Hello everyone!

There is not a lot of things to update about all our investigators. They are all doing great, and we are planning to meet 3 (possibly 10, one may be a group of 7 people) new investigators this week, so we are very excited. One is a 14 year old girl from the US  who met missionaries and wanted to be baptized. But then she moved to Korea, and wants to keep meeting. The English branch knows her dad really well, so we are really excited to start meeting her and hopefully get the whole family and ward involved! At church on sunday, we had three less actives come. Sometimes we take this for granted, but I had a moment to look around and realize just how blessed we were and the difference that our efforts really are making. It was a very special moment of realization for me. We met with two less actives this week, Choi Sheen Boke and her son Kim Jong Ho. This time he asked if he could share a scripture with us, read from the Book of Mormon, and then explained why he liked it. We started reading another verse, but his mom didn't understand what it meant. So he used the footnotes to find verses that would explain it better, and then spent a few minutes explaining and helping her understand. We were slightly in shock, since he hasn't read the Book of Mormon or attended church for a very long time. It was incredible to see his progression, and he is opening up his heart to the church more and more each day. It's amazing the questions people ask us, because often they are so simple and basic, yet they are someitmes the most difficult to explain. One woman told us she wants to follow the spirit, but has a hard time knowing if it is her own thoughts, or the spirit prompting her. Another lady wanted to know why it matters that she knows it's true. Isn't it enough to believe it's good and live the right way? Others have asked why men are the only ones who can hold the priesthood, what role is the woman suppose to play in the family, church and community. and lots more. It's so fun, because we have to study a lot to give them the answer the Lord wants given. But we learn so much each time, and our testimonies are continually strengthened through finding those answers. It's amazing.

This week has been very focused on Joseph Smith. We have watched the Restoration DVD 3 times with different people, and have started listen to Elder Truman's lectures about Joseph Smith, which breaks down his character, life, beliefs, actions, and all kinds of amazing things. I feel like Joseph Smith is like many principles of the gospel. The more you learn and understand, the more you realize how much you don't know and understand. He was such an incredible man who kept his perspective and gave everything. He also know how to laugh and enjoy life, and loved with his whole heart. A funny story from his life; some pastors from another faith came over to his home, asking question after question and trying to prove he wasn't called by God. But over and over, he was able to answer their questions and ask questions to them that they weren't able to answer. After doing this for awhile, they were not happy and began to leave. Joseph walked outside with them, jumped as far as he could, marked the spot, and said, "Well gentleman, you weren't able to best me at the scriptures. Let's see if you can beat me at this." (This was a common game of the youth at the time. They would jump from a somewhere, mark their spot, and other children would try to jump farther.) They were even more unhappy and left. He had such a fun personality. He knew when to be serious, when to have fun, and always did whatever the Lord required of him. In all honesty, sometimes it is hard to keep that perspective. Sometimes It feels like as a representitive of Jesus Christ, we need to be perfect, a little more serious, focused, and boring. But that simply isn't the case. Just look at Joseph Smith, Gordon B. Hinckley, or Christ himself. They did the work, and they did it right- and they did it as themselves. It's been a good reminder that being myself is okay, and that doing my best is all he requires. This morning we sang "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" and the spirit was very strong. It confirmed to me even more fully, that Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God, and through him, God has paved the way for me to be here in Korea right now. I owe so much to that man, and hope to teach about his experience in a way that would make him proud.

This has been an amazing week of miracles, both big and small. My testimony has been strengthened in so many ways. We received transfer calls, and I will be staying in this area. That was a direct answer to my prayers. I don't feel like my time is done in this area yet, and have plead with my Father in Heaven to let me stay just a little longer. My new companion has been in Korea about 3 months, so I am very excited to work with her!! We will be relying on the spirit more than ever, since we understand that much better than the language. But luckily the Lord speaks all languages, and it's amazing what he accomplishes through us. I love this work with all my heart. I am SOOO grateful to be a missionary here in Korea. This is the greatest work in the world. Thank you all for your examples. It is amazing how often someone has an experience or question that can be answered directly by experiences you all have had. You are all very much a part of this work, both at home and here in Korea. I love you all and hope you have a great week!

-Sister Shanelle Seegmiller