Letter from 10 June 2009

Hello!

Last night I was filling out a teaching record for a lesson we had taught when Sister Lee came in to the study room asking Sister Gubler to make cookies that she could include in a package she was sending home. Sister Gubler makes cookies often for members, people we visit or who do nice things for us. She wasn't sure there was enough dough left of what she had made for Sister Lee's family, too, though. So I said--should we make them? Now? We had 25 minutes before bed. Sister Lee and I did it together. She hadn't made cookies before. This morning, I asked her, "how was it?"

"Easy," she said.

We visited a lot of members yesterday. Lately I kind of feel like a diplomat. To a foreign country. We meet with members, and as we meet, I always have a few goals in mind: show that they can trust us--that we're capable and responsible and nice and dedicated; figure out when they might be available to teach with us (we always want to teach lessons with members); figure out how to help them do missionary things--if they know someone interested in meeting, or trying to show them how to share the gospel with someone; help them feel the Spirit and feel uplifted. And get in and out without the appointment lasting forever.

And without them feeling pressured. That's where the diplomatic skills come in, I think. Yesterday we visited with three members or families. The last appointment was with a family (part of them were home) who just joined the church in February. And I wanted so badly for them to think about who to share the gospel with and take action and do it--the prospect of them doing that seemed so exciting--that I just kind of flat out said it. Who do you know you could share the gospel with? And then the mom spent the next ten minutes or so talking about how awkward doing that is, how other people think our church is "ee-dan" (cult? unorthodox? I don't know if there's a good translation), etc, etc. So that really isn't the way to ask, I realized. Oops.

A few weeks ago we met with a young mother who just moved to a new apartment. I asked if there was anyone who lived around there who might be good to visit. And she talked about her neighbours, how she would like to talk to them about church, but it's hard sometimes. We talked about the power of example, and tried to encourage to continue building friendships in the area (she seemed really lonely, actually). A better way to ask, I think.

Anyway, I feel diplomatic.

I'm realizing, too, that with teaching, with being a missionary, there is endless room for improvement. There is always something new to try, always something to do better. Tonight we will be doing a lesson with a member and her neighbour who was asking questions about the church. It's just the second time we'll meet. We want to talk about the Plan of Salvation, and also about baptism, and ask her to be baptized. I've taught about baptism a lot. Lately, our mission president has been stressing a lot the doctrine of baptism, and studying about it this morning, I realized that same thing: endless room for improvement. It makes me nervous for tonight. But it should be fine. Good. It will be good.

I send my love!

--Carrie

Letter from 3 June 2009

Really short today!

Yesterday we met with an amazing member family. They lived in New Zealand for about two years, but when they heard a talk about how members need to help strengthen the church in their own countries, they moved back to Korea.

Their oldest daughter speaks wonderful English with a beautiful New Zealand accent, and is smart and a good studier, but they decided to take her out of high school so she could study at home. Her parents didn't like how they couldn't have dinner together as a family ever--high school students stay at school late, late studying.

I was amazed at their courage to make these decisions, and at the blessings that came from them. They had a strong, loving family, and it made me (again) want my family and home and children to grow based on gospel principles.

Choi Hee sook, who we set the date with, couldn't come to church this week. So the date will be pushed back. This way, though, she will be able to prepare better for baptism.

Out of time!

Have a wonderful week,

Carrie