The day after the last post we attended the temple with another group of 35 or so. We can never catch them all at once as they come and go. However, we do get to interact and take pictures with most of them. It's fun to watch them all interact for a few minutes before they head off to enjoy their preparation day. They especially love to visit with Terri. She has them posing in trees, on rocks, and wherever she can get them together. They flock to Terri and wander over to me when they've felt the true source of love in our home!
We took our preparation day that day as well. We had a full weekend planned. Missionaries normally take their p-day on Monday, but on days like this, they take it on the day of the temple trip, in this case Thursday. We normally take ours on Saturday so we can be available to them on Monday. We knew this weekend would be pretty crowded with meetings and other events. We stopped at the Lotte Mall at the great 123 floor Lotte tower for lunch and some wandering. We love to people watch. There are so many interesting little pieces to keep us entertained and to keep our cameras clicking. We'd have a good time with the grandkids here.
Of course, I also found a place with my name on it.... It sells all kinds of candies. We bought a few chocolate covered pretzels and chocolate covered gummi bears. They have interesting names here for various stores.
We had a quiet date night as well. Terri found a large field of flowers that are illuminated at night. We believe they are solar powered. It was a beautiful evening after a sunny day so the lights were amazing. It was a fun work of art.
Of course, I finally had reached a level sufficient to acquire my wings. They were a little heavy so my legs had a hard time straightening. I hope I can live up to the expectations now.
Over the weekend we attended several conferences. Each time there was a meal involved. While attended one meeting Terri was able to talk the ladies into allowing her to help. In the Korean culture we are considered guests and typically not allowed to help. However, she showed them she had a true interest in learning, grabbed a knife and cutting board and said, "Teach me!". They had a wonderful evening in the kitchen with these new friends making a great meal. The next day they worked together again for a few minutes. She is hugged every time she walks into a building now!
We always like to photograph things that are a little unusual from our perspective. In this case, we found a building with a tremendous number of signs on it. They don't have large bill boards in most areas, but the buildings certainly are loaded with signs noting what's on that specific floor or at least nearby! It's certainly colorful.
The biggest discovery that got my attention this week was a flash from home. My favorite vehicle was across the street from a bus stop we were standing at. I was anxious to cross and ask for a test drive, but decided that is not why I came here. I know I'll find my ride when I return...
Finally, we said goodbye to another missionary as Elder Schilling returned to the US this weekend. We will miss him and wish him the very best upon his return. We've had some experiences leaving fond memories of his time here. This will likely be the last picture of us in a very small group with the flag. We feel we lose focus on the individual. If the group is large enough, we will keep the flag, otherwise we will not have it.
We get up in the morning at the start of the week and it seems like we go to bed at the end of the week they are passing so quickly. In the middle of the 'day' we have experiences with numerous missionaries, local church members, the local community, and the sites and sights of Korea. For nearly 20 years Terri and I didn't get to sit by each other much in church and many days of the week we didn't see each other much. Now we sit next to each other literally all day long, whether in the car, at meetings, at trainings, or on the couch. I'm glad we have this opportunity to catch up!
One amazing things this weekend, the leaders of the church approved for some geographical shifts to the church organization in our mission. Four stakes were combined into just two stakes. During conferences held this past Sunday, the Anyang and Seoul South Stakes were combined into the Seoul South Stake and the Young Dong and Suwon Stakes were combined and renamed the Gyongi Stake. Four wards in Anyang were consolidated to be called the Anyang Ward. It will have a huge impact on the youth as they have the opportunity to interact with more youth of their own age at church. We had beautiful choirs and speakers. We also had Sister Joy Jones, the Primary General President and Carol McConkie, the 1st Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency with us this weekend. It was a rich weekend. Since pictures are not typically taken in the chapel, you'll have to wait for the Church News to see pictures.
Until next week, we hope all are happy and well.
