April 24, 2011

안녕하세요!
Hope that made it into your computer without being transformed into boxes or something. :D This week was ok. From the stats standpoint it was actually pretty awful, though. We are struggling with meeting the stats. Actually, I should say only I am struggling, because I feel like only I am working for them. Elder Pulsipher doesn't care about the stats. He doesn't care about Korean, either, to be frank. When I ask him to talk to people, he basically only says hello. He won't teach with me. He says he isn't learning how to teach because we're not teaching (which is true), but when I ask him to practice teaching with me, he says no. "I don't feel like it" and "I don't care" are the two phrases I hear from him most often. I can't force him to do it, either, because it would just turn into a straight-up fight and nothing would happen, except we'd hate each other and the Spirit would be gone. Being with Elder Pulsipher is a little like preaching the gospel with someone who can't talk, actually. He won't do anything in Korean, period, and I don't think he's trying his best. He mostly just sits around like a bump on a log and either plays with his Rubiks cube or reads a book. Basically I have done missionary work on my own this transfer, and it shows in the stats. I know it's not all about the stats, but they are important as a reflection of how well we're doing. This transfer was basically just like last transfer, except Elder Choi actually cared about missionary work. I don't think Elder Pulsipher cares, and he's basically in some sort of biological "power-save" mode. He's alive, but major Korean functions are inoperational. And thus the work in Il San is suffering.
     But hey, transfer calls are tonight, eh? Honestly, I hope one of us gets transferred. I kind of feel like a jerk for saying that, but that's the way it is. I know also that it's not all his fault, but I feel like I'm actually trying to get along with him, I just don't know how to do it. If we don't get transferred, I will have a frank conversation with him about all this, and see if that helps. I know I've got to love him more, it's just hard. But this trial will make me stronger, and I thank the Lord for that!
     Ok, ranting about my companion=over. :D Andy and Florence came to Sacrament meeting! Yeah!! They are so awesome. I don't remember what I've told you about them yet, so if you have questions, fire away. They agreed to meet us later this week to speak English and also talk about the Church for a while. I like them, they are funny and interesting and can speak English, which is always a plus.
     Our ward mission leader was just released, because he said he has no time to help us. Whoop-de-do. So the first counselor is filling in, and so far he's a lot better than the other guy. I like the first counselor a lot, he's great. Dad, how can I as a missionary effectively work with the Ward Mission Leader/person who's filling in?
     Happy Easter! It's still Easter there, I think. Just barely. I got your package last week! It was so great, thanks for all the Jello and candy and stuff. I will be sure to share it with everybody. the letter from President Lee was pretty cool, too. {President Lee is Elder Dean's Mission President}
     Remember the picture book Sister Owens made for us for Christmas? With all the funny pictures of us at the temple? I'm showing that to people that ask to see my family pictures. Bwa ha ha! If you could tell her thanks for making that, it would be great. I laugh every time i see it. :D
     I heard about an internship at Langley Research center at some university for aerospace engineers. It's for sophomores in the summer, it pays 6000 dollars to those who do it, and it sounds awesome. I'll have to research it more when I get back, since i'll have to wait a year before I can do it.
     I found some scriptures for hard times, in case anyone is having hard times now or later: Alma 32:21, 58:9-12, 36:3, 26:27, 7:13-11; D+C 6:34-37; Helaman 5:12; Psalm 23; Mosiah chapters 14-16; Moroni 10:32-33; Ether 12:27; 2 Nephi 31:20. I like all those, and maybe they will help you.
     This week we had an activity with the ward that only like eight people came to, but that was ok, they were the eight I liked best. :D We played basketball and then a traditional Korean game called윷노리, which is like 'Sorry', a little bit. It was super fun, and I'm glad i could go.
     We get to go to the temple tomorrow! I'm way excited for that. Also, transfer calls are tonight, so I'll let you know next week what happened.
     I haven't heard how calling to you {on Mother's Day} will work yet. I'm waiting on my leaders for that, but I'll be sure to let you know. I'm so excited for that! It'll be great. Prepare for Korean, Dad. :D
     Youth Conference sounds awesome, Austin! I wish I could have gone to that, but this is kind of like one loooooooong overnighter in Korea. :D And shed hunting sounds really good, too, Dad. I can't wait to see those huge ones you found, the one that we helped drag out was really big already. I also really enjoyed your quote about how a man will starve before he catches a legal fish at Strawberry. Mom, be safe when you drive in Colorado, and have fun with Grandma. It's ok if you can't write because of that.
     I have to email the three grandparents now, but I'll email you next week. I love you, thank you so much for everything!
Love, Elder Matt Dean