I love to see the temple

Week 6

Every transfer our mission has a temple day, where the entire mission gets together to go to the temple. Last Wednesday was our temple day, and it was so neat to be there with all of the missionaries.

For those who don't know, in the temple we make covenants through sacred ordinances and prepare ourselves to more fully receive the highest blessings available through the name and by the authority of Jesus Christ.

It is such a blessing to go to the temple. Recently I read a quote by President Boyd K. Packer. He explained how the ultimate purpose of all we teach in the church is to unite parents and children in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are happy at home, sealed in an eternal marriage, linked to their generations, and assured of living again in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

As I think about my life and what it is I really want, I clearly see what matters, what is truly important. On this earth, my family and other relationships are what mean the most to me. And though knowing this doesn't always make life easier, it does give me the understanding of what life really is so that I can spend my time towards those things that endure and bless and prevail. :)

I testify that in Christ there comes every good thing (Moroni 7:22). Through this restored gospel and through God's divine authority--the priesthood--our families are sealed together, linked throughout the generations through time and all eternity.

Knowledge gained in Sodaemun

Week 2

This past week we all learned something important. If you're going to play in Texas, you've got to have a fiddle in the band.

Hehehe hahaha.

Last Saturday night we had a ward activity and... 2 baptisms, woohoo!! It was awesome. The ward activity had a western theme and we (the 4 missionaries--2 elders and 2 sisters) spent actually a lot of time preparing.

It was a great activity--primarily because we had about an equal number of members and investigators/friends show up. We ate hot dogs and chips and lots and lots of watermelon. After the food there was a movie (Finding Happiness--great 5 min movie ;0), a tour of the church, and a dance program, kind of.

During the dance program, the missionaries choreographed and performed a piece for the song, "If You Want to Play in Texas..." It was really fun, and funny! The ward members loved it. Oh, and we also sang a rousing version of "Home, Home on the Range." Later we taught everyone a line dance. It was great.

The best part was what came after the Cowboy Party, which was the baptism of a little girl and one man. It was neat, and not in the sense that anything magical happened, but as I grow a little older, I see more of what life really is. Life for these two new members or for any of us, it's not magically going to be perfect and we won't be free from making mistakes and life may not get that much easier.

But I truly believe this life is a journey of learning, and the farther we walk the more we notice the miracles. Because of the gospel people can change, their hearts change, and family members grow closer to one another, and we start seeing with our own eyes the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, working in our own lives and in the lives of all those around us.

Baptism is the gate which leads us towards eternal life.

The Savior said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest in your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt 11:28-30).

Welcome to Seodaemun and the Shinchon House!

Week 1

I am in my first area with Sister Lemons! We are serving in the Seodaemun Ward and Seoul English International Branch. Everyday we are blessed by the Lord! We are teaching people the gospel and proclaiming with all our hearts the love and joy we feel.

In response to this we have received a few funny looks, noticeable stares, warm smiles, peace signs, and lots of giggles--gotta love it :).

Why are we here? Wonderful question. Let me tell you. We are in Korea--paying our way, putting off school, eating lots of unfamiliar food, and learning a super hard language bc we know God lives. He is our Father and we are His children. He knows us. He loves us and wants us to be happy. And through the restored gospel we are free. The truth gives us knowledge and light, to live and to be who we truly want to be. Through Jesus Christ, all our losses are made up and we can overcome all things.

Learn of His gospel. I know it is true. If you already know it's true, strengthen your testimony. And as the truth sinks into our hearts we will more fully enjoy and access the blessings God has in store for us.

As Paul proclaimed, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16).

:) Smile and press on.

anyang-hashimnika (are you are peace?) !!

FIRST UPDATE from AMANDA in KOREA!!!

I'm in Korea! After an exciting 14-hour plane ride I arrived at the Incheon Airport.

With so many thoughts swirling around in my head, I fell asleep that night thinking of the story of Esther...

"Think not . . . that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, . . . thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed.

Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:13-14)

What a wonderful work we are engaged in. Shall we not go on... with courage and hope, in so great a cause?

the end.

Updates from Korea!

Hey all friends, family, and fans of Amanda ... I'll be posting pictures and updates from Korea on her blog while she is far off in Korea sharing the restored gospel. It will probably be about once a week that I'll post the letters and pictures she sends me. So you won't be able to comment so she can read it, but you can hear how she is doing and what she is doing. Fabulous, huh?

Happy reading!
(from Amanda's friend, Jessica)