Last Interviews - First Experiences

We made it through all the interviews with the missionaries this past week.  We wanted to make sure you all got a view of your favorite missionary in the Korea Seoul South Mission some time in the two posts.  We have two temporary three-somes.  They are doing amazing things and busy as can be.

President had the opportunity to interview six missionaries finishing their missions and going home next week (you'll see their pictures next week).  In those interviews he always asks what they learned or how they grew.  The first answer out of their mouths is "So much!"  These 18 or 24 month  opportunities do provide a huge education for them, so much learning and growth!

• Charity for others
• I learned God's plan and my place on his path
• the reality of Satan and the power of the Atonement to overcome him
• The truth of the Book of Mormon and the Restoration and the great blessing in other's lives
• How to create working relationships with others.
• Greater commitment to the gospel
• Humility
• My own inadequacies and what I need to do to overcome them
• Patience with myself and others
• Courage to talk to anyone, share my talents with others
• Honesty, even when difficult
• Integrity, doing right even when no one is looking
• Choosing to be obedient 
• Time management
• Forgiveness of self and others
• A new language!
• All things are part of God's plan
• He trusts us if we trust him
• As I show faith in God, he recognizes it
• I can be better through the Atonement of Christ
• The Spirit teaches people truth
• How to pray with meaning and receive personal revelation
• Knowledge of who I am
• Think of others first
• God loves all his children and answers prayers
• I can change but it takes work and effort
• The Church of Jesus Christ is on the earth and is the only way back to live with God
• Importance of obedience
• I am truly a daughter of God

As you can guess, these interviews are sacred events where the Lord's love is evident and the young missionary's love of the Savior is apparent!  We are sad to see them go, but we're excited to see them take this new learning into their new lives and into the world where they will be a huge influence.

The sisters in the mission decided to have a preparation day with Sister Turner this week.  They came together in the mission home and chatted, told stories, signed each other's personal "bye-bye book" and watched a movie.  They had a great time together!

Of course they had to say hello to their loved ones:

The funnest experience of the week was the making of Kimchi!  Since we arrived 2 years ago, we have tried to adjust our schedule so we could participate in what is called Kimjang or the making of kimchi. Here is a very simple sharing of what it represents.  You can search the internet for more: Kimjang

What is true is that you can buy it easily at the store or get it from a family who makes it.  However, in the fall, when the ingredients are fresh, communities get together to make it in large quantities and donate it to the needy and to charitable organizations.  Here are a few pictures from our day with a few members of the church and a few of our missionaries.

 This is what it looks like when all the ingredients are loaded together before hand mixing!  The individual ingredients would not taste good alone, but when mixed together and added to the cabbage, it is a true treat.

 Many hands make light (messy) work!

 If you don't wear gloves, your hands are in pain for a few hours after given the oils and hot peppers.

 Always happy faces when doing this work.

 Looks like alive sea creature... Just a tasty dinner treat (or breakfast or lunch in Korea)

 One of the finished product with the participants.  Someone said this was the American kimchi.

It's always

best

 when shared!

We had to have a few video clips:

One of our former missionaries called us from her college home in Hawaii.  We had the sweet opportunity to attend her wedding about 16 months ago.  She and her sweetheart are working hard at BYU-Hawaii.  What a special treat it was to be invited to Skype with her.

The upcoming week is the crazy one.  Six missionaries departing, nine missionaries arriving and the sweet experience of welcoming them into the family.  The odds of coming to our mission are pretty low.  With between 65,000 and 70,000 missionaries world-wide and with only 72 in our mission, you win the lottery coming here!  We love the people, culture, and traditions of this great country. We thank you for your prayers and support for us and all our missionaries.  Until next time, know of our love and appreciation for all you do for us and our 'children'!