Hey!
This week has definitely been better! While it is still hard, I have felt SO much comfort and am starting to really like the work more. I have learned to take deep joy in the simple things, like chocolate and pictures and writing in my journal. And cleaning and drinking hot cocoa. Sister Lee makes fun of me and says that I have a chocolate addiction.
I have definitely been blessed with the food. I like pretty much everything, except the blood sausage. Still can't stand that. And the other day a grandma made me eat this GIANT bug. It tasted just as bad as it sounds. Literally dirt. We went to a fancy sushi buffet a few days ago. So much food!!! It was delicious. I have also had a lot of curry here, and it tastes like the stuff Dad made at home. I love it! Sister Lee is a violin major in college so she has a violin! And a ukelele. I have played both a little and it is THE BOMB! We are about the same level so it is not too embarrassing for me to play, even though I haven't practiced. We have a member of the Seventy coming by on Wednesday and our district is doing a musical number for him. I am playing the violin in it! Super fun.
We have been doing a lot of street proselyting lately, and while I am not very good at it, it is becoming more fun. I am learning to just force myself to talk, even though I cannot say much. Many people like to come up and talk to me, and always tell me that I am beautiful and touch my hair. I don't think I've met a single person that hasn't told me my Korean is really good (which they would say even if I only knew one word). A lot of people just stare though. I think that is definitely a blessing about being a foreigner: I am already standing out so much. Then it is just trying to understand them and share something meaningful.
We don't have very many investigators, and we have made a goal to really work hard and find some new ones. Yesterday though we had Stake Conference and it was wonderful! I felt the Spirit so much. We had invited a bunch of less actives and investigators to come but most said that they couldn't make it. However, after the meeting was over we turned around and spotted one of the families we have been teaching! It was seriously the coolest moment I have had here so far. We were so happy!!! They said that it was good and we hope they continue to want to learn more about the gospel and come to church.
This week I have really been trying to do what Tristan talked about in his last email and be more like the Savior and think about what He would do in each situation. It has been a HUGE strength to me. It is easier to talk to people, to smile and really love them all. It is also so comforting to feel like He is walking beside me and working with me. I am happier when I turn to the Savior and try to see through His eyes. When I do this I am so aware of my own weaknesses and while that is hard I am then strengthened by Christ. I now really understand what people meant when they said missions were hard, but I also can feel the Savior's love more. It is kind of like being thrown into the cold mud and getting stepped on, but then the Savior putting His arm around you and pulling you out. I am still slipping as I try to climb up but Christ's grip is strong. I am so grateful for that! I know that He lives. He loves us SO much and wants more than anything to help us be happy.
I love this work! I love you all SO much!!!
Sister Stapley
This week has definitely been better! While it is still hard, I have felt SO much comfort and am starting to really like the work more. I have learned to take deep joy in the simple things, like chocolate and pictures and writing in my journal. And cleaning and drinking hot cocoa. Sister Lee makes fun of me and says that I have a chocolate addiction.
I have definitely been blessed with the food. I like pretty much everything, except the blood sausage. Still can't stand that. And the other day a grandma made me eat this GIANT bug. It tasted just as bad as it sounds. Literally dirt. We went to a fancy sushi buffet a few days ago. So much food!!! It was delicious. I have also had a lot of curry here, and it tastes like the stuff Dad made at home. I love it! Sister Lee is a violin major in college so she has a violin! And a ukelele. I have played both a little and it is THE BOMB! We are about the same level so it is not too embarrassing for me to play, even though I haven't practiced. We have a member of the Seventy coming by on Wednesday and our district is doing a musical number for him. I am playing the violin in it! Super fun.
We have been doing a lot of street proselyting lately, and while I am not very good at it, it is becoming more fun. I am learning to just force myself to talk, even though I cannot say much. Many people like to come up and talk to me, and always tell me that I am beautiful and touch my hair. I don't think I've met a single person that hasn't told me my Korean is really good (which they would say even if I only knew one word). A lot of people just stare though. I think that is definitely a blessing about being a foreigner: I am already standing out so much. Then it is just trying to understand them and share something meaningful.
We don't have very many investigators, and we have made a goal to really work hard and find some new ones. Yesterday though we had Stake Conference and it was wonderful! I felt the Spirit so much. We had invited a bunch of less actives and investigators to come but most said that they couldn't make it. However, after the meeting was over we turned around and spotted one of the families we have been teaching! It was seriously the coolest moment I have had here so far. We were so happy!!! They said that it was good and we hope they continue to want to learn more about the gospel and come to church.
This week I have really been trying to do what Tristan talked about in his last email and be more like the Savior and think about what He would do in each situation. It has been a HUGE strength to me. It is easier to talk to people, to smile and really love them all. It is also so comforting to feel like He is walking beside me and working with me. I am happier when I turn to the Savior and try to see through His eyes. When I do this I am so aware of my own weaknesses and while that is hard I am then strengthened by Christ. I now really understand what people meant when they said missions were hard, but I also can feel the Savior's love more. It is kind of like being thrown into the cold mud and getting stepped on, but then the Savior putting His arm around you and pulling you out. I am still slipping as I try to climb up but Christ's grip is strong. I am so grateful for that! I know that He lives. He loves us SO much and wants more than anything to help us be happy.
I love this work! I love you all SO much!!!
Sister Stapley