Playing cello with the Piano Guys--April 19, 2015

Sam with Piano Guys cellist Stephen Sharp Nelson

Good evening to loved family and friends. I hope that all goes well wherever you may be, and that the sorrows and cares of life are being made light through Christ. I have been just busy out of my mind recently, and I will just write briefly tonight {he says}, but I am grateful very much for loving support and prayers as we do everything we can to waste and wear out our lives for the Lord. I'm starting to figure out that life will be kind of hard. There's a lot of things to do and a lot of people to serve, and a responsibility to be better every day means that you can't stay inside, that you can't build up a safe wall around yourself, but you always need to be going out and serving and doing more than you think you can, doing more and more good every day. I'm grateful to be able to able to be learning a little bit of that now, because it's not going to get any easier when college or work or family comes. The Piano Guys {which include the pianist John Schmidt and cellist Stephen Sharp Nelson; see them at https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePianoGuys} were here for a fireside last night. Brother Nelson that a mission is a wonderful opportunity because it's like a charity scrimmage- you just go out and try to serve and love as much as you can, practicing everyday- what better way is there to learn to love than trying to do everything you can to serve every day, especially among such wonderful people?

I appreciated some very timely advice from mom and dad this week, who reminded once again the importance of differentiating between urgent and important work, and not letting essential projects give way to chaff along the way. In addition, counsel from the Bhagavad Gita: we have a right to our labor, but not to the fruits of our labor. We see no results until after the trial of our faith. We'll continue to do the best that we can always, and hope that it does some good sometime.

Demonstrations are still going on in Gwanghwamun, and it took us two and a half hours to get home from the church this last Saturday, just nuts. We went on two exchanges this week, and had a lot of fun experiences, including teaching and giving baptismal dates to three students from China. Lots of miracles every day. I'm also starting to realize that being in the office is different from the missionary work that I have been doing, and every opportunity to get out, especially during a busy time, is a blessing. The weather continues to fluctuate, but is generally very nice.

Sam playing Brother Nelson's Marcello

I don't know if I mentioned last week that The Piano Guys would be coming for a fireside this past Sunday, but come they did, and performed remarkably. I have long looked up to them, especially Stephen Sharp Nelson, not just as incredible musical innovators and performers, but just as good men who live what they believe, and that came apparent more than ever last night, as they rushed from the airport straight to our church building to bear testimonies and favor us with some incredible pieces of music. They were with us until late, and then had to go to another dinner appointment and get to their hotel in preparation for their concert tonight here in Korea. I was up on the stand, translating for Paul Anderson {the producer and videographer}, and got to interact with and talk with them all a lot. Stephen Sharp Nelson told me the story behind his cello that he had with him, and let me play it afterwards as they were eating. Just a really cool experience, and a lot of what they said will stick with me. These are men that have followed their passion, and have found joy and success in bringing their abilities before the Lord and watching Him magnify them. I saw so many people that I knew, it was like a mission reunion. In addition to missionaries, recent converts and less actives were there from almost every area that I've served in, as well as members that I haven't seen in a very long time. Carly, that we met on exchanges in Imun, was there and had a great time, and is meeting with the Imun sisters every week.

Sam with Elder Choi after jeondo, "street
contacting." Their hair is all wet
because of the humidity

Mission tour with President Ringwood is this week, and there is so much to do. I'm working now on making three videos that need to be done by then, and in addition to other preparation and such, the fun never stops. Next week will be a welcome chance to do actual missionary work {get out of the office and talk to people}, if we make it through. Many of my friends will be in finals and tests now as well- good luck. Many thanks for your love and prayers, and all of my love always.

E South