No pictures to go with that, but close your eyes and imagine not eating chocolate chip cookies for up to two years and having one of the best cookie makers in the universe drop a few in front of you with some cold milk. That should be picture enough for you. Everyone left happy!
We are preparing for a visit from Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles this week. He will speak to a combined meeting of our missionaries and the missionaries of the Seoul Mission on Wednesday for three hours. There is quite an exciting buzz amongst the missionaries.
We had another wonderful baptismal service this week we were able to attend. The missionaries in one of the areas had baptized a young girl a year ago, but the mother had not been interested. A few weeks ago the new missionaries in the area called the mother, thinking she was a member and asked if they could teach a practice lesson with her. The missionaries seek every opportunity to practice their language skills is a real teaching situation. This woman agreed to chat not hinting about her current beliefs. When the missionaries arrived at her home a friend was with her along with another friend whose daughter was friends with the woman's daughter. She was a member of the local ward. Well, after only a few weeks, she felt impressed that she should change her life, she read the Book of Mormon along with her normal Bible readings and felt the Spirit touch her life and decided to join her daughter in baptism. The father attended the event also with a great happy face. I put my arm around him and said I'd like to come back in a few weeks and share his baptism with the family. He smiled and nodded warmly. The most touching part was a choir of about eight Primary-aged children 8-11 years old singing, A Child's Prayer. They were joined by five of the six missionaries in the area.. The sixth missionary was playing the piano. The adult missionaries sang the chorus and touched everyone. I had to follow as the next speaker which was very difficult. It was truly moving.
On the way home Terri and I did see one sign that made us smile. I don't think there would be enough time for us if we utilized this park and ride area....
Because we get to feed large numbers of missionaries periodically we make a stop at the local Costco. They have out the Christmas decorations already. They've been out since late September, the last large holiday in Korea before Christmas. They had the usual stuff, but this special fellow caught our eye. Maybe we should send one to each of the grandchildren... I'm sure their parents would appreciate it, especially Jake and Nia with three kids. Can you imagine one in each room or two in the room with two kids? Think of the photo opportunities!
The artists are very good. Anime is huge here.
Finally, while walking in a clothing mall, I saw this item that wouldn't quite fit me, but defined me pretty well. The missionaries love us and think highly of us most of the time, but occasionally, my love for them and for the work I am doing gets the best of me...
I watched this little vignette and found it very illuminating. I thought I'd share it with others. There are so many questions we get about the meaning of life in the face of so many challenges. I felt this provide a nice perspective. Until next week, thank you again for the love and support!
