So this week was really amazing. We did exchanges so I was able to serve in a different area for 24 hours! It was really good to see how other missionaries spend their day, and the area was super different so that was fun to see as well. We were able to teach a lady who is doing the Family English Program. We teach English for 30 min and then do a gospel lesson for 30 min. She is so determined to learn English. She has no fear speaking and making mistakes, and has progressed remarkably fast. Her gospel interest is also growing, and we were able to have a really good discussion. I hope she continues to progress in every area.
A huge, unexpected, and wonderful miracle this week is that we have a new investigator. And not only a new investigator, but she wants to be baptized on Dec. 29!!! We are so excited. Her name is 임지혜. She is so sweet and she is a student, probably around 15-16 years old. We were invited to a member's home for dinner on Saturday. They are not really strong in the church, so we planned to share a gospel message with them. When we arrived, their daughter had invited her nonmember friend to eat with us. Then we asked if I could practice my Korean and teach her a lesson. This turned into a teaching in unity practice, and at the end she agreed to be baptized!! They came to church yesterday and we were able to teach her lesson 2. She agreed to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. It's honestly a miracle, and we are so grateful for the members! It has strengthened my testimony so much in the power of member referrals. When missionaries can teach a lesson with a member friend by their side, it adds so much power. It is an added witness, and they are able to have support when the missionaries leave. It is incredible to see the difference between lessons with and without members there. There really is no comparison. If you ever have the opportunity (and pray for opportunities!! they will come) refer your friends to the missionaries and then be there to help with lessons. Oh my goodness, it's so amazing when members are able to do that.
I had another very tender moment this week where the Lord confirmed to me that I was exactly where He wanted me to be. Occasionally I find myself getting frustrated with the language, and think "If I could just do this in English I would know exactly what to do. I could discern their needs, I could say the right things, I could explain better, etc." But this week my companion and I were doing a role play of inviting someone to be baptized, and helping them resolve their concerns. I did it in English first, and my companion said it seemed like I was knowledgeable but not totally sincere. The spirit just wasn't there. So then we tried in Korean. I had to think very hard of what to say, and really tried to understand what she was saying to me. I started to bear my testimony that God loves us, and my companion started to cry. The spirit filled the room and we just sat there staring at each other in tears. The Lord confirmed that I was called to preach His gospel in Korean in HIS way, not mine. I realized in my thoughts about English, I knew what to say, I knew what to do, I, I, I, I... However, I was not called to preach my gospel. I am called to preach His gospel. And it became more clear than ever that He knows me perfectly and He called me here for a reason. I am totally dependant on Him, and if I can remember that we will continue to see miracles. It was amazing.
In other news, and since several of you mentioned my hair...for the first time since 4th grade... I CUT MY HAIR!! It wasn't planned, but we were visiting our relief society president at work. She is a hair stylist and was really busy. But then everyone left and she had a break, so my head was the next target! I was terrified but excited at the same time. I generally still pull it back, and it's usually curly and crazy, but the day she did it it was smooth and straight. So here is a picture of your new missionary! The Relief society president told me I walked in looking like a little girl, and left looking like a woman. So I think thats good. My plan is to grow it out for the rest of my mission, so we'll see how that goes.
That just about sums up my week, It has been amazing, and filled with tender mercies and also major miracles. I am so grateful to be serving here in Korea! This is a wonderful place, with wonderful people. And the Lord is working miracles here as well as at home. The church is true! It is changing lives. I know that with all my heart. I love you all! Have a wonderful week!
-Love, Sister Seegmiller
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