Faith, Trust, and a Little Bit of Pixie Dust

10/21-27

Monday was not a normal PDAY, we had a special conference just for sisters! It was a lot of fun thanks to all the preparation by Sister Morrise. The theme was, "You just need faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust" a quote from Peter Pan when he is teaching the kids how to fly. It was adorable, because her and President Morrise acted that whole scene out. They are so cute!! To introduce the theme we heard from President first, then Sister Morrise. All in all they concluded that we need to have 'pixie dust' too; which in Sister Morrise's words is, "a little bit of fun!" I admit is is really cheesy, but it was a great training. Next was lunch, a get to know each other game, mini cooking class (to make homemade Bisquick!!), and then the moment everyone was waiting for... exercise training!

Hi, I'm Sister Sloan. I love CrossFit. And I'm a Mormon. If you haven't guessed, yours truly was the one asked to conduct this part of sister's conference. I had a handout prepared (even translated thanks to my awesome companion) and a fun surprise. First I explained some basic CrossFit workout formulas such as 21-15-9, TABATA, and AMRAPs.

21-15-9 = 21 reps of exercise one, 21 reps of a exercise two, etc, 15 reps of exercise one, 15 reps of exercise two, etc, 9 reps of exercise one, 9 reps of exercise two, etc.
TABATA = For twenty seconds do as many reps of the assigned exercise as you can - then rest 10 seconds. Repeat this seven more times for a total of 8 intervals, 4 minutes total exercise.
The score is the least number of reps for any of the eight intervals.
AMRAP = Do as many reps as possible.

Next I gave some diet tips. Last was the best part- exercise demonstration! I asked for all of my past and present companions to come up to the front to help me. I immediately heard groans from them and smirks from everyone else haha- exactly what I wanted. They each took turns showing different movements but as they did it I had them hold uncomfortable positions like an air squat or plank so I could take my time in explaining proper form. Let me say that again, I took my time haha. It was hilarious, because they wanted to be good sports, but their faces showed how they really felt- let's just say sweat was starting to form haha. It was pretty great. Overall, it was a lot of fun and I ended by encouraging all of the sisters to set goals and to go forth and bring CrossFit to South Korea. ^^

When the conference ended, Sister Han and I didn't feel like lingering so we left and were back in 신풍 (Suwon) by 6. We quickly ate dinner and went straight to a members house were we joined them for FHE. We prepared a scripture search game using only the topical guide- in order to teach the family how useful it is. It went really well. Like every Korean mother, she was a great host and brought out a table full of fruit and fish pancakes (fish cooked with egg on the outside- pretty delicious). After eating, it was time to call it a night. Overall it was a fun day.

Tuesday was the beginning of a slow week. In the morning, we spent our time cleaning our apartment since we didn't have a chance to do so yesterday. Also, we were informed that the senior couple was making their rounds to check the cleanliness of all the Suwon missionaries apartments today. It felt like a deep cleaning day again since I had to tackle the task of scrubbing the floor of the enclosed balcony. It was disgusting, but I am happy to report that it is restored back to its original white-tile shade. Not even five minutes after we finished cleaning, the phone rang. It was the zone leaders asking us to come downstairs and guide them to our apartment. They were apparently with the senior couple and we had to hurry. Sister Han and I ran to change into missionary clothes and tried desperately to get rid of the smell of bleach in the air. We looked ridiculous, but it was really funny. We hurried to grab all the trash bags to chuck them into the dumpster on our way out of our apartment complex. I kid you not, the SECOND we finished, guess who turned the corner to greet us. It was impeccable timing. Sister Han and I were very proud haha. We passed the inspection with flying colors... #winners! Here is a direct quote, "This is the cleanest apartment we've ever seen! Great work girls!" The zone leaders rolled their eyes, probably because they were jealous. We saw them off soon after.

Previously we had planned to watch the Relief Society general broadcast with an investigator next, but she punked us. It felt like a movie night as we gathered a bunch of snacks and blankets to watch both the Korean and English version of the broadcast on our 3 by 5 inch DVD player haha. It was an AWESOME broadcast!! I'm glad our bishop finally gave us the DVDs, I learned so much!! After, it was time for dinner. Our meals are getting less and less gourmet as the weeks to by. Everything is running out so all we eat is rice and kim (dried seaweed- super delicious!). I don't mind but Sister Han is always embarrassed about the lack of side dishes that she is used to. Oh well, when we were full it was time to visit some less actives. After three hours we only were able to greet one- sad end to the day.

Wednesday was district meeting. Today a member from the 신갈 ward attended (did I ever mention that our district now includes two wards? 신갈 and 신풍?). Anyway, he is preparing for a mission to Australia in February. It was a decent training but I don't have anything profound to report. After, it was time for less active visits until dinner. We greeted two people, but the best part was that we were able to have conversations with 26 people! Today I was feeling especially confident in my Korean so I was talking to everyone; one man sat next to me on the bus and I asked him where he was going- he said the dentist and then went on and on about how scared he was. It was really funny not only because of all of his fear but also because I think he thought I was understanding everything he was saying... haha I'm just glad he wasn't asking questions so I just kept nodding my head. All in all, I'm pretty satisfied with my language ability this far- it's not great but it gets me by.

The evening ended with English class. Today Sister Han and I had 10 students! We had more students than all three other classes combined! We had to separate the class into students based in their understanding. Sister Han took the kids who barely knew the alphabet and I took the kids who understood, but needed practice speaking. After working on some understanding games and pronunciation, my students were getting bored. I stood up and asked who knew head, shoulders, knees, and toes. A few students groaned and a few excitedly rose their hands. I took them into the hallway, taught them, quizzed them, and then raced them. It was fun. A few mothers sit in on the class (#pressure!) and today they seemed really entertained by what I was teaching- it was a good feeling when they both complimented me as they were leaving. It was a great class.

Thursday was a boring day. First, Sister Han and I had to run errands like getting Sister Han a flu shot and helping the elders set up the haunted house for the party on Saturday. We spent five hours....
-____- and it still wasn't close to being done! It was fun helping and brainstorming ideas but it just was taking too long to come together. Today all of our appointments cancelled so we ended up just visiting more less-actives. Again, we were only able to greet two so it didn't feel like a very productive day.

Friday was weekly planning, less-active visits (three today!), and helping with the haunted house. I spent most of my time getting other rooms set up as everyone else slaved away in the basement. It was productive, just monotonous.

Saturday was good and disappointing at the same time. In the morning we went to visit 박순애S, whom we visit every Saturday. She recently had introduced us to her grandson, 홍성봉B and he was interested in starting the 30/30 program. He scheduled to come for an appointment on Saturdays when we met his grandmother- today was his first appointment but he punked us! Instead we shared the monthly newsletter with her while her daughter was busy tidying up the apartment. A few times I saw that she would stand at the kitchen sink with the water running, but had her hands propped up on the counter, she was listening to what Sister Han was reading. The same thing happened when we shared the spiritual message before we left. This time she came closer and was pretending to text as Sister Han shared a special experience about priesthood blessings. The grandmother didn't care at all but the daughter butted in with a few questions. This daughter is the mother of 홍성봉B and is a less-active herself, she is a neat lady and hopefully we will have a chance to teach her someday. After we left, it was more preparation for the party.

By the time 6PM rolled around, the party was supposed to have started. Us missionaries did our best to be ready and have everything set up because the members that had promised to help, still hadn't shown up. It was annoying but it was just a Halloween party so nothing to get upset over. This party was supposed to be an opportunity for our ward members to bring friends and introduce them to the church and eventually us, the missionaries. That didn't happen. We even had investigators show up but we didn't have time to greet them or introduce them to members because we were so busy keeping everything going and alive. By 8:27PM everyone was packing up to go home. It was a sad scene because the party wasn't over until 8:30PM. The mingling was already over and the lights were all turned on to indicate it was time to clean. I am really disappointed that so many members dropped the ball on literally everything that they promised to help with or do. The only member that did his part, was 박삼곤B who was paid to make and serve food. Lame!! At least us missionaries had fun setting up and cleaning up. That's probably the only good thing that came out of this whole ordeal.

Sunday was good. First we met with our investigator, 심성경S. It's been a couple weeks since we have been able to meet so it was fun to see her again. The lesson went really well, we taught her the whole third lesson about the 5 steps of Jesus Christ's gospel. She understood well and even had questions! Before we left, I invited her to church, because I was speaking today. She said she would come!

When we arrived at church Sister Han and I went straight up to Bishops office to attend ward council (which he had been invited to the night before). As soon as we opened the door, our bishop waved his hand indicated that we had been uninvited. That didn't feel good. I think he was disappointed with the party so he was punishing us- it's not the first time. Anyway, we then waited for our mother and son investigators but they didn't show. We were later informed that the mothers, mother passed away so they were taking care of family business. Next was church. I was asked to sit on the stand and speak second- scary!

I had practiced my talk over and over just before church began so I could recite most of it without using my notes. When it was my turn to speak, I started with two questions: 여러분에게 성신이있습니까? 어떻게성신을보입니까? Because I had just taught a lesson about the spirit I got the words spirit (성신) and faith (신앙) confused.... I asked the whole congregation if they had the spirit and how they exercised this spirit- instead of faith. I realized I made this mistake as soon as I looked into the audience to give them a moment to think. Instead of seeing people in a stupor of thought, I saw confusion and my companions face looked panicked. She mouthed me my mistake and I buried my face in my hands. I laughed as I corrected my mixup and then my confidence was shot. Everyone else laughed too, but to avoid any other stupid mistakes, I used my notes for the rest of my talk. I was bummed but I'll do better next time.

The investigator that promised to come did but arrived late and felt awkward walking in, so she left. I was also bummed about that but we'll just stop by to see her during the week. Maybe I can redeem myself in reciting it again ha. Anyway the rest of the day was standard. We had dinner as a ward and socialized with the members. And to end the evening, Sister Han and I stayed out in the cold to reach our goal of 140 conversations with people on the street. It wasn't easy but I kept thinking about my warm sweatshirt and sweatpants that I had waiting at home. When we finally reached our goal is was just before 9PM. I boiled some water for hot chocolate and changed my clothes to prepare for our nightly planning. I have a feeling it is going to be a long winter...

Looking back, this week was slow. We only taught 4 lessons, 3 of which were on the street. Now that the Halloween party is officially over and we don't to have to worry about it, maybe things will start picking back up again. Today is now Monday- but it's not PDAY. President Morrise decided that our PDAY will change once a transfer when we have our zone temple day (Thursday). Today we'll do some less-active visits and hopefully attend a ward members FHE with an investigator- I'll let you know next week! I love you all and miss you. I hope everyone has a great week!! ^^ 사랑합니다!

슬론 자매
Sister Sloan

Sister Han reading the Ward News letter

Harry Potter and Top Gun

I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home

10/14-20
Monday was literally the best PDAY to date! As I was preparing to leave the house in the morning, Sister Han stopped me to point out the song she heard me humming- the Primary song, "I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home." I laughed and quickly progressed from a quiet hum to a loud solo. She laughed and rolled her eyes. It was very fitting, because not even an hour after emailing home, my companion and I were on a bus to Suwon Station to greet my father! He was traveling for work and was taking a day to spend with me ^^ isn't he the best?! Once we arrived at the correct bus stop, I saw my father waiting on the curb of a bus platform. As soon as I spotted him, I picking up the pace of my walk. I had to keep looking back to make sure my companion was close by. She was keeping up so I began to walk as fast as I could. When I reached the bus platform, I wasn't able dodge the crowd as fast as I would have liked, so I decided to step to the side where no one was standing Amongst the crowd, I spotted someone else that looked very familiar. I squinted my eyes and sure enough, that was red hair in the distance!! My Olympic speed-walking pace immediately evolved to a full out sprint! My sneaky mother was trying to hide to surprise me! I ran into her and gave her the biggest hug I could. I did the same with my father! I cannot express in words how happy I was in the moment. I felt my eyes welling up but I had to shake the tears in order to see BOTH of my parents clearly.

Soon we greeted Sisters Yoon and Goodnough then were off to eat lunch all together. Sister Yoon and I may or may not have chosen a restaurant that was a ways away. After about a 40ish ;) minute bus ride, we arrived. When we got off the bus we waited for my dear friend, 서은영 (Sister Soh) to arrive [for those unfamiliar with Sister Soh, she is the investigator that has often been referred to as "The Atheist". When we were all accounted for and aquatinted, we started our walk to the restaurant. 서은영 (Sister Soh) wasted no time punching my arm expressing her frustration of me not informing her of my mothers attendance. I defensively said, "I didn't know either!!" haha. Thankfully she forgave me and she led us to a nice traditional restaurant that she recommended we try. After a lot of food (including raw cow...) we were full but still had room for dessert- or at least I did. As 서은영 (Sister Soh) scouted out a good cafe for us to eat, I was able to walk my parents through the beautiful park of Metopolas that I have come to love. Once at the cafe we ordered way too much 팥빙수 (red bean shaved ice) but that just meant we had more time to talk.

When we finally felt like we should start heading back, we all walked slowly to the bus stop. 서은영 (Sister Soh) was so sweet to wait and see us off. Of all the people I have met here in Korea, I have come to really love this woman. She has been a blessing to my life and I will forever be grateful. I was also grateful for the opportunity to share such a special experience with her and introduce my parents to Sister Soh. It was an excellent day.

On our way to drop my parents off at their bus stop, we took a quick detour to the 곡반정 church (my first area). There I showed my parents the building and was able to receive a special fathers blessing in the chapel. All day I was holding back tears of happiness, but at that moment when I closed my eyes for the blessing, streams of tears poured down my cheeks. It was a beautiful blessing and immediately after, I hugged my father tightly because I knew our time together was coming to an end. My mother and I went straight to the bathroom to clean our sorry-selfs up from our tears haha. Then we were all on our way. Sister Yoon and Goodnough saw us off at the bus stop, it was a quick goodbye because our bus arrived faster than I anticipated but all was well. I was happy that I chose the bus I did because it made its way back to Suwon Station in a very round about way. I had a little extra time to talk to my parents and tell them all about what I have been up to these last five and a half months in Korea. When the time finally came to drop them at their bus (Red-3000), it was coming up on 4PM hehe. I gave them both hugs then waved as Sister Han and I walked away.

With only a couple hours left of PDAY, we walked into the Station where a big bookstore was located. I wandered as my companion searched for the best book to improve her English.  I think the conversations I had with my parents discouraged her from feeling confident with her English ability. :( When we finished we walked to our bus stop and I spotted my parents still waiting for theirs. Concerned, I looked around and sure enough their bus was waiting at a different platform. Sister Han and I quickly went to tell them but as we raced down the stairs I heard their voices. Probably at the same time I figured it out, so did they. I didn't mind having another opportunity to hug them and tell them I loved them though. I was sad to walk away but was too happy to cry again. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.

Tuesday was a typhoony day. The weather did a 180 and turned from clear, sunny skies to windy, rainy, and cold. It was hard to be outside walking to our appointments but somehow Sister Han and I survived. The only noteworthy part of the day was the opportunity our zone had to have interviews with President Morrise (pronounced Maurice). I love having time to talk with him, he is literally the best mission president for me! Before he opened things up for questions or concerns, he had to say something before he forgot. He proceeded to tell me how happy he was with all the work I have been doing. He told me that when he first felt impressed to pair me up with Sister Han, he wasn't too certain that that was a good fit. Now he knows that it really was inspired because we have seen loads of miracles and success together. He also made sure to tell me that I am one of his missionaries that he simply doesn't worry about; instead, he has full confidence in me and just feels good whenever he thinks about me. Hello confidence boost! It felt good hearing that from a man whom I respect so much! President Morrise is the best!

Wednesday was busy! First we had our normal district meeting. It was Elder Breckwoldt's first training in the district so I was excited but it was pretty dry. Most everyone was falling asleep as he went on and on about all the appointments he had at the beginning of the week. It was pretty unrelated so Elder Jenson and I decided to have our own little pow-wow because I had loads of questions about my struggling investigators. Elder Jenson is only 6 months ahead of me but he is a spectacular missionary! His advice and recommendations were perfect. I was grateful to have at least gotten something out of the "training" meeting.

Directly after the meeting, Sister Han and I had to rush to an appointment. This lady, 조은선 (Sister Cho) is interesting. Her and her friend are investigating many churches to find which has the truth. Lucky her for finding us ;) just kidding. She is very genuine but hard to teach because she is so skeptical. My companion and I did our best to answer her questions but she told us that we should call her when we have studied more haha. It wasn't quite as blunt or rude as it sounds but you get the point. Next was an appointment with a high schooler, 이도경 (Sister Lee) whom we haven't been able to meet for a few months now. High school students are literally tortured here with the long school hours and incredible competition against each other. This poor girl was so stressed about her last college interview this Saturday. She is hoping to become a flight attendant for Korean Air so for her last interview she is expected to read the whole airline safety intro that is recited on every flight in perfect English. We ran out of time to share our lesson but I felt okay about helping her perfect the script and ease her stress. We literally had to run to English class. The class went well- I am so proud of my students they are brilliant! At the end when we all came back together, Sister Han and I shared the spiritual thought. I read a passage from The Family: A Proclamation to the World and bore testimony of the power and importance of the family. It was awesome. My Korean skills really aren't anywhere close where I want them to be but I was pleased with mine and my companions message delivery.

Thursday was productive but uneventful. In preparation for a Halloween party that all the missionaries from the stake were asked to organized, Sister Han and I had a list of things to buy. After a few hours we were done and then spent our evening finding less-active members again. It took a long time but we were able to confirm a few bad addresses. By that time we were starving.  Fortunately, it was time for a dinner appointment. A member (박삼곤) in our ward owns a small street restaurant and another member (이형구) likes to buy the missionaries food. Combine those two and BOOM, 식사 (meal appointment). It was delicious but there was a new missionary, Elder Gamble that was having trouble stomaching some of the fish and pig intestine. He barely kept the food down.  Poor kid.  I'm not going to say I love that stuff either but I will say that it is a blessing that it doesn't bother me to eat it. Anyway, we had a good time talking with and joking around with they members. They taught us Americans some useful/ funny Korean idioms, then we were off to make it home by 9.. Okay maybe we left at 9.. But anyway we got home safely hehe.

Friday was a good day. It began with weekly planning. Soon it came time to meet up with Sister Yoon and Goodnough for a split!! Once I was with my favorite companion in my favorite area! ^^ Most of the day we spent our time talking to people on the street. Lately I have been apprehensive and too nervous to start an awkward conversation but for some reason today, I had no fear. I think it was because I was with my trusty sidekick ;) we are such a good pair! Anyway, when dinner time came around we had an appointment at a nearby restaurant with an investigator that Sister Yoon and I found a few months earlier. Since Sister Yoon is preparing to complete her mission in less than 3 weeks... Let me repeat THREE WEEKS! this kind lady is trying to make her last few weeks special. It was a very nice meal and fun too. She brought her 6 year old son and he and I spent the better part of the meal making faces and trying the weird concoctions he was making haha. I really enjoyed myself.

Saturday was an eventful day! Since I was on a split with Sister Yoon still, I was yet again given an opportunity to see and spend time with 서은영 (Sister Soh). We met her at a walking festival that was raising money for the poor people living in Suwon. By the time we signed up, got our shirts, and met up with her sister's family... the walk we signed up for was over haha. We didn't mind though because we were having more fun socializing. She jokingly said, "There is no point of transferring or saying goodbye, you're never leaving!" I laughed pretty hard but it's true. I've seen her every single time I've had the opportunity. I love her!

Since we had a few hours and a whole festival around us, we decided to explore. We came across one booth where you could have your blood drawn and within ten minutes they would tell you the results and levels of your blood. Since I am not certain of my blood type, 서은영 insisted that I find out. All three of us had our blood tested. When my evaluation came, there was a problem. They pointed out that there was a problem with my liver (my ALT and AST levels were more than double what they should be). 서은영 asked the doctor a million questions and quickly concluded that she needed to take me to the hospital to have it tested again. She pulled every string she could to get me in the front of the line and with the best doctor. It was quite an ordeal but I'll get the results back next Tuesday. To be honest, I was not very concerned but everyones reactions were kind of freaking me out. Despite the added stress I now had to deal with, I was very grateful to have such a caring friend doing all she could to make sure I was okay. 서은영 said, "You're family is just full of surprises!" (Referring to the surprise of my mother joining my father on his business trip to Korea a few days prior) haha.

After leaving the hospital, 서은영 (Sister Soh) wanted to calm everyone down so we found a small restaurant to have a delicious lunch together. There, I swapped card tricks with her son (Phillip) until the food came. We had to leave for an appointment soon after eating. It was a nice lunch. She saw us off and gave us both big hugs (not common in Korean culture). I hope this wasn't the last time meeting but if it was, I am very grateful for her and all that she does for me!

When it was time to unsplit, we met at the stake center for a service project and a stake Women's Conference. It was a lot of fun. The conference was on the boring side for me because I wasn't able to understand much of what was being said, but I did sit next to Sister Yoon and she translated every funny story told- sparing me the dry moments haha. She's the best!

Sunday was a great Sunday!  Before church, Sister Han and I have been trying hard to work with the leadership of the ward. I know they are busy but it is like pulling teeth trying to talk with them about different things we need their help with. Today was a miracle day because we were able to have every meeting that we needed. AND after the meeting I received a text from a member saying that we had an investigator waiting in the chapel. If that wasn't exciting enough, when Sister Han and I came to greet them guess what?! Not only one investigator was there but THREE! This is literally unheard of. It was so awesome and our members did a great job at fellowshipping.

By the time the third hour began, Sister Han and I were trying to round up all the young women so we could teach them the lesson we had prepared. It was all about Christlike love. I shared several experiences where I have literally had to pray to have God's help to love or tolerate some people. We challenged them to think of someone that they could show more Christlike love. We then asked them to invite that person to the Halloween party that we have organized to have next Saturday. A few of the girls sighed dramatically but eventually agreed. We made them role play which was pretty hilarious. I think it's interesting that I don't understand much but I can sense or get the feeling for what people are saying- blessing! Anyway, our Sunday evening was spent on the street talking to and inviting people to the Halloween party, to English class, and the learn the gospel. We ended up giving away about 100 flyers, a pamphlet about the restoration of this gospel, and even a Book of Mormon! It was a good night.

Today is Monday, instead of a normal PDAY all of the sisters from the mission are gathering for a Sister's Conference! Time is short, I'll tell you all about next week. I love you all and miss you. I hope everyone has a great week!! ^^ 사랑합니다!

슬론 자매
Sister Sloan

Less Active - Papa's coming!

10/7-13
Monday was a fun day. All of the elders from surrounding zones rented a super nice soccer field to play on for the day. Initially, the sisters weren't invited until I received a call from Elder 김재겸. He invited me to join them on one condition, if I brought my nice Nikon camera. I started laughing and said, "Oh! I see! I'm not invited to play, but instead to take pictures of the games- bless your heart I see right through you." :P He laughed nervously as I hear the zone leaders yell from the background, "Come on Sloan, go easy on him." As soon as I heard their voices and smirks, I knew who put poor Elder Kim up to it. Despite the loaded request, I committed to come. It ended up being a blast taking pictures of the game. Koreans are so quick and good at soccer! It was very entertaining.

When the day was coming to a close, Sister Han and I paired up with Sister Yoon and Goodnough to eat dinner together. We decided on chicken and took it to a nearby park to eat. We had some strange people around that ended up that stealing half of the chicken we bought but overall I was grateful to spend time with Sister Yoon. I am really going to miss her when she goes home. She is an awesome example to me! After dinner was an uneventful FHE with the not-so-young YSA. It was fun but my favorite part was the ice cream at the end. ^^

Tuesday was a day dedicated to visiting less-actives. Most of our success resulted from confirming that we have very few valid addresses. It was quite disappointed which matched well with the rainy weather we were given to walk in. By the end of the day, I was happy to sit down and teach a lesson to Estee. She had just come from having a fight with her parents so the spirit was most definitely not present. It was a so-so lesson. Before she got back on the bus I asked if she would like to drink some hot chocolate with us before she left. We found a nearby cafe as I convinced her of the healing power of chocolate. It was nice being in a cafe just socializing- it made me really miss home. It reminded me a lot of the many Starbucks runs I would make with Chaya and Chelsea back in high school. Anyway, it was a nice way to end a gloomy day.

Wednesday consisted of more less-active... address confirmation. Nothing to report. English class was pretty good when it came time to start. It was my turn to conduct the meeting so I really tried to be energetic. I thought I was doing a good job until I recognized the confusion on most peoples faces. We always conduct English class, in English so what was I doing wrong? My companion was gracious enough to save me and translate what I had tried to convey. Once everyone was on the same page, I dismissed them to their classes. Our class was great! We had four new students!! I am constantly amazed at how much these little kids already know. They are far smarter than me, that's for sure haha. When class ended I took some time to talk with an inactive member that is a loyal English class attendee. Her English name is Julie. She is so kind but feels so lonely coming to church on her own since her and her only son is a member (and that son is away completing his required two-year military time). I let her go on and on about her family and work. I can understand her better than most people but I was mostly grateful that she wasn't looking to have a conversation but instead just someone to talk to. It feels good knowing that I still can help people here even though I don't speak this language very well.

Thursday was busy! It was another zone training meeting where the zone leaders asked me to prepare the lunch again. Earlier in the week Sister Han and I coordinated the food with a man in our ward who owns a little restaurant. I told him I had X amount of money and would leave it up to him what he cooked and gave us. He met us at the church this morning with A BUNCH of food. I'm pretty sure he went beyond what I paid him but I know the missionaries were grateful.

The training went well. Elders Keetch and Chow are polar opposites but their training is always fantastic. We focused on Chapter 11 from PMG- we invite, we commit, we follow up. It was great and I have a lot of new ideas of how to better commit people to read and pray as well as follow up with them. I had the privilege of sitting next to the senior couple in our zone, the Ridings. They had just returned from America escorting a blind member of their ward, home to his daughter in Kansas. It was on the news, you should look it up- I think the title goes, after 40 years a father and daughter were reunited...idk something like that (THIS IS PAPA SLOAN, I FOUND THE LINK.  HERE IT IS.
http://fox4kc.com/2013/10/02/father-and-daughter-reunited-after-more-than-40-years-apart/
Anyway they told me all about their experience, they are cool people.

Speaking of cool people, Mom! You're the best! After zone training they handed out all the mail that was delivered to the mission home. I know I told you that I was planning to share the candy with the kids of the ward... BBBuuuttt Halloween is a ways away so we'll see how much is ACTUALLY left when it comes time to share ;) Also, that cute faith sign is proudly hung above my desk. Love you momma!

Friday was a mundane weekly planning session which was followed by some boring errands. A couple times I was reminded that it was Friday by all the couples and people dressed up to enjoy their weekend. Everyone reading this, never take a weekend or day off for granted again! Thankfully Sister Han and I ended our day with a delicious dinner appointment at Julie's house (the woman mentioned from Wednesdays English class). She was home alone and whipped up a delicious Korean-styled spaghetti. It was really good. My poor companion was about to throw up by the amount of food Julie was expecting us to eat, so I took one for the team and cleared her plate for her. I deserve some serious blessings for that because that was hard to do but it was worth making Julie happy.

Before we left I decided to take lead in the spiritual thought. Even though she is inactive I was curious about her conversion story. I asked and then processed to ask what changes she had to make in her life once she made the decision to be baptized. After a fascinating story, I brought it all back to the atonement and how anything is possible through the grace and mercy of God and His son, Jesus Christ. I felt prompted to share a very personal experience of how the atonement was able to change me and my perspective. I was feeling the spirit pretty strong and I hope she was too. That isn't an easy story for me to tell so I pray that it or the principle of the atonement will resonate with her.

Saturday was an exciting morning. We had an appointment earlier than usual with our new investigator as of last week. We taught her the first lesson in her home with her six year old daughter. It went pretty well! I tried to memorize more vocabulary so I could teach more while looking into her eyes and guess what? I was blessed! I remembered more than just the vocab but also the grammar forms I have been working on! Booyah! Blessings are the best! By the end of the lesson we asked if she would being to set a baptismal date, hello November 24th!! Here we come!! She is so humble and willing to learn! I am excited to teach her next week too!

After our appointment, we met the other missionaries at the chapel to watch the recorded sessions of the Saturday sessions of General Conference. My notes are FILLED with new ideas for missionary work. One story in particular that I really enjoyed was by Timothy J. Dyches from the Quorum of the Seventy. The story he relayed about forgiveness was profound to me. I learned that even if you cannot find it in yourself to forgive someone, you can ask The Lord for His forgiveness which is given freely. I found it profound because you can apply that to yourself. For me, ever since I shared that personal experience at Julie's house, I haven't been able to shake the thought of how retard I once was. This talk helped me change my perspective. I am again reminded that we don't have to do anything alone, God will ALWAYS be there to help us because he loves us.

Sunday was another day filled with General Conference talks and inspiration. Where do I begin?! I loved so many talks and stories conveyed! I'll choose just one thought from Adrián Ochoa of the Quorum of the Seventy. I'm sure the title will be called "Look Up" when it is publish online if anyone wants to read it. The personal story about getting caught in a storm and having to find a place to stay for the night was pretty cool. I can imagine how terrified his family must have been when he and his friends did not return home after being sent to retrieve some groceries. I especially enjoyed the ending thought about the reaction he received from his grandmother and family. They had been looking for them all night and he described the relief and love that he saw in each of their faces when they saw that the boys were safe. I really loved this because even though he was just returning home to be with his family, it reminded me of missionary work. I look forward to that same relief and love that I will experience when I help some of my investigators progress and come to better know their Father in Heaven.

When conference came to a close we had a series of meetings which I conducted. I wonder when I am just going to be called as zone leader because I am pretty sure I do more than half of their jobs anyway hehe. After meetings, Sister Han and I went home for dinner. We kept it short so that we could have more time to attempt to visit less-active again. Sad to report all three houses are now offices... Fail. Maybe next week we I'll have some better success.

Today is now Monday, I'll give everyone a little sneak peak into what they can read next Monday... MY DADDY IS IN KOREA AS I TYPE THIS!! My mission president, President Morrise has granted me permission to meet him for lunch!! I AM SO EXCITED!! Well, I better to before I break this keyboard with how fast and hard I am typing hehe. I had a great week and I hope all of you had a change to watch conference; if you didn't you better catch yourself up. I love you all and miss you. I hope everyone has a great week!! ^^ 사랑합니다!

슬론 자매
Sister Sloan

Prayer: "Please help me to learn more and to know how I can better follow Jesus Christ's example."

9/30-10/6
Monday was a fun PDAY. Sister Hunt is transferring so she invited all the sisters to the Shingal house for lunch. We ordered chicken and hung out for a few hours. It didn't take long for us to all get pretty antsy about wanting to email home, so we all traveled together to the local library. After emailing was just a bunch of errands with no time for my much needed PDAY nap. After we ate dinner we met at the church for the weekly YSA FHE.We had a ping pong tournament. I was on a team with Elder Breckwoldt, we were fourth place out of five teams... Oh well, at least we had fun. Speaking of ping pong- the paddles that they use here are genius! I am so accustom to them now that when I use a normal American paddle, I look like I've never seen a ping pong in my life. I'll bring some home to teach everyone the RIGHT way to play ping pong.

Tuesday was long! We only had one appointment scheduled and the rest of the day to fill. Recently, Sister Han and I have been updating less-active members addresses so today we decided to confirm a few in 금곡동. We spent over six hours tracting door to door and trying to find less-actives. Like I said, it was a looong day! When it came time to make our way to the members house for our appointment, she called us and asked us to meet her at a bus stop. After a short wait, she arrived. She then lead us to this cute, hole-in-the-wall restaurant where we ate dinner together. The member, 강운숙S (Sister Kang) ordered 내면 (a Japanese cold noodle soup...there are literally ice cubes in the soup..) for me. Anyway, despite the initial thought of it, I ended up really enjoying it. After we ate, she walked us back to her house where we had dessert (fruit) and shared a spiritually uplifting message. I was grateful to have ended our day on a good note.

Wednesday was yet again, an uneventful day. The young women leaders' birthday was today so we went to leave a bunch or notes and hearts on her door -we call it a heart attack. On our way home we did some more door to door contacting. It proved to be ineffective once again. Before English class, Sister Han and I came home for dinner and undated a bunch of member records.

English first seemed to be another bust when no kids showed up for mine and Sister Han'a class. About 30 minutes into class, to our surprise, two mothers with three kids walked into the building. We quickly grabbed our things and ushered them to our classroom. We were a little all over the place because we were expecting new students. It all worked out though and the mother is excited to come back next week! Booyah!

Thursday was a day dedicated to planning. Our stake has assigned all the missionaries to organize the ward Halloween parties. I happen to be in a ward with only two sister missionaries- me and Sister Han. And here in Korea, Halloween is not typically celebrated. With that said, that means it is up to me to take charge and plan this whole thing. I don't mind but it took most of the day to begin coordinating a majority of the details. When most details where set in place and activities were assigned to different auxiliaries of the ward, I called both sets of elders to ask them to meet at the church. Once there, I had intended to have a collaboration meeting to hear their thoughts and opinions... but you know boys- they didn't care to change anything. So I ended up talking the whole time and delegating most of the responsibility. Hijole! Long day! When all that was said and done, Sister Han and I spent the rest of the evening trying to visit less-active members of the ward. That activity has turned more into a confirming address activity as opposed to sit-down-visits. It's exhausting being on our feet all day, but it is a plus when it comes time for bed because both me and my companion never have a problem falling asleep ha.

Friday was already time for another weekly planning session! I am always amazed how fast our weeks go by- speaking of which I have already reached my sixth month mark! I only have one more year left to live and serve here in Korea. CRAZY! Anyway, planning went really well. We set some big goals but I think they are attainable! I am excited for this upcoming week! When planning ended we heart attacked another members front door for her birthday then went to a members shop to create a flyer for the Halloween party.

The last thing on our schedule for the day was an appointment with a potential investigator who punked us last week. We had a good feeling about today so we prepared for a lesson! We started getting discouraged when it was 30 minutes past our scheduled appointment time and she still had not arrived. BUT don't worry because she called us frantic and lost. We hurried to meet and guide her to the church. The lesson went really well! When she first arrived she asked if we could refer her to sister missionaries closer to her work place. I was bummed but after our brief introduction and lesson, she changed her mind and decided to stick with us! We invited her to set a goal for baptism AND SHE DID! Blessings! I am excited to teach her next week. Oh by the way her name is 신숙희S (Sister Shin).

Saturdays are always busy days for missionaries! This is the day that most people are home with their family and also when all the groups in church (at least in Korea) have their weekly activities. I'll skip the boring details and get right to the appointment we had with 박순애S (Sister Park). She is the less-active that we visit every week. Last week when we came, her grandson was there and asked to be taught by the missionaries. It was excited but also disappointing because he had to refer him to the elders. BUT today we found out from his grandmother that he was upset that he couldn't be taught by Sisters. Needless to say, he referred himself back to us! To solve the issue concerning the rules about Sisters teaching boys- he asked if he could be taught with his grandmother at our normal Saturday visits. I cannot tell you his perfectly everything worked out! The elders were bummed when they found out but Sister Han and I were stoked!

On our way to another appointment, Sister Han and I had a long bus ride ahead of us. Since bus rides are prime time to have conversation with people, we decided to start sitting separately (because having two missionaries talk to you on the bus feels almost like we are ganging up on people- and that's not what we want haha). I sat in the back, and she sat in the front. I was bummed when a boy sat next to me because as a Sister in Korea, we are not allowed to approach men. But fortunately, the boy kept looking at my planner in my lap which had a picture of the Salt Lake City temple. He eventually typed the work 'Mormon' on his phone, nudged me, and pointed at it for me to read. I said yes and stoked up conversation about the church. He didn't know much and kept using words and grammar forms I have never heard of so it was difficult. Between his broken English and my broken Korean- I learned that he was 24 and a student at a very prestigious college near by. Soon it came time for him to get off and he asked for my number in order to talk more later. I was excited and reported my success to Sister Han as soon as we got off the bus. When he did call, we missed it because we were in the middle of completing an assignment that our bishop gave us. I decided to text back instead. It soon became very apparent that this young man was not interested in our church at all. First, he was asking questions about missionary work and our church but very quickly changed the subject to ask is I would like to goto a movie with him later haha. Sister Han and I tried to explain our purpose of being missionaries but he wasn't getting the hint haha. Immediately we started brainstorming about all the single women in the ward that we could potential set him up through a member lesson! ㅋㅋ (hehe). That was by far the most entertaining part of the day.

Sunday was an awesome day! Before church, as usual, we met with our investigator, Sister Shim...aka Bible ㅋㅋ. Today we finished the lesson about the plan of salvation and touched on the lesson about Jesus Christ's gospel. Again, we brought up baptism. We tried to set a baptismal date goal for her to work towards but she said she would think about it. Again today she said, "Maybe later." Which is fine. However in the closing pray that she offered, she said something along the lines of, "Heavenly Father, today I learned about baptism again. Please help me to learn more and to know how I can better follow Jesus Christ's example." Uhhh... HELLO MIRACLE! l was blown away and very grateful to see her heart opening up to the importance of baptism.

I was on quite a high when we arrived to church. We had some preparation and planning meetings before the actual service began. When it did, it was fast Sunday and just a few members went up to the pulpit to bear their testimonies. I took advantage of the opportunity to share what I had learned in personal study that morning- sharing the verse 1 Nephi 17:13 from the Book of Mormon. I felt good about my delivery until my companion got up after me. She had the whole congregation laughing and listening- jealous! I'll get there someday ha.

After was more meetings. I wanted to die because I was getting pretty hungry. Thankfully we only stayed at church an extra 2 hours -__- I kept trying to convince myself that it could be worse haha. Once home, I ran to the rice cooker to start some rice. I impatiently waited in front of it, starring at the little orange light, waiting for it to change and say DONE! It felt like forever- but in no time Sister Han and I inhaled the food I prepared and had to take a little break before standing back up again haha. Our evening ending trying to visit some members. We failed but it was a good day overall.

Well, that was my week. It was a little boring compared to most but still good. I love you all and miss you more! Have a great week!! ^^ 사랑합니다!

슬론 자매
Sister Sloan

Sister Park.