Week 48

September 10, 2017

This week was amazing. So much to talk about, so little time. So I will try to just highlight the important important stuff! 

This week was pretty hard. We had 8 canceled appointments.... that was frustrating and really testing our faith! But we kept working and had some fun in the process. One cool thing that happened is we met a super cool guy and talked to him for an hour and a half!!!! he was a blessing because he came after a canceled appointment and 2 hours of straight rejections! God was testing us and then sent this man to us because we didn't give up!!! He was such a cool person and we were laughing and singing and dancing and just talking together and it was so much fun! I realized that getting out and spreading the gospel can be fun!!!!! It is meant to be fun! 

Also there was this really cool friendship festival. For the past 14 years, because there is so much military down here, they have had a friendship festival for Americans and Koreans... so we headed down there and sticker boarded! I was reminded of why no one ever does that in America... because the whole night two Americans stuck stickers and like 100 Koreans stuck stickers! But it was a fun night!!! 

Also, something Elder Jenkins taught me was when you are tired or feeling weary, take a shot of vinegar. I have been exhausted my whole mission but this week more than normal... so I got out and bought vinegar and started taking shots every time I am tired or not motivated and man it's like a slap in the face and it just sends energy through your body!!! Plus it's apple vinegar so it is really tasty!! 

Also this week we went to President Genglers house with our investigators! It was a good friendship opportunity and it was such a fun night! Being with 6 missionaries and two families really was a fun night and a really really really good time!!! 

There were three highlights of the week. 

District meeting: We talked about some things that are hard for us as missionaries. We were all supposed to come with a question and we were going to talk about them. My question was how can I elevate other missionaries without being forceful. Because when I was with Elder Jenkins I wanted to be the best missionary. I wanted to work hard, be obedient, but he never forced me, he just lifted everyone around him. I got good personal insights on how to improve. But Elder Yoon brought up a question "How can I always be standing in Holy places?" And we discussed and we decided it starts with your inside. If your thoughts, desires, and wishes are pure, you are always in a Holy place!!! 

Sunday meeting: So this was my first English church meeting in 11 months.... and honestly it was weird. I learned and felt so so much!!! Because I could actually understand! Sacrament I had a really cool experience. I was really physically and mentally tired. I was sore because we played ultimate Frisbee and I fell really hard and my butt hurt and my ribs were killing me and I have turf burn all over! English children are so loud and I was in the back and I was having a really hard time feeling the spirit and paying attention. So I said a prayer and then we sang a Hymn, "Did You Think to Pray?" and I was filled with joy and peace and a warm comforting feeling. It was an amazing experience and I was reminded why that hymn was and still is my favorite. 

The rest of the meetings were just amazing! I learned and felt so much! The 2nd hour a return missionary from Korea just talked to us because there was no room in the adult Sunday school! He was amazing and he helped and could actually relate to us because unless you have served here, you can't really understand how hard it is! So he was awesome! Then 3rd hour we talked about learning. We studied President Gordon B Hinkley and what he said about learning. Always be learning, but most importantly learn the things of the spirit and of God!

Elder Yoon: Then last night I got to have a long talk with Elder Yoon. he is a younger missionary. only been serving for 3 months. He asked me about my goals for my mission, my testimony, and advice. He is really struggling right now and going through a really hard time and wants to go home and is losing faith and wonders if he is doing anything. Well I had those exact thoughts and feelings. So I tried my best to help him and I talked to him till 12am and it was amazing! I shared great lessons I have learned on my mission and shared with him goals I have. I will share a few with you;

#1 I don't care about baptisms. I have almost been on my mission a year and still haven't baptized anyone. But I proudly say that, not because I have been lazy, not because I don't think it is important, but because one of my main goals is this. If I go to judgement and Christ only ask about my mission, I want to be able to say I worked hard and I gave everything, even when it was hard and I wasn't seeing any miracles. As Elder Jenkins always said, "Will you do that 12th mile everyday? Even when nothing was there? Will you give everything you got everyday, even if there is never a reward?" To that question, I have had to sadly say no sometimes, but I always strive to be able to answer yes to that question. 

I am learning to work for success and work for things. Because nothing comes easy here. 

#2. My biggest goal is to 100% without a doubt, perfectly and completely know Jesus Christ. That is what is most important to me. If I only get that out of my mission, I will be happy.

#3, The things I have learned and the things I shared are these. DON'T GIVE UP. And LISTEN TO WHAT GOD IS TELLING YOU. My first 6 months I was barely holding on. If I would have given up, I would not be where I am now, in as good of a place as I am in. And two, little by little, when I could handle it, God taught me something. And thankfully I was smart enough to listen and learn, and eventually I was ready to hear fully what he wanted to say. 

So to you all, focus on your relationship, testimony, and foundation of Christ. And don't give up and when the Lord speaks to you listen! 

Have a great week!