We couldn't be happier being in Korea right now, even though we miss one of the truly big holidays in the US. However, we know this small offering of our time is but a demonstration of our gratitude of the truly many blessings Terri and I have received. Our granddaughter is thankful we are serving. She changed the background on her phone showing g'ma and g'pa in front of the world map in the MTC.
She then said, when asked what she wanted for Christmas, "I want my grandma and grandpa home for Christmas!" We will have a great Christmas with all the family in 2019.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving on Wednesday evening. We had the four senior couples serving in our mission at our home to celebrate and to say farewell to a wonderful couple returning to the US. We are grateful for the miracle of his healing. We had a great dinner and evening together. We then said goodbye at the airport. We look forward to catching up with them in the future.
It would take you a while to realize how serious Elder Bastian's situation was four weeks ago. His rehabilitation has been wonderful. Sister Bastian deserves the Mother Teresa award for her patient care and humble service literally living in the hospital for several weeks by his side on nothing more than a bench. Their love is reflective of what eternal families are all about.
Terri and I had the opportunity to meet some of our missionaries at the temple this week. Because of our trip to the airport we were unable to attend, but couldn't miss the opportunity to see them and take a few pictures. We didn't get them all, but we certainly tried to get all we could. It's their preparation day and as soon as they leave the temple they are doing their 'preparation' day activities.
Sister Turner and I took the opportunity to spend an evening and part of the next day with some missionaries in the south part of the mission. Terri was with Sister Capener from Chicago and Sister Canete from the Philippines. I was with Elder Carter from Utah and Elder de la Bruere from Iowa. We did an evening of proselyting and a morning of study time with them. We stayed in a hotel which is an experience best not shared. Not one of our better places to visit...
Our time with the missionaries truly gave us a better perspective of their daily life.
The Anyang Stake held a 'cultural evening' event including a few of our missionaries. I'm sure their parents will get pictures and emails sharing their experiences. It was loads of fun. Our funnest experiences were watching the missionaries sing and perform. Their is certainly a lot of talent and a few comic personalities.
On Sunday we attended another special event called 'Happy Things' celebrating the happy and joyous message of the gospel the missionaries share. Several of the missionaries spoke and then performed. Given the more sacred nature of the event no pictures were taken during the performances, but we can tell you our hearts were moved by the powerful talent of a different group of missionaries from the night before. The piano, the violin, the guitar, and the singing abilities were clearly on display. This entire group sang two songs with little practice that truly moved the audience including us. Another professional choir performed later which was probably better, but the raw talent of these missionaries was awe inspiring.
Of course, when Terri gets with a few of the young ladies with a camera, you never know what you'll come up with. They love Sister Turner! Someone asked one of the sister missionaries why everyone loved Sister Turner so much...
On Sunday we attended another ward we hadn't attended in the past. We got another picture with Sister Holste and Sister Zippro both from Utah. The selfie is definitely alive in our mission!
On the side of interesting things seen since the last blog, first, we had snow. Large fluffy flakes at first followed by smaller, wetter flakes and eventually turning to just rain. The roads were warm enough it wasn't a problem, but there was the reminder of what season we are entering. We drive through a lot of mountains and hills with lots of trees Mother Nature decorated for Christmas.
On another front, we passed an area selling lots of outdoor clothing including mountain and trekking gear. This dude sits atop a building well decorated with winter clothes...
Of course there is always the window shopping fish that would frighten any wandering child...
And there is also the newest coffee outlet with a name that I'm sure someone was paid handsomely for creating. (Terri wanted to take this one for Jake and his 'stache :) nothing like a good mustache roaster!) Just think our missionaries see these creative things every day. They will return and wonder how they can make it work in their home town.
The thing I want to close on that opens the Christmas season is a short video that truly moves the soul. I'm sure many of you have already seen it, but if not, be sure to take the three minutes to see this and then consider joining the daily activities that can help us all "
Light the World."
With Love,
Roger and Terri
