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.