Interviews and One Year

This week was almost exclusively interviews.  The next week will be the same.  You'll see many of the same missionaries together, but many with new companions.  Every six weeks we have to look at the mix of those leaving and those coming and move folks around to fill gaps.  It's a very humbling experience.  However, it's amazing to see how these things work out.

 The sister on the far left has served in Korea almost 16 months and none of her companions have been from the US.  These two are from Korea and New Zealand.

 If there is a prop to add to the picture, you can bet it might get used...

This couple handles the military relations needs for the two military bases at the far south end of our mission, Camp Humphreys Army Base and Osan Air Force Base.  They only have a few weeks left and a new couple will come in to take their place.

We had to include this special young lady in our picture.  She just finished serving as a missionary in the Idaho Boise Mission where out daughter lives.  They had met because this young lady actually served in Rachel's church ward in Eagle, Idaho.  She is such a happy young lady.

Last week we showed you the fellow hanging from the lines painting the side of the building.  This week, while hanging from the same line, he painted free-hand this big E and then more letters later.  Amazing how they work.  We've watched this apartment building go up from ground zero to nearly a completed building.

This week while doing a long run I decided to run around the full Olympic Park.  It was a fun run with lots of people already out in the park at 8:00 AM.  I expect there may be more pictures in later blogs.

Finally, as you would guess, in our responsibilities caring for 118 current young full-time missionaries, two older couples, and each other, we spend a lot of time contemplating our assignment.  There are so many good things going on.  Occasionally, not so positive things occur like the young man who contracted cellulitis in his leg and had to be admitted in the hospital, a companionship that is struggling in their relationship, a missionary who loses confidence in his or her abilities to communicate or gets depressed being rejected all day.  We also spend lots of time on our knees together thanking our Father in Heaven for our rich blessings and pleading for guidance on how to help or guide our missionaries.  We see many small and large miracles in the work these young people do and the personal growth and maturing in each life.  While leaving the bedroom one morning I looked back for something and saw our bed in a new light.  If you look carefully, you can see the elbow marks from a couple kneeling next to the bed petitioning the Lord for guidance. 
We know you are praying for your missionaries and for us and we would bet similar marks are on your own beds.  We are so grateful for all you do.  The prayers sent heavenward are felt every day.  Thank you.  Until next week we will be obedient, keep the faith, and love each and everyone of these choice sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ. 

Last week we passed the one year mark for being in Korea.  How quickly it has gone.  We marvel at the experiences we have had and the things we have learned.  It's hard to believe we have been given such an opportunity.  People say we can have a big impact on the lives of these young people.  We are the ones who are being the most enriched by this entire experience.  Thank you for your support, love and prayers on behalf of our missionaries and on us!