Hi Mom and Dad!
This week, we had a great lesson with Yong Soon-Young, one of our investigators. We had already asked her to come to church two weeks ago but she declined. She was really nervous about being the "new person" at church. This week, we wanted to ask her again as we taught her about faith and repentance. My companion, Sister Beckstead, asked her boldly if she would reconsider coming to church. At first, Yong Soon-Young was apprehensive and seemed like she would say no. But when I assured her that she didn't need to commit to coming every week, just at least once, she said yes! Of course, we would like her to come every week...but when she is ready. We are really excited for her to come next week (she has something else this Sunday) because the last time she came to church was two years ago. (She has been meeting with the missionaries off and on during that time.) In the past month, we have seen Yong Soon-Young progress so much. She really STUDIES the scriptures and is seeking for answers. She is beginning to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, and we are excited for her to meet more people who have gained that testimony as well. We have taught her about the sacrament and want her to see how important that is at church.
It's always amazing to see the little miracles in our experiences. I have gained a testimony that EVERYTHING comes one step at a time. Sometimes, we want to jump across everything and reach our goal right then, but then we wouldn't be able to learn along the way. This can apply to anything- in the gospel, in our lives, learning a language (ahem, Korean!). Learning the gospel comes "Line upon line, precept upon precept..." (Okay, I don't remember the scripture reference!)
Dad, thank you for your email. I'll ask the elders at the next transfer day if they know Moon Tae Gyu. That would be great if they did!
Oh yes. I have a great story! On Saturday, the missionaries in the Gwaejong branch went to the beach for a singles/youth activity. It was my first time to the beach since Jackie Roylance's wedding in Jan. 2008! Needless to say, I was ecstatic. We had a wonderful time bonding with the ward, our investigator Su-hyun, and the elders' investigators. At one point, we went over to the rocks to look for tidepools. While we were over there we saw a waygookeen (foreigner) picking up shells. We started talking to him and found out that HE is from Yorba Linda like me! He's in his early 30's, maybe? He is in Korea teaching English. His name is Mike Thompson and he asked if I knew the Daltons. I told him that my cousin married Johnny Dalton! Then, he asked if I knew the Linfords. I stopped and stared. I said I WAS a Linford!!! It was so funny. His family is in the Yorba Linda 2nd ward, so he is familiar with Uncle Mike's family. He took institute classes from Uncle Mike! He is less active in the church right now, but I can tell that his experience in the Fullerton 8th singles ward and at institute had a big impact on him. He lighted up when he talked about Uncle Mike and the families in the Yorba Linda 2nd ward (unfortunately in the other stake- so I failed the rest of the name game. Haha!).
I couldn't BELIEVE that I ran into a member of the church, from Yorba Linda, while looking for shells on the beach in Pusan, Korea during a branch activity. As a missionary! When things like this happen, I'm 99.9% sure there is no such thing as coincidences. EVERYTHING happens for a reason!
Anyway, I have to go but I love you all so much! Have a great week!
Love,
Alyssa
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
August 18, 2009.
It was just a regular Tuesday. Kind of. Sister Musser, Sister Beckstead and I went to the post office to check for some much-awaited mail. A regular stream of cars flowed up and down the street. Nothing particularly unusual. Sadly, the mail hadn't come yet. As we stepped back into the sunlight, we were about to cross the street when five 70 year old men all blew their whistles at us. Then we took a look around- ALL the cars had disappeared. Everything was still. No pedestrians crossing the street, no cars driving by, just these elderly men with armbands standing at prescribed locations on the street with their whistles ready. Needless to say, we were just a BIT confused. Luckily, we ran into Elder Kim (from America) and Elder Draper who were walking to the post office.
So we found out that on August 18th, all of South Korea clears the streets for 15-30 minutes in the morning to practice for war with North Korea. No, I am NOT making this up! An ambulance zoomed down the street but nothing else was allowed to go down the street. Even an old man driving down the street in his wheelchair-scooter thing had to pull over. Sis. Musser, Sis. Beckstead, and I were really intrigued by the whole situation. All of a sudden, we remembered that there is a fairly unstable communist country just to the north of us. Not that'd we forgotten, it was just a, ahem, SUBTLE reminder.
So that was probably the most exciting thing that happened this week! Sister Beckstead and I also went on splits with Sister Hill, our sisters’ coordinator. She also happens to be my good friend Alyse Smith's cousin! (Alyse is serving a mission in Brazil). It's a smaaall world out here in the mission field! We had a really good experience together meeting with an investigator who Sister Beckstead had taught in a previous area. She seemed so happy when I first met her, but we realized as we talked to her that there was much beneath the surface that at first glance you wouldn't notice. It showed me that everyone is an iceberg. That's why getting to know people is so important in missionary work. In order to help people with their concerns, we have to gain their trust so we can actually KNOW who they are. As we taught this girl about the plan of salvation, we all felt the Spirit. I know that we can find true happiness as we follow Heavenly Father's plan for us. It provides us with the purpose in life that so many people are searching for. No one EVER has to feel alone. Heavenly Father will always be there for us, and I know He hears our prayers. I am so grateful for that.
I am excited for this next week with Sister Musser and Sister Beckstead! The transfer is halfway over- it goes by so fast!
I love you all and am so thankful to be counted among your family and friends. Really, you're the best!
Sincerely,
Sister Linford
It was just a regular Tuesday. Kind of. Sister Musser, Sister Beckstead and I went to the post office to check for some much-awaited mail. A regular stream of cars flowed up and down the street. Nothing particularly unusual. Sadly, the mail hadn't come yet. As we stepped back into the sunlight, we were about to cross the street when five 70 year old men all blew their whistles at us. Then we took a look around- ALL the cars had disappeared. Everything was still. No pedestrians crossing the street, no cars driving by, just these elderly men with armbands standing at prescribed locations on the street with their whistles ready. Needless to say, we were just a BIT confused. Luckily, we ran into Elder Kim (from America) and Elder Draper who were walking to the post office.
So we found out that on August 18th, all of South Korea clears the streets for 15-30 minutes in the morning to practice for war with North Korea. No, I am NOT making this up! An ambulance zoomed down the street but nothing else was allowed to go down the street. Even an old man driving down the street in his wheelchair-scooter thing had to pull over. Sis. Musser, Sis. Beckstead, and I were really intrigued by the whole situation. All of a sudden, we remembered that there is a fairly unstable communist country just to the north of us. Not that'd we forgotten, it was just a, ahem, SUBTLE reminder.
So that was probably the most exciting thing that happened this week! Sister Beckstead and I also went on splits with Sister Hill, our sisters’ coordinator. She also happens to be my good friend Alyse Smith's cousin! (Alyse is serving a mission in Brazil). It's a smaaall world out here in the mission field! We had a really good experience together meeting with an investigator who Sister Beckstead had taught in a previous area. She seemed so happy when I first met her, but we realized as we talked to her that there was much beneath the surface that at first glance you wouldn't notice. It showed me that everyone is an iceberg. That's why getting to know people is so important in missionary work. In order to help people with their concerns, we have to gain their trust so we can actually KNOW who they are. As we taught this girl about the plan of salvation, we all felt the Spirit. I know that we can find true happiness as we follow Heavenly Father's plan for us. It provides us with the purpose in life that so many people are searching for. No one EVER has to feel alone. Heavenly Father will always be there for us, and I know He hears our prayers. I am so grateful for that.
I am excited for this next week with Sister Musser and Sister Beckstead! The transfer is halfway over- it goes by so fast!
I love you all and am so thankful to be counted among your family and friends. Really, you're the best!
Sincerely,
Sister Linford
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 18,2009
Hi Mom!
That's exciting that you got a new bishopric! That's random that the counselors have the same last name! I would LOVE to go to California next summer on vacation. I secretly hoped we could- serving in Pusan in the summer reminds me of California summers at the beach. I've heard someone describe it call it the California of Korea. And President Jennings is fine with parents picking up their missionaries- I've seen two cases recently when parents came to pick up their sons. I think he would understand if you came- especially because Dad served here! Just for your info :)Tell Brooke and Chris I wish them a great first day at school on Thursday! Brooke, that's so exciting that you're starting high school! You'll have to tell me all about it. And how does Chris like his uniform?? haha- I love you all so much!
This week we were blessed to be able to teach some new people in unexpected places. We went to visit an investigator (Jang Song-Young) whose friend happened to be there with her. Because we had two companionships there, the elders were able to teach her while we introduced the gospel to her friend. It was natural and worked out wonderfully! We left a Book of Mormon with Jang Song-Young's friend and should be able to meet with her again this week. We were able to take Jang Song-Young to church and met her afterwards to teach the first lesson. She had read the intro of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith's testimony and is excited about church! It's amazing to teach someone who seems to be so open to the principles of the gospel. I've seen how our companionship is really blessed when we're in tune with the Lord.
Serving in three branches is a challenge, but Sis. Musser, Sis. Beckstead, and I are figuring it out! We've been keeping busy with meeting investigators and building relationships with members of the branches. Sis. Musser, Sis. Beckstead and I have been talking about how much our missions are changing us for the rest of our lives. I have come to love the gospel in a way that I never felt before. As we continually teach the principles of the gospel, I realize that it really is the way we can find happiness. I am so thankful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and that I can share our message of happiness with others. I know Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to make the most out of our lives- we can do that by following the Savior's example. I am learning so much about what is truly important in life- and especially about scheduling time! Sis. Beckstead mentioned that sometimes people say they don't have time for scripture study, but are their days filled to the brim with other really productive activities? Not usually... I have gained a STRONG testimony of using our time wisely. Wasting time is nonsensical! There is so much we can do with our lives. Why waste it with useless time on the internet or t.v.? I think the key phrase is "moderation in all things." We can live a healthy, balanced life as we continually strive to improve ourselves. Serving a mission really is a refining process. It's true! But our whole lives can be a refining process too. So make the most out of it!
Thanks everyone for your support! I hope you're all enjoying the end of the summer! Oh, and Mom, can you send me Sheri's address? I need to write her! Thanks! You should be able to contact her on Facebook, I think.
Love you!
Alyssa
Hi Mom!
That's exciting that you got a new bishopric! That's random that the counselors have the same last name! I would LOVE to go to California next summer on vacation. I secretly hoped we could- serving in Pusan in the summer reminds me of California summers at the beach. I've heard someone describe it call it the California of Korea. And President Jennings is fine with parents picking up their missionaries- I've seen two cases recently when parents came to pick up their sons. I think he would understand if you came- especially because Dad served here! Just for your info :)Tell Brooke and Chris I wish them a great first day at school on Thursday! Brooke, that's so exciting that you're starting high school! You'll have to tell me all about it. And how does Chris like his uniform?? haha- I love you all so much!
This week we were blessed to be able to teach some new people in unexpected places. We went to visit an investigator (Jang Song-Young) whose friend happened to be there with her. Because we had two companionships there, the elders were able to teach her while we introduced the gospel to her friend. It was natural and worked out wonderfully! We left a Book of Mormon with Jang Song-Young's friend and should be able to meet with her again this week. We were able to take Jang Song-Young to church and met her afterwards to teach the first lesson. She had read the intro of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith's testimony and is excited about church! It's amazing to teach someone who seems to be so open to the principles of the gospel. I've seen how our companionship is really blessed when we're in tune with the Lord.
Serving in three branches is a challenge, but Sis. Musser, Sis. Beckstead, and I are figuring it out! We've been keeping busy with meeting investigators and building relationships with members of the branches. Sis. Musser, Sis. Beckstead and I have been talking about how much our missions are changing us for the rest of our lives. I have come to love the gospel in a way that I never felt before. As we continually teach the principles of the gospel, I realize that it really is the way we can find happiness. I am so thankful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and that I can share our message of happiness with others. I know Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to make the most out of our lives- we can do that by following the Savior's example. I am learning so much about what is truly important in life- and especially about scheduling time! Sis. Beckstead mentioned that sometimes people say they don't have time for scripture study, but are their days filled to the brim with other really productive activities? Not usually... I have gained a STRONG testimony of using our time wisely. Wasting time is nonsensical! There is so much we can do with our lives. Why waste it with useless time on the internet or t.v.? I think the key phrase is "moderation in all things." We can live a healthy, balanced life as we continually strive to improve ourselves. Serving a mission really is a refining process. It's true! But our whole lives can be a refining process too. So make the most out of it!
Thanks everyone for your support! I hope you're all enjoying the end of the summer! Oh, and Mom, can you send me Sheri's address? I need to write her! Thanks! You should be able to contact her on Facebook, I think.
Love you!
Alyssa
Monday, August 10, 2009
Hi Mom!
I got some pictures of Bear Lake from Jenn. It looks like it was a lot of fun! Ruby is WAY cute. I miss you all! I'm sorry the Suncrest Book of Mormon Pageant isn't going to work out...funny story though!
First of all, I have to send out a HUGE apology to SHERI!!!! She said she reads this so- Sheri- I feel terrible. I got your birthday package- it was AMAZING! I wrote you a letter back but recycled the package before I had your address. (oops!) I forgot that I still hadn't sent you the letter until I moved to Busan. I feel TERRIBLE! Can you email my mom your address or something- (and maybe a note if you want)? I am so sorry. It takes mail forever to get home and now I can't even get anything to you! You're an awesome photographer. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!
Mom, can you try to contact Sheri on Facebook or something? She said she reads the blog- hence the note above. She sent a really cute package and I want to make sure she knows I appreciate it! And I want her address! All I know is Evansville, Indiana.
Anyway, I've been in Busan for a week now with my two companions- Sister Musser and Sister Beckstead. We serve in Gwaejong, Daeshin, and Youngdo branches. Youngdo is actually an island, but it has a bridge that connects it to the mainland. They're all small branches, but Daeshin is tiny! The five missionaries in the branch (us and two elders) made up a fifth of the people at sacrament. The areas I'm serving in now are in the older part of Busan- so, as you can imagine, almost everything around here is...old. At least one of the church buildings has been here since the 50's, when the church was first brought to Korea!
I'm excited to serve with Sis. Musser and Sis. Beckstead. We're all the same age! That's a big deal in Korea. We're cheenguder (friends- anyone born the same year as you). Sis. Musser is from Las Vegas and Sis. Beckstead is from Lehi, Utah- close to Alpine! They both like country music and Sis. Beckstead rodeos! I haven't been a fan of country music in the past, but maybe they'll rub off on me. Who knows? We're having a lot of fun together- we laugh a LOT! Especially when I'm fulfilling my status as a "blonde". Dang, I'm 22 and still haven't grown out of it! But it keeps us laughing and happy- so that's good!
Love you all! Hope everything is going well!
Sis. Alyssa Linford
I got some pictures of Bear Lake from Jenn. It looks like it was a lot of fun! Ruby is WAY cute. I miss you all! I'm sorry the Suncrest Book of Mormon Pageant isn't going to work out...funny story though!
First of all, I have to send out a HUGE apology to SHERI!!!! She said she reads this so- Sheri- I feel terrible. I got your birthday package- it was AMAZING! I wrote you a letter back but recycled the package before I had your address. (oops!) I forgot that I still hadn't sent you the letter until I moved to Busan. I feel TERRIBLE! Can you email my mom your address or something- (and maybe a note if you want)? I am so sorry. It takes mail forever to get home and now I can't even get anything to you! You're an awesome photographer. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!
Mom, can you try to contact Sheri on Facebook or something? She said she reads the blog- hence the note above. She sent a really cute package and I want to make sure she knows I appreciate it! And I want her address! All I know is Evansville, Indiana.
Anyway, I've been in Busan for a week now with my two companions- Sister Musser and Sister Beckstead. We serve in Gwaejong, Daeshin, and Youngdo branches. Youngdo is actually an island, but it has a bridge that connects it to the mainland. They're all small branches, but Daeshin is tiny! The five missionaries in the branch (us and two elders) made up a fifth of the people at sacrament. The areas I'm serving in now are in the older part of Busan- so, as you can imagine, almost everything around here is...old. At least one of the church buildings has been here since the 50's, when the church was first brought to Korea!
I'm excited to serve with Sis. Musser and Sis. Beckstead. We're all the same age! That's a big deal in Korea. We're cheenguder (friends- anyone born the same year as you). Sis. Musser is from Las Vegas and Sis. Beckstead is from Lehi, Utah- close to Alpine! They both like country music and Sis. Beckstead rodeos! I haven't been a fan of country music in the past, but maybe they'll rub off on me. Who knows? We're having a lot of fun together- we laugh a LOT! Especially when I'm fulfilling my status as a "blonde". Dang, I'm 22 and still haven't grown out of it! But it keeps us laughing and happy- so that's good!
Love you all! Hope everything is going well!
Sis. Alyssa Linford
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Dear everyone,
Mom, I'm really sorry to hear about Teddy. That was really "cahpjahgi" (Korean for "suddenly"). I know we all will miss him. He was such a cute dog. I'm sorry :( But anyway.. I'm glad you had a good time at the family reunion. Was Chelsea unable to go? I wish I could have been there to honor Grandma and Grandpa Linford but I know Jordan and I are where we need to be- serving the Lord. Big things happened this week- I had my first transfer! I was in Daemyong and Sangin wards in Daegu for 4 months. It was sad to leave my greenie area, but I'm excited to serve in a new area. Don't worry, I definitely cried at my goodbye talk. It was more due to nerves than sadness, but still. And besides, sisters are just more prone to cry anyway :) Chamaeneemder ! (sisters) So now I will be serving in Pusan in 3 branches! Youngdo, Daeshin, Gwaejeon. And I will be in a threesome- with Sister Beckstead and Sister Musser. I know Sis. Musser from the MTC (she's in the group above me), and I talked to Sis. Beckstead a couple of times before. We're excited to serve together. Luckily, I was in a threesome at the MTC (Hadden and Copeland!), so I have an idea of how things will go. If we try to stick together, we can accomplish anything! We're serving in the older part of Pusan, apparently, by the ocean. That's about all I know about it so far! I'll tell you more next week! That's funny that Brooke thinks I look like "Missionary Barbie" because people often tell me I look like a doll. It's funny. Sometimes I want to be Korean, so I can finally see what it's REALLY like to be living in Korea without the big red flag that I'm NOT Korean. But it's a good way to start a conversation with people...and that's what missionaries want, right?? I'm excited for what this new transfer has in store, even though it was sad to leave Daegu. It had to happen sometime! I love you all! Remember what's really important in life- family! Love, Sister Alyssa Linford
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