Hi!
This week was pretty good. We didn't get great stats or anything (actually they were really bad), but two great things happened. Firstly, there was a training meeting for Koreans only about companionship relationships. They got a bunch of great stuff that applies to all companionships regardless of race, but the things are especially important when it's an American/Korean companionship. Things like patience, understanding, unity, etc. You really have to be patient with people when you both have to struggle for words to say something! We learned some really good stuff, though, and I'm excited to put it into practice.
Secondly, a returned missionary in our ward from the 하/Ha family gave us some great advice for missionary work. He was stuck in the same area for the last year of his mission down near Daejeon, and he had to do a lot of finding and a lot of member work. So he gave us some things to try for our area, and I'm really excited about putting them into play. The way I've been approaching finding hasn't really worked so far, so these things will be good.
We did some streetboarding this week, and it went ok. I kind of like it, because the people that want to listen, listen, and those who don't, leave. You don't end up wasting your time and energy on them. Our mission president has a saying, "The coming ones come, and the going ones go." He's great, I really love him. Thanks for the advice on streetboarding, Dad, it was really good, and I'll work on using the things you gave me about the plan of salvation (because that's the only streetboard we have :D).
I'm looking forward to this week. We have a fair number of appointments set up, and I'm going to finish the second level of pass-off with the APs soon. We ran out of time the first appt, so I'm going back at the end of the week. It'll be easy, I just have to pass some written Korean test, so I'm not that nervous for it.
My greenie is pretty awesome! I like having a Korean companion, because I can always ask him Korean questions. My Korean is not that great yet, but I'm starting to get to the point where I can understand people. i really do need to start learning the culture, though; I have enough language skills to talk about it now.
I realized the other day that I'm going to be a trunky missionary if I'm not careful. I think about the future a lot, like what I'll do when I get back and even where I'll go next transfer. I should probably focus on the present and just do my best to do the work now, and I'll take care of the future as soon as it turns into the present.
Hey Dad, I have a few questions about your mission. How many of your areas do you remember? Which positions of responsibility did you hold, like zone leader? Which year did you serve in? Do you remember your Korean name at all? What are some of your favorite memories?
The other day I shook a drunk guy's hand before I realized he was totally wasted. He wouldn't let go of my hand, but he wasn't threatening. First he invited me to go drink with him, which I thought probably wasn't a good idea. Then he said in English, "You are my sunshine!" and then translated into Korean, "Dangshin ee na eh haetbit ida!" (당신이 나의 햇빛 이다!) He didn't even say it right in Korean, so he was pretty drunk. It was really funny. :D This other elder I talked to said that when he talked to a drunk guy one time, the guy said in English, "It is my dream to fight a Negro. Hwa!" and he kicked an imaginary black guy. Good times with the alcoholics. :D
Well, that's about all for this week. I love you all, and I hope the preparation for the trip to Wisconsin goes well. Love you!
Elder Matt Dean
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