We have another crazy couple of weeks. We hope you enjoy the pictures of your missionaries today. There is so much to share. So many pictures to sort through, it really is fun to review all that's going on in the mission.
Please note, they are working hard. Most of the time, we have to get out of their way. They are trying so hard to be the Lord's representatives. Here's a comment from a young missionary:
This week I started to notice that I am capable of a little
more that I usually expect. Although my understanding of Korean is still shaky
at best, the knowledge of what to say and who to talk to still occasionally
comes at the best times. Just yesterday, I had a train ride where the majority
of the time I was unsuccessful and didn't really try much. Near the end, I felt
like I should stand up and talk to this one kid. At first I was nervous because
I thought maybe [my companion] already tried talking to him and he would just
ignore me. But after waiting a while I decided to compliment his shirt. And
that led to a great conversation! He spoke nearly perfect English and was
actually the only christian in his family. He started to go to church when he
was ten and was willing to meet again! It wasn't a huge miracle or anything,
but definitely one that reminded me that if we try we will always find more
success and happiness than if we don't.
We so enjoy being with them and feeling their energy. During the past few weeks there have been several baptisms. Great individuals with great stories. We were able to attend this one. The gal wearing the black sweater standing behind and to the right of the woman with the flowers (viewer's left) is the daughter. She brought so much joy home with her, her mother wanted to know more.
Because of health issues, she couldn't go into the font alone. She wanted to stand on her own, so we had three extra helpers to make sure she didn't fall. It was a spiritual feast being with her.
We were not able to attend these events, but we were told there are great stories behind both of them.
We had our Mission Leadership Council (MLC) with our zone and sister training leaders. It was an amazing day. Our son, Nathan and his wife Kelcie were in attendance and shared some thoughts. It was a great day. He especially enjoyed the fact that one of his former seminary students is serving on the council right now. Another is also serving in our mission.
We had a wonderful musical number that is also posted on our mission Facebook page
A few of these missionaries are being trained by a sister training leader. Brand new in the mission and seeing how it is all done is a pretty eye-opening experience. We had two visitors. On your far upper left is a member of our mission presidency. On the far upper right is our son. Fourth from the right is our daughter-in-law Kelcie. The weather has been very hot and humid. We let the elders come without suit jackets.
We conducted three zone conferences this past week where we focused more on remembering where we came from, personal revelation, planning skills and better working as missionaries with members and leaders. Oh what fun we had. We had musical numbers (again, go to the mission website for those, you can friend us at KSSM Pres Turner).
Sometimes the camera gets away and starts taking random pictures...
Another runaway shot...
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Wonderful musical talents
A panoramic shot of the learning environment.
more music...
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In the midst, we even occasionally get to celebrate a birthday if their special day is on their conference date...
We immediately started in on interviews this week. we held only one set this week with a zone of 12 great missionaries.
Always trying to find a new unique pose...
No one is proposing, just presenting flowers to Sister Turner accompanied by a man in a flower tiara.
Our Hawaiian sisters, we're all wearing glasses, sporting the Book of Mormon!
His hair is on fire, it is so red it's at risk of burning down the building...
More flowers...
We're all missionaries, we're in this together...
Our son and his wife spent a week with us. Another post will cover that in more detai What a marvelous week we had. Another son will bring his family and visit us this upcoming week. We're pretty excited.
A little ice cream treat...
The Joint Security Area at the DMZ. If you saw the picture of the leaders of the two Koreas shaking hands across a concrete strip standing on gravel, it was between two of these blue buildings.
Once inside, we were able to stand on the North Korea side. The guard behind us is Republic of Korea (ROK) military.
This is the bridge of no return. The bridge across which trades were made of various defectors or prisoners of war. There's a lot more history here, but this is sufficient for now.
Saying goodbye. They're anxious to be back with their kids!
We had another great visit from a former missionary! We love you Anja!
For our own preparation day, we visited the tomb of the great King Sejong. He was the king in Korea from about 1418-1450. He became king at age 21. He was the man who created the Korean phonetic language so all his subjects could be literate. He's always been a favorite. While visiting another site we found his and his wife's tomb and the tomb of another king from two hundred years later. They are placed under the ground and a large mound is placed over it. These items are nearly 450 years old.
The place of King Sejong, absolutely beautiful weather and surroundings. He and his wife are buried together.
You can learn more about this place here:
Sejong Tomb
Tombs of King Hyojung and Queen Inseon. with separate mounds. His is on the far left, hers to the right.
Below is King Hyojung's tomb with his retinue of stone guards.
As for the more unique side of things... What kind of office?
I'm tired, I think I'll climb up and rest in this tree...
Date night...
This military air field is well protected. It was a beautiful rainbow for quite a long time.
The haze in Seoul was completely gone and we could see more clearly than we have in 20+ months. It happens very rarely because of the yellow dust from China and the humidity. You can see Mordor for miles...
Another fun period has passed. We have lots of interviews and training ahead this week. We hope to have more great pictures for you. We are blessed with great happiness and health in all we do. Our family is well cared for at home and we are so grateful for all who support us. Thank you so much. Love to all, Roger and Terri
