Gooood afternoon to all, and I hope that all goes well. Thank you for your love and prayers, and know that the same are coming out from Seoul as well. Being a missionary brings with it a certain set of challenges and experiences, certainly, but we are also living such a lifestyle as to render many of life's challenges out of our thoughts and focus. As you face those, best of luck, and prayers. There are a lot of hard things in this world, but there are a lot of good things in this world. A lot of sorrow, but a lot of love. It's hard to pinpoint any specific thing that has affected me most or been most influential to me as I have served thus far, but one thing that I have seen is that regardless of trials or struggles, love is always stronger.
We've seen more miracles this week with regards to our beloved friends, coming to church, or saying prayers, or just having a desire to meet. If you don't focus on the miracles there can be things that are hard, but if you do, there sure is a lot to be grateful for. Particularly powerful this week was Brother Jeonggeun, with whom we met with after sacrament meeting at church. As we discussed the Restoration and the methods that God has given us to know of its truthfulness, he expressed his feeling a "감동," a "deep emotion," I don't know the best way to say it in English. We did too, and we are grateful for assurances, little or big, that let us know He's there.
We have the opportunity to go to the temple again tomorrow, and I am really looking forward to it. It's time to go back. It's an amazing chance as a missionary, and I am very grateful. Steven and Jonathan, two dear college friends, should also be in the area for lunch, so we're looking forward to getting together. <3
A sister in our ward passed away this week, so we attended a funeral last night, late. It was naturally a solemn affair, but again, we felt a presence and an assurance that I will remember and for which I am very grateful. It was a special experience for me, and I am grateful for the Gospel ("And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.") and the outpouring of love from the ward and the family. Love is always stronger.
I'm never used to being a missionary- I can always serve more diligently and talk to more people and have a more focused desire and feel more powerfully personal conversion, but I am grateful for every minute. This is the place for me, and I want to keep moving forward until I can become that smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty.
Although I feel relatively confident in most situations that we find ourselves in with regards to the language, I am, as has often been true in the past, frustrated at times with my present abilities and look forward but can't always have the patience to consistently move forward. Stuttering or miscommunication can be frustrating, but I know that as I do my very best and stay calm and faithful, what I can say will be what I need to say, even if it doesn't seem to be at the time. Korean is just a tool, not why we're here. "O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there night not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me."
"Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called? . . . I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God . . . and this is my joy."
All love to Daniel as he hikes, Caleb as he ponders and moves forward, Lisa and family as they adjust, dearest Grandmother as she continues to reach out in Christlike love, Juliana and Mikey and school friends and branch and all, much love and many thoughts. I am grateful for examples and service and love and patience. The world moves forward and we seek to find our place in it.
Lots of pictures, but unfortunately, due to a loss of both picture-uploading devices I once had, I cannot but forbear. Later!
I love you and I love Korea. Love and prayers and love. 
Elder South
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