North Korea?

DMZ?

Picture of Elder Ahn November 2014

Picture of "Life with Elder Ahn"

Picture of Elder Ahn - November 2014

Week 47 from Jordan

Hello everyone! Sounds like you all had a great Halloween. There was literally nothing different for us from a different day (except for monthly stats). It was a bit weird not seeing families out in costumes getting candy, but I suppose that's one of the ways the Koreans stay in such good shape. ;)

This week has been a good one. We finally got back to a fairly regular schedule. We have been off for a while due to DMZ trips, conferences, and the like, but it was nice to have a good, regular week again. We have been able to meet some really prepared people. One is a kid that we talked to briefly, had a street lesson with, and now is progressing. His family doesn't know he is meeting us, but we are trying to change that... Sweet kid. I don't know when the next baptism will be, but we're excited and look forward to seeing people progress.

 A lot of the churches around us have signs that say 이단 (heresy, cult) churches can't come and proselyte there. I guess other church's missionaries try to contact in churches...? The funny part is that the picture of people not allowed into the church looks like our missionaries, and the church that is specifically named is that of one of our investigators. It is entertaining to walk in front of the church with our investigator and see the sign. :) 

Things really are good here. The weather has gotten cold, but that's given the leaves permission to change all at once, so that now when we look at the mountains, we get to see red and (especially) orange  patches all over the place. It's really nice. :) The leaves are probably all gone back home by now. If they aren't, I'll bet the snow will take care of them! Let me know when the snow first comes. :)

Elder Ahn is struggling with English, but then I remind him that it is the most difficult language, and he is patient. He is progressing despite what he thinks. Korean is okay. There is an endless supply of words to learn. In English, if I remember, there are about 2 million words, but only 2500 of them are used often. In Korean it seems like there are the same number of words, but they are all used. It's a fun challenge. We're having a good time seeing which language has more arbitrary redundancies. So far Korean has been winning, but Elder Ahn has switched study books, so I think it will be more evenly matched now. :) The ward is really great. They are doing a good job at welcoming those who are baptized for the most part, but Korean culture is still very strong, and that culture is very much a clique culture. It's funny to see high school behavior in 80 year-olds at times, but the church has been a great blessing to the members, and I am grateful. :)

Thank you for the email and news. How was "How to Train Your Dragon 2"? Was it only dad that liked it, or did other people like it, too? The posters were fun... 5 months ago. It is always astounding to see how quickly pop culture changes. I'm glad I don't need to worry about it. ;) Have a great week, and I look forward to reading your email next week!

Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.

Best wishes,

Elder Jones

Week 47 - Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. AND Luke 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour

Dear Jordan,

 

 We hope you continue to be well. We haven't had snow in the valley yet but we received some snow in the mountains yesterday and we might get some more tonight. We have had beautiful weather this week but it will be colder this next week. On Halloween the temperature was about 70 and it was the best weather I have seen for Trick or Treating.

 

 On Monday we had Family Home Evening but Rachel didn't join with us because she had a cold and went to bed after school. On Tuesday the YM and YW held the Halloween carnival at the church. They started about the same time I got home from work so I didn't go. Sarah only went for a short time but the others stayed and had a good time. Mom taught her evening class. On Wednesday Mom helped Holly and her mom and I helped Bekah with her homework. On Thursday Mom taught her class and I helped Bekah with homework for a while. She is almost caught up on all of her past due homework. 

 

On Friday (Halloween) Bekah went to a party and Mom took her to it and then waited until was over. Sarah and Hannah went trick or treating and seemed to have a great time. Rachel stayed home and handed out candy. She sat in a big black folding chair on the driveway all bundled up with a mask on. She scared several people. For some of the people that came to the door, I directed them back to the chair. On Saturday I finished up some of the outdoor yard work and did the shopping. Mom, Bekah and I saw How to train your dragon 2 and I enjoyed it. Saturday afternoon is when the temperature changed from the 70s to the 40s and 50s. On Sunday we went to church and the Robert's house for dinner. We also ended Daylight Savings Time. Most of us still woke up early (regular time) so Mom has been working on the Relief Society newsletter and Sarah has been watching The Princess Bride and Ella Enchanted.

 

 The Clements wanted to give you some extra money. I believe that Mom will add the money to your account. Mom will send you a letter this week. Everyone is doing well.

 

 We love you. You are doing a great job. Please keep working hard.

 How is Elder Ahn doing with English? How is your Korean? How is your ward working with you?

 

 Please let us know if you need anything.

 

 You got a surprised sound out of both mom and I when you said that you had gone to North Korea. We are glad you are safe and that it was a safe environment for you to be there. What a great experience for you!

Keep going strong, and wear out your shoes by walking! Hopefully you are enjoying the food, and that you are healthy. We love you!

Love,

Hannah, Rachel, Bekah, dad, Mom, Sarah