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