[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!!!

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