In which Sam grows old in a hurry -- February 8, 2015

{Editors note: Sam has now been assigned as an "assistant to the president" (AP) and so has been transferred back to central Seoul. He will be doing lots of traveling and lots of training which he will enjoy a lot. He certainly will be frustrated that so much time is spent on administrative work and he doesn't get to meet others and teach others nearly as much he would like. One chapter on his mission has certainly closed and this will be a new experience for him. Extra prayers on his behalf are welcome.}

Sam at the Korean War Memorial in Seoul

A good day to all. It is frigid here. Very, very cold, with lots of wind. Hopefully we warm up soon, until then we'll be okay as long as we keep our hearts warm and smiles on our faces.

We've had quite the week this week. MLC {mission leadership conference} was on Monday, and the next few days were filled with the associated planning, praying, and preparing before our own zone conference on Wednesday. The assistants dropped by for zone training, and I went on exchanges to Seoul afterwards with Elder Reynolds {presumably one of the assistants}. We saw a lot of miracles, met a guy on the bus that we met again that next day at lunch, ate some Sindang ddeokbokki {I looked it up: stir-fried rice cakes}, and had a great time. It was fun to see Elder Ahn again, who is working in the office.



We were able to go to the Korean War museum this week, and it was eye opening. Like going to the DMZ, it gave me a lot more perspective on the country that is Korea today. LOTS of hardships, lots of struggles, lots of violence, and now lots of hope, but often still with deep wounds from still a relatively recent war.

Elder Rosenberg {Sam's companion} was sick this week for a couple days, so we ended up making a lot of phone calls, which was good! I struggle sometimes feeling like you can still work hard even while being inside, but there is no reason to proselyte if you don't call, and we were able to set up a lot of appointments. Several investigators are doing well and we are enjoying the association- I feel like I am starting to have relationships here in Ilsan. We had a great meal and lesson yesterday at a family's home of three generations. Many of our investigators have great questions that have really made me think this week about our reliance on God, what "truth" means, and such. Every day is a great experience. Someone called randomly this week and was interested in meeting. We talked for a while, he asked where I was from, and he expressed surprise at my nationality, saying that he thought I was a 60 year old Korean man. Probably not a compliment? Wild cards every day, that's for sure.


The biggest wild card of all this week happened after a great stake conference, and President Christensen pulled us aside to talk for a bit. It turns out that I will be out of Ilsan just like that, today, my last day, marking a month and one day. I'll be moving back to Seoul and serving as one of President's assistants. Lots of responsibilities, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I wasn't anxious at all. Elder Reynolds called that night when we got back, confirmed times {for the transfer}, and hung up the phone with "have fun trying to sleep tonight."

I'll be living very close to Gwanghwamun, in central Seoul. Lots of people and lots of fun! Hopefully we get lots of time to get out there and work. Lots of fun things in the upcoming week include transfers, picking up new missionaries, etc. There's a conference out in the East pretty soon that should be fun.

Names of those killed in the war

As I have studied this week I have gained a deeper and deeper knowledge of Joseph Smith as the Lord's chosen prophet and learned much from his words. I have felt powerfully of his truthfulness this week and admire him as a leader, a prophet, and a seer. I love you all and wish there was more time to share stories. We're having fun and working hard!

All the best,
Elder South

Korean and UN soldiers fought together

At the Seoul LDS Temple