Week 93

I have officially left Nokbun and I am in Ilsan. Nobun is in the middle of the city. And, now I am in what they would call as Koreans the "sub-herbs". But, it is nothing like suburbs of America. Though it does give an American feel to me because it is all laid-out very well and the roads are in squares. The roads are huge and there are some many huge trees and foliage next to the humongous buildings and homes (all of the homes in Korea are apartments). The church building here is the biggest in the mission and the placement of it is perfect. It is right at the corner of a intersection. And, on the same block is La-Festa (A giant shopping way that leads to the Pond Park).

I love every part of it!!! I actually hope that I stay here till I leave my mission. I feel a lot of love from the members and even from the people out on the streets. I came in with simply one solid person that comes to church and eventually wants to get baptized but other than that I am going to be doing a lot of finding here!! And, because I have seen the most success from working with members I am planning on getting really close with the members, though I don't have any clue how I am going to memorize all of their names. It is just as big as a normal ward back at home. Lots of good energy and solid members.

I have a really great companion!!! He has only been out on his mission for almost 8 months, but he is solid. He is willing to learn and we are having fun together. He is getting a grasp on the language. He was a wrestler and a state camp, so I plan on getting big.

Even though I am new here we are already getting new people to church!!! I feel like the secret to helping and getting things done as a missionary, is showing love and actually getting involved in the lives of those we have discussions with. My favorite part of serving in Korea is making new friends and helping them find more peace and happiness in life.

Goals
I want to help Elder Ostler learn how to handle being a Senior Comp and leading the area because I see him being a a mission leader soon in the future.

I want to re-read through all of the Standard Works (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price) before I get home. With Old Testament as last (in Korean as well if I can)

I know that people are sent to places on purpose and that there prepared people are waiting! I have the faith to find, and to give stronger faith in being able to baptize, to Elder Ostler.

Testimony
I have seen miracles through baptism and I know the difference it makes in people's lives. I wouldn't want anything else for the people of Korea. We can have the literal powers of heaven in our lives when we make sacred convents with our Father in heaven. He wants us to remember Him and to have us with Him. Christ is the way and there is no other to lasting joy!

I am grateful for this opportunity to love others without having to worry about personal affairs! I believe it is a once in a life time opportunity and I am not going to waste it!
I love you all! It is easy to say that the church is TRUE. It is all harder to stay TRUE to the church. We are in it till the end!!!