Training Again...Staying in Mansu

4/21-27
Monday started off a little earlier than usual. I am coming up on my year in country which means my foreigner card is about to expire. Today was the day I applied to renew it. The lady I was privileged to work with didn't seem to love her job as much as one might expect. It took a while, but eventually all was well. Sister Bagley and I traveled back to 만수 (Mansu) to first email and then to catch up on our study time. This week is a temple week so today was not PDAY even though it felt like one. Not long after our studies were complete we had to leave in order to meet the 가정 (Gajeong) sister missionaries for an exchange. I scheduled to serve in Gajeong area with 이소민S (Sister Lee). That name might indicate that this sister is Korean, but let me tell you what a 교포 (gyopo) is... Both of her parents are Korean but her and her siblings were raised in America, Washington state to be exact. She doesn't speak a lick of Korean but has an awesome attitude about learning.

Sister Lee has a very unique personality. She doesn't pick up on normal social cues but honestly I think it is a blessing is disguise. She has no fear and nothing holding her back from doing what she needs to do here in Korea. For example, when we first split we were talking to an old lady on the street. This lady was being very rude in asking why I (a white foreigner) spoke better Korean than Sister Lee who appeared to be Korean. With a sincere smile on her face, Sister Lee said, "교포입니다." (I am a gyopo). Her innocence is adorable and very much envied.

We traveled to a members house for FHE. The member's name is BJ and she is an American married to a Korean. She is here teaching English and is a returned missionary from Germany. BJ is a unique person... When I walked into her home and introduced myself she shook my hand and said, "Charmed" as she bowed. I mean nothing too weird but anyway a little odd for what I've become accustomed to here in Korea. We proceeded with the lesson about the 12th article of faith, ate dessert, and played Rumicube. I got second place.

Exchange with Sister Lee

Tuesday was a fun day with Sister Lee. When we woke up we studied then before leaving I did the normal apartment cleanliness inspection that I am expected to do as STL. The house that these sisters live in is so nice!! It is the biggest missionary house I have ever visited and as such they are preparing for another set of sisters to move in and open the 답동 (Dapdong) area for sister missionaries. As a result of this there were empty boxes everywhere from all the furniture that they had assembled for the new sisters study room. I broke down about 20 boxes and vacuumed all while Sister Lee watched and talked to me. Bless her heart, when I asked her to help she would just drag more boxes towards me and then when I was vacuuming she made to sure point out everything I was missing. Very helpful to say the least haha. I think she is hilarious so it was fun. Our day together was spent proselyting and it was a blast! Other churches always have paid proselyters on street corners passing out flyers. On those flyers are candy. Sister Lee and I decided to gather as much candy as we could. I would have a small conversation about Jesus and our church and Sister Lee would collect the goods ha. It was funny. Sister Lee is seriously still a child at heart. I am so grateful to be able to serve with and learn from her.

When we unsplit Sister Bagley and I had about ten minutes together before the next exchange. I left with Sister Stastny to serve in 만수 (Mansu) while Sister Bagley went with Sister Hammerl to 연수 (YeonSu). Sister Stastney and I had to rush to a dinner appointment with 이두례S (Sister Lee, our Korean mother). We ate a delicious meal with her and her daughter 김소정S (Sister Kim), who is preparing to start her mission in June. There was WAY too much food, but it was a blast! We tried getting Sister Kim excited about serving a mission so we had her show us all of her missionary clothes. In short, I will say that I am very jealous of Korean shopping. I have said it before but there is a reason Koreans and Asians in general can pull off just about anything- it is because they are FEARLESS when it come to fashion and they own it. I hope I have learned a thing of two before going back to America.

To end our visit we shared a spiritual message from 1 Nephi 13:37:

And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.

This is the Korea Seoul South Mission scripture. In the spirit of getting Sister Kim excited about missionary work we thought this to be very fitting. It was awesome and the spirit was strong. After leaving and arriving home, Elder Berry our District Leader sent out a mass text to the district. He was informing us that he had cancelled district meeting for the week. I immediately called him up to get to the bottom of things. Apparently he just didn't feel like holding it... How lame is that? Since that is totally not acceptable I begged and had other district members do the same, but to our dismay, he simply just didn't care. Long story short the zone leaders straightened him out some how and it was back on. That whole ordeal took most of my 'prepare for bed' time so I consequently got to bed a little late. ugh.. elders..

Sister Stastny

Wednesday started like any other, but a million things seemed to happen as soon as we left the house. We met the district at the church to first make lunch together. 박동규E (Elder Park) wanted to teach us how to make 김밤 (aka sushi- to ignorant foreigners but instead of Japanese style, kimbap is Korean style). While he taught most of the district, Sister Stastny and I stayed in the kitchen making 호떡 (hoduk) which is like a honey-ish filled pancake like thing... that's a bad description but they are delicious. We all sat to eat together and it was so much fun! We talked about how scary a 할머니 (Korean grandma) zombie apocalypse would be and also how Elder Park ate body wash once. It was strangely entertaining. The actual training was lame but we did do a good role play of defining hard 'gospel words' in Korean.

After the meeting, Sister Stastny left with Sister Bagley to do a practice teaching lesson while I did pass off with Sister Hammerl. Maybe I have described it before but 'pass off' is a program that President Morrise has renamed 'Teacher Improvement' because that is exactly what if is. As STL, the sister missionaries in the Incheon zone practice teaching me in Korean in order to be 'passed off' or show President Morrise where their language teaching ability is. Because I am still humbled by the language my only requirement is for the sister to teach only in Korean, the topics I assign and to invite the spirit. If I don't feel the spirit, you don't pass. Some missionaries are too focused on memorizing things and not teaching from the heart so anyway that is my style and idea of what will help our sisters learn and progress well. Sister Hammerl passed and it was an edifying meeting for the both of us.

After was a dinner appointment at 이순애S (Sister Lee)'s house with her and 김현주S (Sister Kim). It was a lot of fun but not too eventful. Sister Bagley and I practiced teaching the principle of agency and then received a ride home from Sister Kim.

Last District Supper before Transfers

Thursday was nice to wake up in Mansu, in my bed, and with my assigned companion... But we were in different beds- that's sounds weird but anyway everything was back to normal. We quickly got ready but were running late like usual. #sistermissionaryproblems! We scheduled to meet the elders at a specific bus stop to catch a bus to the temple. Turns out the bus was fast approaching and we were still in the elevator of our apartment complex... So once out of the elevator, we ran (which is actually a super common thing when you're my companion). In our pencil skirts and church shoes we ran a good three blocks to find the bus pulling away from the bus stop. Luckily there was a red light up ahead so we knew it was still possible to catch it. That bus comes hourly so we decided to sprint across a road or two to catch it. I wonder what the elders thought when they saw us running alongside the bus, banging on the door for the driver to open it to let us in. It worked and we were on in no time. :)

Temple Day!

Once at the temple we had a fabulous session!! I learned so much today and it was so much fun seeing old companions and friends from different zones. After the session we snapped a few pictures then head back to Mansu as a district. On our way we ordered chicken to be delivered and us sisters picked up a pair of Korean grandma pants to wear for the rest of our PDAY. We scarfed down our food, played ping pong, and just hung out as a district one last time before transfers. It was a great day. To end top it off, we had an appointment with HyonChee and her family. The soon to be missionary, Sister Kim joined us as we taught the plan of salvation. We had previously assigned each family member to read specific scriptures and answer a question as homework. We had the idea of making 'group work' so that they were doing more talking and teaching each other. It turned out really well! I love this family. I hope every missionary and member can know what it feels like to teach a family the plan of happiness of how they can be together forever. It is unreal and so fulfilling. I feel so blessed.

Friday morning we found ourselves traveling as a district again. But this time it was to 영등포 (YungDungPo). The Relief Society President of the church, Linda K. Burton and her husband had come all the way from Utah to speak to the Korea Seoul South Mission. They actually were the last mission president and wife to serve in then Korean Seoul West Mission from 2007-2010 (which boundaries are the same as the south mission). They gave us an awesome training all about cherishing the moment and remembering The Lord in all things. One thought specifically still resonates with me; the thought it found in Doctrine and Covenants section 3 verses 2-3, it says "...his course is one eternal round. Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men." I know that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I strive to act like one, live like one, and just plain be one. I know that our God is perfect. He works through us to bring about this great work of salvation. In order to have the privilege of having Him work through me, I need to do my part is being worthy of His great power. The power, mantle, and privilege of being a full-time missionary is real. I love it and cherish all that He has entrusted me with.

Another spiritual thought that I loved was a parting talk giving by an Elder Sanderson who completes his mission in less than a week. He shared the Book of Mormon verse 2 Nephi 1:14-15 which reads,

Awake! and arise from the dust, and hear the words of a trembling parent, whose limbs ye must soon lay down in the cold and silent grave, from whence no traveler can return; a few more days and I go the way of all the earth.

But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.

This elder is a goofy elder but when it came time for him to speak to the mission giving advice and uplifting parting words, he nailed it. We compared these scriptures to himself. Him being the 'parent' or an older missionary soon to 'go down to his grave' or completed "mission life" he advised us to arise, work hard, and to share the love of God hat we feel on a daily basis. It was motivational as well as moving. I was super impressed with him. So let's do it! Let's open our mouth and teach people how to feel the love of God!

Costco Trip with the District

After the training our district went to the nearest Costco for lunch. It was uh-mazing! After eating in the food court we grabbed a few groceries before heading home. Once home Sister Bagley and I did weekly planning and then ended the night with a member and her two daughters (정예림S, 김윤빈S 2006, 김윤경S 2007). It was a blast as always!

When we arrived home we had a surprising text from the zone leaders. They informed us that President decided to make transfer calls tonight! Both mine and Sister Bagley's nerves were all over the place, but when the call finally came in, we were informed that Sister Bagley would be leaving to serve in the infamous city of Gangnam! And for me, I will be staying in Mansu as STL and training another new missionary! Training again!! In case anyone forgot, as soon as I finished my greenie period, I was called to be a trainer first to Sister Han, then Sister Tovar, then Sister Bagley, and now another! We are both so excited~!

Saturday morning was fun. Bishop picked us up to farm, but after tenish minutes of pulling weeds, the farm owner called it a day and instead we went out to eat an early lunch together. After eating we went home to prepare for the many appointments we had. First we met with 김하나S (HahNah) and our lesson went really well! We talked all about the order of prayer and the significance of first addressing Heavenly Father and then ending in the name of Jesus Christ. The spirit was way strong! It was great.

Directly after that appointment and before our next, 정예림S (Sister Jeong) our new English class coordinator asked a member to film an English class commercial. It was embarrassing to film but anyway, fun. We got it done after three or so takes, Sister Bagley and I had to take off. We met 구혜연S (Amanda) and had an awesome lesson. For the last 25ish minutes our member Sister Jeong joined us. We discussed all about the Book of Mormon chapters that Amanda had read last week. We were in Mosiah 3-6 so naturally we talked all about baptism again and the importance of 'sharing this good news that we have' (Amanda's words, not ours). It was great.

Next, English class. With a coordinator, everything is so much more organized and better! I super love it!  We have Elder Park conduct, three separate tables based on your ability, and a serious of activity that we discuss as a class. That probably doesn't paint a picture well but I'm sure our English class commercial will be on YouTube soon. Watch out for the URL!

To end our day we played maybe ten minutes of basketball with some members (yes in our skirts), grabbed a bite to eat, then head back up to 영등포 for another fireside by Brother and Sister Burton as well as Brother and Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, the Young Woman General President of the church and our area seventy, President Ringwood. When we arrived, it was packed and hard to find a seat. We managed to sit near Sister Jeong and her two cute daughters. They played on my iPod as I played with their hair and listened to the speakers inspiring words. This week has been crazy with traveling but boy have us missionaries reaped some major blessings of listening to some of our fantastic leaders in person!

Sunday was a great day too. When the members found out that three of our six missionaries would be leaving they were so sad and last minute started putting together a ward meal so that we could all eat lunch together. So sweet! All hours of church were good but I especially enjoyed sacrament meeting! Elders Knapp and Higham and Sister Bagley gave their goodbye talks. They all did really well. After the meeting and before lunch, we pulled HyonChee aside to teach her about a few commandments. In order to have her prepared and well taught before her baptism we had to take time to teach about tithing and fasting today. It went well and of course she committed to follow both. We then ate together and saw her off. It was sad seeing so many members sad about the inevitable change that missionary life brings. I am however grateful for the relationships that we have been able I build here. You know you've done well in a ward when it is hard to go.

The next eventful thing that happened was our 같이 전도 (together proselyting) activity with our district. Elder Park had painted signs that said "Free Hugs, Free Pictures." It was rainy so we weren't sure how much success we would have but it turned out to be pretty good. Although it was fun in the moment, I don't know if I am a huge fan of this approach for missionary work haha. There were some questionable souls whom we weren't sure if they were boys or girls so maybe a few of us broke a mission rule on accident? We still aren't totally sure but anyway, it was a good time with everyone. The last item of the day was our ward missionary correlation meeting. It was a good way to end a week of success.

I love you all!! Sorry this is late... Have a good week :)
Sister Sloan

Elder Pruner looking retarded while trying to take a group picture.

Bus ride home...how adorable are these students?  They were all fighting over who would get our seats  haha

The district at the temple

Success!

Back row: Bagley, Hammerl, Stastny, me, Berry
Front row: Pruner, Thomas, Park, Knapp, Higham

Our last Sunday together.

HyonChee's decision to be baptized

4/14-20
Monday was a good PDAY. We planned to go kite flying with the elders and a member that does it for a living... or something like that but before we head out to meet them we were informed that it was too windy haha. Our backup plan was to write letters and hangout at home. I enjoyed myself. After a letter or two I just read. By 5PM Sister Bagley and I were on a subway to meet the sister missionaries of the Incheon zone. As STL, I organized a little get-together for all of us to watch the General Women's Conference that was aired before General Conference. It was fantastic! I enjoyed all of the talks, but in particular I loved Elder Henry B. Eyring's talk about being Daughters in the Covenant. At one point he said, "In missions across the earth, sisters are being called to serve as leaders." ...That's me. After he said that all 7 girls looked at me with huge smiles on their faces. I smiled back with squinted eyes but behind my sarcastic grin I felt the weight of my responsibility over this beautiful group of sister missionaries. I feel so blessed to have this calling and I really have come to love each of these sisters. When the broadcast ended we took a few pictures then went our separate ways. I left with Sister Watkins for an exchange in 계산 (GaySahn).

Tuesday was a fairly uneventful day but it started off really well. After I did my training during companionship study I decided to address a few issues that had been elephants in the room of our relationship for a while. A previous companion of Sister Watkins' had told me a bunch of unkind things that that four-sister-house had said about me. I wasn't sure of its truthfulness so I just decided to apologize to Sister Watkins for maybe keeping that stuff in the way of us being able to build a friendship. She felt sorry too but we are friends now. :) our whole day was spent trying to find less-active members and talking to people on the street. It was a fun day together. By 6PM we unsplit and I went back home with Sister Bagley for dinner. Our poor cupboards have been bare for a good while now but it makes each meal more creative but also strange. I need to learn how to cook more Korean dishes...

Wednesday was interesting. After a fun district meeting I went on another exchange. Today I brought Sister Hammerl to 만수 (Mansu). Directly after we split we went to an appointment with our grandmother investigator, 이경호S (Sister Lee). She is so enthusiastic and talkative. Today she went off on a rant about all of the horrible things that she has seen on the news lately. She is so confused how there can be so many good and bad people everywhere. It fit perfectly with what we had assigned her to read before the lesson! She read the first three chapters of 1 Nephi. When Sister Bagley and I initially gave her the assignment neither of us knew why but suddenly it dawned on me. In that moment I'm pretty sure the spirit hit me upside the head and said, "Start talking!" So I did. Just like the Book of Mormon story goes, Lehi has become very aware of all the evil in the world just like Sister Lee. In order for The Lord to protect Lehi, his family, and the righteous people of Jerusalem God provided a very clear way to safety. Likewise The Lord provided us with the Plan of Salvation. Sister Lee loved it and I left her with a pamphlet to read. I hope I got the full point across... I'm thinking about writing my thoughts down again and giving her a small message card later this week to reiterate the point I tried to make. Anyway, it went really well. Even though I am still waiting for the so called 'gift of tongues' to kick in, my mind and mouth were filled with ideas and words to say. Maybe I said things backward or wrong but hey, I'm sure the Spirit did His part but I sure tried hard to do mine haha. It was a great lesson! After that appointment our day was fairly uneventful but we had a blast serving together again. She is so full of energy and love for life. We ended our dinner day with pizza!! I love Korean pizza.

Thursday was insane! For starters it was my 400th day as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ if Latter Day Saints! During personal study I received a phone call.. Last night I put an order in for the mission home to fix our refrigerator and this morning a company called to get the details and schedule someone to fix it. Did I mention that this whole phone call was in Korean?! I still cannot believe that I know the word for the refrigerator and have the ability to explain all that was wrong... Anyway less than an hour later a fixer man showed up. When he came both sister Hammerl and I thought it would be best if we grabbed one of our female neighbors so that we could be obedient to the rule of not being alone with a man. It went well but the only person home was a grandmother who was just curious to see what our place looked like and to know what the problem was with the refrigerator. After she got what she wanted she said her goodbye as Sister Hammerl and I were both like, "Uhh, wait, where are you going?"  Haha as the door was propped open I guess it was a free invitation for anyone to come in for a visit. Two more old grandmas were wandering around and they somehow made their way into our house. We had a really nice discussion about why we were here and whatnot. Before they left they helped us kill a bee or two that were building a nest outside of our balcony haha. What sweethearts, but it was quite strange. Next, two 전도사's (paid proselyters) were at our door. It was an interesting conversation but they ended up trying to Bible bash about whose form of Passover was more correct. Sister Hammerl and I just bore our testimonies and said we had to get ready for an appointment. One started crying... I felt bad but the water works were over immediately after they turned around to leave. Strange human beings.

After we got ready, we met Sister Bagley and Sister Stastney to unsplit over our first 팥빙수 for the year! It was delicious as always- oh how I have missed it. Sister Bagley and I then made our way home to prepare for our appointment that night with 현지S (HyonChee) and her family. Tonight we brought 김현주S (Sister Kim) and I couldn't be happier with how it all turned out. She was so perfect. We taught the third lesson about The Gospel of Jesus Christ. To entertain the two kids we printed five pictures from lds.org that symbolized the five steps of the gospel: faith, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. After printing them we cut them to be puzzles and to begin the lesson we solved them together. It was perfect. By the end I felt again prompted to ask the family to follow Jesus Christ's example by being baptized. The father said they would eventually but that maybe HyonChee was the most ready. She got ticked and totally turned her body away from her father. As the member told her conversion story I started passing notes with HyonChee telling her not to feel pressure and that we didn't want her to do anything she didn't want to do. Immediately after reading she smiled and turned back around to join the conversation again. I love that we have become such good friends and that this family is so open to our message and teachings despite the very apparent language barrier. It was a fantastic way to end the day. Missionary work is seriously so much fun!

Friday was good. For lunch 유경숙S and 백용실B has all the missionaries over for lunch. It was a blast! After lunch Sister Bagley and I caught up on another session of conference, spend a good part of the day on the streets talking to people, and then had weekly planning. By 9PM we met the same couple from earlier at the church. A man in our ward had had his father pass away so we caught a ride with them to the funeral. Korean funerals are interesting. When it was creeping up on 10PM the bishop gathered all of the members that came and we had a small meeting. Korean funerals are mostly social gathering that lasts for three days. Tonight was just a dinner. Even though we began a meeting all of the other visitors paid us no mind and carried on with their drunken conversations. Then almost out of nowhere our small congregation began to sing an opening hymn. I loved how quickly the spirit forced it's way in despite the many distractions of the world immediately around us. It was a powerful meeting that also ended with a beautiful hymn. Our ward members are seriously so amazing. They support one another and have no shame whatsoever when it comes to worshiping. I love their example.

Saturday was a strange morning. Something had really upset Sister Bagley and she ended up crying for the better part of companionship study. This week is her second to last week as a 'greenie' and as the 12 week training says, this is the week were she takes the lead in all things as if she were a senior. She has done a really fantastic job, but I think she was getting down on herself today for not being perfect. Once things were resolved we went to the church for three consecutive appointments. First with 구혜연S (Amanda), next was English class, and last was with 김하나S (HahNah). They all went well but nothing worth writing about. Last on our schedule was a member visit/dinner with 박화성S (HwahSong). Have I ever mentioned that she is a 박동규E (Elder Park)'s older sister? It is so funny that they are both in this ward but anyway it was a great meeting. Even though it was just a practice lesson, I felt so strong that I needed to share a very personal experience. I'm not sure the purpose, but it was undeniable how strong I was feeling the spirit. I love that feeling!! HwahSong thanked us so much for our thoughts and spirit. Before we left her cute little studio apartment she sent us off with a few pairs of her earrings. I really appreciate how giving Korean have taught me to be. Even though this young single adult lives alone and doesn't have much money, she still found something to give us that she thought we would like. She is the sweetest and we love her!!

Sunday, Happy Easter! Today was a fantastic day at church! 현지S (HyonChee) came as usual and the meetings were very entertaining... First, for Young Women's, I went with HyonChee and the class was all about agency. It was good and I was trying really hard to pay attention until HyonChee looks at me in a panic and pointed at the blackboard- the teachers had assigned her to say the closing prayer. With a worried face I asked her if that would be okay but the fear in her eyes remained. I smiled and said I would pray instead. Slowly the fear in her eyes was replaced with courage as she sat back in her chair and said, '아니, 할 까요' (no, I'll do it). She did and it was an awesome prayer. In fact it was better than most of the youth that are punks and race through the prayers they are asked to offer in public. I am so proud of her.

Next was sacrament meeting. The first two speakers spoke about the Savior's Atonement to remember Easter but the other two were apparently assigned to talk about the law of chastity. Makes sense right? Haha it ended up being awesome though because HyonChee turned to me and Sister Bagley and started asking about baptism. It has been coming up a lot lately just because the passed two lessons together we invited her and her family to be baptized but also at church all the members, in their bluntness, were asking what baptismal lessons she had been taught. You gotta love Koreans- they have no shame in getting straight to the point. Anyway long story short, she asked when she could, we showed her a calendar, and she chose May 24th! When it finally began to sink in she was SO concerned about how the program would go and how she would dry her hair being immersed in water haha. She is so cute, I really love her. We showed her the font and the baptismal dresses. Before leaving the chapel a sweet member invited the missionaries and our investigators to stay and eat lunch together. It was simply rice and a fried egg with ketchup splattered on top haha. Anyway I was grateful and I was good to see HyonChee fitting in so perfectly with the ward. 만수 (ManSu) ward is THE best.

After church we caught a bus to drop a note off (a message card) that I had made at an investigator's house, 이경호S (Sister Lee). She is a grandmother and SO adorable. Every time she sees us all she says is "아이고, 예쁘다, 반가워, 죄송해" (the first being just a noise that sounds like- Aheego, and the others mean you're pretty, delighted to see you, I'm sorry) all of which are in low form that she repeats over and over! Haha it is hilarious. Next time we visit her I'll record it so I can laugh for years to come. After dropping the note off, Sister Bagley and I got in a bit of an argument. This whole week she has been pretty stressed but today I think I pushed her over the edge. We were trying to text a few people and I was helping with spelling because that's one thing I'm pretty good at but in the end she felt defeated because she couldn't do it all on her own. I understand because I have been there a lot. We cut our proselyting time short and went home to study and eat dinner. Over dinner we talked it all out and went to our Missionary Coordinating meeting with 오광철B (Brother Oh), our WML.  When we told him the news about HyonChee's baptismal date he was just about as excited as we were. ^^ All in all it was a great day!

Have a great week everyone!!
Love you!!
슬론 자매
Sister Sloan

I've got the kimchee squat on lock Also, we have no counter space like most Korean homes so most of the food prep is done on the floor.

Beautiful spring

Just finished up an interesting appointment...what is wrong with the picture?

njhj

Happy Easter!  Our little Easter Eve activity.

Incheon Sister!  By the end of the transfer, I will have gone on exchanges with each sister!!  Me,  Blickenstaff, Hammerl, Stastney, DeBuse, Watkins, Lee, Telford, Rose, Bagley.

Mansu Has My Heart

4/7-4/13

Exchange with Sister DeBuse

Monday was uneventful. Sister Bagley and I had plans to hangout with the elders but last minute, we decided to just hang out at home. It was nice. The end of the day was spent traveling for another exchange. I picked up Sister DeBuse and brought her back to 만수 (Mansu). She is sick with a cold and also suffering from mild to severe depression. I feel a responsibility to help her out and to give your a bit of a refuge from the stress that her companionship and four-man house environment that she lives in. It was late when we got home. We talked for a little but she was exhausted so we went straight to sleep.

Tuesday started off kind of strange. When we woke up and started working out Sister DeBuse was so adorable and said, "I don't mean to be negative but I just feel cruddy this morning." She had been sick all week and I laughed as I told her that that wasn't negativity, it was just a fact haha. She decided to go back to sleep for a little. Three hours later she was up and feeling better. During her nap/continued night's sleep, I let her sleep in peace as I studied in the other room. I didn't have too many option- the hallway, bathroom, or changing room. Changing room it was. I sat on one of my suitcase while I read and studied. It was so great being able to study for so long!! I got so much done!!

When she was finally up we did the normal routine and eventually found ourselves on the street talking to people. Sister DeBuse isn't too talkative, but anyway it was productive for what it was. By 7PM we met at 부평역 (BuPyung Station) to unsplit. Recently Sister Bagley had lost her running shoes so we roamed the underground shopping center to find her a pair. As she looked, I talked to people but also browsed and found some awesome souvenirs for friends and family when I get home~ Korean shopping is the best. I will miss it.

Wednesday we had district meeting. It was hilarious! Elder Berry is our leader and so good at Korean. He decided to ramble on in Korean for the whole training- I understand well but when he mumbles like most 19 year old boys do, it makes things difficult haha. Anyway, on to the funny stuff. We were each asked to read different passages of from PMG or the scriptures, when it came Elder Knapp's turn to read a verse from the Bible he could hardly do it with a straight face. Early that week we had received a book that he orders (against mission rules ha)... It was called 'Da Jesus Book' also know as a version of the Bible but translated into Hawaiian Pigeon haha. It was pretty funny but also ridiculous. Next was a role play. But not a normal kind of role play, a silent one. It was awkward and fun but actually got his point across pretty well. All in all it was a unique meeting but fun and productive like always.

Look at the Purnus Yedoensis flowers~I love spring in Korea.

Next was a visit to our AnyTime store less-active member to visit 정혜연S (HayeYun). Today she was super sad about something. Earlier in the week we had given her the assignment to read about Lehi and Nephi from the Book of Mormon. We are trying to help to her better understand prayer but the passage she read brought up different concerns. She envies Nephi for the father he has. She has a drunk for a father and she hates how much stress he puts on her and her mother. Today we tried to share a message about the light of Christ using a Mormon message by David A. Bednar. I hope it was well received on a deeper level but her immediate response was, "Yeah, I know." Pray for her, she needs it.

Love you fam~

The rest of the day was pretty monotonous. However on the way home we took a short break in a beautiful park to take a picture or two of the beautiful cherry blossoms. Korea is so beautiful in the Spring time! If you ever want to visit, April and May are the best!!

Thursday was interviews. President Morrise and Sister Morrise came to our stake center and we were allotted 15 minutes with our wonderfully amazing mission president. Before our actual interviews, Sister Morrise was asking all companionships to make a short video giving advice to new missionaries. Sister Bagley and I are too funny if you were not previously aware. We prepared our top ten 'what not to do's' to share. [Most will need clarification] but here is a list:

1. Be sure to board the same elevator as your companion, [she stayed on the 14th floor as I had to walk up the stairs to find her again].
2. Don't spend your emergency cash on 할머니 (Korean grandma) pants, [I love them].
3. When lost, don't let taxis become your go-to solution, [your new comp won't pay]. :P
4. When speaking Korean, don't directly translate things from English- including idioms, [food baby.]
5. Do not take a shortcut up a mountain that looks like it belongs in a horror film.
6. When talking with Koreans on the streets... or anywhere they compliment foreigners A LOT, don't let it get to your head.
7. Don't flirt with grandmas unless you want to be sent off with a handful of candy and a bum pat as you part.
8. Do not go to a 목욕탕 (public bathhouse) without someone experienced... [The only examples you'll have to watch and follow might be old, naked grandmas].
9. Don't follow men into hole-in-the-wall bars on the Sabbath.
10. Don't pee your pants in public.

Thank you so much mom and dad :) I am so happy~you are the best

It was hilarious to film and Sister Morrise was trying so hard not to laugh as she was holding the camera. My interview went well. I am fairly certain that the Seoul South Mission has the best mission president in the whole world. We all adore him. After our interviews, Sister Bagley and I received mail! I received the package that my mother sent and Sister Bagley got a letter from her boyfriend in Norway. When we saw what we had we were so happy! Sister Bagley started jumping up and down saying, "It's him! Hug me, hug me, hug me!" Haha she is so retarded, but I love her.

Sister Lee, our Korean mother in the Mansu ward.  We love her!

To conclude the evening we met 이은성S (Sister Lee) before walking into our family-investigator appointment. The father wasn't able to make it tonight but we taught the mom and her two daughter the whole first lesson and watched the Restoration video together. It went well and the two daughters said yes to a baptismal invitation! The spirit was so strong. It was a fantastic lesson even though it went a little late.

Friday we had a practice lesson with a member before heading to an appointment with our new investigator. 이경호S (Sister Lee) is an old grandma who loves to talk. As we began our lesson it sounded as if her true purpose of meeting with us was to set one of us up with her son haha. I felt impressed to ask her what her true interest was. She was sincere in saying that she wants to know about our gospel and happy message that elders in Canada had previously promised her. Following her answers I told her that I understand her well but I needed her patience because I speak slowly. I tried to ask for just 5 minutes to talk but my inability to speak quickly made that impossible haha. Eventually we were able to get through the whole first lesson. She promised to both read and pray before our appointment next week. I hope she will be able to accept our message well despite her verbal diarrhea and my slowness of speech haha.

Saturday was strange. We had two appointments scheduled but only about half of one worked out. 구혜연S (Amanda) has been an investigator on and off for nine years! Today was our third lesson with her but she insisted on treating us to lunch. Her neighbor, 정진형S (Sister Jeong) is a less-active recent convert and all four if us went to an 'American styled' buffet. It was Korean food as far as I am concerned haha but anyway it was yummy. While we ate we naturally started talking about gospel topics such as general conference. Today and tomorrow are the days where it has become available with Korean translations. Our mini lesson was supposed to be followed by a real lesson but instead both Amanda and the recent convert decided they wanted to sit in on the second session of the day. We sat and watched the Korean translation with them. Sister Bagley fell asleep but I tried hard to understand- apostles speak so complexly! So difficult. Good thing we have the spirit because without that I'm pretty sure I would have been falling asleep too ha. It was a strange change in schedule but it was good!

Our next appointment cancelled so instead we watched the morning Saturday session in English. It was fantastic! It is so strange not having conference be a big event like it is back home but I guess that is just the life of a missionary. Next conference though, things might be back to normal. To end the day we went on a member exchange to do some proselyting on the street. Our go-to member 이은성S (Sister Lee) encouraged her daughter, 오의림 (UehReem) to spend more time with us since she is in the process of submitting her mission papers. She is so shy and was so uncomfortable for the whole hour we were together but I tried to help her out. I taught her that missionary life is awkward no matter what but the key is to just embrace it because this message is worth it! Just like Elder Holland said in the Saturday morning session, "This work is worth it! ...[we] can change the world!" I love this church. I love our leaders and the fulfillment that our message brings to my life. I showed her my style of a huge smile on my face, a natural conversation, applications of a gospel principle about what I've learned about their life, and a commitment. Maybe she didn't talk to too many people but I hope mine and Sister Bagley's example will resonate with her.

Korean style picnic after watching the Sunday Session of Conference

Sunday was a phenomenal day!! Our ward showed the two Sunday sessions of general conference and guess who came?! 정현지S (HyonChe) and her little sister 정호경S (HoKyong). HyonChe is 15 and comes regularly while HoKyong is about 12 and this was her first experience. At the beginning Sister Bagley kept them well involved with taking notes and drawing pictures but those poor girls were only about 3 talks in until they got bored. They sat punching each other and being normal sisters for the remaining part of the first session. Our bishop decided to have a five minute break before starting the next session. Four consecutive hours! They stayed the whole time though... They are the best. We saw them off and Sister Bagley and I were invited to stay and eat a Korean styled picnic with the ward. They tried to invite our investigators too but those girls were itching to leave haha. The food was great, members so giving, and the weather was perfect! Spring is so beautiful!!

After eating and cleaning up I ran into 이두례S (Sister Lee)'s daughter, 김소정S (Sister Kim) upstairs. She is preparing to serve a mission in San Fernando, California. As she is getting a little more serious about preparing, she told me to call her any time if we needed help. Maybe it wasn't what she bargained for but I asked if she had time right then to provide us with an opportunity to practice teaching a lesson. Both her and her mother (our Korean mother) joined us in the chapel as we taught the third lesson, The Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was fun and edifying. Her and her mother are great teachers!

As we left, they gave us a ride home. I gave Sister Kim my Korean version of the missionary white handbook full of the mission rules that she would soon come to know very well. She had so many questions and that book will answer most of them. I hope Sister Bagley and I can help her prepare well before entering the MTC.

To finish the day we found so many people to talk to on the street before our missionary coordination meeting. It was good. Two of the WML's daughter came with him and the whole time they played with my hair and tried to massage my shoulders. They are the cutest. They loved mine and Sister Bagley's jewelry too so I taught them the English word 'bling bling.' They told their dad that they like 'bling bling' haha. I seriously have fallen in love with 만수 (Mansu)!! Last week President Morrise wrote in his letter to me, "Who knew a Suwon sister would become an Incheon sister so quickly?" It is true. I thought Suwon had my heart but I found a whole other cavity that has been filled by Mansu. Korean saints are so special and I love them so much. I am so grateful for the choice the The Lord helped me make to serve Him. Our message isn't well accepted by many but for those that do listen, I have come to love them tremendously. They motivate me to be better and to find more people to show the true methods of happiness that I feel so blessed to have grown up with. This work is worth it and we are changing the world!

Have a good week!!
I love you all!! 사랑해요! 보고싶어요! I miss you!
사랑하는,
슬론 자매
Sister Sloan

Stylish~

Homemade Korea pancakes~ success

Fatest Asian baby...

Somehow a 32 year old man ended up with our number...I invited him to church tomorrow and in response he says probably the only English he knows  haha

Me and Sister Bagley

On Fire

3/31-4/6
Monday was a nice and relaxing PDAY. When I first started my mission I also thought that it was best to stay busy on preparation day, but instead I have come to love the opportunities we have to relax. Missionary life and it's related work is a nonstop process and it's by divine design that we have a six-hour block to take it easy and prepare for the rest of the week. Today we met the elders for lunch and then we ran back home to write letters, do laundry, and sleep. By 6PM our house was clean, Sister Bagley and I were well rested, and ready to find people on the streets to talk to. It was successful. By about 7:30PM we boarded a bus and a series of subways in order to make it to the mission home for the night. Tomorrow will be MLC; maybe we took advantage of the privilege of getting to sleeping at the mission home but anyway we miss beds so we feel validated ha. We made it safely by 9:30PM.

Upon arrival, no one was in sight. We ceased the opportunity to sneak into the office So we could check the mail. We were trying to be quiet but apparently failed because we were almost immediately caught red handed by President Morrise opening his office door. Inside we saw the office staff, assistants to the president, and his wife sitting around a table, in the middle of having a meeting. Their laughter followed my awkward comment of "....look, there's mail..." It was embarrassing. I quickly finished my desperate attempt to find a letter for us but to our disappointment there was nothing. After placing the stack back into it's slot, President Morrise threw me the keys to his house. We went as quickly as we could and went straight to planning then prepared for bed. Ironically the soft bed were hard to get used to... ㅋㅋ see what I did there? It is also hard to believe that I've been sleeping on hard mats called yohs for over a year. I'm excited to have a bed again but tonight it was difficult to get used to.

Tuesday started well. We exercised, ate breakfast with Sister Morrise, and studied until it was time for MLC. Sister Bagley dropped me off and she left with other STL junior companions. The meeting was awesome! The theme was "Teach People, Not Lessons" with a subtitle of "teach people more lessons." Haha... Cleaver. The AP's are 김재겸E and Elder Schofield, they are fantastic human beings!! I really respect them.

After the opening remarks, each zone had an opportunity to report on how each zone responded to the last training. It was way fun! I talked about the 20 minute-practice-lessons with members that the stake presidents requested missionaries start. I really feel like the relationships between 만수 (Mansu) ward members and the missionaries has grown tremendously as well as helped build them up as individuals and also as a whole ward. The smile of President Morrise's face after our zone report was quite rewarding. ^^ Incheon is the best~!

Next was a training on the PMG session of 'How to Begin Teaching.' The AP's gave us an example role play and after asked for people's thoughts. The funny thing is that they actually did a good job but for some reason, some of the missionaries thought it was supposed to be a bad example so they tore it to pieces. Thankfully, humble Elder Schofield didn't take it too hard by saying, "Well of course it wasn't perfect, how ineffective would that have been?" Haha he is too funny. I learned a lot! Great training.

The travel home was annoying because I chose to carry back two packages- one for Elder Knapp and another for 박동규E (Elder Park). It wasn't easy but it was fine. Once in Mansu the clock struck 7:30PM~ and we were asked to come to the church. For what you might ask? I'm still wondering why we even went but anyway an RM came back to visit and wanted to teach us Korean. It was useless and the kid was weird. On the way home Sister Bagley and I bought a pizza and ate as we planned... again ha.

Wednesday was a good morning! When Sister Bagley and I finished studying we left the house to drop something off at the church. On our way back home for lunch we were distracted by a street vendor selling Korean-grandma styled shirts. Maybe that sounds lame and ugly but in actuality I love them and the fabric they are made out of are PERFECT for summer. As we browsed for a few minutes the woman in charge came over to talk to us. We explained our purpose as missionaries and she ate it up. She apparently was a pastor at another church but she wanted to do something to help us with our missionary work. We walked away with a shirt and skirt each. Granted the skirt was pretty ugly grandma style but nonetheless, Koreans are so giving and we were grateful.

After a quick lunch we left to meet 정혜연S (HyayeYohn) at her AnyTime convenient store. Today we talked all about grandma pants and how much we all love them. She asked Sister Bagley and I to watch the shop as she ran upstairs to put hers on. As she did, so did we but in a not-so-subtle way under our skirts ha. We took a few funny pictures and shared a small spiritual message before her shop got picked up.

When we left we ate a quick dinner then met the 계산 (GayeSahn) sister missionaries at the subway station for an exchange. I brought Sister Telford to 만수 (Mansu) with me. I felt sorry dropping Sister Bagley off with Sister Watkins because I've never met a missionary as trunky as her. It's never fun serving with missionaries that are only focused on going home and giving no thought to their current companion, investigators, or missionary work in general. I'm sad that this sister has let so much distract her but I hope Sister Bagley can keep them busy if Sister Watkins doesn't do her part as senior.

The night with Sister Telford was short but anyway it was good. We talked to a bunch of people, including two super sweet grandmas. When I first arrived here I was always weirded out by how loving people were. PDA is not a thing in Korea but friends and family alike hold hands no matter age or gender. That still sounds strange but in actuality it is very sweet. Maybe it's better put like this, it is a way of engaging in a conversation with more than just words. Anyway, both grandmas that we ran into grabbed my hands. As we had great conversations both grandmas kept squeezing my hands, it was adorable. To end the evening Sister Telford had prepared to "pass off" to me. "Pass Off" is a program set up to help missionaries improve their teaching ability in Korean. In this program, missionaries study each of the three church pamphlets (The Restoration, Plan of Salvation, and Jesus Christ's Gospel) both in English and Korean. Then as STL for the Incheon zone, I quiz sister missionaries on vocabulary and grammar used so they can better teach straight from the pamphlets. I also test their reading ability, memorization of key verses, and finally their ability to teach principles that I choose at random. Sister Telford passed off the first pamphlet and did really well! It was a night well spent.

Thursday was a gloomy day! Yesterday finally felt like spring but today it was back to gray skies, rain, and wind. Absolutely no one was on the streets and our only appointment before the unsplit, cancelled. In an attempt to be effective, we came back home to do callbacks off of records. It was actually super successful! We were able to refer 3 people to different missionary sets in our zone. After the unsplit Sister Bagley and I hurried to 김미란S (Sister Kim)'s house for a practice lesson. It went okay. She was very sweet and cooked us a kimchee pancake as well as some delicious blueberry tea. Once we left, we quickly went to meet our member 이은성S (Sister Lee) so she could come with us to our miracle appointment with the 정 (Jeong) family. There was a misunderstanding and the father came home at 8PM as opposed to 8:30PM but it wasn't a problem because he just helped us teach his daughters English for 30 minutes before our gospel message began.

I started the lesson off with a prayer. We wanted to first get a feel for the families religious background; from what we gathered from 정현지S (HyonChe- our 15 year old investigator) her whole family was Christian at heart but not practicing at the moment. I decided to start the discussion by asked HyonChe what faith was. When she didn't give an answer that her father was satisfied with, he chimed in with a super long explanation of all he has learned about religion over the years. To sum it up for you, he likes our church. He knows that their is something different and special about this gospel and it's people but he hadn't found too much information out yet. He asked us what set us apart from other churches- we explained the role of prophets of old and today, the plan of salvation, the Book of Mormon, baptism by immersion, and the role of the spirit in knowing truth for yourself. It was a fantastic lesson! Our member really helped us out a lot! We are so grateful for her and the spirit she brought to the lesson. We challenged the family to prayer together each day before our next meeting, they happily accepted. To finish off the lesson I asked the father if he wouldn't mind, offering the closing prayer. He quickly deflected and asked his wife. As they went back and forth, I saw HyonChe out of the corner of my eye slowly flipping through the pamphlet to find the page explaining how to pray. The partially evil grin on her face as she peered at her father was hysterical. She raised her arm and said "기도할까요" (shall I pray). Everyone laughed and it was the sweetest prayer. This family is amazing!

Friday we had zone training. The leaders did a good job. When it came time for a role play, Sister Morrise walked in. I quickly volunteered Sister Bagley and I to teach Sister Morrise ^^ winners! It was a blast, we really love her. After the training I did some more pass off but this time it was with Sister Rose. She didn't do so well... I will have to meet her again next week so she can try again. The rest of the day was spent traveling back to our area, talking to people on the street, and weekly planning. Not too much to report.

Saturday was a sad morning. Sister Bagley and I woke up feeling a little under the weather. I was fine after I got going but Sister Bagley stayed in bed for an extra hour or so to trying counteract what was making her feel so sick. I called to cancel our farming plans and began to study. It was a strange Saturday, it just didn't feel complete without farming haha. Anyway after Sister Bagley felt a little better, she got ready, and studied a little before we left to meet our investigator, 김하나S (HahNah). She was so tired because she had stayed up all night studying for a midterm which she took this morning. Despite the fact that both her and Sister Bagley were fighting to keep their eyes open, the lesson went well. For the gospel portion, 정예림S (Sister Jeong) joined us as we shared a message about prayer and the Restoration video. After the video we were about out of time but HahNah had such great questions! She observed that in the video each church claimed to be the only true church (much like churches today) and she wanted to know how we find out which one really is. We challenged her to continue reading the Book of Mormon and praying. It was a good lesson.

After was a fun English class. Maybe everyone is getting sick because almost all of our students looked as if they wanted to keel over and die. Poor kids. Sister Bagley and I still tried to make it fun. After our spiritual thought we sent people off and greeted members for a ward activity. It was a 삼겹살 (meat) party haha- only in Korea. It was a blast and a nice relaxing night for my sick companion. The ward members went a little over board with taking care of her and Elder Knapp that was also sick. It was funny to watch especially because the members isolated the two of them in the corner most of the night haha. The only thing missing was the caution tape saying 'quarantine' haha.

Fast Sunday. Today's church meetings were a little different than normal because the auxiliary leaders prepared a two hour presentation for all members over 12. The presentation was all about member missionary work and the book, 'The Power of Everyday Missionaries' by Brother Clayton M. Christiansen. It was well executed but our poor 14 year old investigator was dying of hunger and boredom. Sister Bagley did a good job entertaining her. When sacrament meeting started, everyone seemed a little restless because we had all been sitting in our seats for over 2 hours now. Maybe that was a contributing factor to so many people getting up to bear their testimonies but it was one of the most powerful meetings I've attended yet! Our members are so strong!

When church ended, we saw 정현지S (HyonChe) as well as most of our members off. We didn't have too much time to spare because between church meetings we received a referral who asked us to come to her house by 4PM. Upon arrival, we quickly learned that she is purely interested in our gospel message! Booyah! It was awesome teaching her... Well actually she is a typical Korean grandmother who LOVES talking- her initial introduction took about 20 minutes, touching on just about every topic possible ha. She is sweet. We are excited to meet her again next week!!

By 6PM we arrived back home to break our fast and eat dinner. We ran out of rice yesterday so all we had left was eggs and sweet potatoes. It was a strange combination but it was fine. Sister Bagley, however was not satisfied and still starving haha. We called up our Korean mother, 이두례S (Sister Lee). She wasted no time inviting us over for dinner as well as a practice lesson- she is the best. While we ate, our usual 'food baby' joke came up again haha. This time it was directed towards Sister Bagley as Sister Lee asked if she was having twins hahahaha! It was awesome. Before leaving we taught her about prayer, washed the dishes, and received a bunch of kimchee. It was an evening well spent.

Our usual missionary coordinating meeting was cancelled due to our leader being in Seoul for other church meetings. So the rest of the night Sister Bagley and I tried to find people talk to, it was semi successful but we still managed to have a blast. I love my companion and this ward. After this transfer ends, I only have three transfers left... So Sister Bagley and I are hoping to stay together for at least one more if not the whole five months hehe! We now have 7 investigators and fantastic relationships with members. We are on fire~ Being a missionary is so much fun!!

Have a good week!!
I love you all!! 사랑해요! 보고싶어요! I miss you!
사랑하는,
슬론 자매
Sister Sloan

More murals.

The farm owner haha

Farming.. Also Brother Beck pretending to spank Elder Higham

Sunday cutting radishes

Member exchange on Sunday.

Me and Sister Bagley.

Trying to take the trash out via elevator.  What you don't see is the other four bags of sorted recyclable garbage-plastics, cardboard, glass, oh and don't forget food trash...ew

Look at the beautiful trees blooming.

mission home beds

Grandma pants

grandma pants and our favorite less-active 정혜연S (Sister Jeong)

grandma skirt