Dear Home,
We're at the pictures email place, but I forgot my camera cord, so
I'll have to wait again. When will I learn?
Oh well, there's quite a bit to cover here, so it'll be good to have
the little extra time.
Anyway, Mom, you've always asked the question, I finally found the
answer. What do missionaries need in packages? Deodorant. Korean ones
anyway. Aparently it doesn't exist here...
But worry about it yet though. I've got a military base to hold me
over for a while, but next year I might be in trouble. (I might just
try to stock up.)
Hard to remember it's Sunday night there. Crazy... But we've got to
figure out phonecall coordination. Better than last time, right?
Transfers are coming up, so I don't know where I'll be, but I'll try
to figure out how it works ASAP and let you know so you can coordinate
your end.
Also, sorry about the numbered paragraph things, I'll start getting
better about that... But you guys don't have to worry about it, that
was just for dear elders. Now it should be fine.
Another thing. In a letter or something, could you find a metric
converstion table or something? I haven't had time to look for one,
and I have no idea what things are here.
Anyway, I've gotten more letters than I've had time to read out here.
I got four one day, and I had to use up three days of 10:00 personal
time to get through them. But I love it, you guys are amazing. Pretty
much half of this p-day is trying to get replies sent, but for two,
they won't get there soon enough. Could you tell Molly and Shelby
congrats for me? They've written me a lot out here, but I can't get a
letter to them before they enter the MTC. Tell them I'll try to have
one waiting in the mission field for them.
Anyway, thanks! This is a terribly boring letter, I know. I hope my
snails are better reading... But that should be all the important
stuff for now.
As for life here, it's not quite as easy as it was at first. Cold
weather means people aren't as interested in talking to us. But we're
still at it. Hoping to find some new investigators this week.
Love you
guys! I'll try to get a package sent home before I get transfered. You
guys are the best!
~Elder Robarts
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
2012.11.13 posted snail mail
(Note from Mom – I had a spot of trouble typing this. A couple
of spots, really. When I copied and pasted the scriptures he
referenced, I apparently picked up coding that I spent way too much
time trying to clean up without success.
Also, as it is getting late, I am neither trying to scan, copy & paste nor go to an on-line keyboard and try to replicate his Korean. I am just going to say (Something in Korean) which I may or may not later replace with Korean.
Sorry folks)
Dear Home,
So much to write, so little time. And one of the ways I know I'm doing my job right. About a day after I write home, I have no idea what I wrote. It was heartfelt, don't get me wrong, but I just don't remember much. So if I forget something and repeat it a couple times. sorry about that.
Anyway, this week was packed. One of the big things: Mission tour with Elder Ringwood, our area General Authority. Pretty cool stuff, great speaker. I went in with a couple questions, and everything was answered before we to to Q&A. Good stuff. He shared an awesome scripture, too. D&C 109: 22-23.
Combination temples + missionary work = awesome. Love temples --- Read it, it's incredible.
22 And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;
23 And from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfil that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days.
On that note, I've decided to make a small notebook with missonary scripture references. Probably will share in the letters every now and then.
Another good one: D&C 84:88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.
D&C 84:85 Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.
Also, perks of foreign mission: Scripture study. No luck on Brother
of Jared. Doesn’t specify. But I did find something on Moroni
7:47 But charity
is the pure love
of Christ, and it endureth forever;
and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well
with him. Every time I’ve heard it taught, they ask the
question: Christ’s love, love for Christ, or Christ-like love. I
like all of them, but in Korean, it is (something in Korean) Christ’s
pure love.
Got find more things, but I thought you guys might like it.
Another fun thing: Dinner with a military strategist. Great food, great conversation, and finally: Catan (Settler’s of Catan board game). Back home, I never played it much, but he loves it, and uses it to develop strategy and keep his mind active. So we played a simple game with them, learned that apparently there are a lot of expansions for it to make it more complex. Crazy.
But it’s interesting meeting with a strategist. I’ve always loved strategy games, but he taught me something interesting. When playing a strategy game, someone whose life is strategy doesn’t always wipe the floor with you. They can, but that doesn’t help. They’re always trying something new. Making new strategies. Anyway, I got a kick out of it. Good member, too. A year afer joining the church he’s serving as a missionary in Russia. Had some good stories.
Missions aren’t all dinners with members and mission tours, though. We’ve had a crazy week. One of our investigators dropped us out of the blue. He talked with another pastor and decided not to come to church or meet with us anymore. (Something in Korean which I think means his trainer/companion) says that happens a lot.
(something in Korean which I think means Jeong or something like that which seems to mean something about relationships) is everything here. The ever-present, impossible to describe influence. It’s the relationships, the bonds that are formed with people. It’s powerful, and I don’t really know or fully understand it yet. But my trainer said that even after people feel the Spirit, (something in Korean which I think means Jeong) can make them reject it. Hard to believe that anything can be like that. Trump the Spirit? Maybe for some, but it can’t be for many.
They have a different way of thinking. I’ve noticed it as I’ve learned Korean, but I never realized how deep it was. They’re highly logical, intelligent people, but this one thing, this (something in Korean which I think means Jeong) they have with others, influences them more than anything. Build a relationship with them, and they’ll trust you. Fail to do that, you’ve got nothing. Similar to English, but more extreme, I think. Not entirely sure yet. Lot’s more to learn.
But I’ve seen some miracle here. We met a man who wants to introduce us to his family and talk about what we do, just barely at the end of the day. Our very last (something in Korean – contact?) of the night.
Then English advertising. Usually places don’t let us leave fliers on their ad boards, but not one, but two huge apartments let us leave some. It took close to half an hour just to put them up at one of the places. Some 26 fliers. Pretty incredible. Within a couple days, four or so people called and said they were interested. Usually how English works is we teach 30 min English, 30 min Gospel. It’s also our weekly service, so we teach it as a group every Wednesday (Wednesday in Korean). I never thought it would be, but it’s actually one of the hardest things here. I stink at speaking simply. That powerful, concise way of speaking has always eluded me. Guess it’s time to learn. Because long-winded doesn’t work here. English class is fun, though. It’s a lot more culture than I thought it was at first. Usually that’s most of what we do. And when we have a good class, it’s a lot of fun. Next topic is cooking. Reading English recipes and making some pudding as a class. Should be fun. = D
Another mind-blowing thing: Healing injuries. Last week during P-day our zone played soccer (I think I mentioned it) Fun fact about Korea – small pebbles in the soccer field grass. Great for traction, bad for feet. Some got in my shoes and tore my feet up. Blisters on both feet, not fun, but even with me walking on them all day, they healed up almost entirely in a couple days. Not natural, but consideing whose work we are doing, I’m not surpised. Amazed, but not surprised.
Just another small thing that confirms to me that this is legit. I’m pretty weak. Every time I speak Korean I’m reminded of that, but I’m receiving a lot of help. And with Him, nothing is impossible.
Now, for the fun stuff: These guys are incredible. Crazy smart. There are these two girls we’re teaching now, twins, high school age. The only way to tell them apart is one has her bangs curve to the right, the other to the left. And I’m convinced they know how to count cards. We usually play a quick game before lessons and talk, and whenever they deal, things are a little funny.
Side note: (Something in Korean- Pyeongtaek?) is a unique area. Normally we don’t teach girls, sisters do. No sisters in our district though. We also don’t usually speak much English, but here half our dinner appointments are English (which makes me step up a little more, with (Something in Korean which I think means his trainer/companion) being Korean. His English is great, but he’s not always super comfortable. So I usually have to do a lot of the talking and watching the clock to get us out in time for appointments). So much here is different and our apartment is a mansion.
No other area is like this. Apparently when Ringwood (something in Korean) was serving here, they had a contract on an apartment building that was going to be torn down and reconstructed. They had the option of moving or keeping the contract in the new building.
So now we have the same contract, but with a ton nicer building. I’m serious. We’re spoiled here. American food, great apartment, best ward in the world (I already love the members, and I can barely talk with them for very long before I can’t understand what is being said) Why do I get to have this for my greenie area? And how I’m still able to learn Korean okay, even with all this English exposure? Lots of blessings to be grateful for, that’s for sure.
Also, there’s a military base here. One thing I didn’t realize. They’ve got a post office. Military post office. I can send something home as if I was in the states. -grin- So, it’s actually a possibility I can send some stuff home. I’ve got to find some fun things, maybe Korean snacks.
Other than that, I’m almost out of the topics I’ve been making notes to talk about.
Last one, I got a haircut today, went on splits with Elder Barney, our first time out of the apartment on our own. We almost had to make the trip to Daejeon solo for mission (tour?) conference, but that’s another story. Our trainers left us without a phone, and the Elders we were going to travel with instead were a little late, so we had a short while where we thought we’d have to navigate the complex Korean train network with our limited Korean. Would’ve been fun, but it all worked out. I might tell the story later.
Today was good though. Turns out small talk in Koran isn’t as hard as it used to be. Still hard though. Fun times in Korea. Staying busy, working hard, always looking for people to teach. Life is good.
Keep me informed. How’s life back home? Share everything.
Love you all. Until next time,
(Elder Robarts in Korean)
Also, as it is getting late, I am neither trying to scan, copy & paste nor go to an on-line keyboard and try to replicate his Korean. I am just going to say (Something in Korean) which I may or may not later replace with Korean.
Sorry folks)
Dear Home,
So much to write, so little time. And one of the ways I know I'm doing my job right. About a day after I write home, I have no idea what I wrote. It was heartfelt, don't get me wrong, but I just don't remember much. So if I forget something and repeat it a couple times. sorry about that.
Anyway, this week was packed. One of the big things: Mission tour with Elder Ringwood, our area General Authority. Pretty cool stuff, great speaker. I went in with a couple questions, and everything was answered before we to to Q&A. Good stuff. He shared an awesome scripture, too. D&C 109: 22-23.
Combination temples + missionary work = awesome. Love temples --- Read it, it's incredible.
22 And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;
23 And from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfil that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days.
On that note, I've decided to make a small notebook with missonary scripture references. Probably will share in the letters every now and then.
Another good one: D&C 84:88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.
D&C 84:85 Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.
Note "continually”, it’s a
part of life.
Got find more things, but I thought you guys might like it.
Another fun thing: Dinner with a military strategist. Great food, great conversation, and finally: Catan (Settler’s of Catan board game). Back home, I never played it much, but he loves it, and uses it to develop strategy and keep his mind active. So we played a simple game with them, learned that apparently there are a lot of expansions for it to make it more complex. Crazy.
But it’s interesting meeting with a strategist. I’ve always loved strategy games, but he taught me something interesting. When playing a strategy game, someone whose life is strategy doesn’t always wipe the floor with you. They can, but that doesn’t help. They’re always trying something new. Making new strategies. Anyway, I got a kick out of it. Good member, too. A year afer joining the church he’s serving as a missionary in Russia. Had some good stories.
Missions aren’t all dinners with members and mission tours, though. We’ve had a crazy week. One of our investigators dropped us out of the blue. He talked with another pastor and decided not to come to church or meet with us anymore. (Something in Korean which I think means his trainer/companion) says that happens a lot.
(something in Korean which I think means Jeong or something like that which seems to mean something about relationships) is everything here. The ever-present, impossible to describe influence. It’s the relationships, the bonds that are formed with people. It’s powerful, and I don’t really know or fully understand it yet. But my trainer said that even after people feel the Spirit, (something in Korean which I think means Jeong) can make them reject it. Hard to believe that anything can be like that. Trump the Spirit? Maybe for some, but it can’t be for many.
They have a different way of thinking. I’ve noticed it as I’ve learned Korean, but I never realized how deep it was. They’re highly logical, intelligent people, but this one thing, this (something in Korean which I think means Jeong) they have with others, influences them more than anything. Build a relationship with them, and they’ll trust you. Fail to do that, you’ve got nothing. Similar to English, but more extreme, I think. Not entirely sure yet. Lot’s more to learn.
But I’ve seen some miracle here. We met a man who wants to introduce us to his family and talk about what we do, just barely at the end of the day. Our very last (something in Korean – contact?) of the night.
Then English advertising. Usually places don’t let us leave fliers on their ad boards, but not one, but two huge apartments let us leave some. It took close to half an hour just to put them up at one of the places. Some 26 fliers. Pretty incredible. Within a couple days, four or so people called and said they were interested. Usually how English works is we teach 30 min English, 30 min Gospel. It’s also our weekly service, so we teach it as a group every Wednesday (Wednesday in Korean). I never thought it would be, but it’s actually one of the hardest things here. I stink at speaking simply. That powerful, concise way of speaking has always eluded me. Guess it’s time to learn. Because long-winded doesn’t work here. English class is fun, though. It’s a lot more culture than I thought it was at first. Usually that’s most of what we do. And when we have a good class, it’s a lot of fun. Next topic is cooking. Reading English recipes and making some pudding as a class. Should be fun. = D
Another mind-blowing thing: Healing injuries. Last week during P-day our zone played soccer (I think I mentioned it) Fun fact about Korea – small pebbles in the soccer field grass. Great for traction, bad for feet. Some got in my shoes and tore my feet up. Blisters on both feet, not fun, but even with me walking on them all day, they healed up almost entirely in a couple days. Not natural, but consideing whose work we are doing, I’m not surpised. Amazed, but not surprised.
Just another small thing that confirms to me that this is legit. I’m pretty weak. Every time I speak Korean I’m reminded of that, but I’m receiving a lot of help. And with Him, nothing is impossible.
Now, for the fun stuff: These guys are incredible. Crazy smart. There are these two girls we’re teaching now, twins, high school age. The only way to tell them apart is one has her bangs curve to the right, the other to the left. And I’m convinced they know how to count cards. We usually play a quick game before lessons and talk, and whenever they deal, things are a little funny.
Side note: (Something in Korean- Pyeongtaek?) is a unique area. Normally we don’t teach girls, sisters do. No sisters in our district though. We also don’t usually speak much English, but here half our dinner appointments are English (which makes me step up a little more, with (Something in Korean which I think means his trainer/companion) being Korean. His English is great, but he’s not always super comfortable. So I usually have to do a lot of the talking and watching the clock to get us out in time for appointments). So much here is different and our apartment is a mansion.
No other area is like this. Apparently when Ringwood (something in Korean) was serving here, they had a contract on an apartment building that was going to be torn down and reconstructed. They had the option of moving or keeping the contract in the new building.
So now we have the same contract, but with a ton nicer building. I’m serious. We’re spoiled here. American food, great apartment, best ward in the world (I already love the members, and I can barely talk with them for very long before I can’t understand what is being said) Why do I get to have this for my greenie area? And how I’m still able to learn Korean okay, even with all this English exposure? Lots of blessings to be grateful for, that’s for sure.
Also, there’s a military base here. One thing I didn’t realize. They’ve got a post office. Military post office. I can send something home as if I was in the states. -grin- So, it’s actually a possibility I can send some stuff home. I’ve got to find some fun things, maybe Korean snacks.
Other than that, I’m almost out of the topics I’ve been making notes to talk about.
Last one, I got a haircut today, went on splits with Elder Barney, our first time out of the apartment on our own. We almost had to make the trip to Daejeon solo for mission (tour?) conference, but that’s another story. Our trainers left us without a phone, and the Elders we were going to travel with instead were a little late, so we had a short while where we thought we’d have to navigate the complex Korean train network with our limited Korean. Would’ve been fun, but it all worked out. I might tell the story later.
Today was good though. Turns out small talk in Koran isn’t as hard as it used to be. Still hard though. Fun times in Korea. Staying busy, working hard, always looking for people to teach. Life is good.
Keep me informed. How’s life back home? Share everything.
Love you all. Until next time,
(Elder Robarts in Korean)
2012.11.08 posted snail mail
Dear Home,
Why is it there is never any time? It's rough, but a part of life.
Anyway, some fun things about Korea. Extremely space efficient here. Massive apartments (buildings) are pretty much the only residential I've seen here. Bad news: we can't proselyte in them. We would get kicked out. So tracting pretty much doesn't exist here, at least in this area. Just a whole lot of street contacting. Getting phone numbers seems to be the best way. Then we can call to meet again. For someone with limited Korean, phones are scary. Twice as hard to understand things... But Korean is getting better. There's a lot less delay between thinking something and being able to say it now. My head is starting to be able to think in Korean structure. Amazing how much that changes a person's perspective of life.
So far, I've seen a lot of things about Korea that I'll miss. One is the members. They're really involved in missionary work, and super friendly. I want to try to be more like them when I get back. Are there any Korean Elders in our area? It'd be a good way to keep up the language in two years.
There are some things about Korea that I'll have to learn how to teach about though. Word of Wisdom is big here. Less tea-- surprised by that -- more smoking. Tons of it. And modesty is a bit different here, too. Fun things to teach.
On the bright side, people here aren't super mean. Most of them will let you introduce yourself a little, so we have a couple people we're teaching. In general, though, people don't like missionaries. Apparently a lot of churches teach, and some have a bad rep.
I love it here. It's hard most of the time, my head is pretty used to the strain now, the hardest part is just how to begin teaching. Understanding what they say, and their background. Listening to Korean is far more difficult than speaking.
Anyway, I'm trying to remember what I was going to write about. One thing, I'm spoiled here. I went on an exchange last week overnight and other areas definitely live differently. They did have a secret attic, though. I'll miss not having four missionaries in the apartment, too. I think that helps a lot.
Pretty spoiled with you guys, too. I've gotten two packages since I've come here. I know that won't be happening very often, and I'm glad about that, but I'm grateful for how great you guys are. You mean a lot to me.
I may not be able to write much, but I think about you guys as often as it doesn't take me away from the work.
Today was pretty nice, albeit bittersweet. We got together as a zone and played some soccer. Pretty awesome, and I got to see some of our MTC group. But now there's practically no time.
Korea is beautiful. There's city everywhere I've seen, but it still hasn't lost all of its nature. No idea how that sounds, hope it makes sense. Anyway, this is a good stopping point.
Why is it there is never any time? It's rough, but a part of life.
Anyway, some fun things about Korea. Extremely space efficient here. Massive apartments (buildings) are pretty much the only residential I've seen here. Bad news: we can't proselyte in them. We would get kicked out. So tracting pretty much doesn't exist here, at least in this area. Just a whole lot of street contacting. Getting phone numbers seems to be the best way. Then we can call to meet again. For someone with limited Korean, phones are scary. Twice as hard to understand things... But Korean is getting better. There's a lot less delay between thinking something and being able to say it now. My head is starting to be able to think in Korean structure. Amazing how much that changes a person's perspective of life.
So far, I've seen a lot of things about Korea that I'll miss. One is the members. They're really involved in missionary work, and super friendly. I want to try to be more like them when I get back. Are there any Korean Elders in our area? It'd be a good way to keep up the language in two years.
There are some things about Korea that I'll have to learn how to teach about though. Word of Wisdom is big here. Less tea-- surprised by that -- more smoking. Tons of it. And modesty is a bit different here, too. Fun things to teach.
On the bright side, people here aren't super mean. Most of them will let you introduce yourself a little, so we have a couple people we're teaching. In general, though, people don't like missionaries. Apparently a lot of churches teach, and some have a bad rep.
I love it here. It's hard most of the time, my head is pretty used to the strain now, the hardest part is just how to begin teaching. Understanding what they say, and their background. Listening to Korean is far more difficult than speaking.
Anyway, I'm trying to remember what I was going to write about. One thing, I'm spoiled here. I went on an exchange last week overnight and other areas definitely live differently. They did have a secret attic, though. I'll miss not having four missionaries in the apartment, too. I think that helps a lot.
Pretty spoiled with you guys, too. I've gotten two packages since I've come here. I know that won't be happening very often, and I'm glad about that, but I'm grateful for how great you guys are. You mean a lot to me.
I may not be able to write much, but I think about you guys as often as it doesn't take me away from the work.
Today was pretty nice, albeit bittersweet. We got together as a zone and played some soccer. Pretty awesome, and I got to see some of our MTC group. But now there's practically no time.
Korea is beautiful. There's city everywhere I've seen, but it still hasn't lost all of its nature. No idea how that sounds, hope it makes sense. Anyway, this is a good stopping point.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
2012.11.18 email
Wow, exciting news! Congrats on the new calling , you'll do great! (Mom just got called to teach the older teens Sunday School class) And
Congrats to all the mission calls, engagements, etc., that was awesome
to see!
Anyway, not sure how much time I'll have this time, but I might be
able to send pictures. Fingers crossed.
As for some other stuff:
Things are crazy here. More and more I realize how spoiled we are here. I can't believe how good we have it. First area, during the Holidays, right next to a military base. It's hard to be away from home, but we're VERY taken care of. So don't worry about a thing. And don't feel like you guys have to send packages. It costs a small fortune, and I know that you love me and what not. I mean, I've gotten three in three weeks. I'm super grateful, but I know it's not easy. I love letters. A little more managable, and I get to hear from you. That's what I really cherish out here. (homeside at least. Lot's of work related stuff to be grateful for)
Now, for me, it's another story. I've got a super supportive Military branch that lets me ship packages as if I was in the states. Don't expect it next year, but I'll see what fun Korean things I can find to send home. Just in time for Christmas, right? Two side branches off of that. One: I love the package (sort of) within a package. I got your thanksgiving one, so now I get to wait a little while to open the other stuff you sent. Thanks! I wrote about it briefly, but Jeong is everything out here. And with the Butterfingers you send, I don't think I'll have trouble keeping up good Jeong with Sister Furniss at least. She's the best. I'll have to
write about those two and a couple others in the letter this week. It'll be my fourth one home, hopefully sent today or tomorrow.
Second branch, I wrote in a letter about the different suits here. Shiny, not sure if you guys have seen them. A lot of missionaries get suits here because it's cheaper than the states, better quality. (We /are/ a suit mission by the way. Conference to Conference we switch, 6 months no suits, 6 months suits.) I thought about it for a while, but I don't think I'll do it. At least not yet. If a suit dies, I'll consider it, but's not as cheap in this area, so I'll definitely wait and see.
I love you guys, I'm trying hard to remember what to write, but it may wait for snail mail. (So in four weeks you'll know what I forgot.)
Definitely share my congratulations and excitement with everybody. That's some awesome news! More stuff for snail mail. Is it okay that I'm sending bulk stuff home? It makes postage easier. ^^
Love you lot's, but now I'll try to do pictures.
PS: Stake conference, mission tour with Elder Ringwood, Primary Presentation at the military branch, lot's of good things going on.
See ya!
Congrats to all the mission calls, engagements, etc., that was awesome
to see!
Anyway, not sure how much time I'll have this time, but I might be
able to send pictures. Fingers crossed.
As for some other stuff:
Things are crazy here. More and more I realize how spoiled we are here. I can't believe how good we have it. First area, during the Holidays, right next to a military base. It's hard to be away from home, but we're VERY taken care of. So don't worry about a thing. And don't feel like you guys have to send packages. It costs a small fortune, and I know that you love me and what not. I mean, I've gotten three in three weeks. I'm super grateful, but I know it's not easy. I love letters. A little more managable, and I get to hear from you. That's what I really cherish out here. (homeside at least. Lot's of work related stuff to be grateful for)
Now, for me, it's another story. I've got a super supportive Military branch that lets me ship packages as if I was in the states. Don't expect it next year, but I'll see what fun Korean things I can find to send home. Just in time for Christmas, right? Two side branches off of that. One: I love the package (sort of) within a package. I got your thanksgiving one, so now I get to wait a little while to open the other stuff you sent. Thanks! I wrote about it briefly, but Jeong is everything out here. And with the Butterfingers you send, I don't think I'll have trouble keeping up good Jeong with Sister Furniss at least. She's the best. I'll have to
write about those two and a couple others in the letter this week. It'll be my fourth one home, hopefully sent today or tomorrow.
Second branch, I wrote in a letter about the different suits here. Shiny, not sure if you guys have seen them. A lot of missionaries get suits here because it's cheaper than the states, better quality. (We /are/ a suit mission by the way. Conference to Conference we switch, 6 months no suits, 6 months suits.) I thought about it for a while, but I don't think I'll do it. At least not yet. If a suit dies, I'll consider it, but's not as cheap in this area, so I'll definitely wait and see.
I love you guys, I'm trying hard to remember what to write, but it may wait for snail mail. (So in four weeks you'll know what I forgot.)
Definitely share my congratulations and excitement with everybody. That's some awesome news! More stuff for snail mail. Is it okay that I'm sending bulk stuff home? It makes postage easier. ^^
Love you lot's, but now I'll try to do pictures.
PS: Stake conference, mission tour with Elder Ringwood, Primary Presentation at the military branch, lot's of good things going on.
See ya!
Monday, November 12, 2012
2012.11.12
Very Little time.
Most of it is in the letter. I'll try to get it out tomorrow.
Two things:
I'm trying to keep track of how long mail takes and make sure it gets
there. So I've started numbering them. This one will be the third. Can
you let me know if you get them? Thanks!
Also, I happen to live next to an army base. Practical upshot, with
help from members, or possibly alone, I can send a package as if I was
in the states. Cheap postage, I might be able to send you guys some
stuff. Anything you'd like? Still in the thought process, but I might
see if you guys can try some snacks here. (safe ones, don't worry.)
Anyway, something to think about. I've got picture Capacity today, so
here we go!
Love you!
~Elder Robarts
Most of it is in the letter. I'll try to get it out tomorrow.
Two things:
I'm trying to keep track of how long mail takes and make sure it gets
there. So I've started numbering them. This one will be the third. Can
you let me know if you get them? Thanks!
Also, I happen to live next to an army base. Practical upshot, with
help from members, or possibly alone, I can send a package as if I was
in the states. Cheap postage, I might be able to send you guys some
stuff. Anything you'd like? Still in the thought process, but I might
see if you guys can try some snacks here. (safe ones, don't worry.)
Anyway, something to think about. I've got picture Capacity today, so
here we go!
Love you!
~Elder Robarts
 |
| That first one is me and my companion, only one I have at the moment. =D Happy Halloween. |
 |
| This one is a response to a package I got |
.JPG) |
| My new nametag came the other day! |
 |
| My Current Zone. Most of them anyway. Four of the elders had to leave early. |
Friday, November 9, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
2012.10.29 postmark date
Dear Home,
I haven't sent an email home yet, so I have no idea how much I'll have time to write, but this place is insane! It's nothing like I was expecting, but it's awesome!
I don't even know where to begin. So far I've learned a lot from my trainer,
He's getting
a little trunky and jokes around a lot, and he's great with the members
and (something in Korean) (street contacting). His English is pretty
good, but it still takes a second to understand anything. Mostly it's
pronunciation. The first day or two though he mostly only spoke Korean
anyway. That's been useful, especially here.
(something in Korean), my first area. And in our area is a US military base. What does that mean? Far less culture shock then I was expecting. We'll put it this way. We get here, and an hour latter we're at a dinner appointment speaking English. ... Not what I was expecting. Fun though. I'm definitely glad I have a Korean trainer, otherwise this would be rough.
But don't worry, we're using Korean, too. That evening we taught a new investigator about the Restoration. We're teaching him again tonight, and if all goes well I'll be sharing the First Vision for the first time in a real lesson. Exciting stuff.
But seriously, this place almost doesn't count as Korean. We've had a lot of American food with our kimchi. This week we had 2 Halloween activities. Turns out it's not completely unheard of, but I doubt other areas are like this.
The members:
So awesome! When they find out you're new, they all are excited to talk to you and encourage you with the language. Judging by the progress records, there's one young man who is a particularly good fellowshipper who teaches with us. I think he's going on a mission in December.
I love this place. It's indescribable, but I'll try.
One thing, the technology here is insane. There are seriously no regular doors... So many scanning pads, it's crazy. I have one key. Everything else is electronic. The toilets are insane, too. I've only seen one, but you know those (something in Korean) toilets with the sprayers? Yeah. Used one. weirdest thing ever.
--oh! Mom! The drains in the floors of bathrooms that you wish existed --have them here. Practical upshot --one of our bathrooms doesn't have a shower, just a mounted shower-head. That bathroom isn't much bigger than the one downstairs, but it's a full bath pretty much. I say one of the bathrooms -- we have two. This place is a mansion.
And yes, we sleep on the floor. Pretty comfy really. It'll be rough on beds when I get home. But we've got two bathrooms, two studies, storage room, a full kich and a living room were we sleep. split between 4 Elders. We've got to be the most spoiled missionaries in our mission.
All this technology... the sink has a kick switch on the floor to turn the water on and off. All of public transit uses the same change card. So many scanners...
And yet... No dryers. Anywhere. Never quite got that, but I guess it's (unreadable) There you go. I've got to get pictures of this place.
And the food -- I've actually had some authentic stuff. Pretty good. Cooked for the first time in three months. One nice thing about food here. Too bland, add kimchi, problem solved.
I've missed cooking though. A little different here, but I made some stir fry. fun stuff.
Back to the people:
I met a lot of people during the Halloween events, helped with a mummy race (does it even need explaining? think dizzy)
The talk Sunday wasn't bad, either. A couple people came up to me afterward and complimented my Korean. Naturally I started making mistakes as soon as I started talking. They're all super nice, though. The military branch, too. we gave a blessing to our mission leader for a foot surgery he's going to have. First time I've heard the anointing done in Korean. Definitely not the last though.
Crazy language. It's amazing what the field will do. Speaking it this much has done wonders for my speaking speed. Still a long way to go. And I've got to kill my "um" habit. It confuses people here. They use (something in Korean), you'll know what I mean in two years probably.
Thank goodness though. I was so happy my area is north. South they have more (something in Korean). It's something between accent and dialect. Hard to understand.
But no, I'm in the middle of the city, although not nearly as big as some others.
I'm concerned for my MTC companion though. He was having some culture shocks in Daejeon. bath houses. chopsticks (metal, not wood. A little harder)
Yeah, He got sent south. Country side, only American in district, Major Satori (Mom - guessing on those last two) I hope he's okay. He's good though. I'm not worried.
Definitely not as easy as (something in Korean) though. come six weeks, I'll have a pretty big awakening. Street contacting is pretty good here. Everyone says they're busy (no dictionary need for that one),. but we're able to talk to some people. Everyone has a phone here, and it's not too hard to get a number to call later. The trainer does most of the work though. I lose what they are saying about 3 sentences in.
Don't worry about me though. I 'm doing well. I'm forgetting a lot of what I wanted to write, but you get the idea.
Man, I love you guys. Every few weeks it feels like we have to say goodbye to people we’ve come to care about. Like my District. Those guys were as close to family as anything out here. Sister Hunt is in my zone, so I saw her at the Stake activity Saturday (I think it was Stake), but none of the others. A couple from (something in Korean) (closest is station, or probably generation) are here. Elder Burney is actually in my apartment too. So, that’s awesome.
The Lord knows what He’s doing. He knows the shock this is, so He starts little by little, each time putting you in a slightly different environment until you’re ready. It’s rough saying goodbye, though. (something in Korean) Always.
Better wrap up. Gotta find stamps, maybe look for speakers (I’ve missed music so much…) Who knows what else I’ll have to get done today. P-days are always short.
Love you guys The future is pretty crazy. Even 16 hours.
Until next time,
Elder Robarts (in Korean)
I haven't sent an email home yet, so I have no idea how much I'll have time to write, but this place is insane! It's nothing like I was expecting, but it's awesome!
I don't even know where to begin. So far I've learned a lot from my trainer,
(something in Korean), my first area. And in our area is a US military base. What does that mean? Far less culture shock then I was expecting. We'll put it this way. We get here, and an hour latter we're at a dinner appointment speaking English. ... Not what I was expecting. Fun though. I'm definitely glad I have a Korean trainer, otherwise this would be rough.
But don't worry, we're using Korean, too. That evening we taught a new investigator about the Restoration. We're teaching him again tonight, and if all goes well I'll be sharing the First Vision for the first time in a real lesson. Exciting stuff.
But seriously, this place almost doesn't count as Korean. We've had a lot of American food with our kimchi. This week we had 2 Halloween activities. Turns out it's not completely unheard of, but I doubt other areas are like this.
The members:
So awesome! When they find out you're new, they all are excited to talk to you and encourage you with the language. Judging by the progress records, there's one young man who is a particularly good fellowshipper who teaches with us. I think he's going on a mission in December.
I love this place. It's indescribable, but I'll try.
One thing, the technology here is insane. There are seriously no regular doors... So many scanning pads, it's crazy. I have one key. Everything else is electronic. The toilets are insane, too. I've only seen one, but you know those (something in Korean) toilets with the sprayers? Yeah. Used one. weirdest thing ever.
--oh! Mom! The drains in the floors of bathrooms that you wish existed --have them here. Practical upshot --one of our bathrooms doesn't have a shower, just a mounted shower-head. That bathroom isn't much bigger than the one downstairs, but it's a full bath pretty much. I say one of the bathrooms -- we have two. This place is a mansion.
And yes, we sleep on the floor. Pretty comfy really. It'll be rough on beds when I get home. But we've got two bathrooms, two studies, storage room, a full kich and a living room were we sleep. split between 4 Elders. We've got to be the most spoiled missionaries in our mission.
All this technology... the sink has a kick switch on the floor to turn the water on and off. All of public transit uses the same change card. So many scanners...
And yet... No dryers. Anywhere. Never quite got that, but I guess it's (unreadable) There you go. I've got to get pictures of this place.
And the food -- I've actually had some authentic stuff. Pretty good. Cooked for the first time in three months. One nice thing about food here. Too bland, add kimchi, problem solved.
I've missed cooking though. A little different here, but I made some stir fry. fun stuff.
Back to the people:
I met a lot of people during the Halloween events, helped with a mummy race (does it even need explaining? think dizzy)
The talk Sunday wasn't bad, either. A couple people came up to me afterward and complimented my Korean. Naturally I started making mistakes as soon as I started talking. They're all super nice, though. The military branch, too. we gave a blessing to our mission leader for a foot surgery he's going to have. First time I've heard the anointing done in Korean. Definitely not the last though.
Crazy language. It's amazing what the field will do. Speaking it this much has done wonders for my speaking speed. Still a long way to go. And I've got to kill my "um" habit. It confuses people here. They use (something in Korean), you'll know what I mean in two years probably.
Thank goodness though. I was so happy my area is north. South they have more (something in Korean). It's something between accent and dialect. Hard to understand.
But no, I'm in the middle of the city, although not nearly as big as some others.
I'm concerned for my MTC companion though. He was having some culture shocks in Daejeon. bath houses. chopsticks (metal, not wood. A little harder)
Yeah, He got sent south. Country side, only American in district, Major Satori (Mom - guessing on those last two) I hope he's okay. He's good though. I'm not worried.
Definitely not as easy as (something in Korean) though. come six weeks, I'll have a pretty big awakening. Street contacting is pretty good here. Everyone says they're busy (no dictionary need for that one),. but we're able to talk to some people. Everyone has a phone here, and it's not too hard to get a number to call later. The trainer does most of the work though. I lose what they are saying about 3 sentences in.
Don't worry about me though. I 'm doing well. I'm forgetting a lot of what I wanted to write, but you get the idea.
Man, I love you guys. Every few weeks it feels like we have to say goodbye to people we’ve come to care about. Like my District. Those guys were as close to family as anything out here. Sister Hunt is in my zone, so I saw her at the Stake activity Saturday (I think it was Stake), but none of the others. A couple from (something in Korean) (closest is station, or probably generation) are here. Elder Burney is actually in my apartment too. So, that’s awesome.
The Lord knows what He’s doing. He knows the shock this is, so He starts little by little, each time putting you in a slightly different environment until you’re ready. It’s rough saying goodbye, though. (something in Korean) Always.
Better wrap up. Gotta find stamps, maybe look for speakers (I’ve missed music so much…) Who knows what else I’ll have to get done today. P-days are always short.
Love you guys The future is pretty crazy. Even 16 hours.
Until next time,
Elder Robarts (in Korean)
Sunday, November 4, 2012
2012.11.04 email
missionaries don't really like to spend a lot of time on them.
And everything is in Korean, so it'll take me a while to figure out
pictures, which is probably what I'll try to use these most for.
Letters for the rest. Check that. These computers can't send pictures.
The ones we used last week were further away, the only reason we used
them was because these were down for maintance.
So... Yeah. Something to try to sort out later. I was going to try to
send a picture of me and my companion. (The only one I have at the
moment is from the halloween party. I'm a frog, he's a dog. I liked
it. You might see it later, but I have no idea how things work here.
There was also a picture pertaining to a paper bag, but it looks like
those and the other pictures I've taken--not many-- will have to wait.
A little about Korea. Awesome place, glad I'm not driving here. Kinda
crazy traffic, but fun to watch. Mostly just narrow streets, so
there's a lot of bobbing inbetween other cars. ^^
Also, the food is pretty good. I've had some squid, pig liver (I
think), who knows what else.
...And I'm out of time. Thanks for all the love, you don't know how
much it means to me. Sorry I only have a little time here, and not a
great understanding of how to use stuff yet. Get me a transfer or two
and we'll be in business. In the meantime, I'll try to get a letter
out again today.
Have a good one!
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