1st of May...

Greetings and salutations! It's the beginning of another new month! I have some pictures and events for you again - from April..... It's been a busy and a full month.

Elder Howerton and 2 of the singles that come to our apartment on Monday evenings for Family Home Evening. On the left is Allison Williams from South Africa. On the right is Cara McCain from the states. Cara served a mission a few years back in Maryland. Allison joined the church here in Korea last June. Elder Howerton and I are also meeting with Allison once a week now for her Temple Preparation Classes! She is planning on entering the Seoul Temple to receive her endowments the first of July. What a special sister she is! We are so blessed to know her and to be a part of this journey with her.

This was taken the day before Aaron King flew back to the states after visiting Brittney and their baby, Amber. We all met at Taco Bell for a Hail and Farewell! Brittney and Amber will leave us in May to fly back to the states and they will most likely be living in Ogden. We miss Aaron and will most definitely miss Brittney and Amber!!

Here's the missionary group that wanted to send them off with love. Sister Cramer and Sister Chon on the left, me Brittney, Aaron and Amber, then Elder Howerton. Elder Harris and Elder Jo on the right. We all are so close to them and wish them the best life has to offer!

Another special day for us with another military family on post. The Whittacre's; Mom Ann, daughters Alissa, Ashley, Amanda and son Evan. The sisters were invited as well. We had a wonderful lunch and a great visit. Maj. Whittacre was not able to attend as he works in Busan, about 2 hours away...each day... and home each night! Thank heavens for the wonderful train system in Korea.....

You've seen pictures of Sister Lee on the left, and Sister Crowther in the middle. Two great sister missionaries that are in our zone. The 3rd sister on the right is also named Lee (a popular last name in Korea). She was staying with them awaiting all visas, etc, for her trip to the states! She is now in the MTC in Provo, UT and will be going on an English speaking mission to the Georgia, Atlanta Mission. She was such a sweet sister and was so excited to be able to serve in the United States.

Are these great guys, or what?!! We had a Mission Tour by President and Sister Jennings during April. It was a truly wonderful day with some great sessions of learning. Elder Wade is holding up a package of brownies he received from Sister Jennings as he has a birthday coming up. Sister Jennings makes brownies for ALL the missionaries on their birthday month!

Two of our favorite elders back together again... if only for the day; Elders Harris and Olsen. On the right you can see some of the inside of our chapel. The large white thing is a big air conditioner. I think I've mentioned before that they do not have central air or heat in Korea. They use these independent units, several in a room if the room is large. It also provides heat in the winter.

Elder and Sister Gibson who are serving a Senior Mission as an Area Mental Health Advisor. They traveled from Japan to visit us for this conference. He presented a wonderful program on the Inner Voice of Distraction and overcoming feelings of discouragement.

Elder and Sister Goth. They live in Japan as well and are Area Medical Advisors. Again, an excellent program focused on well-being, staying healthy, and eating right. One of her lines she said during their talk tickled us... she said something to the effect that they came all the way from the states to teach young missionaries how to wash their hands!! To the right looking toward the camera is Sister and Brother Bagley. They are the office couple to the Jennings in Busan. We're sad as we'll be losing them in June. Their 18 months will be up and they'll be heading back home to Wyoming.

Now here is a great couple!!! Sister and President Jennings, Mission President of the Korea, Busan Mission. They have loved their work and it shows! We have been so blessed to know them personally and to work with them. President Jennings speaks flawless Korean and has been a wonderful mission president. They are due to return to the states (Utah) in the summer. They will be GREATLY missed!

Now this was an evening I really need to share.... These are our neighbors. They live in the other building from us on the same complex. Elder Howerton was actually taking out the trash one day and this woman was also. They said hello, etc., she asked about where he was from and why were we here... Yes, she could speak English. Not perfect, but very understandable. Long story short, I met her also and she invited us to have dinner with her and her husband. Her husband is a doctor at one of the larger University Hospitals here in Daegu.

We set the date and went at the appointed time. They were absolutely the most gracious of hosts! This picture is on the floor after dinner for a wonderful selection of fruit for dessert. She served the fruit on the most beautiful plates, as she did her dinner also. She tried so hard to have more 'American' acceptable food, there was NO Kimchi on the table at all! She had marinated and broiled thin slices of rib meat, baked potato with cheese on the top. A wonderful tossed salad (and they don't typically eat tossed salads in Korea) with a dressing she made (I need the recipe for that!) and fried rice. Prior to dinner she placed a beautiful bowl in front of us with pumpkin soup. It was truly delicious! Dr. Shin, and his wife, Diana (this is an American name she seems to have chosen), informed us it was 'very healthy'. Literally everything they served was very healthy. Smaller portions with wonderful flavors. All the fruit for dessert we could eat. They are serious about eating healthy.

As they learned we drink neither wine, which was offered prior to dinner... coffee, nor tea, they were somewhat surprised but extremely gracious about it. Dr. Shin said over and over; 'no problem!'.... However, after dinner and into the living room for dessert they discussed the subject of tea. As we explained the best we could without their full command of English and zero command of Korean on our part... about our beliefs, they asked if we could drink herbal tea? Yes, we said. We can have herbal tea. Dr. Shin had his wife bring to our table a cylinder-shaped container that looked like it had green velvet covering it. He explained to us that the symbols on the velvet-like material on the outside mean that it's grown way up high, higher than the sun... it is hand-picked and packed into this container. He assured us that it was only herbal, very select products, and extremely healthy.  So we said that we would certainly try that. It was seeped in hot water then poured into another small pitcher that had cool water in it.

Immediately she poured it into these very tiny bowls, different from what we think of normally to use for tea, as in cups. You can go back up to the picture and see them. The flavor wasn't particularly good nor was it unpleasant. Not at all. It was just slightly bland. The good doctor insisted that it was the best thing we could drink for our entire system. Are you ready for this.... he also informed us it costs 120,000 won. That's just under $120.00! For that cylinder about 8" tall.... amazing. It ought to be gold! We found it very humbling that they would offer to serve something so fine with us. What an memorable evening it was for us.

Of course we told them we'd love to have them at our apartment for a meal. They gladly accepted. That hasn't happened yet.... I'm still trying to decide what to cook for them that's American - and healthy! They have one daughter who is in the states going to college. They are an absolutely wonderful Korean family and we felt so honored to be in their home.

Relief Society birthday is in March every year. Only this year in Korea it came in April. A great shot of several of our sisters that met at one of the Korean restaurants downtown Daegu for the celebration. It's so difficult to have a typical dinner in a ward as we would back at home.... In the Korean kitchens in the church buildings over here there are no stoves. Usually only two burners, set on top of a counter, and a sink. Oh yes, they usually do have a refrigerator. Not accommodating for U.S. sisters to cook, I'm afraid.

This is Elder Harman waiting to begin his song. He has the most beautiful Operatic voice - at 19! It's hard to believe some of the talent these young missionaries have, him especially. This evening was for their area in Daegu, to invite people out - for members to bring their family and friends - and to 'show off' the church and the gospel. They pass out invites to members, people on the streets, etc. It's amazing how many come to see and hear. They spoke (in Korean...), showed a church movie, had singing of hymns by Elder Harman and the other missionaries in their area. They then have food for all there. This is the 2nd one our zone has put on since we've been here. Very interesting and it's so good to see the turn-out and the investigators they get from these evenings. It takes a good amount of work to put it on but it's worth it!

These were the other elder and sister missionaries who sang also. Very touching.

Elder Chandler on the left came into our area a transfer back. He is a 'greenie' but he is doing outstanding! With him is his new companion, Elder Thompson, who just transferred into our area. They are standing in one of their favorite places!....like home....kinda......


The next 3 pictures were taken from an apartment on the 28th floor. It overlooks the East - Southeast area of Daegu. Quite a site from that height! This city is HUGE!!!!  Just look at all the TALL apartments! There is no 'ground' space here. I can only imagine what land must cost. Remember, this is just one small section (direction-wise) of the entire city.



I have an aunt back in Indiana that still has a mind set of Korea with huts..... this is NOT the case. While there are certainly some older and smaller buildings that people still live in, most are highrises. It's a very cosmopolitian city and Seoul is twice as large!

We felt very honored to not only attend a Change of Responsibility ceremony but Elder Howerton was asked by 1st Sergeant Robert J. (RJ) Gordon, on the left in front, to give the opening benediction. 1st Sgt. Gordon and his family are members in our branch. He was offered a new unit to take over which will double the number of military personnel he is responsibile for.



1st Sgt saying his farewell to the people he's worked with for some time. As in any change, it's a bittersweet moment. He is one of our Army's finest in our opinion and he sets an excellent example for his unit to follow.

Here with his wife, Serina. 1st Sgt. Gordon is our Executive Secretary and Serina is one of the counselors in Young Women. They have 5 children.

Of course we had to get into the picture-taking act too! We love this family and are honored to call them brother and sister in the gospel as well as good friends!

Spec. 4 Sha Keia Dunn. She worked with 1st Sgt Gordon and thinks so much of him she put in a transfer to move to his new area and continue working with him. That is quite a compliment to him. He has instilled great values in his people.... in fact she is now investigating the church! We are so impressed with her and her desire to learn all she can. The Lord does prepare his people... Sha Keia is actually attending our Institute class as well as taking the lessons from us and the sister missionaries. We pray for her and hope we'll have a baptism soon...


I have some more pictures to add but will do it on another post. We just had a big day yesterday in our apartment.... 21 missionaries plus us for a total of 23 people for an American style breakfast. It was our traditional transfer time but this time we did something different. Lots of pictures for the Moms to see! I'll have it on soon, I hope, and explain the whole event to you.

Thanks for following us on this blessed journey. It is the single best thing we've done.... I know, I've said that before. It's also something I'd highly recommend.....

Jinhae, South Korea Cherry Blossom Festival

There are pictures of the festival for you to see. First things first though as we are excited about the events happening around us - and the reason we're here......

 

Here are a couple of pictures prior to our zone going to Jinhae for the festival.... 8 year old Rigby Peterson, the son of one of our military families on his baptismal day. Sister Chon, Sister Cramer with me, Elder Chandler and Elder Jo in front with Elder Howerton. The boiler in our church was broken. Rigby and his father who baptized him walked into icy cold water! Rigby was a trooper though and made it through. Afterwards he said his legs actually ached....

Sister Crowther from Colorado and Sister Lee from Seoul. They are such a great pair! One of our districts has been blooming with new members. So much so that President Jennings added another pair of Missionaries to that district; these two. We were blessed to have them actually live with us for about a week or so while they got their apartment ready for them. Such dedication and obedience... they were up every morning at 6:00 am, excercised, showered, got ready for the day. There was individual study time, planning time, scripture study, combined study, etc... they had a schedule and they stuck to it! Out by 10:30 am and we never saw them again until about 9:00 pm. In bed, prayers said, calls made, etc, by 10:30pm every night! Boy, it was something to see and admire.... we could probably work on our schedule some....

One of our new missionaries to our district; Elder Chandler from Missouri. Fantastic young man and he plays a guitar! One of our military families had us over for dinner with Elder Chandler and his companion, Elder Jo. We were all serenaded by the talents of Elder Chandler...



Now, does this look perhaps like two 'greenie' missionaries wondering where they are, why they are, and what to do - now that they are?! Elders Harman and Chandler.....

Sister Alicia Cho took US out to eat for her birthday!! What a lovely Korean member she is - as with most Koreans, so polite, thoughtful, caring, and very giving.

Sister Cho on the right passing a big slice of cake to some of the missionaries.

We are blessed to know and love this sweet, sweet, young lady.

Elder Harris (with a new haircut!) is waiting for his turn to 'clean up'. Elder Chandler wanted to have his mom see that he's remembering her teachings!

Great picture of Elder Harman on the left with his companion, Elder Wade. These are two special missionaries to us and we are so grateful to be close to them. If I had a wish it would be that you could hear Elder Harman sing. His voice is an absolute gift from God. He studies and sings Opera. He sang for Elder Howerton and myself in an open area where he could 'let go'. Man! Does this young man have a voice.....

Another awesome 'greenie', Elder Innis on the left. You should hear him play the piano!! He actually played with two other fellows at the Riverhorse Cafe in Park City, UT! Hello!!! We're from Heber City... didn't know him then - to our loss! He is totally amazing. Next to him is his companion; Elder Kim. I love Elder Kim's smile. It is literally ear to ear. A great Korean missionary.

This is a neat picture, I think... Elder Harris on the left on the phone and laughing - as usual. He is so friendly and loved by every companion he's had. Elder Day on the right is just checked out... for those of you who know our zone - does the person behind Harris look familiar? Yep! 'Former' Elder Shane Stever. He went home last December with others we love and miss dearly. He came back for a visit with his family! Perfect time for his family to meet so many missionaries Shane knows, all at once.

"Our" sister missionaries... in the district we're in! Are we blessed, or what?!!! Sister Chon and Sister Cramer. Although Sister Chon is Korean she has lived in America her entire life; from Washington, D.C. She came to Korea and had to learn the language like all the rest of us! She is incredible. Sister Cramer is closer to us in geography... from Wyoming! We love these sisters so much and are so grateful to them for all they do for us and for the people they serve.

Shane Stever catching up with news from all the sister missionaries he served with.

Brother and Sister Stever; absolutely wonderful folks! We loved being with them. They were able to see and do so much with Shane. Shane took them over his mission area; meeting and being fed by families he taught, members of the church, etc. What a wonderful blessing for them and for Shane as well. To to able to have his family see what he's seen and meet people that was so important to him for 2 years. These people and the friendships you make while on a mission will literally last a lifetime and are life-changing.

Now here's 2 very pretty girls!! On the left is Carly Stever, Shane's sister. We loved Carly. She seemed to enjoy the whole experience with her family while in Korea. On the right is one of our members in our branch; Andrea Hunt. She's graduating and will be off to the states most likely for college. These two hit it off and enjoyed each other's company.

Sister Crowther and Sister Lee anticipating a good trip to Jinhae!

Two of our sister missionaries; Sister Heo on the left and Sister Kil on the right. They are hard workers and have such a great testimony. Both speak a fair amount of English as well.

You will not see a better smile than you will from Sister Stevens in the center! She is a joy to be around. Her companion on the right is Sister Swenson and Sister Cramer is on the left. I have such a new respect for sister missionaries. If only we could live our life over again and be allowed to make changes!! I would have gone on a mission for sure. Those of us who didn't still can; young or old!

As you can see, we had a terrific greeting at the Jinhae Festival!!! Well, not really.... OK. He WAS there - about a couple weeks before we arrived though. They had pictures all over to look at......

Part of the festival was being able to not only see but to board one of their Navy ships! It was interesting but also confusing... they allowed pictures taken from one direction only. Of course when they do that everyone wants to look at the other direction to see why.... couldn't find a reason but we complied with their wishes.

Missionaries everywhere and one ham in the back! A cute one though.....

Sisters Kil and Heo talking to one of the Naval personnel while Elder Harman is remembering why he's there, or anywhere for that matter. He's attempting to speak to one of the Korean gentlemen also touring the ship. Knowing him he most likely got around to the gospel.

The famed "Turtle Ship" built by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during a Japanese invasion of Korea (1592-1598) and used to defeat the Japanese Navy. This is a replica of the original. Very interesting to go through and appreciate what crossing the waters were like back then.... and fighting.

Elder Wade and Elder Howerton and a playful moment..... however, they'd best be careful. Early versions of the turtle ship would burn poisonous materials in the dragon's head to release a poisonous smoke.

Here we are with Elders Wade and Harman and a couple of Koreans in costume.

Interesting roof! The spikes discouraged Japanese sailors from engaging in their primary method of naval combat at the time, grappling an enemy ship with hooks and then boarding it to engage in hand-to-hand combat. Certainly would discourage me!

Here are the Susoung District A, B, and Military Relations missionaries! Elder Chandler, Elder Jo, Elder Howerton, Sister Howerton, Sister Cramer and Sister Chon.

OK.....here we are, now what do we do first?!

Elder Howerton took off with Elder Memmott to explore shopping and food with one of our military families; Kandise and Parker Jameson. See the Korean in the back with the mask on his face? Don't discourage, it's not because of the potenial threat of radiation fall-out. They wear masks on their faces ALL the time. We can't figure it out.... for health? Well, if so we've seen them literally lower the mask to smoke a cigarette! Now there's a serious concern for health......

A GREAT military family enjoying the festival; LTC Burnett, his wife CJ. Her mother, Sister Ensign, visiting  from the states and the Burnett boys; Jared and Jacob. Also is daughter Brittney with Aaron and their new baby, Amber.... although you can't really see Amber. Dad's got her secured next to his chest.

This is 'the spot' to take pictures of the cherry blossoms. A lovely old wooden bridge that has a plethora of trees on both sides. As conference for us was the following weekend (a week after the states has it live) we were just a tad early for the full blooms. What we saw was beautiful and some trees were showing their splendor but another week or so it would have been breathtaking.

Another 'greenie', Elder Memmott on the left with his companion and a very special missionary to us;
Elder Morrow. We are losing Elder Morrow the end of this month. So sad.... We have been here 8 months now and have said good-bye to some very good friends and 'adopted grandsons'. Hello out there to a few of them; Murray, Green, Stever, Harken, Routson, Choi..... other ones coming up with Morrow and Elder Kaing.... our loss. They have all been outstanding servants of the Lord and a blessing to us and our lives.

Elder Memmott's been here all of 3 weeks and already an investigator of sorts.... he will offer a Book of Mormon to anyone standing still long enough! He is one dedicated missionary! He and Elder Morrow happen to be assigned in Jinhae; what a beautiful area to serve in!



It's impossible to have a festival and not have food.... As with any other country, the food in Korea is somewhat different than we have available to us in America. Good food it can be though. Some, I still have to rely on the testimonies of others....

Birds.... yes, they are very small birds. The question I couldn't seem to get an answer on was 'are they baby birds or are they full-grown but small birds'? One way or the other I chose not to try.

Yep. It's a pig...or was a pig... What this head is laying on are interesting parts of a pig prior to be included in one of the huge black pots you see just over this head. Some of them, like this, are boiled. Others are cooked over a spit, like the one below. Elder Howerton and I decided to have a plate of the grilled pig. They cut the meat right off the pig on the spit, on a plate with vegetables and a side of rice. It was very good.

"It chops, it dices, it does everything for you...." Some things are the same in any language!

Ribs, thick bacon cuts, etc. All delicious.

American Hot Dogs.... they say. Hummm... well perhaps the 'corn dogs' on the left may be similiar but I can not recall seeing anything like the ones on the right... They are coated, deep fried - and those little things attached? Cut up french fries. The corn on the cob on the right has been the biggest dissapointment for me as I LOVE corn on the cob at fairs. I can make a meal on it. So I knew the first time I saw them that this was for me! Wrong. They don't steam them as we do. Actually I don't know exactly how they do cook them but they're chewy-tough and have a coating of sorts over them which gives them a completely different flavor than we think of as corn. Especially sweet corn! Now I am hungry!

Besides ships, cherry blossoms and food we also received some culture!

Thanks for checking out our site. We are so happy to be here and to be serving the Lord. We are blessed with faithful families within the US Military. They protect us. They sacrfice for us so we all may remain protected. They, as us, love the missionaries. Besides them protecting all of us, they feed us, and they serve us, as we are to be about serving them! May each of us pray for their safety and may blessings be upon them. Let us hear from you. If there are special things you'd like to see or know about, let me know.

Being far from home and family (grandchildren!) is hard. Loving church members, missionaries, and those investigating the church keep us motivated and grateful to be doing what we are. It's going too fast! As one leaves for a senior mission 18 months seems so long! We've been here almost half way through already! We both testify that the work we're doing is true. The church has been restored, the heavens are open again and as in the days of old we have living prophets on the earth again. How grateful I am for that knowledge and for the confirmation of spirit we have received of that fact.