Elder McKinnion is like a copy of me!!! In most ways!! He loves dance, has a huge family, loves the Lord, wants to do his best, he is extremely grateful, and we are working our guts out!
It is exciting!!
I like that our apartment is not downtown. Everyone in Korea lives in apartments, even the rich people. Seoul is extremely small, and this last week I learned that it has 2 times the amount of people that New York has. And that is just the city of Seoul. And, everyone in Korea is extremely BUSY!! And, it is hard for us to get into their schedules. We have fantastic investigators, but they all study hours on hours, if they are students, or if they are older they work for hours upon hours. Busy is a big problem here.
Even the members are really busy, but they at least learn to make time for the Lord and their families. It usually is a big commitment to be in the church for people here. But, the blessings are unimaginable! I am grateful for technology to be able to sneak into the people's small bits of free time, through text or video calls!
The culture is so unique and admirable. When you get the chance to serve in completely different culture, you get to see what the traditions of our fathers really do for us. They truly are a great influence on society. As the Book of Mormon and other scriptures put it "The Traditions of the Fathers".
“I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father.”
“And behold, it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these records, that we may preserve unto our children the language of our fathers.”
“Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that … did not believe the tradition of their fathers.”
“It is the tradition of their fathers that has caused their hatred.”
Here in Korea, I have come to learn the importance of honoring and respecting others, especially the elderly and the leaders. It is a tradition here in Korea that I am extremely grateful for. And, it really makes a difference! From the way you look, talk, sit, and the way you hold yourself.
One of the effects from this tradition, is shown in the way I pray. Before my mission I would just pray more casually then I do now. Not that it is a bad thing. Because of the way I prayed before the Mission, I learn how it is a conversation with my father ...in Heaven. But, as I have come to enveloped the culture of Korea, my prayers have grown more and more spiritual. I believe that it is because, when I pray I am using a language that is very honorific and the way I hold myself is as if I am approaching the throne of God. Which if I imagine it this way with my Western American background it still has a big meaning, but if I imagine it as a Korean would, it has a completely different feel to me. I know that because I have been in Korea I have grown more reverent, than if I had served anywhere else in the world.
I know, from experience, that when we are reverent, the influence of the Spirit is so palpable!! I will always be thankful for what I have learned here, because through it I have been able to have stronger witnesses of the Spirit. And, I know that I am only at the beginning of being able recognize His power in our lives, but as of right now the Spirit feels so familiar and calming to me.
Because of the witness of the Spirit, I know that Christ is our Savior and that he lives and guides His restored church today! I love this Gospel and the influence it has in my life!
Love Elder Alger!
This last mission activity I found out that Elder Worth went to high school at Trivium, with Rebekah Smith! He is from Goodyear. He says that another one from his school is coming to Korea as well! It is fun to meet friends of friends
Just studying
Weekly we sing to grandmas in an old folks home, but sometimes we get to hear old Korean folk songs.
Elder Mckinnon snapped a video of me bowling. I have only ever bowled in Korea, so I would say that I am still quite an amateur. But, it is fun!
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