Thursday, December 15, 2011

Week 38 - Oh soo sad :(

Hi Mom, things were good this week. I feel I’m improving in Korean and my companion is awesome. I've been taking so many pictures, or more then before. Some of them are pretty goofy. But as for the baptism there wasn't one this week. The poor kid became sick around Thursday and his mother is worried if he goes to church that he'll get worse. It seems that she really cares about him. It was sad to hear that he got sick, but I’m gladder that it's not his parents that are trying to stop him. So far it sounds like he's getting better also we've been praying that he will get well soon. We are hoping that he'll get baptized either this week or the next. He's great ! He tells us that he's praying all the time and that he loves our church. I don't remember telling you this but, he’s been jumping around from church to church with his friends. Why?! I don't exactly know why, but he said he likes the feeling he gets from our church the best. Ya, he's a great kid. So also this week we meet with another 외국인 (foreigner), he’s from Sri Lanca, who's willing to meet with us. I meet him once before on the way to 이두환's house. I guess he really liked us since the first time I called him, he was like," oh, chin gu (진구)" which was him saying that we were good friends. So, it would have been a great Sunday if we hadn't forgotten our phone at home. Wickrama, the 외국인 (foreigner), called us three times that day, to say that he didn't have any work today and that he would like to go to church with us. How sad!? We called him back latter to see if we could meet and he said he had time around 6pm. Trying to meet him was the hardest, it took a half hour for both of us, Wickrama and us, to realize that we were at two totally different areas. He told us that he lives in ko Dan(거단) while we were looking around in ko Am (거암). After all of that confusion we finally got to the right place. I guess he really wanted to meet with us since he waited for about an hour for us to arrive. It was nice meeting and he was such a friendly guy.

So off topic ! About our "oven". It’s the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen. On top is a normal stove but, the actual oven part is what's different. It's about 1/3 or less the size and flames that come out of the top and bottom of it. More Questions right.?! I'll probably just send a picture to explain more. THANK YOU so much for the cake and stuff we loved it. The bad thing is... it's all gone now. It was the best thing I’ve had for awhile. My companion loved it so much too. He said he might send a letter thanking you. With that said, yes it's ok if you send food items instead of clothes. Also right now I still have a lot of peanut butter left. So far its surprised me that a sandwich with just a little peanut butter still tastes just as good. Yes, and if it's possible, something like Twixs or Reeses. Well Elder Han has no clue what he would like. I love you Mom. I'd Hug you if I could.

Bye....

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

week 37 - Happy Members

Hi Mom, things are going well here. Also, our new investigator is getting ready for baptism. We met again this Sunday to teach a bit more of the last lesson, which is about commandments. And afterwards we tried to find clothes that would fit him for next week. It was incredibly hard to do. He's only 14 years old but, he's a big kid. To draw a mental picture of him, he is literally twice the size of his friend who referred him. It was kind of fun since every thing he tried on constricted his movement. Anyway his friend is excited and also the ward. They can't stop talking about it. They even announced it during church like three times. On the other hand 이두환 is a mystery right now. We've told the office Elders about him but they haven't told us anything and we don't know if they contacted him yet. I hope they have or I might need to bug them about that. Right now we've been building , or a super strong friendship, with the members. So far I think it's going good. The only thing that could break it now is if we have to cancel the baptismal date. But I have no worries yet. Well I just can't think of what to write about so I'll answer questions. Has my companion shown me any pictures of his country?? Not very many, right now. Most of the pictures he has are of his family only, inside or at the Airport. How is the new apartment?? It is awesome, everything still works. It’s not too small and it's clean. The only problem we are having right now is that we have to travel to another place for contacting and other things. Other than that it's great. How is it that Elder Gardiner was responsible for you moving on Thanksgiving Day???? So when we were moving we had the opportunity to change the day. But He told the AP's that we could do it then. Having enough time to move and then go to the Wilcox's. Which were his own personal feelings about the matter! As for the Wilcox's, they are Americans that are living in Korea right now. Brother Wilcox had a job offer there that was a great blessing to his family. It's a little weird since their son is in Korea right now on his mission. Anyway Christmas is coming soon isn't it? We will get to talk I think. I haven’t heard anything about it yet but this is not something I want to miss out on. So... What is our phone number??? I forgot what it was. Well I love you mom and I miss you a lot.

Bye... I'll write more next week, I promise.

More . . . . (2nd email)
I tried to write a simple thing that happen to me this week and I thought of this- it's short though. The other day ago, we were Heart attacking member’s homes. It was fun. Sneaking into their apartment building to get to the door. Then trying to quietly place hearts all over the door. So we were all alert and focused to make sure that they didn't open the door when we were there. So while we are doing this, we hear the elevator door open and find the young women who’s door we were working on, come out. Ah! It gave us a good scare. Then they decided to visit one of the members we were going to heart attack. Well the end... That was the weirdest thing that happened this week... never mind, I can't explain it since I don't know the whole situation.
I love you mom.

Email to Hanna
Thank you so much! This week was a good week. Not much is happening, Just 문현기 (moon hyun gi) is getting baptized. I'm so excited for him. The ward is going crazy about it. They all know and the plan is to have a dinner party afterwards. I think that this is what the wards needs right now. When I first got here they had lost their Church Building and a few members have gone inactive because of that. Now that there is a baptism, they have something to look forward to. I guess it will be about two years until they get their new building.  Well I need to go soon love ya sis.  
Bye..?

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Week 36 - Happy Holidays !!

Well Transfers happened this week and I’m still in the 가정 area but I have a new companion... Elder 한동희. (Han) He's from New Zealand. We have a new house, which is awesome. It’s twice as big as the old place I was living before. The only sad thing was that we moved on thanksgiving, thanks to Elder Gardiner. If it wasn’t for the other missionaries in our zone we would have never finished on time. The day started out ok, we got all of the furniture and things outside and nothing was broken. Then we waited for the truck to move everything to the new house, Apartment. It took longer than it was supposed to since we needed someone to come down to move the oven for us. Next we needed the keys the new apartment so we can get in. So my
Companion ( Elder Han) went with the missionary 과리 (LP’s) to get the keys and went with the other missionaries to the house. it was crazy our new home was on the 11th floor and the only two ways to get our things up there were the elevator or the stairs. so we started taking things by the elevator. which made one of the apartment 과리s mad and he told us that we needed to pay 100,000 to use the elevator. We didn't care so we just waited for him to leave then started again. It was fun moving though, it made me think of home.The rest of that day was exciting. We went to the Wilcox's home for dinner and to enjoy a second Pday, well kind of like a pday. Also,  I received your package just in time, two days before my birthday. THANK YOU!!! My companion and I have already used the little pool table, I won. Oh, that reminds me about the oven, which was so hard to get out. We can't even use it.  The place we moved to didn't even have a place for it. So today no... Yesterday we got this tiny table oven. ㅎㅎㅎ. which is fine with me since now we can cook the cake mixes you sent.

Well I’m not worrying about 이두환 at all. He goes to Finland this week. He's going to do fine. Right now we are trying to help him find the missionaries there or visa verse. He is scarred about going and being able to talk with anyone and other things like that. Also we have a new investigator. Hooray! He is a friend of a member and is an awesome kid. He has a baptismal date and already has been to church and really wants to meet with us. Yesterday we went to a concert with him. It was great! The music was enjoyable and we got to spend a lot of time with him. It was great. Afterwards we tried setting up to meet again with 이종민, the member, but 이종민 couldn't come. Sad ,Then 문현기 asked if it was alright if it was just the three of us. The only thing left is to teach him the rest of the lessons.

You’re Right about not worrying about things. I just take things too far. Well I don't know how you are doing right now and the family. It sounds like Carmen is doing well, Oh tell her I found an elephant and that if it’s not too much I’ll get it for her. Also that I need pics of the whole family, including Regan, the new house, and a little bit of Portage. I guess it seems to sound like an interesting place. ㅎㅎㅎ, AHHH... Christmas is too close. I wish I was more prepared for this.
What I think I would like??? Everything that I can think of is available here. I'm sorry that I’m so indecisive. May be I would like a new step counter my old one Broke. Well today I’m going to the worlds or Koreas largest underground mall. It’s crazy in there. Other than that I’m not sure what will happen. I promise to take lots of photos.My companion told me to ask if it was alright if he took tons and that we need to go and see Korea. Yes... I plan on going to the beach this Transfer and seeing China Town. So how is the whole family doing? Are you all moved in or is there still more? Is it snowing there yet or lately? Things here are ok, not too cold yet.

Well I love you bunches and bunches mom. And I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Week 34 and 35 "A Baptism ?! Maybe!?

 (11-13-11)

  Happy 빼빼로 day... well this week has gone good so far. Finally 이두환 형제님 agreed to be baptized, but he is going to Sweden soon, the second of December. So not much time. He wants to be baptized when he gets back in January. Which means there will be all new missionaries when he gets back. I have faith that he will keep his promise but I feel that it will be harder on him if he waits and finds out that we left without telling him. However for him to be gone for one whole month without any support seems worst. Oh well, baby steps first, right... He still has a smoking problem and he has not stopped drinking coffee yet. So, that is my biggest concern right now. Its bit of a blessing right now, he's asked us to visit him as often as possible before he leaves for Sweden. He’s doing good though.

   (김미숙s ) Other people we visited this week ...uh... Not many at all. Well this is sad. Our 30/30 program student decided that she doesn’t want to meet any more. So, there goes three of our investigators, her, her son, and the sons friend. Im’ not sure of why she decided to quit, something about pressure ( 부담 ). So we now have a lot more time to find other investigators. This week is the last time that we will ever meet. Friday, another missionary and I, went with the bishop to teach. It seemed ok during the English part of the lesson then we moved on. It seemed to be a good lesson to me. Then near the end the Bishop began talking to her and then some how they made a 식사 약속, dinner appointment!? Well we hope that she will change her mind.

  So this week was a little slow for me. Monday I went to the doctors because of my foot, I had an ingrown toenail. However it's fine now it wasn't too bad but, it hurt to walk after that. Sister 양미영, the best member ever, told us of a doctor that she went to see when she had one too. The doctor was very friendly and he tried to speak to me in English. It surprises me that soo many Koreans know a little bit of English. The surgery was quick and it didn't cost too much. The worst part of it was having to call the AP's about it. That was funny though. I called them and they asked what I needed to call President about. Then he said something strange, "oh, ya... that’s right. ok. after...( the rest is not that important.)". Oh how did you do!?! I guess they were thinking of the other elder who’s in the Zone, who also had an ingrown toenail. Well anyway I’m fine. So last week because of the doctor’s visit I didn’t have time last week to send the other letters. Sorry... but I should tomorrow since it's temple day and p-day.

   Well it seems that the weather at home is getting colder and colder. So far yesterday has been the only day I really needed anything, but today seems like it will be the same. Winter is finally coming. It seems with this cold weather brings sickness. So far four families are sick and winters only begun. It’s no good that everyone at home seems to have gotten sick. But. it's good to hear that nothing too terrible is going on there. As for your questions... yes I’m still getting plenty to eat, thanks too the peanut butter I can have just a little bit more to eat. Also the members are giving us plenty of things to eat. Like bananas, romyun, pumpkin soup, 반잔s, and etc... Thank you for caring so much. Things are good here and the people are great. The food is wonderful and it is amazing. Well love you and I will try to start writing to you again.

Bye...

(11-20-11)
 Well a sad thing happened this week. Our investigator did not come to church this week so he can't be baptized until next year or if he finds the missionaries in Finland, It's Finland not Sweden.... anyways, it was so sad. He told us that he could come but something happen that day and he couldn't make it. He’s is doing so well though. He still loves to read the Book of Mormon with us and has a strong desire to understand the scriptures. We’ve been meeting him almost every night this week and last week. However he is still smoking and drinking coffee and doesn't think he can overcome these problems right now. He told us of the story of how he stopped drinking once. It was so amazing and sad. I guess before he was a very heavy drinker. But, one day a friend of his got into an accident and ...died..?or was hurt badly. I can't quit remember how it went. Anyway, He decided that he would stop drinking. So he made a promise with god about this. 이두환 형제님 has taught me so much. That we as god's children know inside that we are all one family and that as god's children we can receive help from him no matter who we are. And as such we need to promise him that we will follow the Example of Jesus Christ in order to have those blessings poured upon us. All I hope for, as of now, is that we can help him find that same kind of courage to promise not to use of those harmful substances again or drink.

Well beside 이두환 형제님, no one could meet with us or received our calls again this week. Things have gotten slower. I guess there is this one lady who is willing to meet this week but, she has no interest in the gospel. Only information about BYU and finding out for her "friend" how to receive proof that they are a member so they can get the fee reduction. It all sounds so suspicious to me. We are trying to meet with her but members aren't working out so well. Either they have no time or she can't meet that day. Oh well.

So, Transfer calls come today at 9pm and so on. It’s such an overwhelming thing right now. Will I stay or will I go? And if I go where will that be?. Who will my companion be?. Elder Gardinar or someone new?. Anyways, that still is exciting. This next transfer I hope to pass of with the Zone Leaders. I'm not sure what will happen with the AP's. I heard that they are getting really strict with Pass-off. I guess they've been getting missionaries who are going in three times a transfer to pass off and are not fully prepared to do so. I can stand this. Pass-Off is getting to me and I’m slowly losing confidence in myself. But I’m doing good. I love you so much and miss you.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Week 33 - Happy Halloween Everyone !!

So far this week nothing special has happened. Our only really good investigator didn't go to church this weekend and he still hasn't read the Book of Mormon. I guess I can see what you are going through, through him. Moving takes a lot time and energy and after everything is moved things still need t o be placed in a good place. He is almost done, so he should have more time to read.  I'm hoping that as soon as he reads he will understand the importance of the gospel. Well as for the rest of our investigators. One has stopped answering our calls and we have not seen them in the longest  time. However a member has told us that that is how she is, she doesn't really answer her phone. So, we have been trying to reach her son on his phone, which we have found recently. No luck so far. We hope that he will want to go to the Halloween party tonight. Or else I don't know how we will ever meet with him. Next.  One man we have been meeting with we dropped. He's a good guy but he has told us that he is not going to go to our church. I think he needs a little more time and he needs to read more of the Book of Mormon. Other than that there doesn't seem to be much we can help with. A family we meet a few times seems to be doing poorly. Even after going to church for five years they still don't see the reason for receiving baptism. It's so hard to tell what is going on with them though. They live an hour away from us and most of the time they are not home. Also we just can't wait there all day for them since there are very few people who live or hang around there. Last of all, an old man we tried meeting with told us that he didn't want our book. Sad, it seems that the biggest problem we have is that none of them really want to read the Book of Mormon.
Our Halloween party didn't get planned so we aren't holding one. sad, However another companionship is holding a party at the church, same place that we meet Sunday. hopefully we can get someone to that.

   Anyways I loved the package that you sent. and from your E-mail you sent it sounds like you need more details. The first thing that I liked the most is the candy that was inside. Ha Ha... it was such a funny joke to read that there would be church books. I saw that someone ate some of the Kit-Kats. Ha Ha... also it was nice that I got the body wash and deodorant. Thank you. Also I was glad that there was no shampoo. Otherwise I would have too much. I love the Halloween window stickers you sent. I couldn't put them on our windows so I put them on my desk, there's a large piece of glass on it. I took pictures of it. Well things are good and I'm finding that I understand more than I think. So this next transfer I'll be moved somewhere?  Either in 가정, or a new area, that's on the 22nd of November. Hey that's a few days before my birthday. Hum??? - so... I don't know what I would like from you for my birthday but, Stephen " I would like another picture... Please!!!"   I'll need a little time to answer for now. Well, it sounds like life is busy right now. I'll do
all I can to help you out.  I don't know where I put the tape recorder so I'll try to find that today. Also I'll send you a letter or else. I wouldn't want to disappoint you. I love you and I pray for you daily.

Bye...

Friday, October 28, 2011

Week 32 - Very Mysterious

Thing are going great here. Our new investigator is doing great and has called us every single day this week. He is keeping us busy. He is such a nice man and is so willing to listen. Too bad he’s not progressing too much, he's not reading the Book of Mormon. He’s been busy with the move and it's been hard on him. He’s almost done though, so that is good. He really likes us. He has told us that we could come by any time and rest if we had a break. He gave us the password to the door and he said he would give us a key. I think he thinks that we don't have any free time and that we work all the time. Wow, he is such a mysterious guy. We still have no idea what he does for work and why he has traveled all around the world. It’s crazy. Also He was telling us today about his high school. I guess he lived there during that. Anyway he's doing well and he is still willing to meet with us. He is the coolest investigator I think I’ll ever find. Knowing French, Russian, and English... Wow. This week he told us that he would come to church and that he would begin to read the Book of Mormon. He seems to be well prepared. But, he drinks a lot of coffee. That and smoking may be the biggest problem he'll have to face. Coffee more than smoking, though he wants to quiet and this might just help him to do that.
   Other than that not much has happened. Pass off is at a stand still for now. We can't seem to find a day that we can meet. Either we have an appointment or they do. Well I'm glad to know that there are others that haven't passed off yet, and they have been here longer than I have. Sorry the letter is so short I can't think of anything that we really did this week besides help 이두환(형제님), (brother) Ee Doo Hwan. The language is slowly coming, I guess. I've tried not to second guess myself and I find that 60% of the time I can guess what members are asking me. Other than that it's still hard. I guess I just need more practice and patience. I’m loving Korea and the people. Also I know how to make two types of Korean foods, 떡보기 and 김치지게..? I don't know how you spell them. (Tteokbogi  and Bae Choo Kimchi , Hot and Spicy Rice Cakes and Spicy Cabbage Soup) Well, Things at home seem to be a little sad with the computers, etc... Well I’ll pray that you can make it through these hard times. OH!!! Thank you for the package. I loved it !!! This week we had president interviews and the mail came earlier than it usually does. Well, it seems that my typing skills have not improved over this short time. Anyway. I love you and miss you too. Hopefully I will get the time to write you this week.

Love you. Elder Westarp

Monday, October 17, 2011

Week 31 - Flying by


This week seemed to fly right by. I can't remember if I told you about the man we meet last week, 이두환. Sunday of last week we meet him in the streets. It was the strangest experience I’ve  had so far. We were walking to a Less-Actives home for a surprise visit when this man, 이두환, stopped in front of us. He got off his motorcycle and began to speak with us. It was weird at the time to have some stranger stop to talk. After a few moments we introduced ourselves as missionaries. He took it so well, in fact he took it so well he practically told us to teach. We began to teaching him the first lesson. He said that he understood what we said. I still don't know how to react to that. He asked questions about Joseph Smith and other Questions. Later on he started taking notes. It was unrealistic to me and one of the best things that have happened so far. Right, so far this week he has called almost everyday to see if we have time to meet. Other than that things have been quiet. OH, never mind they haven't. The first day we were going to meet he never showed up. It was awhile after that same day we found out that he had gotten  into a road accident and that he was going to the hospital. That was a shock, finding out that he needed to see a doctor. Luckily it wasn't too bad, he was sent  home that day and meet with the doctor again the next day. That was confusing to us. Well the day after that we got a call from him asking if we could meet.So we meet at the Bishop's home. The poor man, we use him so much. He has told us that being a bishop has made him so busy that some days he doesn't eat, or something like that. Anyway after that we have meet him three other times. Right now he is getting ready to move. That scared me for awhile having the idea of another really good investigator leave us. It's so good that he is so willing to give us everything to find him. Like the first day we meet he gave us his address, phone number and Email address. We found out where he is going and... it's still in our area. In fact it's closer to the center of our area. Well he has kept us on our toes.
  Other things that have happened this week? Well I haven't passed off the rest of the tests yet. With transfers. oh, I'm still in Inchon, Ka Jung .(인천, 가정-or 서구) well i love you mom and miss you. Also I'm still with Elder Gardiner. Thing are good and I'm still happy. The members are still feeding me well. Tell everyone I  Love them and that I pray for them each day. And tell Sister Fay that I will write her soon. bye. Oh thank you for the package.  It should be easier to get the package from the zone leader... He's now my companion. Well it seems like we are going to try to have a Halloween Party to get some of our younger investigators to come to church. But it might be weird. Since their parents may or may not know they are meeting with missionaries. Well I  hope that you and the house are doing good it sounds like so much has been done on it. Oh I found an extra tape in my luggage. I'll send it home next week. love you mom.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Week 30 - Newest News

This week was ok. We went on splits or exchanges Wednesday; I was with an Elder Christensen who was Elder 's companion before me. It was a crazy day. We had service at dream start, we teach english to small children, and it was out of control. I didn't know how to talk to them and Elder Christensen had no idea what we were suppose to do. Screaming children running everywhere. However, the rest of the day was more relaxing. We had an appointment scheduled for seven, which normally takes up the whole night since it is so far away from where we live. I guess the saddest thing is that they dropped us all together. We knew that it was going to happen at some time. We just didn't know when they would. The whole story is funny to a point. Their main interest was for their little girl to learn english. She was hard to teach since she didn't even want to learn English at all. So she made no progress with us. During this time we were looking through old investigators and calling to see if they had any interest. One of the names was 김미숙, kim mee suk. She is a teacher of an English program for after school learning. She's meet the missionaries before so she knew about us teaching english. She wanted us to teach or help her with her english. She feels like she is losing her ability to speak english. So we meet one day to explain what the 30/30 program was. It was then when we found out that 손태영, the little girl’s mother, had enrolled her in 김미숙's English program that same day. Sad but funny, we are now teaching the teacher who is teaching 손태영's daughter. Okay, with them canceled we went with the back up plan. Which was searching for former investigators. It was tough looking for people I had never seen before and hoping that by chance they would be there. The first man was in the weirdest place to find. Unlike the others which had the location of their home, he had the location of the pharmacy he worked at. After much time we finally located where it should be. We searched and searched but no matter where we were, it was the wrong area. It wasn't until the third time we past when we realized that area we were in was smaller than it looked. Even though it seemed like we spent too much time looking for it, it turned out to be a blessing. With in that time we meet two kids at two different times. They were the coolest kids I've meet so far. They both listened to what we had to say and they agreed to meet again. They also both asked for a copy of the Book of Mormon. We were going to meet one yesterday but, we didn't have time. Luckily he also had some unplanned thing that came up so we are meeting this week. Oh, as for that kid we meet before... nothing. We tried to call and text him but, we receive no answer. Hopefully we can meet later.

I'm not passed off yet. This is the hardest point for all missionaries... Getting an appointment with the AP's.  Plus the Zone leaders didn't have time to finish the test with them. But on the other hand, the 박시온 got baptized. It was great. What I heard was that he felt so bad that he missed church that he quit his part time job. Wow, that was amazing now we need his father to follow his example.

Well mom how are you? It sounds like the house is almost ready and you can move in soon. It’s nice that things seem to be getting along at the house. I love you mom and I miss you too. Hope that the house is everything that you expected.

Love you,

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Week 29 - AaaaaHhhhhh !!! (that's how he titled it)


Well this week ended pretty bad and good. The good thing is that I'm about done with the pass off tests so I can be a senior companion either this next transfer or the one after that. On Sunday I made it half way through the hardest part of the test, and I only have a few things left to do.  Wow, I just realized this makes very little sense to you since you have no clue what pass off’s are.  Well, it is just a simple group of tasks, which we do. Like teaching one of the lessons, reciting certain scriptures, and showing we know so many words in Korean. I'm excited about almost being done with that! The bad news... one of the investigators who were going to be baptized never showed up, 박시온.  It was sad when we got a call from the Elders in 김포's asking if he came to our chapel. I guess the main reason why they called was that 박시온 wanted to go to church where we were at first but, they convinced him that it would be better for him if he went to the same church building as his father. Anyway, we began to panic since earlier this week his father decided to back out of his baptismal date. He said that he felt too much pressure from us or something and that he needed more time to think about it. Which is weird, he’s the one who told us that he wanted to be baptized. It wasn't until the middle of the day when we found out that his job 갑자기 ,suddenly called him to work that Sunday. Well that was sad news for us. We need to keep more in touch with him, find out how he is doing, and if he needs any help with anything.

So to answer some of your questions. first no!!! There is not a holiday like Halloween in Korea nor do the members celebrate it. However, some sort of holiday came around yesterday, or the third. But it wasn't any thing special at all. The only thing I could tell is that too many places were closed. Sad, so I couldn't Email then. The next holiday isn't for awhile unless, you want to count Pepero day, November 11th. What I've been told is that it is going to be one of the biggest Pepero Days ever. WHY!? 11/11/11... but it's not going to be that exciting since it's like a Korean Valentine's day or that's what I understand about it.
  Oh... that kid we meet has time this week and has agreed to meet with us this Thursday but, we have no idea where we will meet him. Our church building isn't an option and there are no members that have time that we could meet with. Pray for us that we can find a place and soon.  Ah... I don't know, we think we might meet at a park or something but it is getting colder here or it feels like it's cold. I don't know why!!!  It's only getting around 18C (64F)  at night which should be perfect.
  As for pictures... it's been harder since I got a really ... um... rule enthusiastic, (I spelt it right!!!)  companion who some times goes a little overboard. Also I'm not good at standing up for myself. Ugh, I'm lazy that's the problem. Well I love you mom and it's nice to hear that you and the family enjoyed conference. I get to watch it this week which will be exciting.
  So what's with the yellow house? and what does that mean??? ㅋㅋㅋ Well I love and miss you too. Hope to hear more good things this next week. BYE....

Elder Westarp,
              웨스타프 장로,

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Week 28 - Wow !!


Things seem to be going great there. Also I guess I confused you in my last letter. So, I haven't transferred yet, that happens after General Conference on the 12th or 11th so I still have Elder Gardiner. But, the Bishop has already found the new home. I'm not sure when I will be changed though. It also means that I run everyday. Wow !!  I'm so out of shape. Some days I feel like I will die, but it is fun.

So before I go any further I wanted to say hi to Matt or Elder Weyland. Hello! Also sorry to Sister Fay. I've been waiting for her letter to arrive but nothing. Tell her thank you though and also the Carters. Wow getting their letter today was great. I was surprised when I got it. I thought it would have been hers. Oh well. I got lazy with my writing. It’s hard though. I haven't had a good Pday though. What I mean is that on pdays I have  been traveling to  too many different places. Not much time at home. Which is fine with me since it is soo small.

So miracles this week?... Well the best thing I can remember is this one contact on the street. We were on our way to meet 夢彌賅 for the last time. We got there early so we decided to jundo around the area. The last contact we began talking to was some student that was on his way to class. It wasn't anything special until the phone rang. It was the other Elders who took our friends away. 六六六 just joking about them taking them away. Any way he left me to finish up. So in my confusion I just started saying who knows what. And after some time my companion comes back and asked him if he had any interest in our message. To our surprise, he said that he had a lot and we are hopefully meeting in the future. He has tests all this week so time doesn't exist. However we have his phone number. I like the contact. Well other than that not much is happening. We have a weird 30/30 program class of 13yr old kids. They don't pay that much attention to the lesson but I hope they will accept it in the future when they are older. Well Korea has been nice. It’s perfect weather. A little cool in the morning but not too much. And the leaves are changing colors. We went to the temple today so that is why I didn't write yesterday. That will change though. Now we are suppose to email on the Monday before temple. So that will be nice. Well I can't write you this week, but I promise to write you next week.
Love you and miss you bye.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Week 27 - New Mission Home

I had to leave for a second so it cut off. back now-

Well I don't have that much time to write you since it’s almost the end of PDay. So this week we had two golden investigators who would have gotten baptized but, at the last moment they decided that it would be better if they went to a different areas church, which is closer to them. I guess the biggest problem we have is reconstruction. The 가정 church building was in the middle of it and is being torn down. So we have to go to a different area to attend church. It is thirty minutes away from the old church. Also it is in the opposite direction of 박윤모 and 박시온, so now they live about an hour away from church. Oh, the other church is just twenty minutes away from them. So we 소개'ed them to the other Elders today. Sad... well I know that they will be baptized. Other than them we haven't had much of an effect on anyone else.  I guess there is this one 30/30 program lady named 손태영 (son tae young). But I don't understand what is really going on with her and my companion barely gets what is happening during the lessons. What happens with the 30/30 program is we teach english for thirty minutes and then the gospel. We go over to her home with the Bishop and teach her daughter english for an hour then we teach her for an hour. Our Bishop says it will help her like us more, but I think that it does nothing but make are meeting the Hour/Hour program. Well, it always starts out good with us teaching the lesson that we planned, then the Bishop takes over and throws out his thoughts for ten or twenty minutes. So I'm lost. I don't think he has any confidence in the missionaries.  He has said many times that he doesn't get why President puts two American Elders together. Well things are going good here.  The members are better. They are friendly and give us things often. Yesterday we received apples, bread and toothpaste. Oh, the next big thing that is happening here...they are getting a new Mission Home.  So I may have to pack all my things again and move to a new place in 가정.  It was the weirdest thing, the bishop called and asked if we could meet. We were only contacting at the time so, we agreed to.  It was then when we found out that he called us to help him find the new home. It took a lot of time driving from place to place. I guess they want to make this a four man area just like 금천.  My companion said that he can't wait for it. I have a feeling that he won't stay long enough to see it change. He's been here for Three transfer’s and that is a long time for someone to be in an area. He thinks that because I will pass-off here that I will be moved to another area because that is what always happens.  I’m a little worried that I won't pass-off this transfer. I can't seem to remember any of the vocab for the fourth lesson. This is almost the end too.   The last tests are just big reviews to make sure you are ready to go senior. Well that is what the past few days have been. The only other thing I can remember is that I meet a lot of foreigners this week. People from Egypt, Japan, Beguile or something, and the Philippines’.   Wow time seems to be flying by and I don't know where it is going. I miss you a lot and everyone else. It seems that this was not the best week for you. In fact it sounds horrible. That Evil dog !!  Well this is one thing good, I love it here and  what I’m doing is great. Oh, when I got to this place and a little before I found a few things. Vitamin C, and multivitamins, and I received toothpaste of the Crest variety. The only thing that I think I will need help with, is deodorant.   It seems that Koreans don't use it, and we haven't had a real nice shopping day to find it. I love you and miss you and "Stephen too". Tell every one I love them and that this is the last time I will write to them without receiving an email. Next week I hopefully will stop being lazy and draw you a comic. Love you so much. .
 -Love Elder Westarp (micah)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Cartoon Aug #1, 2 & #3

Micah sent me these last month but I never got them on.  Please don't miss out on reading his latest email posted earlier.

 





Week 24 - New Area, New Companion

Things have finally settled down now. However I'm not in 금천 anymore. Last Wednesday  I moved to 가정.  It was sad.  I stayed in one of the nicest missionary home for only one day then moved to the smallest home there is.  I have a new companion, his name is Elder Gardiner. He is from Mesa, Arizona. He also was in cross country, however, it is easier to run with him than it was with my last companion. So everyday, except for Sunday, we've ran around our area. I like it here more, since we meet more people and we have investigators. So far I've only meet one and it will probably be awhile until I meet another investigator. There is a big holiday that is coming up. I can't remember what it is, but, it's kind of like Thanksgiving only it is a bigger deal here. It lasts for three days and families do things together. Oh I think it is called Chu Suk, or something like that, it means "Bountiful Abundance."  A lot of people here are going to travel to Seoul. So we will see how things go. I hate the computer I’m at. I can hardly write to you. So the lesson to the investigator was good. He understands english and can speak it very well.  He likes to practice so I guess he's been taught mainly in english. Sad though,  I didn't get to practice my Korean. I feel like I’m falling behind when it comes to speaking the language.  Anyway, he is a nice guy and he loves the Book of Mormon. He  has read a lot of it but is having a hard time understanding that there is more than just a story. We tried to give an example. Lehi's vision of the tree of life. It was a mess. He took it well but I think he has more questions that he did not understand. We taught him that if he would pray,  he could understand the scriptures better and feel the holy ghost. He told us that he would try to pray before he read and that he would pray daily. Next, we asked about going to church. Ahh, it turns out that the government is making a new train station in our area. However, to do that they needed land. Which our church building happens to be in the path of, along with many homes and stores. So, now to teach a lesson we need to go to the investigators  home or a member's house. We taught, 박윤모 at his home, so it was a nice place for a lesson. Oh about church, there is another one about twenty-five minutes away by car from our home but he lives about 30 minutes away from us so it is a long drive for him.There is another church building about twenty minutes away form his home in the opposite direction. So he said he would go to that church building. We haven't talked to him yet, to see if he went or not. Well, we will see if he did, today when we call him. Sorry for such a short letter today. I’m overwhelmed with so much change. But I think I'll like it here. The members are awesome and there is a lot of investigators. It seems that a lot of the members here know english and can help me with my Korean. Well I have to go now sorry. I love you so much. Bye

I hope to be more prepared next time.  I haven't written in my journal lately, so I don't remember what happened this week. Love you mom bye.


Ps ...Sorry for such a short letter. I understand better how you feel now or before. It stinks. Ahh, I can't think clearly, but it's great here. I’m excited since I finally passed the midway test.  Ahh, it sounds like some sort of school thing. So, now I’m working on the third lesson. I'm not worried about it, but the fourth lesson is the hardest. I’m not excited for that. I hope that I can pass off during this transfer so I don't have to worry about it any more. There are still four more tests I need to do in order to be done. Pray for me that I can have confidence in that. Well it’s nice to know that the house is coming along and has passed the inspection. I’m happy for you, I really hope that thing slow down here so that there is less to worry about. I  love you and everybody else     bye.

Hi Rhylie,
 I love you little sister. You'll do great in tennis. I believe in you & I love you. I hope that school is going well and... your job. When were you going to tell me? love you Sis.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Week 23 - Tranfers again


Wow, things have been wild around here lately. Transfers are this week and I have no idea what is going to happen. We don't get the call until 9:30 tonight. So, I can't tell you if or where I’m going to be. Its’ been really crazy. Turns out that two new elders are coming into our area. So, we are moving to the sister missionaries apartment and the sisters are getting our apartment. It's a nice trade on our side. It's cleaner and bigger than where I live now. This move happens on Tuesday. My companion believes that we'll probably be split up since we know the area well. This has taken a lot of our time. We've been cleaning like crazy so when we leave it will be decent. Sorry about not writing the last couple of weeks  I didn't have cash on me to send a letter and last week I thought that I was out of money in my account. Today will be the same ,but I hope that I can send you the letter I wrote and the comics. Well more things happened this week. On Wednesday I went on exchanges with an Elder Inshino. It was great! First we street boarded in 안양 (an yang) and I talked to or contacted six people by myself also we had two street lessons. That took about 45 minutes. After that we went to a less active members home. We had a hard time finding it. We went to where we thought it should be and meet some one from another church. We shared our message and we let them share theirs. Bad idea!  They were friendly however, they talked for ever and quoted scripture after scripture. It was nuts. I didn't under stand a word and neither did Elder Inshino. After that we went to some random apartment. We were in the wrong area. The next big thing I remember is that I fooled some one. They thought that I could speak Korean. They asked me how long I studied Korean. When I told them how long they were impressed. That brightened my day. So after a while we found the location of the members home. We were three blocks over. Along the way we meet a police man. It was weird. He began to talk to us about something then he told us to follow him. I didn't understand why. I was freaked out, Oh no what did we do!!  It turned out that he wanted to buy us a drink. We got some Gatorade and sat down and chatted awhile. He's seen missionaries before but has never talked to them. He was really friendly and I enjoyed listening to the Korean words I didn't know. We shared our testimonies then left. Afterwards we found the apartment finally. No one was home. How sad. So, we went back to the church and prepared for English class. The person who normally teaches them was not there so I taught the advance class alone. It was weird, we started out with normal English, like grammar and other things. Then we had conversation time, where we just talk about a topic. I let them choose what they wanted to talk about. It was awful at first.  The first student, who was a new person, started out. He tried to make these ridiculous sentences, which ran on forever. I tried to help him speak clearer. However, it was a lost cause. He was ok at English but he really needed to be in the lower class. After he ran out of things to say others had a chance to speak.  The topic changed to missionary work. There were three students who chose to ask questions like, how you choose to become a missionary, what you need to do to go on a mission and other things like that. Also they asked about Utah and the church.  It was awesome! Later the classes combined and we shared a short message. Aso one of the three students gave us brownies at the end of the class. I later found out that one of my favorite students is a little strange.  The one who made the brownies.  It turns out that she asked before if missionaries had a vacation and if Elders Rife and Inshino could go with her and a friend to some place. Weird... after that she made jokes about the brownies, we didn't eat them... well I didn't. The next day we went to a meeting, it was long but enjoyable. Afterwards I tried to pass off again for midway and failed again. He told me that he wants me to teach more simply and that he knows that I can do better than I did.
But I don’t think he was paying attention during the test thing.  You see I started out teaching then he told me that he was lost and that I needed to start over because I was going off topic. I started over using the same exact words as the first time. And he did say anything about it.  Well I have to go love you bye.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Week ?? - Newest Email 8-23-11


Lol and Blessings!  Wow, today has been very busy, we just got back from the Temple. So what has happened this week. The week started out slow with no appointments and every less active member we went to visit wasn't home. So, we decided to work on organizing the Area books. It seems that no one has done anything here for about three years. I can't remember if I told you about the one less Active we meet awhile ago. She told us that she hasn't seen missionaries in over ten years or so. And it's like that for most all our Less actives. So we found out this week, that about a fourth of them have moved away, have no address, or their number has changed. The investigator book is like that too. There is a good amount,  I would say about half of them don't have any information about them. It's all clear now and we can focus more of our time finding people instead of cleaning up some else’s mess that they left behind. Ok, so during that time the bishop called us and asked where we were. It was a surprise for us and I was confused. It turned out that he invited us to a 식사 (meal or dinner). My companion wanted to say we were busy since, we had just eaten.  However, we couldn't lie to him and went to his house. Because we were late they had eaten already so, we enjoyed their company while we ate it was weird.  They gave us this soup of rice and a cooked chicken. I tried not to think about it too much. It was nice and their family is really friendly. The next big thing happened on Wednesday. We were street boarding by the Home Plus that is just down the road from our apartment.  We just began, when we meet this man named Christopher. He is from Sherlonca, (I don't know how to spell it.) He spoke english which was nice, and he was extremely friendly. We talked to him for about an hour or so about the Book of Mormon, Jesus Christ, and the restoration of the gospel. He was really open to us and he listened to everything we said. We noticed that when we talked about Jesus visiting the America’s he was surprised or excited in a way. He thanked us and gave us his business card. We also gave him our card and a copy of the Book of Mormon. It's sad though, we can't meet him this week or ever. He's going back home this Sunday and does not have any free time. At least we have his email. We hope to help him out that way. The next person I want to talk about is one of the students in English class. We think that he could be ready to hear the about the Gospel. To make things clear I will explain more. You see we split the English class into two different times. The first half we spend on mainly teaching English. Then we teach about our church and the gospel.  So during one of our lessons we taught about the temple and how families can be together forever. He loved the idea and wanted to know if his family could also be together after death.  We taught that people who are married in the temple could live together.  His next question was a little bit of a shock.  He asked what about his grandparents, did he have to live with them too. He then told us about how he hated them. Ahh, what to do!!  My companion came up with some vague answer then said that we were out of time and that we needed to end class. The lord has been blessing us more than I've thought.
I love you mom and I hope that the house is coming around. It sounds like it is just about finished. That’s great. I love you so much and I still miss you. I'll continue to pray for you and I hope the girls are helping out as much as possible. Tell Stephen that I love him. Oh, I’m low on vitamins and the other things. So I don't know what you would like me to do about that. Just letting you know. Oh, and what is my PIN number?  I forgot what it was. Well it's not a problem yet. It turns out that Home Plus doesn't really have an account thing, or so I'm told. My companion suggested that I use my debit card. I don't know about that, if that sounds good to you it's good to me. I wish I knew Korean well enough to know. Well love you, bye.

Monday, August 1, 2011

week 18 - Doing Better email

It was one crazy week. Things are slow and we aren't teaching anyone so far. Ya we are starting over and working our way up. So Monday we contacted all day to find more people. No luck, only a few people took the time to listen to us. I don't remember much of what happened this week except the drunk man. We decided an hour before hand to pass out English fliers at Homeplus. It's a place just like WalMart,  only better. The service there is so great in Korea that all the Walmarts died here. Korean's are proud that Homeplus beat that big box monster. Any way, we had just finished and were about to go home when... bam, this drunk man walks up to me telling me that I'm handsome, and asking if I was from America. Fun, he gave us his number and his Friends number as well.
The next day we went to a baptism for a members little Girl in our ward. It was a fun experience. I enjoyed the program that they had planned, but I didn't expect what came next, Oh this was at the church. They have a fount. Ya Korea is very modern, everywhere you go someone is on the phone. Any way. They asked us to sing, Ahhh. I can't read that fast in Korean and My companion says he's not a singer. We sang Um..? I know My Father Lives? Well, the members loved it. The baptizm was short. Plop, Swoosh... And it was over.  The smaller childern all laugh at what happened.
We also visited 김청봉,Gimcheongbong,  He is an elderly man. Every Tuesday we bring him food as a service. He's such a great man. He can't see well or hear well, but he loves to talk. He told us of how during the Korean war he left North Korean and made his way to Seoul. I'm not sure of what happened, it was in Korenglish, but it was a good story. And before we left he said a prayer thanking God for the American Missionaries who came to his house. He loves to pray and in English too.
That night it rained and it rained hard. We got home before it got to bad. It finally stopped the next day. No big deal until we went to district meeting at our church. Ah, too much mud, the street was covered in it. Trash was everywhere and broken pipes. What happened here?  It looked like a war went on over night. We then spent 3 hours cleaning with the Sister missionaries,(they are in 금천일 or first ward), and a member family. After that we decided to meet a member, 안억. Aneok,  he is a sweet old man who joined the church, 5 five years ago. He has lost his wife and his family hardly visit him, and so he is lonely.  He told us what he had done that day. His tooth is bothering him so he went to the Dentist, but he was out.   I think it was because the 역's ( train station) flooded.   He wanted us to stay but, we had no time, it was almost 9 pm.
   Sunday We went to 박성삽's Bakseongsap's home. We ate with them, and also it was the first time I rode in a taxi.  It was a waste of money. Cost  me 4 bucks, when we could've rode the bus for 90 cents. Normally we only ride the bus, but that day we were really late.   They are my favorite family. The Father teaches me new things when ever we meet. And the mom likes me too, at the baptism she gave to me a load of baked goods.   It was a lot!!!   So after dinner with them it began to rain. So, since we were by 안억's Aneok's apartment we decided to visit him. He was so greatful that we came to his home. He shared stories about his days in the Army and the Academy. We were going to leave when he order food for us and told us that it would be there in thirty minutes. Clever old man, since it would be very disrespectful to him to refuse his offer and that he had order it already. We shared dinner with him.   Not to waste too much time waiting we went home dropped the things we didn't need and picked up what we needed to prepare for the next activity. Wow, I was stuffed from all the food.  He is such a nice man.
I hope you love this letter, Mom. I love you enough to Do My Best.
 
Hanna,
Hey, that was my week.  It's not much like yours, but it was good. Sorry to hear that you fell asleep while drving. I laughed when I heard that you crashed the car. I'm praying for you though. It seems to me that you want to leave home. Not yet, wait and see how the real world is. I'm in missionary land and it's tough. Oh, by the way thank you for giving that message to Jacob for me. He hasn't written. Well Hanna it's not a lot but I hope you love this letter. Stay safe. Lov u...
 
Rhylie,
Sorry I made Mom mad since I was lazy and did write last week. I was mad at her for being mad at me, until I got home and read the Liahona, Ensign, and A blessing I was given. Share with your family. Blow after blow. Please forgive me, you can by writing me two Emails or even one. I don't know what to say because of no Email from you. I've heard you are sleeping in the new house at night. Nice! I live in the same kind of place as the trailer. The bathroom stinks, no sink, that works that is. We tries fixing it on Thursday with duct tape. HA, Ah, it leaks like crazy, but we have a sink now. Oh, there is this Hobo community under a bridge. Every time I go past it  I think "oh, look it's Rhylies people."  LOL, Well love you Rhylie. Miss you...

No explanation came with this cartoon so I'm a little lost, maybe he will tell me in his next letter.


 

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Week 16 - On the Down Low Email

Hi Mom ,  it's me.
Wow that's sad that you feel that way. Things here have been rough too. We've lost all but one investigator, 손승교.   He has been with us the whole time plus more.   He  is still afraid that he can't keep the commandments. Why? I do not know. He goes to church most every week.  Reads daily and prays.  He's been so close for so long it's sad.   I want to help him understand that he can do it.   He will have the help of his wife and friends, who are members. Thank you for your prayers. This week has been tough, but fun.  We didn't do much but it was a learning experience. I went on splits for two days with Elder Rife and Dooley.  We went to Anyang (안양).  It was my first time to go and  do 까까호호 or going door to door.  We took a video too, of us while we did it. Um it may go on Elder Rifes Blog.  Wait for it....
Saving Seoul or something close to that. Ah, transfers are coming and my companion is worried, he wouldn't admit it though. 손승교 is the father of one of his friends and he really wants him to get baptized. If he goes, he can't do that.   Sad. Well then I love you mom and hope things go better this week. 
love bye.  Elder Westarp

2nd email  -  Mom, Ok ,Got your emails. Story Time: So Wednesday I went with Elders Rife and Dooley. No this was Thursday... We were 까까호호ing  (door to door). We had little success talking to people. It was my turn to knock at the next door.  We got there and tried our best to prepare to get in.  Hello, but in Korean, came from the door. I answered back, and this little old lady appeared from inside. I began to speak when. slam!  The door shut. It was so quick none of us really knew what happened. It was funny since it was me, "the greeny who had knocked at the door". Ah it was funnier that day. We got a video of it though. The End.
Love you MOM. Thought I wrote Twice. Oh Package did not come !! :(

Hanna, 
First, Tell Mom "NO Package" since i believe Rhylie will forget. OK, Yeah !!  you got the job. This new experience will be great for you. Work hard , be quick and people will think of you when a new opportunity comes. AHHHH! Korean is messing with my head I can't spell.  Well good luck at your job. love you bye.
Hi Rhylie,
Oh no get off the street...AH...CRASH. ha ha ha. No you'll do great and better than you think. If I could pass, you can too. Wow time flies by so quickly and I can't believe whats going on and what has happened. Oh' before I forget. No pack!?! It hasn't come yet so I can't send anything home yet. Tell Mom if I forget. Well sorry about the story I had written you already when it came to me. Sounds like you are going to have alot of fun this week. Good luck. Bye

Monday, July 18, 2011

Week 15 - Snail Mail (7-14-11) inc. cartoon #3

Cartoon #3

Mom,
I love you Mom.I can't wait until I get your surprise !  I am doing great here.  Last week was crazy.  I hope you like your comics this week.  Sorry I missed two weeks.  It will be forever when you get this.  That's OH, ! thinking faster than I can write.  SPLITS !  I missed sending you a letter because of it.  We send them on Tuesday to take less time from our PDay.  Well Happy 4th of July *** BANG*** !!  I'm eating well & I hope to hear from you soon.  Sounds like the house is going well.  Love you Mom.  Thank you for all your care & love.  You do so much for me & you have helped so many people, for some that you don't even know, 3 other Elders so far.  Yah, it surprises me to see how other Missionaries can be unprepared for simple things that seem necessary.  Well Thank you.


A letter came for Dad too, but I can't find it.  I will post it once it's found.

Hanna,
Hi Hanna, How are you doing?   I hope you are not too bummed out.  That is rough.  I'm praying for you Hanna.  I hope you get that new job that you applied for.  If not,  praying for another.  I hope my gift brightened your day.  (Card and Hello Kitty stickers & Korean candy)  Lots of hugs from Korea.  Life is hard but we know if we endure, we will receive the best reward..  Don't worry too much.  You are smart & you can do alot.  My prayers are with you.  Love you Hanna.

Rhylie,
Smile !!  That's what I'm hearing from you.  Yes . . . .  3 weeks is all.  Yikes . . . .   Mom & Dad must be trilled.  HA  HA  HA  I'm thinking that you and Hanna shared the stickers.  HA HA HA  Hello Kitty.  It was so weird buying them.  I laughed inside the whole time.  Aw,  It's good to hear things are good.  So Tennis Queen,  practice is betting you down.  GOOD !!  Work hard & you will do great during this year of school.  I can't believe it's almost over.  Summer Break, it seems like it just started.  Love you lots Rhylie & miss you too.  Hugs from Korea.
Stephen,
I love you.  How are you buddy??  I think you will like last weeks letter.  Yah ! Korea is awesome, & I love being here.  Oh I keep forgetting.  I did I send your picture home??  If so, please send it to me again & if not I'm sorry, it was the coolest picture.  Please send another.  Time is flying bye.  It's going to be over before we know it.  Love you Stephen.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Week 14 - Snail Mail

Hi Mom,
Rain, Rain and More Rain.  My umbrella only lasting 3 uses is NOT good.
First time it worked great, but the second time "Crack !!!!" snap !!!  I
opened it & it broke.  Ahhh!! What a waste of money ...   Thankfully we
had 3 more at home that I can use.  But I'm good.  Last week I had no
time to draw, but I'll try & do it often.  Right now we are at a group thing,
playing PING PONG...  I might not have time to write everyone, so  "HI".

I'm doing great.  The rainy season is coming & I'm drowning in puddles.
My shoes R soaked, but I'm happy.  People still listen to us.  If they didn't,
I think then it would be sad. A member left for the MTC today.
박다술  ...  "Pac Da Sur "     Love you Mom


Korean Cartoon #2   by  Elder Micah Westarp

Week 15 - Going Good (7-10-11 Email)

Wow!! Things are going good here. The whether hasn't been
too rainy. The only sad thing is Kim Jee Yeolr. We are not 
visiting him for awhile. He wasn't ready yet, but we are
waiting to see if he changes his attitude. But on the other
hand we have two new investigators. Yah I don't know if I
told you yet. But one seem good, almost golden. Ya, He says 
he is looking for God and wants to know if he exists. The 
other is a friend of the sister of 박다술 Pac Da Sur . She 
came to church this Sunday. We hope she liked going to 
church. So a story I liked. I shared it with Hanna too, but
it's my biggest miracle so far. Wednesday is when the miracle
happened. The zone leader was in Kum Chon and we were 
contacting people on our way home. We meet this man and 
started talking to him, I gave him a flyer and then he 
asked a question. I didn't understand what he said, but I
began to talk about the Book of Mormon. later the district 
leader told me that he ask, "is this the New Testament?". 
I answered his question!! It was enjoyable. Oh, question,  
what is Hmart? I'm trying to become a member at "Home Plus"
though. I couldn't last week, my companion couldn't 
understand me and I couldn't ask for myself. But high hopes
for today. I still have vitamins, I take them everyday. 
I even made a sign to remind me to take one. I sent 
pictures last week with the broken umbrella picture. It was
hard getting a good picture. I had help and even then I got
poor pictures. I have better ones though. I love you Mom, 
Oh tell everyone I love them and I haven't received your
package yet.
love and miss you. 
 
 
Hey Rhylie,
 Sounds like you are doing great. That's good to know...
um things here are great, the rain has only been a small amount
or none. Wow!! Drivers  Ed  huh, well don't worry to much about that.
The more you practice something, the better you get at it. I hit a bump
or road block for now in Korean. Ya, O and EO. They sound alike
and it is hard to tell which is which. Well I love you Rhylie
Enjoy the package on Wednesday. There's a surprise.


Hanna,
Well that made me laugh. But it's good to hear that you will get a job
soon. Things in Korea are great, I love it. The rain hasn't been bad this
week and the ward members are feeding us pretty well. Keep cheerful
Hanna. Sad faces don't brighten the day. Um, I've been trying to think
of a good story. Oh, so Wednesday a miracle happened. The zone
leader was in Kum Chon and we were contacting people on our way
home. We meet this man and started talking to him.  I gave him a flyer
and then he asked a question.  I didn't understand what he said, but I
began to talk about the Book of Mormon.  Later the district leader told
me that he asked, "Is this the New Testiment?"  I  answered his question.
Well  Hanna love you bye.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Week 14 - Please Pray email

Family
 
Hi, things are great here in Korea. I Love it and it 
has been interesting lately. We had two investigators, 
but we dropped one on Saturday,김지열 (kim Gee Yourle). 
Yah, it was sad but both he and I don't understand why,
or in his case that, he was dropped. Sunday afternoon 
he called saying he wanted to meet us. We said no, 
that we couldn't meet him then, we were at least twenty 
minutes away from the church, which is where we meet. 
We asked if Tuesday would work so, who knows what is 
going to happen. Our other investigator is not ready yet. 
AHHHH!! He is so close! He's been taught all the lessons 
and just needs to be baptized. If you could pray for him 
that would be great. His name is Son Seung Gu. He said he 
feels like he can keep all the commandments but what if 
he breaks them. We tried to tell him that it was ok and 
that he could repent. I feel he needs to be shown care 
and that his family can help him. They are members... 
well I love you and miss you. It sounds like the house is
going great. I'm sending the pictures today and two of the 
comics. Last week I was unable to send it. I'll also try 
and see if I can get an account today. Yah it’s been really 
rainy here and I've been soaked twice. But other than those 
two times I've been dry.  Love you and miss you. Oh, and I 
think I’ve eaten dog. I’m not sure but my companion loves 
to tell me what I eat. This one time we were at a member’s
house and he tried to tell me what I was eating. I didn't 
understand what he said, but he made barking noises after 
that. So Who knows? I did not want to find out. love and bye...

Elder Westarp