HEY!
We were pretty busy this week. We had several appointments already set up and some things that happened more spontaneously too.
There are some surprises with this new transfer. On Saturday night, right as we were praying to start planning, President Barrow called and said that Sister Kim would be transfered to Busan (serving in two areas, one which hasn't had sisters before) and I would be training again. We were pretty surprised. It is sad with Sister Kim leaving, especially having only served in Pohang for one transfer, but we know that she will be working miracles in Busan. I am a little nervous to train again, since the time is so short (4 weeks), but I am also grateful for this opportunity to work harder in these last few weeks of my mission.
HBY has been doing so well. We met her about four times this week and taught her a little each time. We have already taught the first three lessons, and she is progressing very well. One of the things I love the most about being with her is how open and honest she is. She tells us what she thinks, but is also very accepting. She has really been prepared for this. On Saturday, she came to practice the musical with the Young Women they are doing for Christmas. (The Christmas Carol :) ) She came a little early, so we watched the new Christmas video with her and a couple of the other Young Women. She really liked it. She also came to church the next day, and seemed to really like it. In the lesson we did with her during church with one of the young women, we taught almost all three of the lessons and talked a lot about baptism. It was so good. But the best part was easily that night. Our Branch President had invited us over for dinner with Sister Kim transferring, but we were able to arrange it so that HBY and one of the other young women could come too. It was SO GOOD. We had a good dinner and and could feel the Spirit a lot as we talked. Afterwards we watched "The Restoration" video all together and had a discussion about it. I am so grateful for our members. They are incredible. As we talked about the video and questions that Hwang Bo Young had, our branch president, his wife, and the other young woman explained the principles simply and bore their testimonies powerfully. It was incredible, and I know that Hwang Bo Young could feel the Spirit. I pray that she keeps progressing and remembers the things that she has felt so far. The Lord has been blessing us so much with this opportunity to teach her, and there have been times when we felt inspired to share something or use a scripture and she said, "How did you know how to find this? This is exactly what I was wondering about." It's not us finding it.
There were a couple of other people that we met too this week, but most of them seem to have more English or friend interest than anything. However, we did meet some other good potential investigators. We have a TON of potential investigators, but we need to just start meeting with them!
We have also started using the new Christmas initiative cards! And we bought Christmas lights. And a candle. And singing Christmas hymns. We are definitely deckin' the halls. There have been several times when I find myself almost jumping for the glee of it all. I am so excited for Christmas. I am also grateful for this chance that I have to spend this one last Christmas in Korea. I love these people so much.
I love you!
Sister Stapley
We were pretty busy this week. We had several appointments already set up and some things that happened more spontaneously too.
There are some surprises with this new transfer. On Saturday night, right as we were praying to start planning, President Barrow called and said that Sister Kim would be transfered to Busan (serving in two areas, one which hasn't had sisters before) and I would be training again. We were pretty surprised. It is sad with Sister Kim leaving, especially having only served in Pohang for one transfer, but we know that she will be working miracles in Busan. I am a little nervous to train again, since the time is so short (4 weeks), but I am also grateful for this opportunity to work harder in these last few weeks of my mission.
HBY has been doing so well. We met her about four times this week and taught her a little each time. We have already taught the first three lessons, and she is progressing very well. One of the things I love the most about being with her is how open and honest she is. She tells us what she thinks, but is also very accepting. She has really been prepared for this. On Saturday, she came to practice the musical with the Young Women they are doing for Christmas. (The Christmas Carol :) ) She came a little early, so we watched the new Christmas video with her and a couple of the other Young Women. She really liked it. She also came to church the next day, and seemed to really like it. In the lesson we did with her during church with one of the young women, we taught almost all three of the lessons and talked a lot about baptism. It was so good. But the best part was easily that night. Our Branch President had invited us over for dinner with Sister Kim transferring, but we were able to arrange it so that HBY and one of the other young women could come too. It was SO GOOD. We had a good dinner and and could feel the Spirit a lot as we talked. Afterwards we watched "The Restoration" video all together and had a discussion about it. I am so grateful for our members. They are incredible. As we talked about the video and questions that Hwang Bo Young had, our branch president, his wife, and the other young woman explained the principles simply and bore their testimonies powerfully. It was incredible, and I know that Hwang Bo Young could feel the Spirit. I pray that she keeps progressing and remembers the things that she has felt so far. The Lord has been blessing us so much with this opportunity to teach her, and there have been times when we felt inspired to share something or use a scripture and she said, "How did you know how to find this? This is exactly what I was wondering about." It's not us finding it.
There were a couple of other people that we met too this week, but most of them seem to have more English or friend interest than anything. However, we did meet some other good potential investigators. We have a TON of potential investigators, but we need to just start meeting with them!
We have also started using the new Christmas initiative cards! And we bought Christmas lights. And a candle. And singing Christmas hymns. We are definitely deckin' the halls. There have been several times when I find myself almost jumping for the glee of it all. I am so excited for Christmas. I am also grateful for this chance that I have to spend this one last Christmas in Korea. I love these people so much.
I love you!
Sister Stapley