Conference Time in Korea

"Here is a view of the Kangnung (city) elder's apartment.  It's pretty sweet. "

This is the only picture we got from Jordan today.  We have been so spoiled in the past for getting a LOT of pictures, but he promised us that he would get a picture of him and his new companion, Elder Ghergori later this week.

North Korea has been in the news quite a bit lately, and the mission home has assured us that everything is okay in South Korea.  The young, new leader of North Korea is flexing his "muscles" so to speak and has been launching test missiles.  He now says that he has the ability to launch a nuclear strike and plans to hit the US and other countries, including South Korea.

The mission home has an evacation plan in place and we are not worried about Jordan's safety.  He is under the protection of our Heavenly Father, and doing His work.  This is what Jordan has to say about all the hullabaloo...

"I haven't heard much else on North Korea, but I'm not worried in the least. We have everyone on our side, including the Lord. Can't get much better than that, right? If the north opens up, sorry mom, but I'll be the first to offer my services to bring a better life through the gospel to the North Koreans. This is something I'd give anything to do, no matter how many years it takes or how much stress it gives."

Conference was yesterday and today, with wonderful messages!  Jordan mentioned in one of his letters that the Elders take their care packages (with Easter candy) and gather to watch conference.  We thought he would go to Seoul, but he says that because they are "out in the middle of nowhere" (Sokcho, four hours from Seoul), they will watch it with their branch next week when they receive a dvd with conference translated.  After, they will watch it in English.

"Fun fun fun! Conference marks the day when we can start to wear short sleeves without jackets, so I'm super excited. The blossoms are budding, and in a week or two, this will be a paradise that you can't even imagine. SokCho is....incredible. I love it!"

About his experiences as branch first counselor, he says ~

"I conducted yesterday, but there was only about 12 people in the branch that day so no pressure.  :)

 

It's nice to be on the stand though, and just to look out and think, 'Who can I help and how can I help them? What do they need?' and thoughts just flow in from a divine source on how to better help the branch. I love this ward more than anything. They're fantastic people."

 

 We wonder about investigators and how Jordan is doing.  An investigator is someone who is learning about the Gospel and meets regularly with the missionaries.  Jordan spent a few days in Kangnung during exchanges (where they switch elders in one area with elders in another area) and met an investigator named Bruce Lee.  Really.  He and his wife have a 6 month old baby.  

In Sokcho, they have one main investigator, but they are also working with some Koreans who want to learn English.  They do a free 30/30 program, where the Elders teach 30 minutes of English and 30 minutes of the Gospel.  There are a few people who seem to be open to hearing the Gospel message and others say that it is interesting.  

Jordan is also doing service projects in the area and will be making cookies with a guy that makes the Elders walnut cookies.  They are hoping that he will be receptive to the message as well.

Our missionary (Jordan) seems to be settling in very nicely in a short (2.5 months) time:

"I still can't get over how much I love SokCho. It's fantastic!"