Week 101

This is my last transfer and I am training a Korean. I love him. He knows Korean but he sometimes gives me the phone saying "I don't know what to say" and that is when I say, "But, you are the Korean here!!" then he concludes "I am not Korean, you are more Korean then I am."
He doesn't know anything about grammar, but is this bubble of sunshine. He is so cute! (Though he is older than me in age.)

He has very simple questions about the Gospel, but I love that he asks them and that he is earnestly searching the Scriptures. Honestly I feel like I learn more when I am teaching the Gospel because I have to know to explain it in a way that makes it click for others. I love him!!! He makes me happy when I am frustrated or twisted up in the work.

And, my other companion is a state champ wrestler from Utah. We have deep conversations about the Gospel all of the time. He has great insights from the scriptures. He is thoroughly reading through them for the first time. It is amazing how people believe what they believe in other churches because the Bible says it so clearly! Though, sometimes, we get energetic about our thoughts of the Gospel. I love him to pieces and wouldn't be surprised to see him as the Assistant to the President the next year. Such a stellar Elder!

I feel bad when I speak in English or Korean because one way or the other, I leave one of my companions out of the conversation. But I guess they both need to learn the languages eventually.

I am the busiest I have ever been on my mission, because there are so many people that we have gospel discussions with.  Even though those we are teaching are all stuck with their own specific problems, I can see them progressing and I cheer at the small successes they are having. Ilsan is a really nice place with amazing members and a mind blowing meeting house!! I can't think of a better place to finish my mission!

Yesterday, we were in the middle of talking with the mother of a Korean friend, who's family is less active (김민규), and suddenly the bishop of the other ward in the building grabbed us. He said to come in and eat with them, but we insisted on just continuing our conversation with this Sister. Then both the sister and the Bishop started to saying to go eat. So we went in. We found it was a meal for the bishops and the North Asia Area President. Honestly, it was awkward to be with all these leaders, feeling like we didn't fit in, but it was cool to get to know them. They were all very kind and welcoming.

I have this whole week packed with people that we want to meet. I spent all of Sunday evening setting up the appointments with my companions. I am not going to waste a single moment out here, in the mission field! I love the work!!!

Love you all!
Elder Alger

Me, my companions, Elder Ostler and Elder Jung, and Sena Yamaguchi