the details, and He helps us out very specifically with whatever we need and ask for. I really have seen that this week.

I had written that I wanted to share about Korean culture each week previously. I, unfortunately, have largely forgotten about that, but will do so when I remember. This past Thursday was Chuseok, which is the Korean harvest festival, based on the lunar calendar, and a huge holiday in Korea, comparable to Christmas but more in the spirit of Thanksgiving. The saying goes, "Teodo malgo, teoldo malgo, hangauiman kateushipshio," which roughly translates as "Not too much, not too little, just enough." 

Okay, well, I love you all, and wish you the best for another week! God be with you!

Much love and anticipation for fermented cabbage,

South Changno

[Editor's Note: Last week, Sam mentioned that he is now functioning as a "Zone Leader." Let me explain a bit about the organizational structure of the LDS mission. Each missionary is part of a companionship of two missionaries, so you'll hear Sam talk a lot about his "companion." His current companion is Elder Rosenberg, who acts as the "District Leader," which means that he oversees the work of three companionships. Now that Sam is a Zone Leader, he is the one to whom three or four District Leaders report.  One other note: "P-Day" is "Preparation Day," which is the one day of the week that missionaries do laundry, write email, and wear something other than a white shirt and tie.  -- Kristin (aka "Sam's Mom"]

Annyeong hasseyooooooo!

It sounds like it has been quite an adventuresome week for many of you! We noticed it raining pretty hard on Saturday, and we had to stay in our buildings for a bit, but we clearly did not realize the extent of the rain (in Korean, pronounced as pi). I am glad that all are okay, and what an adventure--I remember flooding in Connecticut a couple of times, but never Utah.

It's been another great week! Even after all this time, the MTC is still enjoyable and brings new challenges and blessings every day. The Koreans left early this week, as did the group above us. We really got close with these Koreans, and they were so, so much fun to talk with. We will miss them, and the group above us as well! The extremely talented Koreans did a beautiful musical number last Sunday, and I was blown away by how good they were. The next group that comes in will take off at the same time as us, so we are anxiously awaiting their arrival.

A new group of missionaries came in on Tuesday and Wednesday, which means that we are the "old" ones now, although it sure doesn't feel like it. The two sisters that arrived on Tuesday were international missionaries from Cambodia and Taiwan, respectively. They are very cool, and not super proficient in English, which is so admirable. I can't even imagining learning Korean in a language that I don't know, in my first time in a new land with lots of crazy missionaries running anywhere. We'll certainly be watching out for them! I cannot communicate very well with Sister Sung, from Cambodia, but she is a lot of fun and very interesting to speak with. She studied a bit of Korean before she came, so hopefully she will be able to build off of that.

Sister Teng, from southwestern Taiwan, is also SO cool. She was planning to go on a mission a couple of years ago, but hurt her shoulder and so came now instead. We spoke at length on Tuesday, and went as a group to the devotional, where thankfully there were translation headsets. She is doing very well, is liking the food, and is happy. She has a great companion, and they get along well in spite of Sister Teng not speaking a lot of English. It has been a crazy experience for me to try to remember how to explain things like getting immunizations, doing laundry, and various other daily items in Chinese, to say nothing of explaining things like why certain object markers go on certain words. It will be an adventure for her, but she is very intelligent and is already doing quite well. After speaking so much Chinese that one evening, when I tried to switch back to Korean it was like I had forgotten everything from the past six weeks.

Six weeks, however, means only two and a half left! ^^

Our investigators are progressing well, and are a joy to teach. Kim Hyungjaenim (brother) is getting baptized on Monday, and is really excited for it! We are too!

It's been another beautiful week of spiritual experiences. Coming out from the temple last week, the clouds were thick and beautiful in the evening light over Utah Lake, and there were distinct beams of light shining down throughout. This gospel really is one of light, and knowledge, and I have been paying particular attention to those themes in my studying of the Book of Mormon, which has been a very rewarding experience. Light is so powerful, and so representative of the Savior and His love.

The last couple of P-days, Elder Rosenberg and I have wandered around to a few buildings to look in the unwanted articles bins, with the result of me having copies of Preach My Gospel in about ten languages. I may send them home, they're fun to look at, otherwise I'll send a picture later.

The language is great. More is clicking, but there is a long, long way to go. I am still at times a bit frustrated, wondering what else I can do more, but I really am trying to trust in the Lord and that the language will come. I struggled a bit with grammar this week, and I am continuing to revise and study and pray to find a good system for me to learn effectively.

Our district is doing a musical number this coming Sunday, and I have checked out a cello a couple times this week to practice. It is a lot of fun to play again, and I hope that I will be able to practice tomorrow, because it has undeniably been a long time.

Another teacher has been helping out with our classes the past week and acting as a resource, and will continue to do so. This has been a real blessing. I have really connected with him, and he has been able to help me out a lot, both with linguistic and big picture questions.

I ran into a friend this past week who I saw wearing a beautiful lavalava previously. I asked him where I could acquire such an item, and he said that because he was leaving on Monday, if I could find him it would be mine. Alas, I had not time in the evenings in which to search, and my trip to the information desk yielded some, but not all of the information that I needed. And so, alas, no lavalava is in my possession. One day, however; I have a new goal.

Other stories this week include Elder Rosenberg talking to our investigator about the rice of chastity (bap) rather than the law (bop), walking by some Japanese sisters who said "Ohio" as we walked by (good morning in Japanese) and responding with "konichiwa" (good afternoon), because it was lunchtime, only to have them burst out laughing, as it turned out that they were looking at a picture of, well, Ohio, and talking about it. Lots of fun things, and lots of linguistic gaffes.

Life is good. I hope that you are all blessed as they days go on.

Saranghaeyo!!!

South 장로

More Faith Than Fear

[Editor's Note: Sam writes letters every Friday and we usually post them the following Sunday. This letter was written on September 6, but on Saturday, September 7, a short but unusually intense rain storm left several homes in our neighborhood, including ours, flooded to various degrees. We spent Sunday morning (and afternoon) ripping out carpet pad, collecting and distributing and running fans and heaters to try to dry out carpet, digging out mud around windows, and helping neighbors to do the same. We apologize to any loyal fans who missed their weekly dose of Samshine.  Here is the September 6 letter.]

It is another beautiful day, and I can hardly believe that another wonderful week has flown by.

As always, thank you for your love, your prayers, and your support. From the updates I have received from family and friends, I am so proud of you all! It seems as if you are finding great success and are happy. May God continue to bless you in your endeavors.

Our investigators are continuing to progress wonderfully, and are really growing in their faith. Brother Kim went to church this past Sunday, has stopped drinking, and bore a sweet testimony last night in our lesson. We reconfirmed a baptismal date on the 16th for him. Brother Lee is keeping his commitments wonderfully, and has finally opened up a bit to us. He committed this week to being baptized on the 23rd.

The big group above us is leaving on Monday, after which we will be the "oldest" ones in our zone, which is a bit odd. There is a group of 36 new missionaries coming in next Wednesday, though, and we are very excited to meet them!

The language is coming along. I still just love it, and this week we spent a lot of time with the Koreans, and played a fun Korean game with them. They will also depart next Wednesday. They are so wonderful, and so funny. Inspired by Elder Warnick, I have begun to do more study of the Hanja roots of Korean words, or the Chinese characters from which much of Korean vocabulary comes. The connection is not often immediately apparent, but if I can begin to be familiar with how words were anciently borrowed, and find the similarities in meaning and sound, it could potentially be hugely beneficial.

I am, certainly, frustrated at times with my poor ability, and I feel that I could be learning more and being more diligent, but I am trying. I have changed my language study plan a couple more times this week, in the hope that I will eventually find an effective method for me to learn. Much of my study is focused on grammar, pronunciation, and appropriate usage rather than straight vocabulary, so although I am not seeing quick results, I am hoping that in the long run it will pay off. Honestly, though, my vastly most preferred method in the past has been speaking with natives, and I am really looking forward to being immersed in the language and culture!

Mostly, though, I am frustrated with my inability to clearly and simply express myself. It is something that I struggle with in English, and has proved a problem in Korean as well. What I thought a lack of vocabulary would fix has turned into a convoluted mess of meaning and a tendency to talk around without clear articulation of a point. Through study and prayer this week, I feel that I am doing better, but I sure have a long way to go. The Spirit really can best testify when truths are plainly and simply expressed.

Sister Tillemann-Dick left this week, and I was able to see her one more time. She will be fantastic! I have also run into Elder Gardner a couple of times.

My feelings of personal inadequacy this week were only heightened by being called as a zone leader, with responsibility for the missionaries in our branch. It has already proved quite a thrill and a challenge, and I pray that through the Lord, I will be able to bless someone's life. The other zone leader, Elder Easton, is wonderful, and I am looking forward to this opportunity. I have, whether it be in lessons, meetings, or whatever it may be this week, been striving to have more faith than fear, as we are commanded, and I know that the Lord will help us all of our respective trials if we turn to Him.

Anyway, I wish that I could go on; there is so much to say! I will add that I met an Elder South in the cafeteria this week. We didn't talk for long, but, wow! What a fine elder! His hair was exquisite, his tie knot tight, his choice of dinner fare healthy and balanced, and his words humorous and refined. I'm not saying we're related, but we only compared family trees to a couple of generations back.

Anyway, it is no jest that I love you all, and am so grateful for each of you. Stay strong! Fight the good fight. I truly know that God lives, and that He loves you.

All my love,

South 장로

Trees of Green and Skies of Blue

As I sit down to write, I'm looking at the picturesque, snow-white fluffballs that decorate the deep blue sky--it's a beautiful day! We have enjoyed studying outside much more often this week as it cools, and it has been wonderful!

We have continued to teach our investigators this week, and began teaching several new ones. One, Brother Kweon, is a student that we have only met a couple times, but is wonderful and already progressing wonderfully. We also began teaching another companionship in our district, pretending to be investigators, as did we for them, and it was a great experience to see from the eyes of the kudoja (investigator), and see what needs to happen in order to gain faith and understanding.

Last Sunday was a very enjoyable day. After writing our talks, which are getting longer and longer and more and more fun and beneficial to write, we studied outside for a while. In sacrament meeting, a musical number was beautifully sung in Korean, English, and Tongan by three Tongan sisters. Afterwards, we walked around the temple, and had the opportunity to speak for a while with Brother and Sister Lee, of our branch presidency. After a fine devotional, we watched a talk by Elder Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve, which was just incredible. He spoke about the character of Christ, and had many remarkable insights that really made me want to change a lot of what I do. I will not go into it at length here, but he talked about how Christ always turned outward, to help those in need, when the natural tendency for us would be to turn inward and think primarily of ourselves.

Sam, Mercina Tillemann-Dick, and Luke Sanford are three
friends from college who will soon be in three
separate East Asian countries as missionaries.

I saw Elder Sanford and Sister Tillemann-Dick the devotional, and we were able to grab a photo in the dying light of day. It was our last time that we will all be together for quite a while! I was able to sneak a quick farewell to Elder Sanford on Monday night, prior to his departure. I wish him all the best! He will just be wonderful, as will Sister Tillemann-Dick, leaving this next week. Crazy times.

On Tuesday, Elder Rosenberg and I had the opportunity once more to sing in the choir for devotional, which is always wonderful. During the devotional, Elder Anderson, also of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, addressed us, and shared some powerful spiritual insights into missionary work. Due to heavy rain afterwards, we stayed for a few extra minutes and sang a few hymns.

Daily, things are wonderful. Korean is great, and I love it! An extra teacher has been around, so Elder Rosenberg and I have been going with him for half an hour or so each day to learn a new grammar form and ask any questions that we may have, which has been extremely beneficial!

Elder Rosenberg is a wonderful companion, from whom I have learned much. I am blessed to be with him, and hope that we can continue to grow as we teach and learn together.

Sam and his second teacher, "Gunnell Seongsaengnim"

I have made a new friend in a Madagascar bound, French speaking Elder Choi, from Pusan, Korea. He is a lot of fun, and is an excellent cultural reference. I have enjoyed speaking with him these past couple weeks. Some new Korean missionaries arrived this week as well, who are wonderful! They are very friendly, and I have enjoyed the time with them very much thus far. I really want to go to Korea! The group above us leaves in just over a week, at which point we'll be the "oldest" group here. I think that we're just about exactly halfway through our stay today, which is a fun milestone. ^^

Theoretically, an Elder Gardner entered the MTC this past Wednesday, although so far I have seen nary a trace of him, save his name on the board for missionaries who need to report to the front desk immediately. Classic.

Anyway, things are great. I hope that you in your respective endeavors are happy and healthy. Good luck to all of those beginning school, and to any wonderful grandmothers attempting to teach those rowdy youngsters, best of luck. My New Haven friends, I love you all and wish you all the best as the next year begins. Bluebook diligently, don't let JE win intramurals, and eat lots of pizza.

Thank you all for your letters, support, and prayers. Life is wonderful!

사랑과함께,

South 장로