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,

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