Monday, February 25, 2013

Week of February 25 2013: House of Toast

Dear everyone,

This week was a little weird. Not that it was different, really---I just kind of realized how much has happened recently. I guess it's partially because my companion got transferred. He's been in Jinju for a long time, and now he's going to an island called Jeju, which people call the Hawaii of Korea. It's kind of hard, since it's far away from the mainland and you have to take a plane to get there and can't really see anyone for a while---but I think he's happy about it. I guess it just made me think about everything, and feel stupid for some things, but remember the good things we've done, too. The idea of living in the moment is hard, but I think essential, and something I forget a lot. So we had a transfer meeting today---we just met with all the other transferring missionaries, and also the ones who are returning give talks, etc. It was really good, but also kind of weird---but I know things are going to be great. This week we taught Sister Lee again. She came with a notebook full of questions that she had, and we spent a lot of time talking about them. Then she told us at the very end that she tried praying, and it was obviously a great experience. I just felt really good---I think because prayer seems so basic, almost obvious, I forget how much it helps other people, and take it for granted. She's really awesome. I've also been trying to study the Old Testament a bit---I'll let you guys know how that's going soon---I think Moses seems like a good guy so far.

I hope everyone's doing well. I can never think of things to say when I write---I guess this week we ate a lot of toast. There's a place here called Isaac Toast, and they make lots of different kinds of toast. I know it might not sound great, but it's actually really awesome, and pretty cheap. If it were called the House of Toast, that might be a little better, but as it is, I'm pretty happy with it. I know you guys are awesome, and helping those around you. I think about you guys a lot, too. I just hope you don't worry about me too much---I love you, and miss you guys. Thanks so much for everything---keep it up. 

-Elder H. Thomas Campbell

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Week of February 11, 2013: Solnar/Whip Bear

Dear Everyone,

This week was good, if a little different from usual. This weekend was the lunar new year, called Solnar, which is the biggest holiday in Korea. Since everyone spends it with their families, almost everyone we meet with was out of town, and we couldn't really talk to any of them. But we've been able to study some more, and also do a mandated half-day cleaning of our apartment, which was interesting. We found some good stuff, including a whiteboard with a little white cartoon bear holding a teddybear on it, and written next to it in English: "Whip Bear". 

I hope everyone's doing well. It seems like it from all the things I've heard. We had a meeting today with all the other missionaries who are doing training, which was pretty long but also good. It's kind of hard to believe that everyone can come from the same place, basically---but they all have their own backgrounds, and things they can help people with---it's cool. 

This week has also been pretty cold for us---it seems like everyone else in Utah is still having a similar experience. It doesn't really snow here much, it's just really clear and super cold. But we usually ride the bus a lot, which helps out---it's not too bad. Almost none of our regular ward members came to church this week, but lots of visitors did, and because of the holiday there was just sacrament meeting at 5:00 p.m. It was probably for the best anyway, since I had to give a not-too coherent talk. It did make me realize how great our ward members are. They're really supportive, even though there aren't too many of them, and they're all very helpful and unique. 

I hope you're all doing well, and feel how much Heavenly Father loves you and is supporting you in your lives. I'm so grateful for all of you, for your letters, and hope you're all happy and doing well. Thanks again---keep it up.

사랑 하는데 수고 하세요.

-Elder Campbell