Speed skating along

Each week seems to go by more and more quickly, every day not having nearly enough hours to do that which we feel we need to, and each week too we are happier and more excited as the weather warms our bodies and the Gospel our hearts. I can hardly believe how the time has skated by, and, as always, feel honored but inadequate to this sacred calling of representing the Lord Jesus Christ in Korea.

This must be Elder Jones on the left. We're not sure why
we bothered to buy Sam clothes before he left, since
he seems to have picked up plenty of stuff there. The
shirt is funny. The pants seem...unusual.

Elder Jones {Sam's new companion} is wonderful. He is self-driven, studies diligently, and works hard. He is happy, full of questions, and improves in his proselyting and language skills daily. He has taught several lessons largely on his own, and astounds me every time. We are getting along well, and seek to continue to find our respective strengths so that we may be more united and effective as a companionship. We ran literally just about everywhere this week. Time crunch after time crunch has left Elder Jones panting and probably wondering about my sanity, but he continues to smile, and just keeps going. We go hard in Imun, as the adage goes. I need to take care, though, considering he could easily shake me like a rag doll and toss me out our third story window if I don't take a step back once in a while (see attached picture). Training is a lot of fun~ it allows me to have a new start, of sorts, and be the absolute best missionary that I can be as I try to set an example. We've had a great time, and will continue to have a lot of fun. Definitely a challenge, but not one that I would trade for anything.

Brother Sang Jo is as perplexing as ever. He commits and accepts doctrine without reservation, yet remains unwilling to come to church. There is clearly some sort of fundamental disconnect going on, and we continue to strive to find that. He desires to be baptized, but will not take this vital step. Church attendance, as per the mission focus for the past month, has been occupying much of our thoughts concerning Sang Jo and other investigators. We are trying to explain church more fully and invite more directly, but need to continue refining and inviting.

Ung Sam really took large steps at progression this week. He is demonstrating a sincere desire to know about the Gospel, and wants his family to meet with us as well. We will see if we can win his wife over to our cause, as she, at least thus far, has not been entirely supportive. Sung Il, a recent convert, has continued to attend church, and has opened up to us a bit more. He continues to grow and to learn, and the scriptures have really been helping him to do so.

Paeng Won, a wonderful Chinese investigator, continues to progress. Although originally scheduled for baptism yesterday, he will hopefully receive the ordinance this week or the next. He is the brightest, most cheerful guy I've met out here, and is always complete with pink scarf, shirt, pants, and bike. Just love him.

We met several new Chinese nationals this week with some real potential. Although small, Gospel Principles in Chinese has been going well, and we really strive to grow that and to do all that we can to share the Gospel with all of God's children here in Seoul.

I hear a lot concerning the Olympics, which is always an exciting time! How's Korea doing? Kim Hyu Na killing it? We went ice skating a couple months ago, and elementary school kids were skating laps around me even though I was about four times as tall as them. Sister Yejin, in our branch, received her mission call to California yesterday, which is really really exciting for her and the branch. We visited her home yesterday to talk with her dad, who does not oppose, but neither does he support the church. As we talked about a scripture in Third Nephi, we felt a large measure of the Spirit, and I think he did, too. They move to Daejeon on the 24th, but we will do all that we can for them until then.

I dislike email (싫어ㅎㅎ) in that I often feel that I misrepresent my experience out here. I love the people, the culture, the country, everything, and we have many great experiences, but really what a mission is is individuals. The one, and seeing them change through the Atonement of Christ. There are too many experiences to share, but that is really what is special to me and what matters. We can work, and teach, and call, but when that one person's eyes light up because they feel, that is why I am here.

All my love and best wishes. My family is across the world now, and I wish them, and all, all the best. Be safe, happy, and warm. Be the cause of peace and joy wherever you are.

Off to the temple tomorrow. All my love,

Elder South