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,

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