This past week I had a turning point in my lessons. On Thursday, in our afternoon lesson with 신해련. She has been a tough one since the start, she has really encouraged me to always improve in my Korean. So for this lesson we were going to teach her again about baptism, because she has many question about it and doesn't quite feel the need to be baptized. So I went ready and eager for her to understand.
In this lesson 신해련 gained some clarity with her past questions, but this time, as we taught her she had looooads of questions. She usually has 1 or 2 tough ones, but this time she was letting it all loose. And, what was really awesome, this time we understood EVERY question and answered them pretty well, considering our ability to speak Korean. As we came closer to the end she threw out some questions that I did know how to answer. And, I didn't want to, because I didn't want to just assume. She asked, "So why do I need to make a promise to God through baptism when I can just promise through prayer. And, why do I need a remission of my sins through baptism when I can just repent of my sins through the repentance process?" All I could/wanted say to her was, "That is a very good question, a very good question." And, after being stumped we just decided to just bare testimony of what we do know, for a fact, is true.
In that lesson my heart stopped because I wanted her to progress sooo badly. And, I am glad that when I was speechless my companion said to 신해련, "You have grown so much!!" It opened her eyes and especially my eyes that she has come so far from where she was when we first met her, she accepts our messages more often, she is praying, and reading the Book of Mormon, and she is a lot more open. She had said earlier in the lesson that she really wants to believe what we are saying is true, and I feel she was asking so many questions because she wants that clarity. All these thoughts, by the Spirit, hit me in a second. And, we told her that how much she has progressed, is because she is reading from the Book of Mormon and is praying. And, the Spirit hit me sooo strong. She said, "I can see your testimony, and I can FEEL your faith. It is so strong. Thank you !" I might have shed a tear or two.
What was the turning point for me was, it wasn't my poor understanding of Korean that was holding her back anymore, it was my understanding of the doctrine and the lack of a testimony specifically about baptism.
I am LOVING being a zone leader with my companions!! Elder Nelson, has a fantastic knowledge of leadership and doctrine and has helped tackle things that needed to be tackled. Elder Anderson, also has a great understanding of doctrine, but what he brings to the table is so much compassion, and making sure everything is resolved.
I am loving this chance to better love, support, and serve my zone. I love getting to know each one individually so that I can help them in their specific circumstances and needs. We really are a power zone! Each one of them are amazing and bring something different to the table.
Last night, we invited each district, under the direction of the district leaders, to set a goal on how their district specifically can help the 3 new districts coming in this Wednesday, come closer to Christ, so that they have a better transition and to show them that they are loved and supported by the Zone.
I love meeting new people. I am so eager to meet the group coming in this Wednesday!!!
On a personal note. I have found it hard to be able to accomplish everything that I want to as zone leader and in my own personal goals in becoming a the best/prepared missionary I can be in the field (mostly in my goals in learning Korea). In the past, I was on fire in learning the language and accomplishing my personal goals, but once I became zone leader this past week, I have been lacking in solidifying my understanding in Korean. Before I would use the evening to solidify and finish up any of my goals last minute. But, now I use that time to go in to each room to see how everyone is doing; in learning Korean, relationships with companions, and just listening to them. Everyone wants to be cared for and heard and I enjoy providing that for everyone.
I didn't want to sacrifice one for the other. So decided to asked God for guidance. In class on Friday, we had guest teachers. And, being inspired and full of the Spirit, they had us write down a question in our journal (The Book of Mormon answers Questions of the Soul was the topic). And, they said read Mosiah Chapter 3.
I started reading. And, the Spirit brought to remembrance that, I knew that I wouldn't receive an answer if I didn't have the Spirit and ask God in prayer. I stopped and prayed. That's when the cool stuff started happening.
Personal revelation, to me, is so thrilling. The Spirit makes study that much better!
In summary, I found out that if I continue with the goals I have and hearken to the Spirit always, I'll achieve. But, only if, as it says in Mosiah, I "yield to the enticings of the Holy Ghost, and put off the natural man [bridle my worldly passions and desires]... willing to submit to all things the Lord seeth fit [His will]." As I focus on only doing God's will, I will find that I will have more capacity to accomplish everything , in it's fullest.
There are tooo many things I want to share, that I have learned and that have happened, and it doesn't help that I got my email deleted while I was flipping laundry.
I love you all, and I encourage you to come to God with your "Questions of the Soul" and turn to the scriptures. I promise you will receive an answer!
사랑합니다!!
I met one of Kallie Jordon's besties from Dixie!!! She recognized me as we were walking by and said that she remembered seeing lot of pictures of me. LOL... that's awesome. It's always fun to meet new people!
A fantastic Studying spot with a painting of the Red Sea being parted!!!
Tyler Head! I love seeing him sooo happy!!! It is fun to see friends from back home. All the people that come from towns in Utah seem to know everyone.
Cook 자매님 was so in awe of Sister Reds food art!!!!
Wilson 장로님 wanted to show us his natural art ability as well. (left)
It is raining, time for a pic!
View of the MTC while studying
The grass is sooo green when it rains!
Kershaw 장로님 got a wonderful shirt from his family today
Selfie!
Photo bomber Kershaw 장로님과 Adams 장로님!
The natives are all sooo nice! I will miss them when they leave for Pusan tomorrow.
The Whole Zone!!
Everyone enjoying their last walk with the oldest districts
Kershaw장로님 da best!
Posing with the natives
Han 장로님 is always so happy!!!!
He is so silly, and I don't mind his UV ray glasses.
The Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders (My District)
Just Whicker 장로님 taking a comfy nap.
I don't know why we all found him sleeping so funny.
We were all so quite and had a ball with it
One night we finished TRCs and had some left over pizza. While I was talking with Kallie's College Friend, her companion saw the pizza and somehow convinced my companions to give her a slice and she told us we would regret it. So we got this note 6 days later. lol
:( Kershaw 장로님 is leaving. He will do great in Pusan, South Korea.
Going to the Temple on P-day to do Korean confirmations for Brother Lee again.
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