SeBeh

What a great week.

We met a guy Monday night, MJG, and gave him a Book of Mormon, then on Wednesday we met him again. He has read the bible quite often and was interested in the Book of Mormon. He kind of has the mindset of 'what can I pull from this religion to help me?, so when he came to church on Sunday we finished the first lesson and expanded on modern prophets by teaching the word of wisdom. He liked it, but didn't want to commit yet. He wants to read more though, so we're happy about that. He seems to be more of an independent, nondenominational christian, but he seems to have an interest in the Book of Mormon. The only thing is, he went out of town after our lesson for two months for work. But, we were able to meet with him twice, and while he's gone, he wants us to keep in contact, refer scriptures to him via text, and he wants to come to church when he comes back. It was great to have a member in our lesson too, he offered so much help and a great perspective that we as missionaries and members since childhood, can't offer. Sometimes it can be really hard to get members in our lessons because we live so far out of our own area, or the members are busy, but they are so valuable in our lessons.

We plan on meeting with NDY and his wife CLN this Thursday, we're really excited about them. They're really nice, and we have a feeling like they have genuine interest about the Book of Mormon.

Our biggest progress was with Dr. HNG. He invited us to a 설날 (New Year's Day) meal with his daughter's family, and he wanted to introduces his grand kids to us. He has 3 granddaughters around our age, and one is living around our area. From the moment he walked in to the moment we left he went on and on about how nice we are, how we're gentleman because we don't smoke, drink, etc. It seemed at first like he was trying to introduce us as potential husbands, but after a sec we realized that he was trying to encourage her to go to our church.  We shared our thanks and how we're grateful for families, which can receive so many blessings through this message.  It was just nice to sit down and see how much our investigator trusts and respects us. Next time we meet we'll really focus on HIM getting baptized too. It's funny how he really wants them to be baptized, but he's not jumping in the boat right away. But we see a lot of potential with him.

In this current Liahona there's a talk by Richard G Scott and he talks about ten guidelines for life, and one of them was to make a list of principles to guide our lives in every aspect, so I decided to start that list. I only have a few principles down, but I'm trying to think of the fundamental doctrines and principles that govern the actions, not just list the actions that I want to do. I'm also finding a few scriptures to back them up. It's really helped me find direction to my personal study, and not only do I read with purpose, but I also have some silent moments to sit and think about what I really want, and plan for my future life, including family. It's peaceful and exciting when I think of another principle that I can see helping me and my future family. Your mission is a good time to think about your standards and character, and set a standard that will last your lifetime. The things we learn and the goals we set on our mission won't just bless us for these two years, but they teach us valuable lessons and principles that we can carry with us throughout our whole lives.

As we focused on the Book of Mormon this month, we were able to see huge miracles. Sometimes we'd go a few weeks without giving out a book, but in just 31 days we were able to give out over 130 books. I don't say this to boast, but to say how much I've learned about setting worthy goals, and asking for the lord's help daily to accomplish them. Whatever goals we set that are in line with God's will, He will provide a way to accomplish it.

I've also began to meet many more Japanese people, it's weird. A lot of old people that were here when Japan was occupying Korea will use Japanese words here and there, for things like pants and desk, but I haven't been able to pick up much. But I'm running into so many Japanese people that I'm starting to carry around Japanese pamphlets and or a Japanese book of Mormon. I can't read or speak Japanese, but I'll learn just enough to say hello and offer them a book^^

This week we were able to go through the war museum again and see more of it, and for the new year, our investigator invited us over to his daughter's house (this guy is 84 years old). Every new years they do SeBeh, which is where you bow to your parents and grandparents, and wish them the blessings of a new year, and for luck, they'll give you money. Sometimes $10, sometimes $200. But we were able to experience that, and we SeBeh'd to our investigator, and he gave us a dollar. We didn't do it for the money, but he said the ceremony wouldn't be complete if we didn't get lucky money ㅋㅋ

Also, on two separate days in two separate places, I saw a guy riding a bike with a cat on his shoulder. So the second time I saw him I stopped him and took a picture. He's nice, and when I asked why, he said, 'just 'cuz.' It's just for fun ㅋㅋ

I love you all and hope you had a wonderful New Year! (If you go by the lunar calendar)

Elder Franchina